Information processing device, information terminal, information processing system, information processing method, and program

Abstract

If there is an area that is expected to become dangerous in the future, it is possible to notify workers in that area and those in the surrounding area of ​​the danger in advance. [Solution] The information processing device 100 includes a control unit 110 that acquires the location of an information terminal and identification information that identifies the information terminal, identifies the area including the acquired location, determines whether the location is currently within the dangerous area or will become within the dangerous area within a predetermined time period based on information indicating whether the identified area is within a dangerous time period, and transmits notification information to the information terminal indicated by the identification information if the determination is that the location is currently within the dangerous area or will become within the dangerous area within a predetermined time period.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information terminal, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] A notification system for alerting or calling for evacuation of people in dangerous locations has been put into practical use. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a mobile communication system that reliably discovers a person in a disaster occurrence area or a restricted access area and notifies the person or the person in charge of managing the area.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the mobile communication system disclosed in Patent Document 1, the mobile phone transmits the position data obtained by receiving the positioning radio wave from the GPS satellite to the position database, and the control station identifies the mobile phones existing in the monitoring area based on the position data stored in the position database and automatically transmits disaster prevention information to the identified mobile phones. However, in this mobile communication system, since the monitoring area is set based on the disaster data input from each government agency, if there is an area (an area that should be set, an area that should be set, etc.) that is planned to be set as a monitoring area in the future, it is impossible to notify the user who holds the mobile phone in advance.

[0005] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide an information processing device, information terminal, information processing system, information processing method, and program that can notify workers in an area or the surrounding area in advance of a hazardous area that is expected to become a hazardous area in the future. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To achieve the above objective, one aspect of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a control unit which acquires an existence location, which is the location of an information terminal, and identification information that identifies the information terminal; identifies an existence area, which is the area including the acquired existence location; determines whether the identified existence area is in a dangerous time period or whether it will be in a dangerous area within a predetermined time in the future, based on information indicating whether the existence location is in a dangerous area at the present time or will be in a dangerous area within a predetermined time in the future; and transmits notification information to the information terminal indicated by the identification information if the determination is that the existence location is in a dangerous area at the present time or will be in a dangerous area within a predetermined time in the future. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, if there is an area that is expected to become a dangerous area in the future, it is possible to notify workers in that area and those in the surrounding area of ​​the danger in advance. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of how the information processing system according to the embodiment is used. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an information processing device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of an ID table. [Figure 4] This is a diagram illustrating an example of a work area table. [Figure 5] This figure shows another example of a work area table. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a hazard zone table. [Figure 7] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a light-emitting device according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a wearable device according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart of the risk management process according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] This figure shows examples of how a wearable device displays and how a light-emitting device illuminates when a warning pattern is used for notification. [Figure 11] This figure shows examples of displays on wearable devices and illumination examples of light-emitting devices when a notification is issued using a warning pattern. [Figure 12] This figure shows examples of displays on wearable devices and illumination examples of light-emitting devices when a notification is issued using a warning pattern. [Figure 13] This is a flowchart of the risk notification process according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a flowchart of the light emission process according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] This diagram illustrates how to define a danger zone using wearable devices. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The information processing device and other components according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0010] As shown in Figure 1, the information processing system 1000 according to this embodiment is a system for notifying workers 600 of danger in a factory or the like premises 900 where a work area 700 is located and where machine tools 800 etc. are installed, and comprises an information processing device 100, a light-emitting device 200, a wearable device 300, and a plurality of imaging units 500. The information processing device 100 is, for example, a tablet-type terminal and manages hazards within the premises 900. Specifically, the information processing device 100 determines the location of a worker 600 by capturing visible light 400 output from a light-emitting device 200 worn by the worker 600 with an imaging unit 500. If the worker 600 is in a dangerous work area 700, the information processing device 100 transmits warning information to the light-emitting device 200 and / or wearable device 300 worn by the worker 600. Upon receiving the warning information, the light-emitting device 200 emits a predetermined light to inform those around the worker 600 that they are in a dangerous work area 700. The wearable device 300, upon receiving the warning information, displays a warning or otherwise informs the worker 600 that they are in a dangerous work area 700.

[0011] The information processing system 1000 basically comprises one information processing device 100, but may also comprise multiple information processing devices 100. For example, if the premises 900 are distributed across multiple locations, each location may have one information processing device 100, and there may be one information processing device 100 that aggregates the information from these multiple information processing devices 100. The light-emitting device 200 is attached to the head of each worker 600 and normally periodically outputs an ID (Identification), which is identification information to uniquely identify the worker 600, using visible light 400. Multiple imaging units 500 installed in the premises 900 capture this visible light 400, and the information processing device 100 analyzes the captured images to determine the identification information and location of each light-emitting device 200. For visible light communication technology, for example, Casio Computer Co., Ltd.'s Picalico (registered trademark) can be used. Note that the light-emitting device 200 is not limited to being attached to the head of the worker 600, and may be installed in any location (for example, on the chest of the work clothes worn by the worker 600) as long as it can be captured by the imaging unit 500. Also, the wearable device 300 is a smartwatch that is attached to the arm of each worker 600 and used. The wearable device 300 is used to notify the worker 600 of danger by displaying a warning or the like on the display, and is also used to relay the notification information from the information processing device 100 to the light emitting device 200. The information processing device 100 needs to use a wireless communication system with relatively high power consumption to transmit the notification information to the large premise 900, but the light emitting device 200 should preferably use a wireless communication system with low power consumption in order to make the battery last longer. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that the information processing device 100 and the wearable device 300 communicate with each other according to the communication standard of a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), and the wearable device 300 and the light emitting device 200 communicate with each other according to the communication standard of Bluetooth (registered trademark). Also, the imaging unit 500 is a camera, which images the premise 900 and transmits the captured image (captured image) to the information processing device 100. Note that the imaging unit 500 captures images at a predetermined frame rate. The imaging unit 500 captures, for example, 30 still images per second.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing device 100 includes a control unit 110, a storage unit 120, an input unit 130, an output unit 140, and a communication unit 150 as functional components. The control unit 110 is composed of a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 110 executes processes for realizing various functions of the information processing device 100 and risk management processes described later according to the programs stored in the storage unit 120. Note that the control unit 110 has a clock function and a timer function, and can acquire the current time and measure time. Also, the control unit 110 supports a multi-thread function and can execute a plurality of processes in parallel. The storage unit 120 stores programs executed by the control unit 110 and necessary data. The storage unit 120 may include a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a flash memory, etc., but is not limited thereto. The memory unit 120 stores, for example, an ID table 121, a work area table 122, and a danger area table 123.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 3, the ID table 121 is a table that associates the ID of the operator 600 (operator ID), the affiliation / name, the IDs of the light emitting device 200 and the wearable device 300 worn by the operator 600 (light emitting device ID and wearable device ID), the area No. of the work area 700 where the intrusion of the operator 600 is permitted (permitted intrusion area), etc. However, the essential information among the information recorded in the ID table 121 is the ID of the light emitting device 200 (light emitting device ID) and the ID of the wearable device 300 (wearable device ID), and other information may not be present. In that case, for example, as the ID of the operator 600, the ID of the light emitting device 200 or the ID of the wearable device 300 worn by the operator 600 may be used兼用. Also, the work area 700 where the intrusion of the operator 600 is permitted is an area where the intrusion of the operator 600 is permitted even when the work area 700 is a dangerous area (dangerous time zone). For example, in the case of a dangerous area where heavy machinery is operated, the operator 600 who operates the heavy machinery is permitted to enter the work area 700. Also, when there is an operation panel in the dangerous work area 700, the operator 600 who operates the operation panel is permitted to enter the work area 700. In the example shown in FIG. 3, it shows that the operator 600 with the operator ID of 10101 is permitted to enter the three work areas 700 with the area Nos. of 1, 2, and 4 even during the dangerous time zone. Also, an operator 600 with a "-" in the permitted intrusion area item indicates that there is no area where intrusion is permitted during the dangerous time zone. Also, as shown in FIG. 4, the work area table 122 is a table in which the number (area No.) of each work area 700 in the premises 900, the rectangular coordinates (consisting of the coordinate values of the upper left and lower right of the rectangle) that define the work area 700, and additional rectangular coordinates (consisting of the coordinate values of the upper left and lower right of the added rectangle) as necessary are set when the work area 700 is an area formed by merging a plurality of rectangles. In the example shown in FIG. 4, each work area 700 is an area composed of one or more rectangles. For example, the work area 700 with area No. 2 is an area (an area similar to the shape of the character "convex") in which a rectangle shown by additional rectangular coordinates (500, 200)-(700, 250) is merged on a rectangle shown by rectangular coordinates (300, 250)-(900, 500). Note that the work area table 122 shown in FIG. 4 has a data structure suitable for the case where the work area 700 is defined by a combination of one or more rectangles, but the data structure of the work area table 122 is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the work area table 122 may be set with the number of all vertices of the work area 700 and the coordinates of each vertex. Also, each coordinate value shown in the work area tables 122 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is only an example, and the unit is not limited to cm or the like, and may be defined using a unit that is easy to handle in the information processing system 1000. Also, as shown in FIG. 6, the danger area table 123 is a table in which, among the work areas 700 set in the work area table 122, for the areas where it is dangerous for the worker 600 to enter, the dangerous time period (start date and time and end date and time), the reason for the danger (danger reason), the level of danger (danger level), etc. are set.

[0014] Returning to FIG. 2, the input unit 130 is a user interface such as a keyboard, a mouse, a push button switch, a touch panel, etc., and receives operation inputs from the user. When the input unit 130 includes a touch panel, it may be a touch panel integrated with the display of the output unit 140. The output unit 140 is equipped with a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, and displays a display screen or operation screen that provides the functions of the information processing device 100. The output unit 140 may also be equipped with sound output means such as a speaker or earphones. The communication unit 150 is a network interface compatible with wireless communication standards such as wireless LAN, LTE (Long Term Evolution), Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc. The information processing device 100 can communicate with other devices (e.g., wearable devices 300) via the communication unit 150. The information processing device 100 is also connected to multiple imaging units 500 installed in the premises 900, and the control unit 110 can acquire captured images from each imaging unit 500 via the communication unit 150. The communication unit 150 may also support wired communication, and for example, the control unit 110 may acquire captured images from each imaging unit 500 via wired communication.

[0015] The light-emitting device 200, as shown in Figure 7, comprises a control unit 210, a storage unit 220, a light-emitting unit 230, and a communication unit 240. The control unit 210 is composed of a processor, such as a CPU. The control unit 210 executes processes to realize various functions of the light-emitting device 200 based on the program stored in the memory unit 220. The control unit 210 also has a timer function and can measure time. Furthermore, the control unit 210 is also called the light-emitting control unit when it is necessary to distinguish it from the control unit 110. The storage unit 220 stores programs executed by the control unit 210 and necessary data. The storage unit 220 may include, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, flash memory, etc. The storage unit 220 stores, for example, identification information (light-emitting device ID) that uniquely identifies the light-emitting device 200. The light-emitting unit 230 is equipped with RGB (Red, Green, Blue) three-color LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) and a circuit to drive the LEDs. Based on control from the control unit 210, it sets the light emission color and brightness of the LEDs to turn them on (illuminate) or off. The communication unit 240 is, for example, a network interface compatible with Bluetooth®. The light-emitting device 200 can communicate with other devices (for example, wearable devices 300) via the communication unit 240. Although not shown in the diagram, the light-emitting device 200 may also be equipped with sound output means such as a speaker or earphones.

[0016] The wearable device 300, as shown in Figure 8, comprises a control unit 310, a storage unit 320, an input unit 330, an output unit 340, and a communication unit 350. The control unit 310 is composed of a processor, such as a CPU. The control unit 310 executes processes to realize various functions of the wearable device 300 based on the program stored in the memory unit 320. The control unit 310 is equipped with a clock function and a timer function, and can acquire the current time and measure time. The control unit 310 also supports multithreading, and can execute multiple processes in parallel. The control unit 310 is also called the wearable device control unit when it is necessary to distinguish it from the control unit 110. The memory unit 320 stores programs executed by the control unit 310 and necessary data. The memory unit 320 may include, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, flash memory, etc. The memory unit 320 stores, for example, identification information (wearable device ID) that uniquely identifies the wearable device 300. The input unit 330 is a user interface such as a push-button switch or a touch panel, and accepts user input. If the input unit 330 is equipped with a touch panel, it may be a touch panel integrated with the display of the output unit 340. The output unit 340 is equipped with a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, and displays a display screen or operation screen that provides the functions of the wearable device 300. The output unit 340 may also be equipped with sound output means such as a speaker or earphones, or vibration output means such as a vibrator. By providing sound output means and vibration output means, warnings can be given to the worker 600 not only by screen display but also by sound and vibration. The communication unit 350 is a network interface compatible with, for example, wireless LAN, LTE, Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc. The wearable device 300 can communicate with other devices (for example, an information processing device 100, a light-emitting device 200, etc.) via the communication unit 350.

[0017] Next, the risk management process performed by the control unit 110 of the information processing device 100 will be explained with reference to Figure 9. The risk management process is initiated when the administrator of the information processing device 100 operates the input unit 130 to instruct it to run, but it may also be configured to run automatically when the information processing device 100 is started up. First, the control unit 110 acquires the image data captured by each of the multiple imaging units 500 (step S101). Then, the control unit 110 determines whether or not the light-emitting device 200 is detected in the acquired image (i.e., whether or not the visible light emitted from the LED of the light-emitting device 200 is detected) (step S102). If the light-emitting device 200 is not detected (step S102; No), the process returns to step S101. If the light-emitting device 200 is detected (step S102; Yes), the location of the light-emitting device 200 within the premises 900 is calculated based on the coordinates of the detected light-emitting device 200 in each image (step S103). The calculation of the location of the light-emitting device 200 in this step is performed using a known method, similar to the "determination of the location (three-dimensional position) of the light-emitting device 100 by the light detection unit 234 of the management device 200" described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 7124840.

[0018] Next, the control unit 110 determines whether the location of the light-emitting device 200 is within the hazardous area (step S104). The hazardous area is the work area of ​​the area No. set in the hazardous area table 123. The control unit 110 can determine whether the location of the light-emitting device 200 is within the hazardous area by calculating the range of each work area of ​​the area No. set in the hazardous area table 123 based on coordinate values ​​that can be obtained by referring to the work area table 122. If the location of the light-emitting device 200 is not within the hazardous area (step S104; No), return to step S101. If the location of the light-emitting device 200 is within the hazardous area (step S104; Yes), the control unit 110 obtains the current time (step S105). Then, the control unit 110 determines whether the obtained current time falls within the range of the hazardous time period (step S106). Specifically, the control unit 110 refers to the hazardous area table 123 and determines whether the current time (date and time) falls within the range of start date and end date and time corresponding to the area No. in step S104 where the location of the light-emitting device 200 was determined to be within the hazardous area.

[0019] If the current time is within the dangerous time zone (Step S106; Yes), the control unit 110 determines whether the location of the light-emitting device 200 is within the permitted dangerous area (Step S107). Specifically, the control unit 110 identifies the worker 600 wearing the light-emitting device 200 by referring to the ID table 121, checks the permitted area for the identified worker 600, and determines whether the location of the light-emitting device 200 is included in the permitted area. If the location of the light-emitting device 200 is within the permitted hazardous area (step S107; Yes), proceed to step S114. If the location of the light-emitting device 200 is not within a permitted hazardous area (step S107; No), the control unit 110 determines whether the hazard level is "warning" (step S108). The control unit 110 can determine whether the hazard level is "warning" by checking whether the hazard level set in the hazardous area table 123 is "2 (warning)". If the danger level is "Warning" (Step S108; Yes), the control unit 110 sends notification information to the wearable device 300 instructing it to notify in the "Warning" pattern (Step S109), and proceeds to Step S114. Notification in the "Warning" pattern means, for example, as shown in Figure 10, displaying the message "Warning!" on the display of the wearable device 300 and causing the LED of the light-emitting device 200 to emit a warning light (for example, flashing red). These processes (danger notification processing and light emission processing) in the wearable device 300 and the light-emitting device 200 will be described later. If the danger level is not "Warning" (Step S108; No), the control unit 110 sends notification information to the wearable device 300 instructing it to notify in the "Caution" pattern (Step S110), and proceeds to Step S114. Notification in the "Caution" pattern means, for example, as shown in Figure 11, displaying the message "Caution!" on the display of the wearable device 300 and causing the LEDs of the light-emitting device 200 to emit light to indicate caution (for example, alternating between red and yellow). These processes (danger notification processing and light emission processing) in the wearable device 300 and the light-emitting device 200 will be described later.

[0020] On the other hand, if the current time is not within the dangerous time period (step S106; No), the control unit 110 determines whether the location of the light-emitting device 200 will become a dangerous area within a predetermined time (for example, within 5 minutes) (step S111). The control unit 110 can determine whether the location of the light-emitting device 200 will become a dangerous area within a predetermined time by checking whether the difference between the start date and time set in the dangerous area table 123 and the current time is within a predetermined time. If the area does not enter the danger zone within the specified time (Step S111; No), proceed to Step S114. If the area becomes a hazardous area within a predetermined time (step S111; Yes), the control unit 110 determines whether the location of the light-emitting device 200 is within the hazardous area where entry is permitted (step S112). This determination can be made in the same manner as the determination in step S107 described above. If the location of the light-emitting device 200 is within the permitted hazardous area (step S112; Yes), proceed to step S114. If the location of the light-emitting device 200 is not within a permitted hazardous area (step S112; No), the control unit 110 transmits notification information to the wearable device 300 instructing it to issue a notification using the "warning" pattern (step S113), and proceeds to step S114. Notification using the "warning" pattern means, for example, as shown in Figure 12, displaying a message on the wearable device 300's display indicating that the location of the light-emitting device 200 will soon change to a hazardous area, and causing the LED of the light-emitting device 200 to emit light (e.g., blinking orange) to indicate a warning. These processes (hazard notification processing and light emission processing) in the wearable device 300 and the light-emitting device 200 will be described later.

[0021] In step S114, the control unit 110 determines whether or not to terminate risk management. For example, if it receives an instruction to terminate risk management from the administrator of the information processing device 100 via the input unit 130, it determines to terminate risk management. If risk management is not terminated (Step S114; No), return to Step S101. If the hazard management process is terminated (step S114; Yes), the control unit 110 terminates the hazard management process. The notification information may include not only the identification information of the light-emitting device 200 located within the hazardous area (and / or the identification information of the wearable device 300 linked to the light-emitting device 200 by the ID table 121), and the notification pattern (indicating whether it is a warning pattern, a caution pattern, a pre-warning caution pattern, etc.), but also the reason for the hazard set in the hazardous area table 123. In this case, the control unit 310 of the wearable device 300 that receives the notification information will also be able to display the reason for the hazard on the display of the output unit 340. Furthermore, in the case of notification information using a warning pattern, the difference between the time when danger will occur (the "start date and time" set in the danger area table 123) and the current time may also be included. In this case, the control unit 310 of the wearable device 300 that receives the notification information will also be able to display the time until the work area becomes a danger area on the display of the output unit 340. In addition, as the time when danger will occur approaches, the wearable device 300 may change the content displayed on the display of the output unit 340 (for example, gradually changing the color from yellow to red). Similarly, as the time when danger will occur approaches, the light-emitting device 200 may change the content of the light emitted by the light-emitting unit 230 (for example, from blinking orange to blinking red and orange (gradually decreasing the time of orange and increasing the time of red) and then to blinking red).

[0022] In step S111, it is determined whether the location of the light-emitting device 200 becomes a hazardous area within a predetermined time. However, this predetermined time can be changed to any length. For example, the predetermined time can be changed according to the size (area) of the work area 700 defined from the rectangular coordinate information in the work area table 122. Specifically, the predetermined time can be set to 5 minutes if the size of the work area 700 is less than a first area, and to 7 minutes if the size of the work area 700 is equal to or greater than the first area. By doing so, the worker 600 can evacuate from the work area 700 with ample time, thus enabling more efficient notification of danger. Furthermore, the predetermined time may be changed to an arbitrary length depending on the type of machine tool 800 installed in the work area 700. For example, the predetermined time may be set to 5 minutes if the machine tool 800 is a press machine, and to 7 minutes if the machine tool 800 is a laser processing machine. Laser processing machines cut materials using high-temperature laser light, so there is a possibility of danger extending to the area around the machine tool (not only immediately in front of the machine tool but also within a range of several meters). The danger extending to the area around the machine tool 800 differs depending on the type of machine, so it is preferable to change the predetermined time according to the type of machine. In this case, information (not shown) representing the length of the predetermined time set according to the type of machine tool 800 (5 minutes, 7 minutes, etc.) can be added to the hazardous area table 123, and the control unit 110 can read this information.

[0023] Next, the danger notification process performed by the control unit 310 of the wearable device 300 will be explained with reference to Figure 13. The danger notification process is initiated when the worker 600, who is the user of the wearable device 300, operates the input unit 330 to instruct the execution of the danger notification process, but it may also be configured to be executed automatically when the wearable device 300 is started up. First, the control unit 310 acquires its own identification information (wearable device ID) and the identification information (light-emitting device ID) of the light-emitting device 200 attached to the head of the worker 600 wearing the device (step S301). This information may be stored in the storage unit 320 in advance and retrieved from the storage unit 320, or it may be obtained from the ID table 121 stored in the storage unit 120 of the information processing device 100 via the communication unit 150 and the communication unit 350. Next, the control unit 310 determines whether or not it has received broadcast information from the information processing device 100 via the communication unit 350 (step S302). If no notification information has been received (step S302; No), return to step S302. When notification information is received (step S302; Yes), the control unit 310 transmits the received notification information to the light-emitting device 200 (step S303). The control unit 310 then outputs a notification (for example, a "WARNING!" message as shown in Figure 10) to the display of the output unit 340 based on the received notification information (step S304). The control unit 310 then determines whether or not there has been an instruction to terminate the danger notification (step S305). For example, it determines whether or not the user of the wearable device 300 has instructed the user to terminate the danger notification via the input unit 330. If there is no instruction to terminate the danger notification (step S305; No), return to step S302. If there is an instruction to terminate the danger notification (step S305; Yes), the control unit 310 terminates the danger notification process.

[0024] Next, the light emission process performed by the control unit 210 of the light-emitting device 200 will be explained with reference to Figure 14. The light emission process begins when the user of the light-emitting device 200, the worker 600, starts the light-emitting device 200. First, the control unit 210 acquires its own identification information (light-emitting device ID) and the identification information (wearable device ID) of the wearable device 300 worn by the worker 600 wearing the control unit 210 as ID information (step S201). This information may be stored in the storage unit 220 in advance and retrieved from the storage unit 220, or it may be obtained from the ID table 121 stored in the storage unit 120 of the information processing device 100 via the communication unit 150 and the communication unit 240. Next, the control unit 210 determines whether or not it has received notification information from the wearable device 300 via the communication unit 240 (step S202). If no notification information has been received (step S202; No), proceed to step S204. Upon receiving notification information (Step S202; Yes), the control unit 210 illuminates the LED of the light-emitting unit 230 based on the received notification information (for example, flashing a red light as a warning light as shown in Figure 10) (Step S203), and proceeds to Step S204. In Step S203, the duration and timing of illuminating the LED are arbitrary, but for example, the memory unit 220 may store notification time parameters such as notification information illumination time (for example, 7 seconds) and notification information illumination timing (for example, every 10 seconds), and the control unit 210 may illuminate the LED according to these notification time parameters. Furthermore, the LED illumination in step S203 should be designed to avoid illumination that could be confused with visible light communication. For example, if visible light communication requires the illumination of all three RGB colors within a predetermined time, step S203 should avoid emitting illumination of at least one of the RGB colors.

[0025] In step S204, the control unit 210 emits a signal indicating the light-emitting device ID (light in the visible light range modulated with identification information) from the LED of the light-emitting unit 230. In step S204, the duration and timing of the LED emission are arbitrary, but for example, the memory unit 220 may store the ID emission time parameters, such as the ID emission time (e.g., 2.4 seconds) and the ID emission timing (e.g., every 5 seconds), and the control unit 210 may emit the LED according to these ID emission time parameters. However, if notification information is received, the emission in step S203 will also occur, so the notification information emission timing should take precedence over the ID emission timing. The control unit 210 controls the emission of the signal indicating the light-emitting device ID based on the protocol of visible light communication (for example, Picalico®, a proprietary camera visible light communication technology of Casio Computer Co., Ltd.). Normally (at least in the case of Casio Computer Co., Ltd.'s Picalico®), error detection and error correction mechanisms are incorporated into visible light communication. As described above, the LED emission in step S203 is designed to avoid emission that could be confused with visible light communication, so the information processing device 100 can clearly distinguish between the emission in step S203 of the emission processing (Figure 14) (to notify the surroundings of danger) and the emission in step S204 (to transmit the light-emitting device ID to the information processing device 100). Then, the control unit 210 determines whether or not an instruction to terminate the light emission has been received (step S205). For example, it determines whether or not an instruction to stop the light emission device 200 has been issued by the user of the light emission device 200. If there is no instruction to terminate the light emission (step S205; No), return to step S202. If an instruction is given to terminate the light emission (step S205; Yes), the control unit 210 terminates the light emission process.

[0026] As described above, the control unit 210 emits light to transmit identification information in step S204 if it does not receive notification information. If it does receive notification information, the control unit 210 emits light to notify the notification information in step S203 and light to transmit identification information in step S204. The control unit 210 can arbitrarily set the timing and duration of these light emission (for example, by setting notification time parameters and light emission ID time parameters in the storage unit 220). For example, if the control unit 110 does not receive notification information, it emits light to transmit identification information for 2.4 seconds every 5 seconds. Also, if the control unit 110 receives notification information, it emits light to notify the notification information for 7 seconds and light to transmit identification information for 2.4 seconds every 10 seconds, for example. In other words, when the control unit 210 receives notification information, it controls the LEDs of the light emission unit 230 to emit light for transmitting identification information and light for notifying the notification information, respectively. Therefore, the light-emitting device 200 can inform the information processing device 100 of its location while also informing people around the worker 600 that the worker 600 is in a hazardous area.

[0027] Through the hazard management process (Figure 9), hazard notification process (Figure 13), and light emission process (Figure 14) described above, the control unit 110 of the information processing device 100 acquires the location and identification information of the light emission device 200 worn by the worker 600, identifies the location area which includes the acquired location (for example, identifies the area No. of the location), and determines whether the identified location area is currently within a hazardous area or will become within a predetermined time in the future, based on information indicating whether or not the identified location area will be within a hazardous time period (for example, the hazardous area table 123). Therefore, it is possible to notify workers and those around them of the danger not only of the danger currently in the hazardous area, but also to notify workers and those around them in advance of the danger if there is an area that is expected to become a hazardous area in the future. Furthermore, the notification information transmitted differs depending on whether the area is currently in a hazardous zone or is expected to become a hazardous zone within a predetermined time (for example, if the area is currently in a hazardous zone, a warning or caution pattern notification is transmitted, and if it is expected to become a hazardous zone within a predetermined time, a pre-warning caution pattern notification is transmitted). This allows worker 600 to easily determine whether they must evacuate immediately or within a predetermined time.

[0028] Furthermore, the control unit 110 of the information processing device 100 may, after calculating the location of the light-emitting device 200 in step S103 of the hazard management processing (Figure 9), display the location of the light-emitting device 200 within the premises 900 (first area) on the output unit 140 (for example, together with map information of the premises 900). The control unit 110 may also, in steps S109 and S110, display on the output unit 140 that the location of the light-emitting device 200 is currently within the hazardous area. In addition, the control unit 110 may, in step S113, display on the output unit 140 that the location of the light-emitting device 200 will be within the hazardous area within a predetermined time in the future. In the hazard management process, by displaying this information on the output unit 140, the administrator of the information processing device 100 can check whether there are any workers 600 in a dangerous situation or workers 600 who will be in a dangerous situation within a predetermined time, simply by looking at the display of the output unit 140 of the information processing device 100.

[0029] Furthermore, when worker 600 operates the machine tool 800 themselves, they may be able to set their current work area as a hazardous area. This setting is performed, for example, when worker 600 selects "Hazardous Area Setting" from the operation menu of wearable device 300 and then selects "OK," as shown in Figure 15. In this case, wearable device 300 transmits hazardous area setting information, including its own wearable device ID, to information processing device 100. Upon receiving the hazardous area setting information, the control unit 110 of the information processing device 100 refers to the ID table 121 and obtains the light-emitting device ID associated with the wearable device ID included in the hazardous area setting information. Then, in step S103 of the hazard management process (Figure 9), after calculating the location of the light-emitting device 200 with the said light-emitting device ID, it searches for the area No. of the work area closest to that location by referring to the work area table 122, and registers the work area of ​​the found area No. (work area No. 4 in the example shown in Figure 15) as a hazardous area in the hazardous area table 123. While the start date and time settings are optional when registering, one possible approach is to set the start time to 0:00 on that day, the end time to 24:00 on that day, the reason for the danger to "machine tool operation," and the danger level to "2 (warning)." Furthermore, the UI (User Interface) for setting the danger zone on the wearable device 300 may allow the start date and time to be set to a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes later, 30 minutes later, 1 hour later, etc.), and the reason for danger and danger level may be selected from multiple options or entered manually.

[0030] By adding this processing, the control unit 110 can set hazardous areas based on the identification information contained in the received hazardous area setting information, so that the setting of hazardous areas, which is normally performed by the administrator of the information processing device 100, can be dynamically performed by the worker 600.

[0031] In the above embodiment, the information processing device 100 transmitted the notification information, which was received by the wearable device 300 and transmitted to the light-emitting device 200. In this case, since the wearable device 300 functions as a relay device that relays the notification information, it can also be considered that the information processing device 100 transmits the notification information to the light-emitting device 200 (via the wearable device 300). Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the information processing device 100 was a device for managing hazards within the premises 900, but the area to which hazards are to be managed is not limited to the premises 900, but can be any area, and the area in which the information processing device 100 manages hazards is also called the first area.

[0032] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the information processing system 1000 comprises an information processing device 100, a light-emitting device 200, and a wearable device 300, and the wearable device 300 receives notification information transmitted by the information processing device 100 and transmits it to the light-emitting device 200. It was assumed that this wearable device 300 was a smartwatch. However, this is only one example of the information processing system 1000. The wearable device 300 does not have to be a smartwatch (for example, a smartphone carried by a worker 600 may be the wearable device 300). Also, the information processing system 1000 may be configured so that the light-emitting device 200 directly receives notification information transmitted by the information processing device 100, without the wearable device 300. In an information processing system 1000 that does not include a wearable device 300, it is difficult for the worker 600 to confirm the illumination status of the light-emitting device 200 (because the light-emitting device 200 is often attached to the worker 600's head). Therefore, the light-emitting device 200 may be equipped with a sound output means, and upon receiving notification information, the light-emitting device 200 may not only illuminate the LED based on the notification information, but may also output a warning sound or the like from the sound output means based on the notification information received by the control unit 210. Furthermore, in an information processing system 1000 that does not include a wearable device 300, the light-emitting device 200 may be equipped with an input unit such as a push-button switch, and when a worker 600 intends to operate a work machine, pressing the push-button switch transmits hazardous area setting information from the light-emitting device 200 to the information processing device 100, and the work area closest to that location is registered as a hazardous area.

[0033] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the light-emitting unit 230 of the light-emitting device 200 was controlled to alternately emit light for transmitting identification information and light for announcing notification information at predetermined timings when notification information was received, but it is not limited to this. For example, a light-emitting unit A that emits light for transmitting identification information and a light-emitting unit B that emits light for announcing notification information may be provided as separate light-emitting units. Specifically, the light-emitting unit A may be provided near the top of the helmet shell (the part that covers and protects the head) worn by the user, and the light-emitting unit B may be provided so as to cover the perimeter of the helmet shell. The light-emitting unit B may be composed of, for example, an LED strip light. In this case, the light-emitting unit A and the light-emitting unit B are controlled by the control unit 210. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the light-emitting device 200 transmitted identification information, and the information processing device 100 acquired the identification information and location of the light-emitting device 200. However, the transmission of identification information may be performed by a device other than the light-emitting device 200. For example, a mobile phone (whose location can be acquired by GPS (Global Positioning System), etc.) carried by a worker 600 may transmit identification information and location (the ID and location of the mobile phone) to the information processing device 100. Also, in an information processing system in which the location can be acquired by receiving beacons transmitted from a beacon transmitter carried by a worker 600 with multiple beacon receivers installed in the premises 900, the information processing device 100 may be configured to acquire identification information and location (the ID and location of the beacon transmitter) based on the beacon transmitted by the beacon transmitter. Here, a device that transmits identification information to the information processing device 100 (light-emitting device 200, mobile phone, beacon transmitter, etc.) is also called an information terminal.

[0034] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 is not limited to a tablet terminal; it can also be implemented using a regular PC (Personal Computer) or other computer. Specifically, in the above embodiment, it was described that the program for risk management processing, etc., executed by the control unit 110, is pre-stored in the storage unit 120. However, the program may be stored in a non-temporary computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk, CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), MO (Magneto-Optical disc), memory card, or USB memory, and distributed, and the computer may be configured to execute each of the above-mentioned processes by loading and installing the program into the computer.

[0035] Furthermore, the program can be superimposed on a carrier wave and applied via a communication medium such as the Internet. For example, the program could be posted and distributed on a bulletin board system (BBS) on a communication network. This program could then be launched and executed under the control of the operating system (OS), just like any other application program, to perform the aforementioned processes.

[0036] Furthermore, the control unit 110 may consist of any single processor, such as a single processor, multi-processor, or multi-core processor, or it may be configured by combining any of these processors with processing circuits such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array).

[0037] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and the present invention includes the invention described in the claims and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0038] 100... Information processing device, 110, 210, 310... Control unit, 120, 220, 320... Storage unit, 130, 330... Input unit, 140, 340... Output unit, 150, 240, 350... Communication unit, 230... Light-emitting unit, 500... Imaging unit, 1000... Information processing system

Claims

1. The location of the information terminal and identification information that identifies the information terminal are obtained. The system identifies the area containing the acquired location, and based on information indicating whether the identified location falls within a dangerous time period, it determines whether the location is currently within the dangerous area or will become within the dangerous area within a predetermined time period. If the result of the above determination is that the area is currently within the danger zone, or if it is determined that the area will become within the danger zone within a predetermined time in the future, then notification information will be transmitted to the information terminal indicated by the identification information. Control unit, An information processing device equipped with the following features.

2. The aforementioned information terminal is a light-emitting device that has the function of emitting light, The control unit, The imaging unit acquires the captured image, The light emitted from the information terminal is detected from the acquired image. Based on the detected light, the presence position, which is the position of the light-emitting device in the first region, and the identification information that identifies the information terminal are obtained. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The control unit, The notification information transmitted will differ depending on whether the area is currently within the danger zone or is expected to become within the danger zone within a predetermined time in the future. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

4. It also has an output section, The control unit, The location is displayed on the output unit. If the aforementioned location is currently within the hazard zone, the output unit will display a message to that effect. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The control unit, If the aforementioned location becomes within the hazardous area within a predetermined time period, the output unit will display a message to that effect. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The control unit, Received danger zone setting information, A hazardous area is set based on the identification information included in the aforementioned hazardous area setting information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

7. The identification information is transmitted by causing the light-emitting unit to emit light in the visible light region, which has been modulated with the identification information, at a predetermined emission timing. When notification information is received from the information processing device, the device controls the light-emitting unit to emit light for transmitting the identification information and light for broadcasting the notification information, respectively. Light emission control unit, An information terminal equipped with the following features.

8. An information processing system comprising an information processing device and an information terminal, The aforementioned information processing system is The location of the information terminal and identification information that identifies the information terminal are obtained. The system identifies the area containing the acquired location, and based on information indicating whether the identified location falls within a dangerous time period, it determines whether the location is currently within the dangerous area or will become within the dangerous area within a predetermined time period. If the result of the above determination is that the area is currently within the danger zone, or if it is determined that the area will become within the danger zone within a predetermined time in the future, then notification information will be transmitted to the information terminal indicated by the identification information. Control unit, Equipped with, The aforementioned information terminal is The identification information is transmitted by causing the light-emitting unit to emit light in the visible light region, modulated with the identification information, at a predetermined emission timing. When the notification information is received from the information processing device, the system controls the light-emitting unit to emit light for transmitting the identification information and light for broadcasting the notification information, respectively. Light emission control unit, Equipped with, Information processing system.

9. The control unit, The location of the information terminal and identification information that identifies the information terminal are obtained. The system identifies the area containing the acquired location, and based on information indicating whether the identified location falls within a dangerous time period, it determines whether the location is currently within the dangerous area or will become within the dangerous area within a predetermined time period. If the result of the above determination is that the area is currently within the danger zone, or if it is determined that the area will become within the danger zone within a predetermined time in the future, then notification information will be transmitted to the information terminal indicated by the identification information. Information processing methods.

10. In the control unit, The location of the information terminal and identification information that identifies the information terminal are obtained. The system identifies the area containing the acquired location, and based on information indicating whether the identified location falls within a dangerous time period, it determines whether the location is currently within the dangerous area or will become within the dangerous area within a predetermined time period. If the result of the above determination is that the area is currently within the danger zone, or if it is determined that the area will become within the danger zone within a predetermined time in the future, then notification information will be transmitted to the information terminal indicated by the identification information. A program that executes a process.

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