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

Abstract

To identify appropriate available space for a person in charge.SOLUTION: An information processing device 100 according to the present invention includes: an acquisition unit 152 for acquiring physical characteristics of a person in charge of working to store articles in a plurality of storage spaces installed on a shelf and having different installation positions; and a specification unit 153 for specifying a storage candidate space indicating a storage space having an installation position according to the physical characteristics and not storing the article among the plurality of storage spaces.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] Companies that undertake equipment repairs use repair process management systems to manage the progress of repair processes for equipment. The equipment to be repaired is a notebook PC (Personal Computer), a desktop PC, etc. In the following explanation, the equipment to be repaired will be referred to as "equipment" where appropriate.

[0003] For example, the status of the progress of the repair process for a device used in the repair process management system includes "not started," "diagnosis in progress," "quote," "quote provided," "inspection in progress," "inspected," "inspected," "shipped," etc.

[0004] Of the above statuses, in the "diagnosis isolation in progress" state, a person in charge will diagnose the equipment, and once the diagnosis is complete, the equipment will be stored on the "temporary management shelf." For equipment stored on the temporary management shelf, the subsequent processes (quote, quote returned, inspection in progress, inspection completed, shipped) will be carried out in order, and the repaired equipment will be returned to the customer.

[0005] Conventionally, when storing a device on a temporary management shelf, a person in charge checks the multiple storage spaces on the temporary management shelf, finds a storage space where no device is stored, and stores the device there. In the following explanation, a storage space where no device is stored is referred to as an "empty space."

[0006] Here, since it is time-consuming for a person in charge to search for available space on the temporary management shelves, it is desirable for the repair process management system or the like to automatically search for available space on the primary management shelves.

[0007] As a technique for searching for shelves for storing items, there is a conventional technique in which the number of locations required to stock the sorted items on the item supply shelves (required stocking capacity) is determined based on at least the incoming quantity of the items to be sorted and the number of order lines, and the result of this determination is used to determine the shelves on which to store the items. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-297084 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-23718 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] However, the free space automatically determined by the above-mentioned conventional technique may not be the free space appropriate for the person in charge.

[0010] For example, at a work site, workers with various physical characteristics are tasked with storing items in vacant spaces. Therefore, even if vacant spaces are automatically determined using conventional technology, it may be difficult for the workers to store items in the determined vacant spaces depending on their physical characteristics. For example, it is difficult for workers who are short, people with disabilities who use wheelchairs, people with disabilities in one hand who have difficulty holding items steadily with both hands, and people with visual impairments who do not like lighting shining into their eyes when looking above eye level to store items in vacant spaces located in high places.

[0011] In one aspect, the present invention aims to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program that can identify an appropriate free space for a person in charge. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In the first proposal, the information processing device has an acquisition unit that acquires the physical characteristics of a person performing work to store items in a plurality of storage spaces installed on a shelf, each of which has a different installation location, and an identification unit that identifies a candidate storage space from among the plurality of storage spaces that is installed in a location that corresponds to the physical characteristics and that does not store any items. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] A suitable available space can be identified for the person in charge. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a working environment of a diagnostician. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a temporary management shelf. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing device according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the person-in-charge management table. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the temporary management shelf table. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the determination table. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of the data structure of the work management table. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of the data structure of the target device management table. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the information processing device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the identification process for healthy individuals. [Figure 12]FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the notification unit according to the present embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a computer that realizes the same functions as the information processing apparatus of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and an information processing program disclosed in the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. [Example]

[0016] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system according to the present embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the system 1 according to the present embodiment includes terminals 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d, and an information processing device 100. The terminals 10a to 10d and the information processing device 100 are connected to each other via a network 5.

[0017] Terminals 10a to 10d are devices used by various in-house personnel when accessing information processing device 100, and are different from the device to be repaired. Although terminals 10a to 10d are shown in system 1 of FIG. 1, other terminals may also be included. In the following description, terminals 10a to 10d will be collectively referred to as "terminal 10."

[0018] For example, various types of personnel within a company include personnel who handle receiving goods, personnel who perform diagnosis, and personnel who perform inspections. In the following explanation, a person who handles receiving goods will be referred to as an "receiving person." A person who performs diagnosis will be referred to as a "diagnostic person." A person who performs inspections will be referred to as an "inspection person." Below, receiving persons, diagnostic persons, and inspection persons will be explained in order.

[0019] The receiving clerk performs various tasks related to the receipt of the device to be repaired (hereinafter referred to as the target device). The receiving clerk temporarily stores the target device on the receiving shelf. The receiving clerk operates the terminal 10 to set management information related to the target device in the information processing device 100.

[0020] The management information includes the reception number, PC identification number, PC type, equipment information, etc. The reception number is an incident number used to manage a series of information related to the target device. The PC identification number is a number that identifies the target device. The PC type is information that indicates the type of target device (notebook PC or desktop PC). Equipment information is information about equipment attached to the target device. Equipment attached to the target device includes a mouse, keyboard, monitor, speakers, camera, external hard disk, headset, power adapter, etc.

[0021] The diagnostician acquires the target device stored on the receiving shelf and performs diagnostic isolation work (diagnosis) at the work desk assigned to him / her. After completing the diagnosis, the diagnostician stores the target device on the "temporary management shelf."

[0022] There are multiple diagnosticians, and each diagnostician has various physical characteristics, such as height and whether or not they have a disability.

[0023] Here, when the diagnostician stores the target device on the temporary management shelf, he operates the terminal 10 to access the information processing device 100 and requests information on the available space on the temporary management shelf. For example, when requesting information on the available space on the temporary management shelf, the diagnostician notifies the information processing device 100 of a diagnostician identification number, a PC identification number, or the like, which can uniquely identify the diagnostician.

[0024] The diagnostician stores the target device on the temporary management shelf by referring to the information about the available space notified by the information processing device 100. The diagnostician contacts the inspector about the target device stored in the temporary management shelf and continues the process.

[0025] If the diagnostician diagnoses the target device and finds that replacement parts requiring additional costs are required, the diagnostician will store the device on a temporary storage shelf and contact the customer to request approval for the additional costs. After receiving approval from the customer, the diagnostician will take the necessary measures and ask the inspector to continue with the target device.

[0026] The inspector performs various inspections on the target devices stored on the temporary management shelf, and stores the inspected target devices on the shipping shelf. The target devices stored on the shipping shelf are then shipped to the customer.

[0027] Although the receiving staff, diagnostic staff, and inspection staff have been described above, each staff member (receiving staff, diagnostic staff, inspection staff) may perform tasks other than those described above. Also, each staff member may directly operate the information processing device 100.

[0028] When the information processing device 100 receives a request for information about available space on the temporary management shelf from the terminal 10 operated by the assessor, it acquires the physical characteristics of the assessor. From among multiple storage spaces included in the temporary management shelf, the information processing device 100 identifies a candidate storage space that is located in an installation position according to the physical characteristics and that does not contain any other target devices. The information processing device 100 notifies the terminal 10 operated by the assessor of information about the identified candidate storage space.

[0029] In this way, the information processing device 100 identifies, among the multiple storage spaces on the temporary management shelf, a storage space that is located in a position that suits the physical characteristics of the diagnostician and that does not store other target devices, so that the diagnostician who is bringing the target device to the temporary management shelf can be notified of an appropriate available space.

[0030] Next, an example of the work environment of a diagnostician will be described. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the work environment of a diagnostician. As shown in Fig. 2, the work environment of a diagnostician includes work desks 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d, 15e, and 15f, a receiving shelf 20, a temporary management shelf 30, a terminal 10, and the like. In Fig. 2, the shipping shelf and the waiting shelf used for other purposes, which are mentioned in Fig. 1, are not shown.

[0031] The terminal 10 is a device used by each person in charge when accessing the information processing device 100. The explanation regarding the terminal 10 is the same as that given in Fig. 1. The terminal 10 may be installed on the work desks 15a to 15f.

[0032] Work desks 15a to 15f are desks used by each diagnostician when diagnosing a target device. It is assumed that the work desk used by the diagnostician is designated in advance. For example, work desk 15a is the desk used by diagnostician 16a. work desk 15b is the desk used by diagnostician 16b. work desk 15c is the desk used by diagnostician 16c. work desk 15d is the desk used by diagnostician 16d. work desk 15e is the desk used by diagnostician 16e. work desk 15f is the desk used by diagnostician 16f.

[0033] In the example shown in Fig. 2, work desks 15a to 15f and diagnosticians 16a to 16f are shown, but other work desks and diagnosticians may be included. In the following description, work desks 15a to 15f will be collectively referred to as "work desk 15." Diagnosticians 16a to 16f will be collectively referred to as "diagnostician 16."

[0034] The receiving shelf 20 is a shelf where received target devices are stored. For example, the diagnostician 16 acquires the target device from the receiving shelf 20 and diagnoses the target device at the work desk assigned to him / her. Other descriptions regarding the receiving shelf are the same as those described above.

[0035] The temporary management shelf 30 is a shelf that has multiple storage spaces that are installed in different positions. Target devices are stored in the storage spaces. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a temporary management shelf. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the temporary management shelf 30 is a shelf with eight rows in the vertical direction and five columns in the horizontal direction. In the following explanation, the storage space that is the nth row from the bottom and the mth column from the left of the temporary management shelf 30 will be referred to as "storage space (n, m)" where appropriate.

[0036] For example, when the diagnostician 16 completes the diagnosis and stores the target device on the temporary management shelf 30, he / she operates the terminal 10 and inputs the diagnostician identification number assigned to him / her and the PC identification number assigned to the target device into the information processing device 100, thereby obtaining information on potential storage spaces.

[0037] The diagnostician 16 stores the target device in a storage space corresponding to the information on the candidate storage space. For example, if the information on the candidate storage space includes "shelf number NM," the diagnostician 16 stores the target device in storage space (N, M) on the temporary management shelf 30.

[0038] Next, a description will be given of an example of the configuration of the information processing device 100 described in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing device according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4, the information processing device 100 includes a communication unit 110, an input unit 120, a display unit 130, a storage unit 140, and a control unit 150.

[0039] The communication unit 110 transmits and receives information to and from the terminal 10 and other external devices via the network 5. The communication unit 110 is realized by a NIC (Network Interface Card) or the like.

[0040] The input unit 120 is an input device for inputting various pieces of information to the control unit 150 of the information processing device 100. The input unit 120 is a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, or the like.

[0041] The display unit 130 is a display device that displays information output from the control unit 150.

[0042] The storage unit 140 includes a person in charge management table 141, a temporary management shelf table 142, a determination table 143, a work management table 144, and a target device management table 145. The storage unit 140 is a storage device such as a memory.

[0043] The person in charge management table 141 holds various information related to the person in charge. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the person in charge management table. As shown in Fig. 5, this person in charge management table 141 includes the person in charge identification number, name, disability flag, characteristics, height, and work desk position.

[0044] The diagnostician identification number is a number that uniquely identifies the diagnostician. The name is the name of the diagnostician. The disability flag indicates whether the diagnostician is disabled or not. If the diagnostician is disabled, the disability flag is set to "on." If the diagnostician is not disabled, the disability flag is set to "off."

[0045] The characteristics indicate the characteristics of the diagnostician that cause the disability flag to be "on." For example, such characteristics include being in a wheelchair, having one hand disabled, etc. The height indicates the height of the diagnostician. The work desk position is position information of the work desk used by the diagnostician.

[0046] In the explanation of the person in charge management table 141 in FIG. 5, a case where various information related to the diagnostician is stored has been explained, but various information related to the receiving person and the inspection person may also be stored.

[0047] The temporary management shelf table 142 holds various types of information related to the temporary management shelf 30. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the temporary management shelf table. As shown in Fig. 6, this temporary management shelf table 142 includes a shelf number, position coordinates, a usage flag, and a reception number.

[0048] The shelf number is a number that uniquely identifies a storage space in the temporary management shelf table 142. For example, if the shelf number is “NM,” the corresponding storage space is storage space (N, M) on the temporary management shelf 30.

[0049] The position coordinates are the position coordinates of the corresponding storage space. The usage flag is a flag that indicates whether the target device is stored in the corresponding storage space. If the target device is stored in the corresponding storage space, the usage flag is "on." If the target device is not stored in the corresponding storage space, the usage flag is "off." For example, a storage space with a usage flag "off" is an empty space.

[0050] The reception number indicates the reception number for the target device stored in the corresponding storage space.

[0051] The determination table 143 holds information on the location of storage spaces appropriate for the physical characteristics of the assessor. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the determination table. As shown in FIG. 7, this determination table 143 associates characteristics, height, and recommended shelf height. The explanations regarding characteristics and height are the same as the explanations regarding characteristics and height in the assessor management table 141 in FIG. 5.

[0052] The recommended shelf height indicates the location of a storage space suitable for a set of characteristics and height (physical characteristics). For example, the recommended shelf height for the characteristic "wheelchair" and height "all heights" is indicated as "the third to fourth shelves" of the temporary management shelf table 142. The storage spaces on the "third to fourth shelves" of the temporary management shelf table 142 shown in Figure 3 are storage spaces (3,1) to (3,5) and (4,1) to (4,5).

[0053] The recommended shelf height for the characteristic "one-handed disability" and height "less than 170 cm" is shown to be "third to fourth shelf" of the temporary management shelf table 142.

[0054] The recommended shelf height for the characteristic "one-handed disability" and height "170 cm or more" is shown to be "the third to fifth shelves" of temporary management shelf table 142. The storage spaces on the "third to fourth shelves" of temporary management shelf table 142 shown in Figure 3 are storage spaces (3,1) to (3,5), (4,1) to (4,5), and (5,1) to (5,5).

[0055] The recommended shelf height for the characteristic "- (no disability)" and height "less than 160 cm" is shown to be "the first to second shelves" of the temporary management shelf table 142. The storage spaces on the "first to second shelves" of the temporary management shelf table 142 shown in Figure 3 are storage spaces (1,1) to (1,5) and (2,1) to (2,5).

[0056] The recommended shelf height for the characteristic "- (no disability)" and height "160 cm or more, less than 180 cm" is shown to be "1st to 2nd, 5th shelves" of the temporary management shelf table 142. The storage spaces of the "1st to 2nd, 5th shelves" of the temporary management shelf table 142 shown in Figure 3 are storage spaces (1,1) to (1,5), (2,1) to (2,5), and (5,1) to (5,5).

[0057] It is shown that the recommended shelf height for the characteristic "- (no disability)" and height "180 cm or more" is "5th to 8th shelves" of the temporary management shelf table 142. The storage spaces on the "5th to 8th shelves" of the temporary management shelf table 142 shown in Figure 3 are storage spaces (5,1) to (5,5), (6,1) to (6,5), (7,1) to (7,5), and (8,1) to (8,5).

[0058] The work management table 144 holds information about repair work for the target device. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the work management table. As shown in Fig. 8, this work management table 144 has a reception number, a diagnosis start date, a diagnosis end date, a re-quote request date, a customer response deadline, a customer response reception date, etc. The explanation regarding the reception number is the same as the explanation regarding the reception number above.

[0059] The diagnosis start date is the date on which the diagnostician started diagnosing the target device. The diagnosis end date is the date on which the diagnostician finished diagnosing the target device. The re-quote request date is the date on which the diagnostician requested a re-quote for the target device. The customer response deadline is the response deadline set by the diagnostician for the customer. The customer response receipt date is the date on which the response from the customer was received.

[0060] The target device management table 145 holds various information related to the target device. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the target device management table. As shown in Fig. 9, the target device management table 145 has a reception number, a PC identification number, a PC type, equipment information, etc. The explanations regarding the reception number, the PC identification number, the PC type, and the equipment information are the same as those described above.

[0061] Returning to the description of Fig. 4, the control unit 150 includes an update unit 151, an acquisition unit 152, an identification unit 153, and a notification unit 154. The control unit 150 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit).

[0062] The update unit 151 is a processing unit that receives access from the terminal 10 operated by each person in charge and updates the information in the storage unit 140.

[0063] For example, when the update unit 151 receives management information from the terminal 10 operated by the receiving clerk, it registers the reception number, PC identification number, and equipment information included in the management information in the target device management table 145.

[0064] When the update unit 151 receives information relating to the diagnosis start date, diagnosis end date, requote request date, customer response deadline, customer response reception date, etc. in association with the reception number from the terminal 10 operated by the diagnostician, the update unit 151 updates the work management table 144 based on the received information.

[0065] When a person in charge moves a target device stored on the temporary management shelf 30 to another location, the person in charge operates the terminal 10 to input the shelf number of the storage space that has become vacant after the move into the information processing device 100. In this case, the update unit 151 accesses the temporary management shelf table 142, sets the usage flag corresponding to the shelf number of the storage space that has become vacant to "off," and clears the reception number.

[0066] The acquisition unit 152 is a processing unit that acquires the physical characteristics of the assessor who will be performing the work of storing the target device in the storage space. An example of the processing performed by the acquisition unit 152 is shown below.

[0067] The acquisition unit 152 receives a request for information about available space on the temporary management shelf (hereinafter, referred to as request information) from the terminal 10 operated by the diagnostician. The request information includes a diagnostician identification number, a PC identification number, a reception number, etc. For example, the diagnostician may access the target device management table 145 of the information processing device 100 and obtain the reception number corresponding to the PC identification information.

[0068] The acquisition unit 152 acquires information on the disability flag, characteristics, height, and work desk position corresponding to the person in charge identification number based on the person in charge identification number and the person in charge management table 141. For example, the information on the disability flag, characteristics, and height corresponds to information on physical characteristics.

[0069] The acquiring unit 152 outputs the information on the physical characteristics, the PC identification number, the reception number, and the work desk position information to the identifying unit 153.

[0070] The identification unit 153 is a processing unit that identifies a candidate storage space that is located in an installation position according to the physical characteristics and that does not store other target devices, from among the multiple storage spaces included in the temporary management shelf 30. An example of the processing of the identification unit 153 is shown below.

[0071] If the disability flag included in the information on physical characteristics acquired from acquisition unit 152 is "on", identification unit 153 determines that the diagnostician is disabled. On the other hand, if the disability flag included in the information on physical characteristics acquired from acquisition unit 152 is "off", identification unit 153 determines that the diagnostician is not disabled (is able-bodied).

[0072] If the diagnoser is disabled, the identification unit 153 performs the following process: The identification unit 153 identifies a recommended shelf height based on the characteristics and height included in the physical characteristic information and the determination table 143. The identification unit 153 compares the identified estimated shelf height with the temporary management shelf table 142, and identifies storage spaces whose usage flags are "off" from among the storage spaces corresponding to the identified estimated shelf height.

[0073] When there are multiple identified storage spaces, the identification unit 153 calculates the distance between the position coordinates of the identified storage space and the work desk position for each storage space, and identifies the storage space with the position coordinates that are the shortest distance from the work desk position as the candidate storage space.

[0074] If there is only one identified storage space, the identifying unit 153 identifies the identified storage space as a candidate storage space.

[0075] Furthermore, if the identification unit 153 compares the identified estimated shelf height with the temporary management shelf table 142 and finds that there is no storage space corresponding to the estimated shelf height whose usage flag is "off", it identifies one storage space whose usage flag is "off" from all storage spaces in the temporary management shelf table 142 and sets it as a candidate storage space.

[0076] On the other hand, if the diagnoser is not disabled, the identification unit 153 performs the following process: The identification unit 153 identifies the recommended shelf height based on the height included in the physical characteristic information and the determination table 143. The identification unit 153 compares the identified estimated shelf height with the temporary management shelf table 142, and identifies storage spaces whose usage flags are "off" from among the storage spaces corresponding to the identified estimated shelf height.

[0077] When there are multiple identified storage spaces, the identification unit 153 preferentially identifies, from the identified storage spaces, storage spaces other than storage spaces that may be used by disabled persons as candidate storage spaces. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the storage space that may be used by able-bodied and disabled persons is the storage space on the fifth shelf. For example, when the height of the assessor (able-bodied person) is "160 cm or more and less than 180 cm," the identification unit 153 determines that the recommended shelf height is "1st to 2nd shelves, 5th shelf," but the storage space on the 5th shelf may be used by disabled persons. Therefore, the identification unit 153 preferentially identifies storage spaces with recommended shelf heights of "1st to 2nd shelves." When the usage flags of all storage spaces with recommended shelf heights of "1st to 2nd shelves" are "off," the identification unit 153 identifies candidate storage spaces from storage spaces with recommended shelf heights of "5th shelf."

[0078] As described above, after identifying a candidate storage space, the identifying unit 153 notifies the terminal 10 used by the assessor of the shelf number of the candidate storage space. Furthermore, the identifying unit 153 sets the use flag corresponding to the shelf number of the notified candidate storage space to "on" in the temporary management shelf table 142, and registers the reception number corresponding to the reception number (the reception number received from the obtaining unit 152).

[0079] The notification unit 154 is a processing unit that notifies the terminal 10 used by the supporter of an instruction to move the target device stored in the storage space that is given priority for use by disabled people when the vacant percentage of the storage space that is given priority for use by disabled people among the storage spaces installed on the temporary management shelf 30 falls below a certain number.

[0080] For example, referring to the determination table 143 in FIG. 7, the storage spaces that disabled people preferentially use are the storage spaces on the third to fifth levels. The notification unit 154 periodically accesses the temporary management shelf table 142 and counts the number "X" of storage spaces on the third to fifth levels whose usage flags are "off." The total number of storage spaces on the third to fifth levels is defined as "Y." If the value of "X / Y" is less than a preset threshold, the notification unit 154 executes the following process.

[0081] The notification unit 154 identifies the reception number of a record whose usage flag is "ON" from among the storage spaces corresponding to the shelf numbers on the third to fifth levels based on the temporary management shelf table 142. The notification unit 154 identifies the customer response deadline corresponding to the identified reception number based on the work management table 144, and determines whether the current date is past the customer response deadline. The notification unit 154 obtains the current date from a timer (not shown) or the like.

[0082] If the current date is past the customer response deadline, the notification unit 154 notifies the terminal 10 used by the supporter of an instruction to move the target device stored in the storage space with the shelf number of the corresponding reception number. The supporter is a healthy person who is pre-selected among the staff. The shelf number of the storage space where the target device to be moved is stored is set in the movement instruction.

[0083] The notification unit 154 may further execute the following process. For example, the notification unit 154 monitors storage spaces in the temporary management shelf table 142 that are given priority for use by disabled persons, and counts the number of new target devices stored therein each day (the number of times the usage flag switches from off to on). Based on the counting result, the notification unit 154 calculates an average value Z of the number of new target devices stored therein each day. When the above-mentioned "X" becomes less than the average value Z, the notification unit 154 may execute a process similar to the process executed when the above-mentioned value of "X / Y" becomes less than a preset threshold value.

[0084] Next, an example of a processing procedure of the information processing device 100 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the information processing device according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 10, the acquisition unit 152 of the information processing device 100 acquires request information (personnel identification number, PC identification number, reception number, etc.) from the terminal 10 operated by the diagnoser (step S101).

[0085] The acquisition unit 152 acquires information on physical characteristics corresponding to the person in charge identification number based on the person in charge management table 141 (step S102). The information processing device 100 determines whether the disabled person flag corresponding to the person in charge identification number is on based on the person in charge management table 141 (step S103).

[0086] If the disabled person flag is not on (step S103, No), the identifying unit 153 of the information processing device 100 executes an identifying process for able-bodied people (step S104), and proceeds to step S108.

[0087] On the other hand, if the disabled person flag is on (Yes in step S103), the identification unit 153 identifies a recommended shelf height corresponding to the physical characteristics (step S105) based on the determination table 143. The identification unit 153 determines whether or not there is any free space among the storage spaces corresponding to the identified recommended shelf height based on the temporary management shelf table 142 (step S106).

[0088] If there is an empty space (step S106, Yes), the specifying unit 153 specifies the empty space that is closest to the position of the diagnoser's work desk as a candidate storage space (step S107).The specifying unit 153 notifies the terminal 10 of information about the candidate storage space (step S108).

[0089] On the other hand, if there is no free space (step S106, No), the specifying unit 153 specifies free space other than the storage space with the specified recommended shelf height as a candidate storage space (step S109), and proceeds to step S108.

[0090] Next, an example of the processing procedure for the identification process for a healthy person shown in step S104 of Fig. 10 will be described. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure for the identification process for a healthy person. As shown in Fig. 11, the identification unit 153 identifies a recommended shelf height corresponding to the physical characteristics based on the determination table 143 (step S201).

[0091] The specifying unit 153 determines whether there are multiple empty spaces among the storage spaces corresponding to the specified recommended shelf height (step S202). If there are multiple empty spaces (step S202, Yes), the specifying unit 153 preferentially specifies, as candidate storage spaces, empty spaces other than those that may be used by disabled persons from among the empty spaces (step S203).

[0092] On the other hand, if there are not multiple free spaces (No at step S202), the specifying unit 153 specifies the free space as a candidate storage space (step S204).

[0093] Next, a description will be given of an example of a processing procedure of the notification unit 154 according to this embodiment. The notification unit 154 periodically executes the processing shown in FIG.

[0094] Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the notification unit according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 12, the notification unit 154 of the information processing device 100 counts the number (X) of storage spaces with an on-use flag among the storage spaces given priority for use by disabled persons, based on the temporary management shelf table 142 (step S301).

[0095] The notification unit 154 determines whether the value of X / Y is less than a threshold value (step S302). Y is the number of storage spaces that are preferentially used by disabled people. If the value of X / Y is not less than the threshold value (step S302, No), the notification unit 154 ends the process. On the other hand, if the value of X / Y is less than the threshold value (step S302, Yes), the notification unit 154 proceeds to step S303.

[0096] Based on the temporary management shelf table 142 and the work management table 144, the notification unit 154 determines whether there is any target device stored in a storage space with a usage flag set to "on" among storage spaces that are preferentially used by disabled people, and whether the current date is past the customer response deadline (step S303).

[0097] If there is no target device for which the current date has passed the customer response deadline (No in step S303), the notification unit 154 ends the process. On the other hand, if there is a target device (reception number) for which the current date has passed the customer response deadline (Yes in step S303), the notification unit 154 proceeds to step S304.

[0098] The notification unit 154 notifies the terminal 10 used by the supporter of an instruction to move the target device stored in the storage space with the shelf number of the corresponding target device (reception number) (step S304).

[0099] Next, the effects of the information processing device 100 according to this embodiment will be described. The information processing device 100 acquires the physical characteristics of the person in charge, and identifies a candidate storage space that indicates a storage space that is located in accordance with the physical characteristics and does not contain the target device, from among multiple storage spaces set on the temporary management shelf 30. This makes it possible to identify an available space that is appropriate for the person in charge.

[0100] When there are multiple candidate storage spaces (empty spaces corresponding to physical characteristics), the information processing device 100 identifies one candidate storage space from the multiple candidate storage spaces based on the distance between the worker's work location and the installation location of each candidate storage space. This makes it possible to identify a candidate storage space that is closer to the work location.

[0101] If the person in charge is disabled, the information processing device 100 identifies a storage space installed at the middle height of the temporary management shelf 30 as a storage space with an installation position that suits the person's physical characteristics. For example, the storage space installed at the middle height of the temporary management shelf 30 is the storage space from the third to fourth level or the storage space from the third to fifth level of the temporary management shelf 30 shown in Fig. 3. This allows the disabled person to easily identify a candidate storage space in which the target device can be stored.

[0102] When the height of the staff member is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the information processing device 100 identifies, as a storage space with an installation position suited to the physical characteristics, a storage space installed higher than a storage space installed at the middle height of the temporary management shelf 30. This makes it possible to identify, as a candidate storage space, a storage space that is located in a position that would be difficult for a short staff member to store in, but that is suitable for a tall staff member.

[0103] When the height of the person in charge is less than the threshold value, the information processing device 100 identifies a storage space installed below the storage space installed at the middle height of the temporary management shelf 30 as a storage space with an installation position according to the physical characteristics. This makes it possible to identify a candidate storage space that can accommodate a person in charge who is short in height.

[0104] When the number of candidate storage spaces falls below a predetermined number, the information processing device 100 notifies the user of information about storage spaces that are located in accordance with the user's physical characteristics and in which the target device is stored. This makes it possible to prevent a shortage of candidate storage spaces.

[0105] The above-described processing of the information processing device 100 is an example, and the information processing device 100 may further execute other processing. For example, the identifying unit 153 of the information processing device 100 may further use the PC type and equipment information set in the target device management table 145 to identify a candidate storage space.

[0106] When the PC type corresponding to the PC identification number of the target device is a desktop PC, the specification unit 153 may preferentially specify, as a candidate storage space, a storage space located at a lower level among the storage spaces corresponding to the physical characteristics. Furthermore, when the number of fixtures corresponding to the PC identification number of the target device is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the specification unit 153 may preferentially specify, as a candidate storage space, a storage space located at a lower level among the storage spaces corresponding to the physical characteristics. This makes it possible to easily store a heavy PC such as a desktop PC or an object that has a lot of fixtures and is difficult to carry in a storage space.

[0107] Next, an example of the hardware configuration of a computer that realizes the same functions as the information processing device 100 described in the above embodiment will be described. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer that realizes the same functions as the information processing device of the embodiment.

[0108] 13, computer 200 has CPU 201 that executes various types of arithmetic processing, input device 202 that accepts data input from a user, and display 203. Computer 200 also has communication device 204 that connects to terminal 10 and the like, and interface device 205 that connects to other devices via a wired or wireless network. Computer 200 also has RAM 206 that temporarily stores various types of information, and hard disk device 207. Each of devices 201 to 207 is connected to bus 208.

[0109] The hard disk drive 207 stores an update program 207a, an acquisition program 207b, a specific program 207c, and a notification program 207d. The CPU 201 reads out each of the programs 207a to 207d and loads them into the RAM 206.

[0110] The update program 207a functions as the update process 206a. The acquisition program 207b functions as the acquisition process 206b. The identification program 207c functions as the identification process 206c. The notification program 207d functions as the notification process 206d.

[0111] The processing of the update process 206a corresponds to the processing of the update unit 151. The processing of the acquisition process 206b corresponds to the processing of the acquisition unit 152. The processing of the identification process 206c corresponds to the processing of the identification unit 153. The processing of the notification process 206d corresponds to the processing of the notification unit 154.

[0112] It should be noted that each of the programs 207a to 207d does not necessarily have to be stored in the hard disk drive 207 from the beginning. For example, each of the programs may be stored in a "portable physical medium" such as a flexible disk (FD), CD-ROM, DVD, magneto-optical disk, or IC card that is inserted into the computer 200. Then, the computer 200 may read and execute each of the programs 207a to 207d. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 100 Information processing device 110 Communications Department 120 Input section 130 Display section 140 Storage section 141 Personnel Management Table 142 Temporary Management Shelf Table 143 Decision Table 144 Work Management Table 145 Target device management table 150 control section 151 Update Department 152 Acquisition Department 153 Specific part 154 Notification Department

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires physical characteristics of a person who performs work to store items in a plurality of storage spaces installed on a shelf, each of which is installed at a different position; an identification unit that identifies a candidate storage space from among the plurality of storage spaces, the candidate storage space being located in a position corresponding to the physical characteristics and not storing any items; and a notification unit that, when the number of the candidate storage spaces falls below a predetermined number, notifies the user of information about a storage space that is located in a position corresponding to the physical characteristics and in which an item is stored; An information processing device comprising:

2. acquiring physical characteristics of a person who performs work to store items in a plurality of storage spaces installed on a shelf, each of which is installed at a different position; Identifying a candidate storage space that is a storage space installed in a position corresponding to the physical characteristics and that does not store any items among the plurality of storage spaces; When the number of the candidate storage spaces falls below a predetermined number, notifying the user of information about storage spaces that are located in positions according to the physical characteristics and in which items are stored. An information processing method characterized in that the processing is executed by a computer.

3. acquiring physical characteristics of a person who performs work to store items in a plurality of storage spaces installed on a shelf, each of which is installed at a different position; Identifying a candidate storage space that is a storage space installed in a position corresponding to the physical characteristics and that does not store any items among the plurality of storage spaces; When the number of the candidate storage spaces falls below a predetermined number, notifying the user of information about storage spaces that are located in positions according to the physical characteristics and in which items are stored. An information processing program that causes a computer to execute a process.

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