Work management device and its program

Abstract

To provide a work management apparatus and a program that can acquire, for each process, work-related information on a worker for work including a plurality of processes.SOLUTION: In a work management apparatus 10, a processor 11 includes first detecting means, second detecting means, third detecting means, and information acquiring means. The first detecting means detects the execution of work in a work area. The second detecting means detects the end of the work in the work area. The third detecting means detects the intrusion of a hand of a worker into an article area where an article relating to the work is placed. The information acquiring means acquires information relating to the work in the work area if, from when the third detecting means detects the intrusion of the hand of the worker into the article area until when the second detecting means detects the end of the work in the work area, the first detecting means detects the execution of the work in the work area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a work management device and a program therefor. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is a technology for managing the operational status of work by defining a work area in advance, determining that a worker is working when his / her hands are moving within that work area, and determining that a worker is not working when his / her hands are not moving or are not present within the work area. By applying this type of work management technology to, for example, the work of a worker assembling a product, it becomes possible to obtain the time required for the work and measure the delay for each work task relative to the standard work time.

[0003] However, while conventional work management techniques can acquire the overall work time for a task, it is difficult to acquire the work time for each step, for example, when performing a task that consists of multiple steps. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-209604 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a work management device that can acquire, for each step, information related to work performed by a worker in a work consisting of a plurality of steps. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one embodiment, the work management device includes a first detection means, a second detection means, a third detection means, and an information acquisition means. The first detection means detects that work has been performed in the work area. The second detection means detects that work has been completed in the work area. The third detection means detects that a worker's hand has entered an item area in which items related to the work are placed. The information acquisition means acquires information related to the work in the work area when the first detection means detects that work has been performed in the work area between the third detection means detecting that the worker's hand has entered the item area and the second detection means detecting that the work in the work area has been completed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a work management system including a work management device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of the worker data. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of the task data. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of the work log data. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the work management device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing main memory areas formed in the main memory of the work management device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the main steps of the information processing executed by the processor. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the main steps of the information processing executed by the processor. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the main steps of the information processing executed by the processor. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the main steps of the information processing executed by the processor. [Figure 11]FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the main steps of the information processing executed by the processor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the work management device will be described with reference to the drawings. This embodiment illustrates a work management device that manages a two-step product assembly work. Specifically, the work management device manages assembly work that includes a first assembly process in which workers assemble a product using first parts placed in a first parts area, and a second assembly process in which workers assemble a product using second parts placed in a second parts area, within a predefined work area.

[0009] [Explanation of the work management system] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a work management system 100 including a work management device 10 according to one embodiment. The work management system 100 manages product assembly work performed by a worker P at a workbench 1. The top of the workbench 1 is pre-divided into a work area 2, a first parts area 3, and a second parts area 4. The work area 2, the first parts area 3, and the second parts area 4 do not overlap with one another. The work area 2 is the area where the worker P performs the product assembly work. In this embodiment, the assembly work consists of a first assembly process in which a product is assembled using first parts, and a second assembly process in which a product is assembled using second parts. The first parts area 3 is an area for storing first parts required for the first assembly process. The second parts area 4 is an area for storing second parts required for the second assembly process. Note that the first parts and second parts are not limited to a single type. Two or more types of first parts or second parts may be placed in the first part area 3 or the second part area 4 .

[0010] The work management system 100 includes a work management device 10 and a server 20. The work management device 10 and the server 20 are connected via a communication network 30 for free bidirectional communication. The communication network 30 is, for example, a wired local area network (LAN) or a wireless LAN. The server 20 may also be a server that uses cloud computing. In this case, the communication network 30 is a wide-area network that uses the Internet Protocol. For example, the communication network 30 may be a wide-area network that uses a public line or a dedicated line as a relay network and a wired local area network (LAN), a wireless LAN, a mobile communication network, a mobile phone communication network, or the like as an access network.

[0011] The work management system 100 has various devices, including a camera 40, a reader 50, and an alarm 60, connected to the work management apparatus 10. The camera 40 is an imaging device attached to a position above the work table 1 so as to be able to capture images of at least the work area 2, the first component area 3, and the second component area 4 of the work table 1. The camera 40 is used to capture images of the hands of a worker P working in the work area 2. The camera 40 is also used to capture images of the hands of the worker P as he or she removes components from the first component area 3 or the second component area 4. The camera 40 may be a digital still camera that captures still images, or a video camera that captures moving images.

[0012] The reader 50 is an input device for reading information from a medium. In this embodiment, the medium is a barcode. Therefore, the reader 50 is a barcode reader. The reader 50 may be a stationary barcode reader or a handheld barcode reader.

[0013] The alarm 60 is an output device that performs an alarm operation based on information related to work managed by the work management device 10. The alarm 60 may perform an alarm operation for the work manager, or may perform an alarm operation for the worker P. Alternatively, an alarm 60 that performs an alarm operation for the work manager and an alarm 60 that performs an alarm operation for the worker P may be used together. The alarm 60 that performs an alarm operation for the work manager may be a display, a touch panel, etc. The alarm 60 that performs an alarm operation for the worker P may be a lamp, a buzzer, etc. It goes without saying that a display, a touch panel, etc. may be used as the alarm 60 for the worker P, and a lamp, a buzzer, etc. may be used as the alarm 60 for the manager.

[0014] Server 20 is a server computer that provides services to work management apparatus 10 using a worker database 21, a work database 22, a log file 23, etc. Worker database 21 is a collection of worker data 211 (see FIG. 2) created for each worker P in charge of assembly work in work area 2. Work database 22 is a collection of work data 221 (see FIG. 3) created for each process of assembly work performed in work area 2. Log file 23 is an area for saving work log data 231 (see FIG. 4) generated by work management apparatus 10.

[0015] 2 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of worker data 211. As shown in the figure, worker data 211 includes items such as worker code and worker name. The worker code is a unique identification code set for each worker P to individually identify each worker P. The worker name is the name of the worker identified by the worker code.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of the operation data 221. As shown in the figure, the operation data 221 includes items such as operation code, operation name, part area code, effective operation time Tx, and standard operation time Ty. The operation code is a unique identification code assigned to each process to individually identify the assembly work performed in the operation area 2. The operation name is the name of the process identified by the operation code. For example, the operation name could be "first assembly process," "second assembly process," etc. The part area code is a unique identification code assigned to each part area to individually identify the first part area 3 and the second part area 4. The effective operation time Tx is the shortest time sufficient to confirm that the assembly work of the process identified by the operation code has been performed. The standard operation time Ty is the standard time required for a worker to perform the assembly work of the process identified by the operation code in the operation area 2. The effective operation time Tx is several percent shorter than the standard operation time Ty. The value of several percent is arbitrary.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of the work log data 231. As shown in the figure, the work log data 231 includes items such as worker code, worker name, work code, work name, work start time, work end time, work time T, and validity flag F. The worker code and worker name are obtained from the worker data 211. The work code and work name are obtained from the work data 221. The work start time, work end time, work time T, and validity flag F are derived by the work management device 10. The work start time and work end time are the work start time and work end time of the process identified by the work code, performed by the worker identified by the worker code. The work time T is the elapsed time from the work start time to the work end time. The validity flag F is one-bit data for identifying whether the work related to the work log data 231 is valid work. A valid work is work that has been recognized as having been reliably performed within the work area 2. In this embodiment, the validity flag F indicating a valid task is set to "1", and the validity flag F indicating an invalid task is set to "0".

[0018] [Work management device configuration explanation] 5 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the work management device 10. The work management device 10 includes a processor 11, a main memory 12, an auxiliary storage device 13, a clock 14, a communication interface 15, a device interface 16, and a system transmission path 17. The system transmission path 17 includes an address bus, a data bus, control signal lines, etc. In the work management device 10, the processor 11, the main memory 12, the auxiliary storage device 13, the clock 14, the communication interface 15, and the device interface 16 are connected to the system transmission path 17. In the work management device 10, the processor 11, the main memory 12, the auxiliary storage device 13, the clock 14, the communication interface 15, and the device interface 16, and the system transmission path 17 connecting these components, form a computer.

[0019] The processor 11 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 11 controls each part to realize various functions of the work management device 10 in accordance with an operating system or an application program (application software). The processor 11 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0020] The main memory 12 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 12 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 12 stores an operating system or application programs in the non-volatile memory area. The main memory 12 stores data required for the processor 11 to execute processes for controlling each part in the volatile memory area. The above data may also be stored in the non-volatile memory area. The main memory 12 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data can be rewritten by the processor 11 as appropriate. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0021] The auxiliary storage device 13 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive) can be the auxiliary storage device 13. The auxiliary storage device 13 stores data used by the processor 11 when performing various processes, or data created by the processes in the processor 11. The auxiliary storage device 13 may also store the application programs described above.

[0022] The clock 14 keeps track of the date and time. The work management device 10 acquires the date and time kept by the clock 14 as the current date and time.

[0023] The communication interface 15 is a circuit for transmitting and receiving data to and from the server 20 connected via the communication network 30 in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol.

[0024] The device interface 16 is a circuit for transmitting and receiving data signals to and from the camera 40 , reader 50 and alarm 60 connected to the work management device 10 .

[0025] In the work management device 10 configured as described above, the processor 11 has functions as an image acquisition means 111, an image analysis means 112, a reading means 113, a first detection means 114, a second detection means 115, a third detection means 116, and an information acquisition means 117. The image acquisition means 111 has a function of acquiring a captured image from a camera 40 that captures an image of the work area 2. The image analysis means 112 has a function of detecting the position of the hand of the worker P from the captured image. The reading means 113 has a function of working together with the reader 50 to read information from a medium.

[0026] The first detection means 114 has a function of detecting that work has been performed in the work area 2. In detail, the first detection means 114 detects that work has been performed in the work area 2 when the hands of the worker P detected by the image analysis means 112 are positioned within the work area 2 for a predetermined period of time or longer.

[0027] The second detection means 115 has a function of detecting that work in the work area 2 has been completed. The third detection means 116 has a function of detecting that a worker's hand has entered the first component area 3 or the second component area 4, where components related to the work have been placed. This function is utilized in the second detection means 115. That is, when the third detection means 116 detects that worker P's hand has entered the first component area 3 and then that worker P's hand has entered the second component area 4, the second detection means 115 detects that the work related to the first component placed in the first component area 3 in the work area 2, i.e., the work of the first assembly process, has been completed. When the third detection means 116 detects that worker P's hand has entered the second component area 4 and then that worker P's hand has entered the first component area 3, the second detection means 115 detects that the work related to the second component placed in the second component area 4 in the work area 2, i.e., the work of the second assembly process, has been completed. The second detection means 115 may also detect that work in the work area 2 has been completed based on the result of reading the medium information by the reading means 113.

[0028] Information acquisition means 117 has a function of acquiring information related to work in work area 2 when first detection means 114 detects that work has been performed in work area 2 between the time when third detection means 116 detects that the worker's hand has entered first component area 3 or second component area 4 and the time when second detection means 115 detects that the work in work area 2 has been completed. The information related to the work is, for example, work time T. In other words, information acquisition means 117 acquires, as work time T in work area 2, the elapsed time from the time when third detection means 116 detects that the worker's hand has entered first component area 3 or second component area 4 to the time when second detection means 115 detects that the work in work area 2 has been completed.

[0029] To implement the above-described functions 111 to 117, the work management device 10 dedicates part of the volatile memory area in the main memory 12 to a worker data area 121, a work data area 122, and a log data area 123, as shown in Fig. 6. The worker data area 121 is a memory area for storing the worker code and worker name of a worker P. The work data area 122 is a memory area for storing the work code, worker name, valid work time Tx, and standard work time Ty of the work of each process unit performed by the worker P. The log data area 123 is a memory area for storing the work start time, work end time, work time T, status ST, and valid flag F of the work log data 231.

[0030] The status ST is a value that represents the status of the work. The work status includes a pre-work status before the work starts, a parts removal status in which parts are removed from the first parts area 3 or the second parts area 4, and a working status in which work is being performed in the work area 2. In this embodiment, the status ST representing the pre-work status is set to "0", the status representing the parts removal status is set to "1", and the working status is set to "2".

[0031] The functions of the image acquisition means 111, the image analysis means 112, the reading means 113, the first detection means 114, the second detection means 115, the third detection means 116, and the information acquisition means 117 are realized by the processor 11 executing information processing in accordance with a control program. The control program is installed in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13. There is no particular limitation on the method for installing the control program in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13. The control program can be installed in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13 by recording it on a removable recording medium or by distributing it via communication via a network. The form of the recording medium is not important as long as it can store a program and is readable by the device, such as an SD memory card or a USB memory.

[0032] [Work procedure explanation] Here, the basic procedure of the work managed by the work management device 10 will be described. Initially, worker P possesses two types of media: a start medium and an end medium. The start medium is a barcode of start data indicating that it is a start medium. The start data includes the worker code of worker P who possesses the start medium. The end medium is a barcode of end data indicating that it is an end medium. The end data may or may not include the worker code of worker P. For example, it is convenient to use sheet-like materials such as paper, thin plate, or plastic card with a barcode of the start data or end data printed on them as the start medium and end medium.

[0033] First, when worker P comes to work table 1, he / she holds the start medium over reader 50. By holding the start medium over reader 50, the barcode of the start data is read. Next, worker P starts work from the first assembly process. That is, worker P reaches into first parts area 3 and takes out the first parts required for the work of the first assembly process. Then, worker P assembles the product using the first parts in work area 2. At this time, worker P may reach into first parts area 3 again to replenish the first parts as needed.

[0034] When the work in the first assembly process is completed, the work moves to the work in the second assembly process. That is, worker P reaches into the second parts area 4 and takes out the second parts required for the work in the second assembly process. Then worker P assembles the product using the second parts in work area 2. At this time, worker P may reach into the second parts area 4 again to replenish the second parts as needed.

[0035] When the work in the second assembly process is completed, the worker P returns to the work in the first assembly process. That is, the worker P reaches into the first parts area 3 and takes out the first parts required for the work in the first assembly process. The worker P then assembles the product using the first parts in the work area 2.

[0036] Thereafter, worker P alternately performs the work of the first assembly process and the work of the second assembly process. When all work is completed, worker P holds the completion medium over reader 50 and then leaves the front of work table 1. By holding the completion medium over reader 50, the barcode of the completion data is read.

[0037] It is also possible for worker P to temporarily leave the front of work table 1 when the work of the first assembly process is completed. In this case, worker P holds the end medium over reader 50 before leaving the front of work table 1. When returning to work, worker P holds the start medium over reader 50 before starting work of the second assembly process.

[0038] [Operation explanation of work management device] Next, the operation of the work management device 10 that manages the work performed according to the above procedure will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 7 to 11 are flowcharts showing the main steps of the information processing executed by the processor 11 according to the control program. Note that the information processing steps shown in the flowcharts are merely examples. The steps and their contents can be modified as appropriate as long as similar operational effects are obtained.

[0039] When the work management device 10 is started, the processor 11 starts information processing according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of Fig. 7. First, in ACT1, the processor 11 waits for the information on the start medium, that is, the barcode of the start data, to be read by the reader 50. When the barcode of the start data is read by worker P holding the start medium over the reader 50, the processor 11 proceeds from ACT1 to ACT2. In ACT2, the processor 11 acquires the worker code from the barcode of the start data. Then, in ACT3, the processor 11 acquires the worker data of worker P, who is identified by the worker code, from the server 20 and stores it in the worker data area 121.

[0040] Specifically, processor 11 controls communication interface 15 to send a query command for worker data. This control causes communication interface 15 to send the query command. The query command is sent to server 20 via communication network 30. The query command includes the worker code obtained from the barcode of the start data. Server 20 searches worker database 21 for the worker code included in the query command. Server 20 reads worker data 211 including the worker code from worker database 21. Server 20 then sends a response command including this worker data 211 to work management device 10, which sent the query command. Processor 11 waits for the response command from server 20. Upon receiving the response command via communication interface 15, processor 11 obtains worker data 211 from the response command. Processor 11 writes the worker code and worker name of worker data 211 in worker data area 121.

[0041] After completing the processing of ACT3, processor 11 proceeds to ACT4. In ACT4, processor 11 writes the value "0" representing the pre-work state as status ST in log data area 123. In ACT5, processor 11 also outputs an ON signal to camera 40. Upon receiving the ON signal, camera 40 starts up and begins capturing images. As a result, images captured by camera 40 are sent sequentially to work management device 10.

[0042] Processor 11 acquires an image captured by camera 40 via device interface 16 as ACT6. Processor 11 then analyzes the captured image as ACT7. Processor 11 checks whether or not hand movements of worker P have been detected as a result of analyzing the captured image as ACT8. Well-known image analysis techniques can be applied to detect hand movements of worker P from the captured image.

[0043] If the hand movement of worker P cannot be detected, processor 11 proceeds to ACT 9. In ACT 9, processor 11 checks whether the information on the end medium, that is, the barcode of the end data, has been read by reader 50. If the barcode of the end data has not been read, processor 11 returns to ACT 6. In this way, processor 11 waits through the processing of ACT 6 to ACT 9 until the hand movement of worker P is detected or the information on the end medium is read.

[0044] If the hand movement of worker P is detected in the standby state of ACT6 to ACT9, processor 11 proceeds from ACT8 to ACT10. Processor 11 determines the area in which the hand movement of worker P was detected in ACT10 to ACT12. That is, processor 11 checks whether the hand movement of worker P was detected in the first component area 3 in ACT10. If not, processor 11 checks whether the hand movement of worker P was detected in the second component area 4 in ACT11. If not, processor 11 checks whether the hand movement of worker P was detected in the work area 2 in ACT12. If not, processor 11 returns to the standby state of ACT6 to ACT9. That is, if the hand movement of worker P is detected in an area other than the work area 2, the first component area 3, or the second component area 4, processor 11 waits again for the hand movement of worker P to be detected or for the information on the finished medium to be read.

[0045] When the worker P holds the start medium over the reader 50 and reaches out to the first component area 3 to begin the first assembly process, the hand movement of the worker P is detected within the first component area 3 from the image captured by the camera 40. When the hand movement of the worker P is detected within the first component area 3, the processor 11 proceeds from ACT 10 to ACT 21 in FIG. 8. In ACT 21, the processor 11 checks whether the working code "100" is written in the work data area 122. The working code "100" is the working code that identifies the first work process. Incidentally, the working code that identifies the second work process is "200."

[0046] At this point, the working code "100" is not written in the working data area 122. Therefore, the processor 11 proceeds from ACT21 to ACT22. In ACT22, the processor 11 checks whether the status ST in the log data area 123 is the value "0", which indicates the pre-work state. At this point, the status ST is "0". Therefore, the processor 11 proceeds from ACT22 to ACT23. In ACT23, the processor 11 rewrites the status ST from "0" to the value "1", which indicates the part removal state. In addition, the processor 11 writes the working data of the first working process identified by the working code "100" in the working data area 122 in ACT24.

[0047] Specifically, the processor 11 controls the communication interface 15 to send an inquiry command for the task data. This control causes the inquiry command to be sent from the communication interface 15. The inquiry command is sent to the server 20 via the communication network 30. The inquiry command includes the task code "100." The server 20 searches the task database 22 using the task code included in the inquiry command. The server 20 reads task data 221 including the task code "100" from the task database 22. The server 20 then sends a response command including this task data 221 to the task management device 10 that sent the query command. The processor 11 waits for the response command from the server 20. Upon receiving the response command via the communication interface 15, the processor 11 obtains the task data 221 from the response command. The processor 11 writes the task code, task name, valid task time Tx, and standard task time Ty of the task data 221 in the task data area 122.

[0048] After completing the processing of ACT24, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT25. In ACT25, the processor 11 retrieves the current time measured by the clock 14 and writes this time as the work start time in the log data area 123. In ACT26, the processor 11 also starts a timer. The timer is used to measure the work time T and is, for example, built into the processor 11.

[0049] Upon completing the processing of ACT26, processor 11 returns to the standby state of ACT6 to ACT9. Therefore, if the hand movement of worker P is subsequently detected in the first component area 3 from the image captured by camera 40, processor 11 proceeds from ACT10 to ACT21 in FIG. 8. At this point, since the operation code "100" is written in the operation data area 122, processor 11 returns to the standby state of ACT6 to ACT9 from ACT21. In this way, after the hand movement of worker P is detected in the first component area 3 and the processing of ACT23 to ACT26 is executed, processor 11 maintains the standby state of ACT6 to ACT9 until the hand movement of worker P is no longer detected in the first component area 3.

[0050] On the other hand, when the worker who has held the start medium over the reader 50 reaches out to the second parts area 4 to begin work on the second assembly process, the movement of the worker P's hand within the second parts area 4 is detected from the image captured by the camera 40.

[0051] In the standby state of ACT6 to ACT9, when the movement of the hand of worker P is detected within second part area 4, processor 11 proceeds from ACT11 to ACT41 in Figure 9. In ACT41, processor 11 checks whether or not the operation code "200" is written in operation data area 122.

[0052] At this point, the working code "200" is not written in the working data area 122. Therefore, processor 11 proceeds from ACT41 to ACT42. In ACT42, processor 11 checks whether the status ST in log data area 123 is the value "0", which indicates that the work has not yet started. At this point, the status ST is "0". Therefore, processor 11 proceeds from ACT42 to ACT43. In ACT43, processor 11 rewrites the status ST from "0" to the value "1", which indicates that the part has been removed. In addition, processor 11 writes the working data of the second working process identified by the working code "200" in the working data area 122 in ACT44.

[0053] Specifically, the processor 11 controls the communication interface 15 to send an inquiry command for the task data. This control causes the inquiry command to be sent from the communication interface 15. The inquiry command is sent to the server 20 via the communication network 30. The inquiry command includes the task code "200." The server 20 searches the task database 22 using the task code included in the inquiry command. The server 20 reads task data 221 including the task code "200" from the task database 22. The server 20 then sends a response command including this task data 221 to the task management device 10 that sent the query command. The processor 11 waits for the response command from the server 20. Upon receiving the response command via the communication interface 15, the processor 11 obtains the task data 221 from the response command. The processor 11 writes the task code, task name, valid task time Tx, and standard task time Ty of the task data 221 to the task 2 data area 131.

[0054] After completing the processing of ACT 44, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT 45. In ACT 45, the processor 11 retrieves the current time measured by the clock 14 and writes this time as the work start time in the log data area 123. In ACT 46, the processor 11 also starts the timer.

[0055] Upon completing the processing of ACT46, processor 11 returns to the standby state of ACT6 to ACT9. Therefore, if the hand movement of worker P is subsequently detected in the second component area 4 from the image captured by camera 40, processor 11 proceeds from ACT11 to ACT41 in FIG. 9. At this point, since the operation code "200" is written in the operation data area 122, processor 11 returns to the standby state of ACT6 to ACT9 from ACT41. In this way, after the hand movement of worker P is detected in the second component area 4 and the processing of ACT43 to ACT46 is executed, processor 11 maintains the standby state of ACT6 to ACT9 until the hand movement of worker P is no longer detected in the second component area 4.

[0056] When worker P takes a first part from first parts area 3 and starts work on the first assembly process in work area 2, the hand movements of worker P are detected in work area 2 from the image captured by camera 40. Similarly, when worker P takes a second part from second parts area 4 and starts work on the second assembly process in work area 2, the hand movements of worker P are detected in work area 2 from the image captured by camera 40.

[0057] In the standby state of ACT6 to ACT9, when a hand movement of worker P is detected in work area 2, processor 11 proceeds from ACT12 to ACT61 in Figure 10. In ACT61, processor 11 checks whether status ST in log data area 123 is the value "0", which indicates before work has started. At this point, status ST is "1", which indicates the part removal state, so processor 11 proceeds from ACT61 to ACT62.

[0058] It should be noted that there may be cases where worker P moves his / her hand within work area 2 before taking out the first part or the second part from first part area 3 or second part area 4, and therefore the movement of worker P's hand within work area 2 is detected from the image captured by camera 40. In this case, since status ST is "0" in ACT61, processor 11 returns to the standby state of ACT6 to ACT9.

[0059] If the status ST is not "0" in ACT61, the processor 11 checks whether the status ST is "1" in ACT62. The status ST being "1" means that the hand movement of the worker P was detected in the work area 2 after the hand movement of the worker P was detected in the first component area 3 or the second component area 4. Therefore, it is considered that the worker P who took the first component or the second component from the first component area 3 or the second component area 4 has started work in the first assembly process or the second assembly process.

[0060] If the status ST is "1", the processor 11 proceeds from ACT62 to ACT63. In ACT63, the processor 11 rewrites the status ST from "1" to the value "2", which indicates that work is in progress. Thereafter, the processor 11 returns to the standby state of ACT6 to ACT9. Therefore, in the standby state of ACT6 to ACT9, if the hand movement of the worker P is subsequently detected within the work area 2 from the images captured by the camera 40, the status ST is "2", and therefore the processor 11 proceeds from ACT62 to ACT64.

[0061] In ACT64, processor 11 acquires the timer's time as work time T. Then, in ACT65, processor 11 checks whether work time T exceeds the standard work time Ty written in work data area 122 plus a predetermined delay time α (Ty+α). Delay time α is an arbitrary time. Delay time α may be 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, etc., or may be longer. Delay time α may also be 0 minutes. If work time T does not exceed the time (Ty+α), processor 11 returns to the standby state of ACT6 to ACT9.

[0062] On the other hand, if the work time T exceeds the time (Ty+α), the processor 11 proceeds to ACT 66. In ACT 66, the processor 11 operates the alarm 60 to notify that the work is delayed. Thereafter, the processor 11 returns to the standby state of ACT 6 to ACT 9.

[0063] In this way, for example, if the work time T of the first assembly process exceeds the time (Ty+α) obtained by adding the predetermined delay time α to the standard work time Ty of the first assembly process, the alarm 60 will be activated. This operation allows the worker P to realize that the work of the first assembly process is behind the standard work time Ty. Alternatively, the manager can understand that the work of the worker P in the first assembly process is behind the standard work time Ty. This operation is also the same when the work is work in the second work process.

[0064] When worker P finishes work in the first assembly process and moves on to work in the second assembly process, he reaches out his hand to the second component area 4. At this time, the operation code written in the operation data area 122 is "100," and the status ST written in the log data area 123 is "2." Therefore, when the movement of worker P's hand in the second component area 4 is detected from the image captured by camera 40, processor 11 determines NO in ACT41 of FIG. 9, determines NO in ACT42 as well, and proceeds to ACT47. In ACT47, processor 11 checks whether the status ST is "1." In this case, since the status ST is "2," processor 11 proceeds from ACT47 to ACT48.

[0065] Processor 11 captures the current time kept by clock 14 as ACT48. Processor 11 writes this current time as the work end time in log data area 123 as ACT49. Processor 11 also stops the timer as ACT50. Processor 11 then writes work time T in log data area 123 as ACT51. Work time T may be the time kept by the timer, or may be the elapsed time from the work start time to the work end time in log data area 123.

[0066] In ACT52, processor 11 compares the task time T with the valid task time Tx of the first assembly process written in task data area 122. If the result shows that task time T is equal to or greater than the valid task time Tx, processor 11 proceeds from ACT52 to ACT53. In ACT53, processor 11 writes a valid flag F of "1" in log data area 123. On the other hand, if task time T is less than the valid task time Tx, processor 11 proceeds from ACT52 to ACT54. In ACT54, processor 11 writes a valid flag F of "0" in log data area 123.

[0067] After completing the processing of ACT 53 or ACT 54, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT 55. In ACT 55, the processor 11 creates work log data 231. That is, the processor 11 creates the work log data 231 from the worker code and worker name in the worker data area 121, the work code and work name in the work data area 122, and the work start time, work end time, work time T, and validity flag F in the log data area 123.

[0068] The processor 11 controls the communication interface 15 as ACT 56 to transmit and output the work log data 231 to the server 20. By this control, the work log data 231 is transmitted to the server 20 via the communication network 30. Then, the server 20 operates to store the work log data 23 in the log file 23.

[0069] After outputting the work log data 231, the processor 11 of the work management device 10 proceeds to ACT57. In ACT57, the processor 11 clears the data in the log data area 123. After that, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT43. The processor 11 then executes the processing of ACT43 to ACT46 in the same manner as described above. That is, the processor 11 rewrites the status ST from "2" to the value "1" indicating the part removal status. The processor 11 also writes the work data of the second work process identified by the work code "200" in the work data area 122. The processor 11 then writes the current time kept by the clock 14 as the work start time in the log data area 123. After that, the processor 11 starts the timer and returns to the standby state of ACT6 to ACT9.

[0070] In this way, when shifting from work in the first assembly process to work in the second assembly process, the processor 11 creates work log data 231 and outputs it to the server 20. The work log data includes the worker code and worker name as information related to worker P, and the work code and work name of the first work process as information related to the work. It also includes the work start time, work end time, work time T, and validity flag F as work management data. Here, the validity flag F takes on a value of "1" indicating a valid work if the work time T is equal to or greater than the valid work time Tx, but takes on a value of "0" indicating an invalid work if the work time T is less than the valid work time Tx.

[0071] When worker P finishes work in the second assembly process and moves on to work in the first assembly process, he reaches out his hand to the first component area 3. At this time, the operation code written in the operation data area 122 is "200," and the status ST written in the log data area 123 is "2." Therefore, when the movement of worker P's hand in the first component area 3 is detected from the image captured by camera 40, processor 11 determines NO in ACT21 of FIG. 8, determines NO in ACT22 as well, and proceeds to ACT27. In ACT27, processor 11 checks whether the status ST is "1." In this case, since the status ST is "2," processor 11 proceeds from ACT27 to ACT28.

[0072] Thereafter, processor 11 executes the same processes as those in ACT48 to ACT57 described with reference to Figure 9. That is, processor 11 captures the current time measured by clock 14 in ACT28. Processor 11 writes this current time as the work end time in log data area 123 in ACT29. Processor 11 also stops the timer in ACT30. Then, processor 11 writes work time T in log data area 123 in ACT31. In this case, work time T may be the time measured by the timer, or it may be the elapsed time from the work start time to the work end time in log data area 123.

[0073] As ACT32, processor 11 compares task time T with the valid task time Tx of the second assembly process written in task data area 122. If the result shows that task time T is equal to or greater than the valid task time Tx, processor 11 writes a valid flag F of "1" in log data area 123 as ACT33. On the other hand, if task time T is less than the valid task time Tx, processor 11 writes a valid flag F of "0" in log data area 123 as ACT34.

[0074] Upon completing the processing of ACT33 or ACT34, processor 11 creates work log data 231 in ACT35. Then, processor 11 controls communication interface 15 to transmit and output work log data 231 to server 20 in ACT36. After outputting work log data 231, processor 11 clears the data in log data area 123 in ACT37. Then, processor 11 executes the processing of ACT23 through ACT26 in the same manner as described above. That is, processor 11 rewrites status ST from "2" to the value "1," which indicates the part removal status. Processor 11 also writes the work data of the first work process, identified by work code "100," in work data area 122. Processor 11 also writes the current time measured by clock 14 as the work start time in log data area 123. After that, processor 11 starts the timer and returns to the standby state of ACT6 through ACT9.

[0075] In this way, even when shifting from work in the second assembly process to work in the first assembly process, the processor 11 creates work log data 231 and outputs it to the server 20. The validity flag F of the work log data becomes a value of "1" indicating valid work when the work time T is equal to or greater than the valid work time Tx of the second assembly process, but becomes a value of "0" indicating invalid work when the work time T is less than the valid work time Tx.

[0076] After completing the first or second assembly process, worker P holds the completion medium over reader 50. When the information on the completion medium is read in the standby state of ACT6 to ACT9, processor 11 proceeds to ACT13. In ACT13, processor 11 outputs an OFF signal to camera 40. Upon receiving the OFF signal, camera 40 stops, and the photographing operation ends.

[0077] When the shooting operation is completed, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT71 in FIG. 11. In ACT71, the processor 11 checks whether the status ST in the log data area 123 is "0." At this point, the status is not "0," so the processor 11 proceeds to ACT72. In ACT72, the processor 11 checks whether the status ST in the log data area 123 is "1." At this point, the status is not "1." In other words, the status ST is "2." Therefore, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT73. Then, in ACT73 to ACT81, the processor 11 executes the same processes as ACT28 to ACT36 described using FIG. 8 or ACT48 to ACT56 described using FIG. 9.

[0078] That is, processor 11 captures the current time kept by clock 14 as ACT73. Then, processor 11 writes this current time as the task end time in log data area 123 as ACT74. Processor 11 also stops the timer as ACT75. Then, processor 11 writes task time T in log data area 123 as ACT76.

[0079] The processor 11 compares the work time T with the valid work time Tx written in the work data area 122 as ACT77. If the finishing medium is held over the reader 50 after the first work process is completed, the valid work time Tx is the valid work time for the first work process, and if the finishing medium is held over the reader 50 after the second work process is completed, the valid work time Tx is the valid work time for the second work process. If the work time T is equal to or greater than the valid work time Tx, the processor 11 writes a valid flag F of "1" in the log data area 123 as ACT78. On the other hand, if the work time T is less than the valid work time Tx, the processor 11 writes a valid flag F of "0" in the log data area 123 as ACT79.

[0080] After completing the processing of ACT78 or ACT79, the processor 11 creates work log data 231 in ACT80. Then, the processor 11 controls the communication interface 15 to transmit and output the work log data 231 to the server 20 in ACT81.

[0081] After outputting the work log data 231, the processor 11 of the work management device 10 proceeds to ACT 82. The processor 11 performs initialization in ACT 82. This initialization clears the worker data area 121, work data area 122, and log data area 123 of the main memory 12. With this, the processor 11 ends the information processing shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 7 to 11.

[0082] Incidentally, there is a case where a worker P who holds the start medium over the reader 50 holds the end medium over the reader 50 without performing any work. In this case, the status ST is "0". Also, there is a case where a worker P who holds the start medium over the reader 50, then reaches out to the first component area 3 or the second component area 4, holds the end medium over the reader 50 without performing any work. In this case, the status ST is "1".

[0083] When the information on the end medium is read while the status ST is "0" or "1", the processor 11 skips the processing of ACT73 to ACT81 and proceeds to ACT82. The processor 11 performs initialization and ends the information processing shown in the flowcharts of Figures 7 to 11.

[0084] In this way, when worker P, who has finished work in the first assembly process or the second assembly process, holds the completion medium over reader 50, processor 11 also creates work log data 231 and outputs it to server 20. Then, the validity flag F of the work log data becomes the value "1" indicating valid work when work time T is equal to or greater than the valid work time Tx of the first assembly process or the second assembly process, but becomes the value "0" indicating invalid work when the work time T is less than the valid work time Tx.

[0085] However, when worker P starts working on the first work process, he or she may accidentally reach out to the second component area 4 first and then move his or her hand to the first component area 3. In such a case, when worker P reaches out to the second component area 4, processor 11 executes the processing of ACT43 to ACT46 in FIG. 9 . Therefore, when hand movement is detected in the first component area 3, the operation code is "200" and the status ST is "1." Therefore, processor 11 determines YES in ACT27 in FIG. 8 . Processor 11 proceeds to ACT24 and executes the processing of ACT24 to ACT26 in the same manner as described above. That is, processor 11 writes the work data of the first work process identified by the operation code "100" in the work data area 122. Furthermore, processor 11 writes the current time measured by the clock 14 as the work start time in the log data area 123. After that, processor 11 starts the timer and returns to the standby state of ACT6 to ACT9.

[0086] Similarly, when worker P starts work on the second work process, he or she may accidentally reach out to the first component area 3 and then move his or her hand to the second component area 4. In such a case, when worker P reaches out to the first component area 3, processor 11 executes the processing of ACT23 to ACT26 in FIG. 8. Therefore, when hand movement is detected in the second component area 4, the operation code is "100" and the status ST is "1." Therefore, processor 11 determines YES in ACT47 in FIG. 9. Processor 11 proceeds to ACT44 and executes the processing of ACT44 to ACT46 in the same manner as described above. That is, processor 11 writes the work data of the second work process identified by the operation code "200" in the work data area 122. Furthermore, processor 11 writes the current time measured by the clock 14 as the work start time in the log data area 123. After that, processor 11 starts the timer and returns to the standby state of ACT6 to ACT9.

[0087] In this way, the data written in the work data area 122 and the log data area 123 because the worker P mistakenly reached for a different parts area first can be rewritten by later reaching for the correct parts area, so that the work time T for the first work process or the second work process can be calculated with high accuracy.

[0088] [Effects of the work management device] As described above in detail, the processor 11 of the work management device 10 functions as the image acquisition means 111 by executing the processes of ACT5 and ACT6 in Fig. 7 in cooperation with the camera 40. The processor 11 functions as the image analysis means 112 by executing the processes of ACT7 in Fig. 7. The processor 11 functions as the reading means 113 by executing the processes of ACT1 and ACT9 in cooperation with the reader 50.

[0089] The processor 11 functions as first detection means 114 by executing the processes of ACT25, ACT29, and ACT21 to ACT33 in Fig. 8, the processes of ACT45, ACT49, and ACT51 to ACT53 in Fig. 9, and the processes of ACT74, ACT76 to ACT78 in Fig. 11. The processor 11 functions as second detection means 115 by executing the processes of ACT21, ACT22, and ACT27 in Fig. 8, the processes of ACT41, ACT42, and ACT47 in Fig. 9, and the processes of ACT71 and ACT72 in Fig. 11. The processor 11 functions as third detection means 116 by executing the processes of ACT8, ACT10 to ACT12 in Fig. 7. The processor 11 functions as information acquisition means 117 by executing the processes of ACT35 in Fig. 8, ACT55 in Fig. 9, and ACT80 in Fig. 11.

[0090] With the work management device 10 configured as described above, work log data 231 can be acquired for each of the first and second work processes, including information about the work performed by worker P, such as the time required for that work, i.e., work time T. The work log data 231 includes a valid flag F (F = 1) indicating that the work is valid if the work time T is equal to or greater than the valid work time Tx. If the work time T is less than the valid work time Tx, the work log data 231 includes a valid flag F (F = 0) indicating that the work is invalid. In other words, work log data 231 with a valid flag F of "0" is data obtained when no actual work is being performed. Therefore, by analyzing work log data 231 with a valid flag F of "0," it is possible to analyze the causes of delays in work time.

[0091] [Variations] Finally, modified examples of the embodiment will be described, but the modified examples are not limited to the following examples. In the above embodiment, the image captured by the camera 40 is analyzed to detect whether the worker's hand has entered the work area 2, the first component area 3, or the second component area 4. In this regard, for example, a well-known infrared sensor or the like may be used to detect whether the worker's hand has entered each area.

[0092] The information related to the work acquired by the information acquiring means 117 is not limited to the work time T. For example, the number of times a worker reaches out to the parts area during one process of work may be acquired as information related to the work.

[0093] The timing for obtaining the work start time is not limited to ACT 25 in Fig. 8 or ACT 45 in Fig. 9. For example, the current time may be obtained and used as the work start time after determining YES in ACT 62 in Fig. 10 or after the processing of ACT 63. By doing so, the time required to remove the part from the part area can be excluded from the work time T.

[0094] In the above embodiment, the work management device 10 is exemplified as managing work performed at one workbench 1. The work management device 10 may also manage work performed in parallel at multiple workbenches 1. In this case, a camera 40 and a reader 50 are provided for each workbench 1. It is also possible to provide one camera 40 for two or more workbenches 1 and detect the hand movements of the worker P for each workbench 1 by image processing.

[0095] The first component area 3 and the second component area 4 do not necessarily have to be on the workbench 1. For example, they may be provided to the side of the workbench 1 or in front of the worker P across the workbench 1. In this case, the camera 40 may be divided into a camera that photographs the work area 2 and a camera that photographs the first component area 3 and the second component area 4. Also, separate cameras may be used for each component area.

[0096] The work is not limited to assembly work. For example, it may be work to disassemble a product or work to perform maintenance. In the case of disassembly work, the parts area is expected to be an area where the tools necessary for the work are gathered and an area where disassembled parts, etc. are collected. In other words, the parts area can be rephrased as an item area where items related to the work are placed. Furthermore, the number of steps is not limited to 1. It goes without saying that the method can be applied to work that has three or more steps.

[0097] In the above embodiment, worker P possessed two types of media: a start medium and an end medium. The media may consist of one type of barcode. That is, processor 11 of work management device 10 recognizes the barcode first read by reader 50 as the barcode of the start medium, and recognizes the barcode read subsequently as the barcode of the end medium if the data is the same as the previously read barcode.

[0098] The medium may be a wireless tag. When the medium is a wireless tag, the reader 50 is a wireless tag reader. Before starting work, the worker P places the wireless tag storing the worker code on the reading unit of the reader 50, and removes it from the reading unit when the work is finished. When the reader 50 starts reading data from the wireless tag, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT2 of ACT7, and when data reading is completed, proceeds to ACT13. Even when such a medium is used, the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be achieved.

[0099] The program may be transferred in a state where it is stored in a device, or in a state where it is not stored in a device. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network, or in a state where it is recorded on a recording medium. The recording medium is a non-transitory tangible medium. The recording medium is a computer-readable medium. The form of the recording medium is not important as long as it is a medium that can store the program and is computer-readable, such as a CD-ROM or a memory card.

[0100] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope of the invention and the scope of the inventions and their equivalents as defined in the claims. The inventions described in the original claims of this application are set forth below. [1] A work management device comprising: a first detection means for detecting that work has been performed in a work area; a second detection means for detecting that the work in the work area has been completed; a third detection means for detecting that a worker's hand has entered an item area in which items related to the work are placed; and an information acquisition means for acquiring information related to the work in the work area when the first detection means detects that the work has been performed in the work area between the time when the third detection means detects that the worker's hand has entered the item area and the time when the second detection means detects that the work in the work area has been completed. [2] A work management device as described in appendix [1], further comprising an image acquisition means for acquiring an image from a camera that photographs the work area, and an image analysis means for detecting the position of the worker's hand from the image, wherein the first detection means detects that the work has been performed in the work area when the worker's hand detected by the image analysis means is positioned within the work area for a predetermined period of time or more. [3] The item area is divided into multiple areas, and the second detection means detects that work related to the item placed in the first item area in the work area has been completed when the third detection means detects that the worker's hand has entered a first item area and then detects that the worker's hand has entered another second item area. [4] A work management device as described in appendix [1], further comprising a reading means for reading media information, wherein the second detection means detects that work in the work area has been completed based on the result of reading the media information by the reading means. [5] A work management device according to any one of appendices [1] to [4], wherein the information acquisition means acquires the elapsed time from the time when the third detection means detects that the worker's hand has entered the item area to the time when the second detection means detects that the work in the work area has been completed as the work time in the work area. [6] A program for enabling a computer of a work management device that manages work performed in a work area to implement a first detection function that detects that work has been performed in the work area, a second detection function that detects that the work in the work area has been completed, a third detection function that detects that a worker's hand has entered an item area where items related to the work are placed, and a function that acquires information related to the work in the work area when the first detection function detects that the work has been performed in the work area between the time when the third detection function detects that the worker's hand has entered the item area and the time when the second detection function detects that the work in the work area has been completed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 1...work table, 2...work area, 3...first part area, 4...second part area, 10...work management device, 11...processor, 12...main memory, 13...auxiliary storage device, 14...clock, 15...communication interface, 16...device interface, 20...server, 21...worker database, 22...work database, 23...log file, 30...communication network, 40...camera, 50...reader, 60...alarm, 111...image acquisition means, 112...image analysis means, 113...reading means, 114...first detection means, 115...second detection means, 116...third detection means, 117...information acquisition means, 121...worker data area, 122...work data area, 123...log data area.

Claims

1. a first detection means for detecting that work has been performed in the work area; a second detection means for detecting that the work in the work area has been completed; a third detection means for detecting that a worker's hand has entered a first item area in which a first item related to the work is placed or a second item area in which a second item related to the work is placed; a storage means for storing an operation code for the first operation using the first item and a second operation using the second item, the storage means storing an operation code for the first operation when the worker's hand enters the first item area, and storing an operation code for the second operation when the worker's hand enters the second item area; an information acquisition means for detecting completion of the first task in the task area by the second detection means and acquiring information related to the first task if an task code for the first task is stored in the storage means when the third detection means detects entry of a hand into the second item area, and for detecting completion of the second task in the task area by the second detection means and acquiring information related to the second task if an task code for the second task is stored in the storage means when the third detection means detects entry of a hand into the first item area; A work management device comprising:

2. an image acquisition means for acquiring a photographed image from a camera that photographs the work area; an image analysis means for detecting the position of the worker's hands from the captured image; Further comprising:

2. The work management device according to claim 1, wherein the first detection means detects that the work has been performed in the work area when the worker's hand detected by the image analysis means is positioned within the work area for a predetermined period of time or more.

3. reading means for reading medium information; Further comprising:

2. The work management device according to claim 1, wherein the second detection means detects that work in the work area has been completed based on a result of reading the medium information by the reading means.

4. A work management device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the information acquisition means acquires the elapsed time from the time when the third detection means detects that a worker's hand has entered the first item area or the second item area to the time when the second detection means detects that the work in the work area has been completed as the work time in the work area.

5. A computer of a work management device that manages work performed in a work area a first detection function for detecting that work has been performed in the work area; a second detection function for detecting that the work in the work area has been completed; a third detection function that detects that a worker's hand has entered a first item area in which a first item related to the work is placed or a second item area in which a second item related to the work is placed; a storage function in which different operation codes are set for a first operation using the first item and a second operation using the second item, and in which an operation code for the first operation is stored when the worker's hand enters the first item area, and an operation code for the second operation is stored when the worker's hand enters the second item area; and an information acquisition function that, when the third detection function detects that a hand has entered the second item area and an operation code for the first operation has been stored in the storage function, detects the completion of the first operation in the operation area by the second detection function and acquires information related to the first operation, and, when the third detection function detects that a hand has entered the first item area and an operation code for the second operation has been stored in the storage function, detects the completion of the second operation in the operation area by the second detection function and acquires information related to the second operation; A program to achieve this.

6. The program described in claim 5, wherein the information acquisition function is a function that acquires the elapsed time from the time when the third detection function detects that a worker's hand has entered the first item area or the second item area to the time when the second detection function detects that the work in the work area has been completed as the work time in the work area.

Images