Work management method, work management device, and program

Abstract

To provide a work management method that can improve work efficiency.SOLUTION: A work management method is a work management method in which a computer performs management of a plurality of types of work in a facility F comprising component mounting devices M1 and M2, and the method specifies the physical condition level of a first worker W1 (step S3), specifies the skill level of the first worker W1 (step S4), and determines, from among the plurality of types of work, work according to the physical condition level and the skill level as first work assigned to the first worker W11 (step S7).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a work management method for managing work in a facility equipped with a component mounting device, etc.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a monitoring system for monitoring workers moving around in a floor has been proposed. In the work management method in this monitoring system, the physical condition information of the worker is measured, and the physical condition of the worker is managed based on the physical condition information. Thereby, the work content of the worker is changed according to the physical condition of the worker.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the work management method of Patent Document 1 above has a problem that the improvement of work efficiency is insufficient.

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a work management method and the like that can further improve work efficiency.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In the work management method according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a work management method in which a computer manages a plurality of works in a facility equipped with a component mounting device, specifying the physical condition level of a first worker, specifying the skill level of the first worker, and determining, as a first work assigned to the first worker, a work corresponding to the physical condition level and the skill level among the plurality of works.

[0007] These comprehensive or specific embodiments may be implemented as a system, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM, or as any combination of a system, method, integrated circuit, computer program, and recording medium. Furthermore, the recording medium may be a non-temporary recording medium. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The work management method described herein can further improve work efficiency.

[0009] Further advantages and effects of one aspect of this disclosure will be made apparent from the specification and drawings. Such advantages and / or effects are provided by several embodiments and features described in the specification and drawings, but not all of them are necessarily provided in order to obtain one or more identical features. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of a facility equipped with a component mounting device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of a work management system in Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the terminal device and the work management device in Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of each database in Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing operation of the work management device in Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing operation of the work management system in Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of a work management system in Embodiment 2. [Figure 8]Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing operation of the work management device in Embodiment 2. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the worker selection process in Embodiment 2. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing operation of the work management system in Embodiment 2. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing operation of the work management system in Embodiment 2. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating the processing operation of the work management system in a modified example of Embodiment 2. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the worker selection process in a modified example of Embodiment 2. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the terminal device and the work management device in modified example 1 of Embodiments 1 and 2. [Figure 15] Figure 15 shows an example of a work management system in a modified example 2 of Embodiments 1 and 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] (Knowledge that forms the basis of this disclosure) The inventors have found that the following problems arise with respect to the work management method described in Patent Document 1, which is listed in the "Background Art" section.

[0012] For example, workers in an assembly process or a manual insertion process in a facility equipped with a component mounting device are arranged in a production line. And the worker needs to keep the cycle time of the work assigned together with other workers. Also, for work that becomes a bottleneck, quick work is required. For work that requires not bending the leads of electronic components and soldering work, etc., concentration is needed. That is, for each work, not only is it required that the worker performing the work is in good physical condition, but sufficient skills may also be required. However, in the work management method of Patent Document 1 above, regarding the work content of the worker, even if the physical condition of the worker is considered, skills are not considered. Therefore, there is a possibility that work that requires sufficient skills may be assigned to a worker without skills. As a result, the improvement of work efficiency cannot be fully achieved.

[0013] In order to solve such problems, in the work management method according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a work management method in which a computer manages a plurality of works in a facility equipped with a component mounting device, specifies the physical condition level of a first worker, specifies the skill level of the first worker, and among the plurality of works, determines a work corresponding to the physical condition level and the skill level as a first work to be assigned to the first worker.

[0014] Thereby, a work corresponding not only to the physical condition level but also to the skill level of the first worker is assigned to the first worker as the first work. As a result, it is possible to suppress the possibility that work that requires sufficient skills may be assigned to a worker without skills. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the production volume of the product produced by the work and maintain the quality of the product. That is, it is possible to further improve work efficiency.

[0015] Furthermore, in the work management method described above, biological information indicating the biological state of the first worker, measured by a sensor, may be acquired, and the physical condition level of the first worker may be determined by comparing the acquired biological information with basic biological information indicating a standard state of the first worker's biological state. For example, the basic biological information may indicate the biological state of the first worker when they are healthy.

[0016] This allows for the appropriate identification of the first worker's physical condition level based, for example, on the difference between biometric information and basic biometric information.

[0017] Furthermore, in determining the physical condition level of the first worker, for each of the multiple workers, a basic biological database containing basic biological information indicating the standard state of the worker's biological condition may be referenced, and the basic biological information of the first worker may be retrieved from the basic biological database.

[0018] This allows for the proper acquisition of the basic biological information of the first worker.

[0019] Furthermore, in determining the skill level of the first worker, the skill level of the first worker may be determined by referring to a skill database that shows the skill level of each of the multiple workers and searching for the skill level of the first worker in the skill database.

[0020] This allows for the accurate identification of the skill level of the first worker.

[0021] Furthermore, in determining the first task, for each of the multiple tasks, a requirements level database may be referenced, which associates the task with the required physical condition level and the required skill level. The task that is associated with the required physical condition level and the required skill level of the first worker, among the multiple tasks shown in the requirements level database, may be determined as the first task.

[0022] As a result, the task associated with the required physical condition and skill level that the first worker's physical condition and skill level meet is determined as the first task, enabling the first worker to perform the first task appropriately. Consequently, the work efficiency of the first task can be improved.

[0023] Furthermore, in the work management method described above, an identifier for identifying the first worker may be obtained, and in the search for the basic biological information of the first worker, the basic biological information associated with the obtained identifier may be searched from among the multiple basic biological information contained in the basic biological database as the basic biological information of the first worker.

[0024] This allows the search for the first worker's basic biometric information to be performed using the first worker's identifier, thereby suppressing erroneous searches.

[0025] Furthermore, in the work management method described above, an identifier for identifying the first worker may be obtained, and in determining the skill level of the first worker, the skill level associated with the obtained identifier from among the multiple skill levels shown in the skill database may be identified as the skill level of the first worker.

[0026] This allows for a more accurate identification of the first worker's skill level, as the first worker's identifier is used to determine the first worker's skill level.

[0027] Furthermore, the work management method may further identify the work being performed by the first worker as an ongoing work, and in determining the first work, it may be determined that among the multiple tasks, the first work is one that requires a higher or lower skill level than the ongoing work.

[0028] As a result, if the skill level of the first worker does not meet the skill level required for the task currently being performed, the first worker's task will be changed from the task currently being performed to the first task. For example, the first worker's task will be changed to the first task, which requires a lower skill level than the task currently being performed. Therefore, the performance of the first worker can be utilized, and the overall work efficiency of the facility can be improved. Conversely, the same applies if the first worker's task is changed to the first task, which requires a higher skill level than the task currently being performed. Note that "task currently being performed" does not only refer to the task that the worker is actually performing at the moment, but also to the tasks that have already been assigned to that worker.

[0029] Furthermore, the work management method further identifies the work being performed by the first worker as an ongoing work, and if a first work different from the ongoing work is determined in the determination of the first work, the method decides to replace the worker performing the ongoing work from the first worker to the second worker, and the second worker may possess the physical condition level and skill level required for the ongoing work.

[0030] This allows the first worker's work to be changed from an ongoing task to the first task without interruption, and the ongoing task can continue to be performed by the second worker who possesses the required physical and skill levels for that task. Therefore, overall work efficiency of the facility can be improved.

[0031] Furthermore, the work management method may, for each of the multiple workers, refer to a work management database showing the work being performed by that worker to identify the work being performed by at least one worker other than the first worker, and in deciding on the replacement of the worker with the second worker, the worker among the at least one worker who is performing work requiring a lower skill level than the work being performed may be selected as the second worker.

[0032] As a result, the skill level required for the work performed by the second worker is lower than the skill level required for the work performed by the first worker. Therefore, even if the worker performing that work is replaced by the second worker, it becomes easier to reassign the work that the second worker was performing to another worker. Consequently, the overall work efficiency of the facility can be improved.

[0033] Furthermore, in the work management method described above, the physical condition level of at least one worker other than the first worker may be identified, the skill level of each of the at least one worker may be identified, and for each of the multiple tasks, the required physical condition level, the required physical condition level required for the task, and the required skill level required for the task may be related to a requirement level database to identify the required physical condition level and required skill level for the task being performed, and the worker among the at least one worker who has the physical condition level and skill level corresponding to the required physical condition level and required skill level for the task being performed may be determined as the second worker.

[0034] This allows for the appropriate determination of a second worker who can take over the work currently being performed by the first worker. In other words, for the second worker, the work currently being performed by the first worker is determined as a new task. To put it another way, the same process of determining the first task assigned to the first worker is also applied to the second worker. That is, the process of identifying the first worker's physical condition level, identifying their skill level, and then determining which of several tasks is appropriate to their physical condition and skill level as the first task assigned to the first worker is also applied to the second worker.

[0035] Furthermore, in the work management method described above, information indicating the determined first work may be displayed on a screen to prompt the first worker to perform the first work.

[0036] This allows the first worker to properly perform the first task.

[0037] Alternatively, in determining the first task, at least one task associated with the required physical condition level corresponding to the physical condition level of the first worker may be selected as a first task candidate from among the multiple tasks shown in the requirement level database, and the task associated with the required skill level corresponding to the skill level of the first worker may be determined as the first task from among the at least one first task candidate shown in the requirement level database.

[0038] This allows for the assignment of the first worker to be narrowed down based on either their physical condition level or their skill level, and the first task to be determined based on the other, thus enabling the first task to be appropriately determined.

[0039] Furthermore, in determining the first task, if the identified physical condition level is lower than a predetermined level, the first task may be one in which a rest is taken.

[0040] This allows, for example, if the first worker is unwell, to recover their health, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0041] Furthermore, in acquiring the biometric information, at least one of the first worker's heart rate, body temperature, electroencephalogram, and blood pressure may be acquired as biometric information indicating the first worker's biological state.

[0042] This allows for the accurate identification of the first worker's physical condition level by utilizing their biometric information.

[0043] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present disclosure, a work management method is provided in which a computer manages work in a facility equipped with a component mounting device, the method includes identifying the physical condition level of each of several workers, identifying the skill level of each of the several workers, and determining which of the several workers possesses the physical condition level and skill level required for a given task to be assigned to that task.

[0044] This ensures that workers who possess not only the physical condition required for a given task but also the required skill level are selected for that task. As a result, This reduces the possibility of assigning a task requiring sufficient skills to a worker who lacks the necessary skills. Therefore, it helps to prevent a decrease in the production volume of the products produced by the work and maintain the quality of those products. In other words, it helps to further improve work efficiency. The task in question may be a task that the first worker is currently performing. In this case, the second worker is determined to be the worker to whom the task will be assigned.

[0045] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0046] The embodiments described below are all general or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement and connection configurations of components, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, those not described in the independent claim representing the highest-level concept are described as optional components. In addition, each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily a precise representation. Also, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals in each figure.

[0047] (Embodiment 1) Figure 1 shows an example of a facility equipped with a component mounting device according to Embodiment 1.

[0048] Facility F has, for example, two production lines. One of the two production lines is equipped with a component mounting device M1 and a belt conveyor C1, and the other is equipped with a component mounting device M2 and a belt conveyor C2.

[0049] Component mounting devices M1 and M2 each mount electronic components (hereinafter simply referred to as "components") onto a circuit board. Belt conveyors C1 and C2 transport, for example, circuit board a with components mounted, or circuit board a without components mounted, from the upstream side to the downstream side.

[0050] Furthermore, at facility F, multiple workers W1 to W8 are working. For example, workers W1 to W4 are positioned around conveyor belt C1 and perform their assigned tasks. Similarly, workers W5 to W8 are positioned around conveyor belt C2 and perform their assigned tasks. Here, each worker W1 to W8 is wearing a wearable terminal device.

[0051] Note that the number of production lines, component mounting equipment, and workers in facility F shown in Figure 1 are examples only and are not limited to the examples shown in Figure 1; any number may be used.

[0052] Figure 2 shows an example of the work management system 1000 in Embodiment 1.

[0053] The work management system 1000 in this embodiment comprises a terminal device 200a attached to worker W1 and a work management device 100. Worker W1 will also be referred to as first worker W1 below.

[0054] The terminal device 200a is a wearable terminal attached, for example, to the arm of the first worker W1, and is connected to the work management device 100 via a communication network NW. This terminal device 200a measures the biological state of the worker W1 and transmits the biological information indicating the measured state to the work management device 100 via the communication network NW. In this embodiment, the terminal device 200a is attached to the arm, but it may be attached to other parts of the first worker W1.

[0055] The work management device 100 manages multiple tasks in facility F, which is equipped with component mounting devices M1 and M2. Such a work management device 100 is configured, for example, as a server and acquires biometric information from its terminal device 200a via a communication network NW. The work management device 100 then uses this biometric information to manage the tasks of the first worker W1. The work management device 100 may be installed inside facility F or outside facility F.

[0056] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the terminal device 200a and the work management device 100 in Embodiment 1.

[0057] The terminal device 200a includes a terminal communication unit 201, a terminal control unit 202, a biometric measurement unit 203, an input unit 204, a display 205, and a terminal storage unit 206.

[0058] The terminal communication unit 201 communicates with the work management device 100 via the communication network NW. This communication by the terminal communication unit 201 is wireless communication, and the wireless communication method may be Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®, ZigBee®, or low-power radio.

[0059] The biometric measurement unit 203 is a sensor that measures the biological state of the first worker W1. For example, the biological state may be at least one of the following: heart rate, body temperature, brain waves, and blood pressure, but is not limited to these.

[0060] The input unit 204 includes, for example, a button or a switch, and receives input operations from the first worker W1 and acquires information corresponding to those operations. This information is, for example, an identifier for identifying the first worker W1. When the input unit 204 acquires the identifier of the first worker W1, it stores that identifier in the terminal storage unit 206.

[0061] The display 205 displays various information under the control of the terminal control unit 202. For example, the display 205 displays the name of the task assigned to the first worker W1. Such a display 205 may be a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, but is not limited to these. The input unit 204 and the display 205 may be configured as an integrated touch panel.

[0062] The terminal storage unit 206 is a recording medium for storing various types of information. For example, the identifier of the first worker W1 mentioned above is stored in the terminal storage unit 206. Such a terminal storage unit 206 may be a hard disk drive, RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read This could be a terminal memory (only memory) or a semiconductor memory, for example. Furthermore, such terminal memory 206 may be volatile or non-volatile.

[0063] The terminal control unit 202 consists of circuits such as a processor or CPU (Central Processing Unit) and controls the terminal communication unit 201, the biometric measurement unit 203, the input unit 204, the display 205, and the terminal storage unit 206.

[0064] The work management device 100 comprises a management communication unit 101, a management control unit 102, a physical condition level identification unit 103, a skill level identification unit 104, a work decision unit 105, an information generation unit 106, a basic biological database storage unit 107, a skill database storage unit 108, a request level database storage unit 109, and a work management database storage unit 110.

[0065] The management communication unit 101 communicates with the terminal device 200a via the communication network NW. This communication by the management communication unit 101 may be wired or wireless. The wireless communication method may be Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®, ZigBee®, or low-power radio.

[0066] The health level identification unit 103 identifies the health level of the first worker W1 based on the biometric information received by the management communication unit 101 via the communication network NW from the terminal device 200a.

[0067] The skill level identification unit 104 identifies the skill level of the first worker W1.

[0068] The task determination unit 105 determines the tasks to be assigned to the first worker W1, based on the physical condition level and skill level of the first worker W1 as described above.

[0069] The information generation unit 106 generates various types of information. For example, the information generation unit 106 generates information indicating the tasks determined by the task determination unit 105.

[0070] Furthermore, all or part of the management control unit 102, the physical condition level identification unit 103, the skill level identification unit 104, the work decision unit 105, and the information generation unit 106 may be composed of circuits such as a processor or CPU.

[0071] The basic biological database storage unit 107 is a recording medium that stores the basic biological database. The skill database storage unit 108 is a recording medium that stores the skill database. The request level database storage unit 109 is a recording medium that stores the request level database. The work management database storage unit 110 is a recording medium that stores the work management database. These recording media include hard disk drives, RAM, ROM, or semiconductor memory. Furthermore, such recording media may be volatile or non-volatile.

[0072] Figure 4 shows an example of each database in Embodiment 1. Specifically, Figure 4(a) shows an example of a basic biological database, Figure 4(b) shows an example of a skills database, Figure 4(c) shows an example of a requirements level database, and Figure 4(d) shows an example of a work management database. Note that in the figures of this disclosure, databases may be abbreviated as DB.

[0073] As shown in Figure 4(a), the basic biological database d1 includes, for each of the multiple workers W1 to W8, the worker's identifier and basic biological information indicating the worker's baseline biological state. The worker's basic biological information indicates the worker's basic state when healthy. Specifically, in the example in Figure 4(a), the worker's basic biological information includes body temperature and blood pressure when the worker is healthy, but may also include heart rate and electroencephalogram. Specifically, in the example in Figure 4(a), the basic biological database d1 associates the worker's identifier "A001" with the worker's basic biological information, namely body temperature "a1(°C)" and blood pressure "b1". Body temperature "a1(°C)" and blood pressure "b1" are the basic state of the worker identified by identifier "A001" when they are healthy.

[0074] As shown in Figure 4(b), the skill database d2 displays the worker identifier and the worker's skill level for each of the multiple workers W1 to W8. The skill level indicates the worker's level of skill for the task and is shown in three stages, for example, "high," "medium," and "low." Specifically, in the example in Figure 4(b), the skill database d2 associates the worker identifier "A001" with the worker's skill level "high."

[0075] The request level database d3, as shown in Figure 4(c), is for each of the multiple tasks. Therefore, the required physical condition level and required skill level for each task are shown in relation to the task. Examples of tasks include soldering, faulty circuit board repair, parts supply, and breaks. The required skill level is shown in three stages, for example, "high," "medium," and "low." The required skill level is not limited to three stages; it may be fewer or more stages. The required skill level may also be shown numerically. For tasks with a required skill level of "low," a skill level of "low" or higher is required. Similarly, for tasks with a required skill level of "medium," a skill level of "medium" or higher is required, and for tasks with a required skill level of "high," a skill level of "high" is required. The required physical condition level is shown in two stages, for example, "good" and "poor." The required physical condition level is not limited to two stages; it may be more than two stages. The required physical condition level may also be shown numerically. Note that "good" is a higher level than "poor," and conversely, "poor" is a lower level than "good." For tasks requiring a "poor" physical condition level, a physical condition level of "poor" or higher is required, and for tasks requiring a "good" physical condition level, a "good" physical condition level is required. Specifically, in the example in Figure 4(c), the requirement level database d3 shows the association between the task "soldering" and its required skill level of "high" and required physical condition level of "good". Note that the required skill level and required physical condition level may be collectively referred to as the requirement level below.

[0076] As shown in Figure 4(d), the work management database d4 shows, for each of the multiple workers W1 to W8, the worker's identifier, the worker's task, and the start and end times of that task. Specifically, in the example in Figure 4(d), the work management database d4 shows the worker's identifier "A001", the worker's task "soldering", the start time of that task "9:00", and the end time of that task "undecided". Such a work management database d4 may also show scheduled tasks and their scheduled start and end times. Furthermore, the contents of the work management database d4 may be updated by the management control unit 102. For example, when the work determination unit 105 determines a first task for the first worker W1, the management control unit 102 may write the name of the first task to the work management database d4 in association with the identifier of the first worker W1. Furthermore, each terminal device of worker W1 to W8 may transmit work information indicating the work being performed by that worker to the work management device 100. In this case, the management control unit 102 may write the work information of those workers to the work management database d4 in association with the identifiers of those workers. Note that each terminal device of worker W1 to W8 may also acquire the work information through input operations by the worker to the input unit 204, for example, by detecting the current location and identifying the work being performed at that current location. In addition, the work management database d4 may also contain other information besides the work and time.

[0077] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing operation of the work management device 100 in Embodiment 1.

[0078] First, the biometric measurement unit 203 of the terminal device 200a measures the biological state of the first worker W1. Then, the terminal control unit 202 transmits the biological information indicating the measured state and the identifier stored in the terminal storage unit 206 from the terminal communication unit 201 to the work management device 100 via the communication network NW. As a result, the management communication unit 101 of the work management device 100 receives the biological information and identifier from the terminal device 200a. Thus, the management control unit 102 acquires the biological information and identifier of the first worker W1 (step S1). In other words, the management control unit 102 acquires biological information indicating the biological state of the first worker W1, as measured by the sensors of the terminal device 200a, and acquires an identifier for identifying the first worker W1. For example, the management control unit 102 acquires biological information indicating the biological state of the first worker W1, which may include at least one of the following: heart rate, body temperature, electroencephalogram, and blood pressure.

[0079] Next, the health level identification unit 103 refers to the basic biological database d1 in the basic biological DB storage unit 107. Then, the health level identification unit 103 searches for the basic biological information of the first worker W1 from the basic biological database d1. Specifically, the health level identification unit 103 searches for the basic biological information of the first worker W1 from among the multiple basic biological information contained in the basic biological database d1 that is associated with the identifier obtained in step S1. In other words, the health level identification unit 103 obtains the basic biological information of the first worker W1 from the basic biological database d1 that is associated with the identifier obtained in step S1 (step S2).

[0080] Next, the health level identification unit 103 identifies the health level of the first worker W1 by comparing the biological information acquired in step S1 with the basic biological information of the first worker W1 (step S3). For example, if the numerical values ​​of each state indicated by the biological information are within the acceptable range of the numerical values ​​of each state indicated by the basic biological information, the health level identification unit 103 identifies "good" as the health level. Conversely, if the numerical value of any state indicated by the biological information is outside the acceptable range of the numerical value of that state indicated by the basic biological information, the health level identification unit 103 identifies "poor" as the health level.

[0081] Specifically, if the above conditions are body temperature and blood pressure, the health level identification unit 103 determines whether the body temperature indicated by the biological information is within the acceptable range of the body temperature indicated by the basic biological information. The acceptable range of body temperature is, for example, from -0.5% to +0.5% of the body temperature indicated by the basic biological information. Furthermore, the health level identification unit 103 determines whether the blood pressure indicated by the biological information is within the acceptable range of the blood pressure indicated by the basic biological information. The acceptable range of blood pressure is, for example, from -5% to +5% of the blood pressure indicated by the basic biological information. Then, if the body temperature indicated by the biological information is within the acceptable range and the blood pressure indicated by the biological information is within the acceptable range, the health level identification unit 103 identifies "Good" as the health level. Conversely, if at least one of the body temperature and blood pressure indicated by the biological information is not within their respective acceptable ranges, the health level identification unit 103 identifies "Poor" as the health level.

[0082] Next, the skill level identification unit 104 refers to the skill database d2 in the skill DB storage unit 108. Then, the skill level identification unit 104 identifies the skill level of the first worker W1 by searching for the skill level of the first worker W1 in the skill database d2. Specifically, the skill level identification unit 104 identifies the skill level associated with the identifier obtained in step S1 from among the multiple skill levels shown in the skill database d2 as the skill level of the first worker W1 (step S4).

[0083] Next, the management control unit 102 refers to the work management database d4 in the work management DB storage unit 110 (step S5). The management control unit 102 then determines whether a task is associated with the identifier obtained in step S1 and whether that task is currently being performed in the work management database d4. In other words, the management control unit 102 determines whether the first worker W1 is performing a task (step S6). Whether a task associated with an identifier is currently being performed is determined by whether the current time falls between the start time and end time of that task as shown in the work management database d4. Alternatively, as another means of determination, the management control unit 102 may determine whether a task is currently being performed by whether the input unit 204 has received an input operation from the first worker W1. The management control unit 102 determines that a task is currently being performed if the current time falls between the start time and end time. If the end time is undetermined, the management control unit 102 determines that a task is currently being performed if the current time falls after the start time.

[0084] Here, if the management control unit 102 determines that the first worker W1 is not currently working (No. in step S6), it instructs the work determination unit 105 to determine work for the first worker W1. In other words, if no work is associated with the identifier of the first worker W1 in the work management database d4, or if a work is associated with the identifier but that work is not currently being performed, the management control unit 102 instructs the work determination unit 105 to determine work. As a result, the work determination unit 105 refers to the request level database d3 of the request level DB storage unit 109. The work determination unit 105 then determines the work associated with the request physical condition level and request skill level corresponding to the physical condition level and skill level of the first worker W1 from among the multiple work shown in the request level database d3 as the first work. In other words, the work determination unit 105 determines the work associated with the request physical condition level and request skill level corresponding to the physical condition level and skill level identified in steps S3 and S4 in the request level database d3 as the first work (step S7). Furthermore, the first task is not limited to specific tasks performed on the production floor, but also includes tasks unrelated to specific tasks, such as breaks. For example, if the physical condition level identified in step S3 is "poor" and the skill level identified in step S4 is "low," the task determination unit 105 will determine "break" as the first task. Thus, in this embodiment, if the identified physical condition level is lower than a predetermined level, the task determination unit 105 will determine that the first task is to take a break.

[0085] Furthermore, the required physical condition level corresponding to a physical condition level can also be said to be the required physical condition level that the physical condition level satisfies. Similarly, the required skill level corresponding to a skill level can also be said to be the required skill level that the skill level satisfies. In addition, the required physical condition level corresponding to a physical condition level is a level lower than or equal to that physical condition level. For example, if the physical condition level is "good," the required physical condition level corresponding to that physical condition level is "good" or "poor." Also, if the physical condition level is "poor," the required physical condition level corresponding to that physical condition level is "poor." Similarly, the required skill level corresponding to a skill level is a level lower than or equal to the skill level. For example, if the skill level is "high," the required skill level corresponding to that skill level is "high," "medium," or "low." Also, if the skill level is "medium," the required skill level corresponding to that skill level is "medium" or "low." Also, if the skill level is "low," the required skill level corresponding to that skill level is "low."

[0086] The information generation unit 106 then generates instruction information to instruct the execution of the first task, and the management communication unit 101 transmits this instruction information to the terminal device 200a via the communication network NW. The terminal control unit 202 of the terminal device 200a displays the contents of the instruction information on the display 205. This notifies the first worker W1 of the first task (step S8). In this embodiment, the first worker W1 is prompted to execute the first task by displaying information indicating the determined first task on the display 205. The work management device 100 then terminates its processing operations related to the work management of the first worker W1.

[0087] On the other hand, if the management control unit 102 determines in step S6 that the first worker W1 is working (Yes in step S6), it identifies the work currently being performed in the work management database d4 that is associated with the identifier of the first worker W1 as an ongoing work. In other words, the management control unit 102 identifies the work that the first worker W1 is performing as an ongoing work. Note that an ongoing work does not only mean the work that the worker is actually performing at the moment, but also the work that has already been assigned to that worker. The management control unit 102 then refers to the request level database d3 in the request level DB storage unit 109 and identifies the request level associated with the ongoing work in the request level database d3 (step S9). In other words, the required physical condition level and required skill level of the ongoing work are identified.

[0088] Next, the control unit 102 determines whether the level of the first worker W1 meets the required level for the work being performed (step S10). The level of the first worker W1 is the physical condition level and skill level identified in steps S3 and S4. In other words, it is determined whether the physical condition level meets the required physical condition level for the work being performed, and whether the skill level meets the required skill level for the work being performed.

[0089] Here, whether or not a person's physical condition meets the required physical condition level for the work being performed is determined by whether or not their physical condition level is equal to or above that required level. For example, if a person's physical condition level is "good" and the required physical condition level is "good," then their physical condition level is determined to meet the required level. Conversely, if a person's physical condition level is "poor" and the required physical condition level is "good," then their physical condition level is determined to not meet the required level. Similarly, whether or not a person's skill level meets the required skill level for the work being performed is determined by whether or not their skill level is equal to or above that required skill level. For example, if a person's skill level is "high" or "medium" and the required physical condition level is "medium," then their skill level is determined to meet the required skill level. Conversely, if a person's skill level is "medium" and the required skill level is "high," then their skill level is determined to not meet the required skill level.

[0090] Next, if it is determined that the level of the first worker W1 meets the required level of the work being performed (Yes in step S10), the work management device 100 terminates the processing operation related to the work management of the first worker W1. On the other hand, if it is determined that the level of the first worker W1 does not meet the required level of the work being performed (No in step S10), the management control unit 102 decides to change the work being performed (step S11). In other words, the management control unit 102 causes the work determination unit 105 to decide on a work other than the work being performed by the first worker W1. In this case, the work determination unit 105, similar to the processing in step S7, determines as the first work a work associated with the required physical condition level and required skill level corresponding to the physical condition level and skill level identified in steps S3 and S4 in the required level database d3 (step S12). For example, the work determination unit 105 determines as the first work a work among several works shown in the required level database d3 that has a lower required skill level than the work being performed. Specifically, if the skill level identified in step S4 is "medium" and the task being performed is "soldering" with a required skill level of "high", the task determination unit 105 determines "component supply" with a required skill level of "medium" as the first task. In the above example, a task with a lower required skill level than the task being performed is determined as the first task, but conversely, a task with a higher required skill level than the task being performed may also be determined as the first task. For example, if the skill level identified in step S4 is "high" and the task being performed is "low", the task determination unit 105 may determine "component supply" with a required skill level of "medium" or "soldering" with a required skill level of "high" as the first task. In this way, the first task is changed to one that matches the skill level of the first worker W1.

[0091] The information generation unit 106 then generates instruction information to instruct the change to the first task. The management communication unit 101 transmits this instruction information to the terminal device 200a via the communication network NW. The terminal control unit 202 of the terminal device 200a displays the contents of the instruction information on the display 205. This notifies the first worker W1 of the change to the first task (step S13). The work management device 100 then terminates its processing operations related to the work management of the first worker W1.

[0092] Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing operation of the work management system 1000 in Embodiment 1. Specifically, Figure 6 is a sequence diagram corresponding to the flow of steps S1 to S8 in Figure 5.

[0093] The terminal device 200a first acquires the biometric information of the first worker W1 (step S101), and then transmits the biometric information and the identifier of the first worker W1 to the work management device 100 (step S102).

[0094] The work management device 100 receives the biometric information and identifier of the first worker W1 from the terminal device 200a and identifies the physical condition level of the first worker W1 based on the biometric information and identifier (step S103). Next, the work management device 100 identifies the skill level of the first worker W1 based on the identifier (step S104). Then, the work management device 100 determines the first task corresponding to the physical condition level identified in step S103 and the skill level identified in step S104 (step S105). The work management device 100 generates instruction information instructing the execution of the determined first task (step S106) and transmits the instruction information to the terminal device 200a (step S107).

[0095] The terminal device 200a receives the instruction information from the work management device 100 and displays the content indicated by the instruction information on the display 205 (step S108).

[0096] [Effects, etc.] As described above, in this embodiment, the work management device 100 identifies the physical condition level and skill level of the first worker W1, and determines a task corresponding to that physical condition level and skill level as the first task to be assigned to the first worker W1. As a result, a task that is appropriate not only to the physical condition level but also to the skill level of the first worker W1 is assigned as the first task to that first worker W1. As a result, the possibility of assigning a task requiring sufficient skill to a worker who does not have the necessary skills can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the production volume of the products produced by the work and maintain the quality of those products. In other words, it is possible to further improve work efficiency.

[0097] Furthermore, the work management device 100 acquires biological information indicating the biological state of the first worker W1 and identifies the health level of the first worker W1 by comparing this biological information with the basic biological information of the first worker W1. This allows for the appropriate identification of the health level of the first worker W1 based on the difference between the biological information and the basic biological information. In addition, the work management device 100 acquires biological information indicating the biological state of the first worker W1, including at least one of the following: heart rate, body temperature, electroencephalogram, and blood pressure. This allows for the appropriate identification of the health level of the first worker W1 by using this biological information.

[0098] Furthermore, the work management device 100 refers to the basic biological database d1 and retrieves the basic biological information of the first worker W1 from the basic biological database d1. This allows for the appropriate acquisition of the basic biological information of the first worker W1.

[0099] Furthermore, the work management device 100 refers to the skill database d2 and searches for the skill level of the first worker W1 in the skill database d2 to identify the skill level of the first worker W1. This allows for the appropriate identification of the skill level of the first worker W1.

[0100] Furthermore, the work management device 100 refers to the requirement level database d3 and determines, as the first work, the work associated with the required physical condition level and required skill level corresponding to the physical condition level and skill level of the first worker W1 from among the multiple work shown in the requirement level database d3. This allows the first worker W1 to properly perform the first work. As a result, the work efficiency of the first work can be improved.

[0101] Furthermore, the work management device 100 acquires the identifier of the first worker W1 and searches for the basic biological information associated with that identifier among the multiple basic biological information contained in the basic biological database d1 as the basic biological information of the first worker W1. As a result, since the basic biological information of the first worker W1 is searched using the identifier of the first worker W1, erroneous searches can be suppressed.

[0102] Furthermore, the work management device 100 acquires the identifier of the first worker W1 and identifies the skill level associated with that identifier from among the multiple skill levels shown in the skill database d2 as the skill level of the first worker W1. As a result, the skill level of the first worker W1 is identified using the identifier of the first worker W1, making it possible to identify the skill level of the first worker W1 more appropriately.

[0103] Furthermore, the work management device 100 identifies the task currently being performed by the first worker W1 and determines, among multiple tasks, the task requiring a lower skill level than the currently performed task as the first task. As a result, if the first worker W1's skill level does not meet the skill level required for the currently performed task, the first worker W1's task is changed from the currently performed task to the first task. In other words, the first worker W1's task is changed to the first task, which requires a lower skill level than the currently performed task. Therefore, the performance of the first worker W1 can be utilized, and the overall work efficiency of the facility F can be improved.

[0104] Furthermore, the work management device 100 transmits instruction information indicating the determined first task, causing the terminal device 200a's display 205 to display this instruction information. This prompts the first worker W1 to perform the first task. As a result, the first worker W1 can be made to perform the first task appropriately.

[0105] Furthermore, if the identified physical condition level corresponds to a level of poor physical condition, the work management device 100 determines that the first task should be one in which the worker takes a break. This allows the first worker W1 to recover their physical condition and improves work efficiency.

[0106] Here, when the work determination unit 105 of the work management device 100 determines the first work in steps S7 and S12 of Figure 5, it may narrow down the work using either the physical condition level or the skill level of the first worker W1. For example, the work determination unit 105 selects at least one work from among the multiple work shown in the requirement level database d3 that is associated with the requirement physical condition level corresponding to the physical condition level of the first worker W1, as a first work candidate. Then, the work determination unit 105 determines the work that is associated with the requirement skill level corresponding to the skill level of the first worker W1, from among the at least one first work candidate shown in the requirement level database d3, as the first work.

[0107] Alternatively, the work determination unit 105 selects at least one work from among the multiple work shown in the requirement level database d3 that is associated with the required skill level corresponding to the skill level of the first worker W1, as a first work candidate. Then, the work determination unit 105 determines the work from among the at least one first work candidate shown in the requirement level database d3 that is associated with the required physical condition level corresponding to the physical condition level of the first worker W1 as the first work.

[0108] This allows for the appropriate determination of the first worker W1's tasks, as the tasks assigned to the first worker W1 are narrowed down based on either their physical condition level or skill level, and the first task is determined based on the other.

[0109] (Embodiment 2) In this embodiment, the work management system 1000 assigns the work currently being performed to another worker when the work of the first worker W1 in Embodiment 1 is changed from the work currently being performed to the first work. In other words, the work management system 1000 in this embodiment replaces the worker performing the work currently being performed. Note that, for components in this embodiment that are the same as those in Embodiment 1, the same reference numerals are used as in Embodiment 1, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0110] Figure 7 shows an example of the work management system 1000 in Embodiment 2.

[0111] The work management system 1000 in this embodiment comprises terminal devices 200a to 200h attached to workers W1 to W8, and a work management device 100.

[0112] Terminal devices 200b to 200h are wearable terminals having the same configuration as terminal device 200a of the first worker W1, and are connected to the work management device 100 via a communication network NW. These terminal devices 200b to 200h measure the biological state of the worker wearing the terminal device and transmit the biological information indicating the measured state to the work management device 100 via the communication network NW. Note that each of terminal devices 200b to 200h may be referred to as terminal device 200 below.

[0113] The work management device 100 acquires biometric information from each of the terminal devices 200a to 200h via the communication network NW. The work management device 100 then uses this biometric information to manage the work of workers W1 to W8.

[0114] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing operation of the work management device 100 in Embodiment 2.

[0115] In Embodiment 2, the work management device 100 executes steps S1 to S13 shown by the flowchart in Figure 5 in Embodiment 1, and further executes the process in step S40.

[0116] Specifically, first, the work management device 100 performs a level identification process for the first worker W1 (step S20). This level identification process for the first worker W1 involves the processes shown in steps S1 to S4 of Figure 5. As a result, the physical condition level and skill level of the first worker W1 are identified as the level of the first worker W1. Furthermore, the work management device 100 executes the processes shown in steps S5 to S13 of Figure 5.

[0117] In this embodiment, after the processing in step S13, the work management device 100 performs a worker selection process for the work currently in progress (step S40). In other words, after the processing in steps S12 and S13, the work of the first worker W1 is changed from the work currently in progress to the first work. As a result, there is no worker available to perform the work currently in progress. Therefore, in step S40, a process to select a worker for that work currently in progress is performed as the worker selection process described above.

[0118] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the worker selection process in Embodiment 2. In other words, Figure 9 is a flowchart that shows in detail the process of step S40 in Figure 8.

[0119] First, the control unit 102 of the work management device 100 selects one worker from among workers W2 to W8 as a candidate worker. The candidate worker may be selected randomly, or in order of the worker identifier number. The candidate worker is a candidate for the second worker who will take over the work that the first worker W1 is currently performing. For example, initially Worker W2 is selected as a candidate worker. The work management device 100 then performs the same processing on the candidate worker as the processing in steps S1 to S4 of Figure 5 that was performed on the first worker W1. That is, the biometric measurement unit 203 of the terminal device 200 worn by the candidate worker measures the candidate worker's biological condition. The terminal control unit 202 of the terminal device 200 then transmits the biometric information indicating the measured condition and the identifier stored in the terminal storage unit 206 of the terminal device 200 to the work management device 100 via the communication network NW from the terminal communication unit 201. As a result, the management communication unit 101 of the work management device 100 receives the candidate worker's biometric information and identifier from the terminal device 200. Thus, the management control unit 102 acquires the candidate worker's biometric information and identifier (step S41).

[0120] Next, the health level identification unit 103 refers to the basic biological database d1 in the basic biological DB storage unit 107. The health level identification unit 103 then searches for the candidate worker's basic biological information from the basic biological database d1. In other words, the health level identification unit 103 obtains the basic biological information associated with the identifier obtained in step S41 from the basic biological database d1 as the candidate worker's basic biological information (step S42).

[0121] Next, the health level identification unit 103 identifies the health level of the candidate worker by comparing the biometric information acquired in step S41 with the candidate worker's basic biometric information (step S43).

[0122] Next, the skill level identification unit 104 refers to the skill database d2 in the skill DB storage unit 108. The skill level identification unit 104 then identifies the candidate worker's skill level by searching for the candidate worker's skill level in the skill database d2. In other words, the skill level identification unit 104 identifies the skill level associated with the identifier obtained in step S41 in the skill database d2 as the candidate worker's skill level (step S44).

[0123] Then, the management control unit 102 refers to the request level database d3 in the request level DB storage unit 109 and identifies the request level associated with the work being performed by the first worker W1 in the request level database d3 (step S45). In other words, the required physical condition level and required skill level of the work being performed are identified.

[0124] Next, the management control unit 102 determines whether the candidate worker's level meets the required level for the work being performed (step S46). The candidate worker's level is the physical condition level and skill level identified in steps S43 and S44. In other words, it is determined whether the candidate worker's physical condition level meets the required physical condition level for the work being performed, and whether the candidate worker's skill level meets the required skill level for the work being performed.

[0125] If it is determined that the candidate worker's level meets the required level for the work currently being performed (Yes in step S46), the management control unit 102 determines the candidate worker to be the second worker. As described above, this second worker is the worker who will perform the work currently being performed by the first worker W1 in place of the first worker W1. In other words, in the process of step S12 in Figure 8, if a first work different from the work currently being performed is determined, the management control unit 102 decides to change the worker for the work currently being performed from the first worker W1 to the second worker. This second worker has the physical condition level and skill level required for that work currently being performed. As a result, the information generation unit 106 generates instruction information instructing the change to the work currently being performed. The management communication unit 101 transmits this instruction information to the second worker's terminal device 200 via the communication network NW. This notifies the second worker of the change to the work currently being performed (step S47). The work management device 100 then terminates the worker selection process for the work currently being performed.

[0126] On the other hand, if it is determined that the candidate worker's level does not meet the required level for the work being performed (No. in step S46), the control unit 102 selects another worker as a candidate worker (step S48). For example, if worker W2 has already been selected as a candidate worker, worker W3 will be selected as the new candidate worker.

[0127] Thus, in this embodiment, the physical condition level identification unit 103 identifies the physical condition level of at least one worker other than the first worker W1, and the skill level identification unit 104 identifies the skill level of that at least one worker. The management control unit 102 then refers to the requirement level database d3, which shows the relationship between each of the multiple tasks, the task, the required physical condition level for that task, and the required skill level for that task. As a result, the management control unit 102 identifies the required physical condition level and required skill level for the task currently being performed. The management control unit 102 then determines the worker among the at least one worker who has the physical condition level and skill level corresponding to the required physical condition level and required skill level for the task currently being performed as the second worker.

[0128] Figures 10 and 11 are sequence diagrams showing an example of the processing operation of the work management system 1000 in Embodiment 2. The sequence shown in Figure 11 follows the sequence shown in Figure 10. Furthermore, Figures 10 and 11 are sequence diagrams corresponding to the flow of steps S20, S5, S6, S9-S13 and S40 in Figure 8 and the flow of steps S41-S47 in Figure 9.

[0129] First, the terminal device 200a and the work management device 100 execute the processes in steps S101 to S108, similar to the first embodiment. Specifically, the terminal device 200a acquires the biometric information of the first worker W1 (step S101) and transmits the biometric information and the identifier of the first worker W1 to the work management device 100 (step S102).

[0130] The work management device 100 receives the biometric information and identifier of the first worker W1 from the terminal device 200a and identifies the physical condition level of the first worker W1 based on the biometric information and identifier (step S103). Next, the work management device 100 identifies the skill level of the first worker W1 based on the identifier (step S104). Then, the work management device 100 determines the first task that corresponds to the physical condition level identified in step S103 and the skill level identified in step S104 (step S105). The work management device 100 generates instruction information instructing the execution of the determined first task (step S106) and transmits the instruction information to the terminal device 200a (step S107). In the example of Figures 10 and 11, when the first task is determined, the first worker W1 is performing a task other than the first task. Therefore, the instruction information is information instructing the first worker W1 to change from the ongoing task to the first task. The terminal device 200a receives the instruction information from the work management device 100 and displays the content indicated by the instruction information on the display 205 (step S108). Upon seeing this content, the first worker W1 interrupts the ongoing task and performs the first task.

[0131] Next, the candidate worker's terminal device 200 acquires the candidate worker's biometric information (step S111) and transmits the candidate worker's biometric information and identifier to the work management device 100 (step S112).

[0132] The work management device 100 receives the candidate worker's biometric information and identifier from the terminal device 200, and identifies the candidate worker's health level based on that biometric information and identifier (step S113). Next, the work management device 100 determines the candidate worker's skill level based on that identifier. The work management device 100 identifies the physical condition level (step S114). Here, the physical condition level identified in step S113 and the skill level identified in step S114 satisfy the physical condition level and skill level required for the work being performed by the first worker W1. In this case, the work management device 100 determines that the candidate worker is the second worker and decides to assign the work being performed to the second worker (step S115). The work management device 100 then generates instruction information to instruct the execution of the work being performed (step S116) and transmits this instruction information to the second worker's terminal device 200 (step S117).

[0133] The terminal device 200 receives the instruction information from the work management device 100 and displays the content indicated by the instruction information on the display 205 (step S118). Upon seeing this content, the second worker performs the work that was interrupted by the first worker W1, taking over from the first worker W1.

[0134] [Effects, etc.] As described above, in this embodiment, the work management device 100 identifies the work currently being performed by the first worker W1, and if a first work different from the currently performed work is determined, it decides to switch the worker of the currently performed work from the first worker W1 to the second worker. The second worker has the physical condition level and skill level required for the currently performed work. As a result, even if the work of the first worker W1 is changed from the currently performed work to the first work, the currently performed work can continue to be performed by the second worker who has the physical condition level and skill level required for the currently performed work without being stopped. Therefore, the overall work efficiency of the facility F can be improved.

[0135] In this embodiment, the work management device 100 identifies the physical condition level and skill level of at least one worker other than the first worker W1. Furthermore, the work management device 100 identifies the required physical condition level and required skill level for the task currently being performed by the first worker W1 by referring to the required level database d3. The work management device 100 then determines, as the second worker, the worker among the at least one worker whose physical condition level and skill level correspond to the required physical condition level and required skill level for the task currently being performed. This allows for the appropriate determination of a second worker who can perform the task currently being performed by the first worker W1 on behalf of the first worker W1. In other words, for the second worker, the task currently being performed by the first worker W1 is determined as a new task. To put it another way, the determination of the first task assigned to the first worker W1 described above is performed similarly for the second worker. In other words, the process of identifying the physical condition level of the first worker W1, identifying the skill level of the first worker W1, and then determining which of several tasks is assigned to the first worker W1 as the first task, based on their physical condition and skill level, is also performed for the second worker.

[0136] (Modified version of Embodiment 2) In the above embodiment 2, the second worker is determined based on the level of the candidate worker and the required level of the work being performed by the first worker W1. However, the second worker may also be determined based on the required level of the work being performed by the candidate worker.

[0137] Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating the processing operation of the work management system 1000 in a modified example of Embodiment 2.

[0138] For example, among workers W2 to W8 in facility F, the level of worker W2 and the level of worker W8 satisfy the required level of the work being performed by the first worker W1. In this case, in the above embodiment 2, both worker W2 and worker W8 can be determined to be second workers. Here, workers W2 and worker W8 are also performing their respective tasks, and those tasks (that is, The required levels of the tasks being performed are different. Therefore, the work management device 100 may determine the worker W2 and worker W8 who are performing a task with a lower required level than the required level of the task being performed by the first worker W1 as the second worker. For example, the required level of the task being performed by worker W2 is at or above the required level of the task being performed by the first worker W1, and the required level of the task being performed by worker W8 is lower than the required level of the task being performed by the first worker W1. In this case, worker W8, not worker W2, is determined to be the second worker.

[0139] In this modified example, the work management device 100 performs processing according to the flowchart shown in Figure 8 of Embodiment 2 above. However, in this modified example, the work management device 100 performs processing that is different from the processing of step S40 (i.e., worker selection processing) shown in Figure 9 of Embodiment 2 above.

[0140] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the worker selection process in a modified version of Embodiment 2. Note that steps S51 and S52 are added to the flowchart shown in Figure 9.

[0141] In step S45 of this modified example, the requirement level of the work currently being performed by the first worker is identified as the first requirement level. Then, in step S46, if the management control unit 102 determines that the candidate worker's level satisfies the requirement level of the work currently being performed by the first worker W1 (Yes in step S46), it refers to the work management database d4. In the work management database d4, the management control unit 102 identifies the work currently being performed, which is associated with the identifier obtained in step S41, as the candidate worker's work. Furthermore, the management control unit 102 refers to the requirement level database d3 and identifies the requirement level associated with the candidate worker's work as the second requirement level in the requirement level database d3 (step S51).

[0142] Next, the management control unit 102 determines whether the second request level is lower than the first request level of the work being performed by the first worker W1 (step S52). If the management control unit 102 determines that the second request level is not lower than the first request level (No in step S52), it executes the process in step S48. On the other hand, if the management control unit 102 determines that the second request level is lower than the first request level (Yes in step S52), it executes the process in step S47.

[0143] Whether the second requirement level is lower than the first requirement level of the work currently being performed by the first worker W1 may be determined by whether the required skill level within the second requirement level is lower than the required skill level of the work currently being performed by the first worker W1. In other words, the management control unit 102 identifies the work being performed by at least one worker other than the first worker W1 by referring to the work management database d4 which shows the work being performed by each of the multiple workers W1 to W8. The management control unit 102 then determines the worker who is performing work requiring a lower skill level than the work currently being performed by the first worker W1 as the second worker.

[0144] As a result, the skill level required for the work performed by the second worker is lower than the skill level required for the work performed by the first worker W1. Therefore, even if the worker performing that work is replaced by the second worker, it becomes easier to reassign the work that the second worker was performing to another worker. Consequently, the overall work efficiency of facility F can be improved.

[0145] Furthermore, whether the second requirement level is lower than the first requirement level of the work being performed by the first worker W1 depends on whether the required condition level of the second requirement level is lower than the required condition level of the work being performed by the first worker W1. The determination may also be made based on whether or not the physical condition level is lower than the required level. In this case, the physical condition level required for the work being performed by the second worker is lower than the physical condition level required for the work being performed by the first worker W1. Therefore, as described above, even if the worker performing the work is replaced by the second worker from the first worker W1, it becomes easier to assign the work that the second worker was performing to another worker. Thus, the overall work efficiency of facility F can be improved.

[0146] (Modification 1 of Embodiments 1 and 2) Figure 14 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of terminal devices 200a, 200 and work management device 100 in modified example 1 of Embodiments 1 and 2.

[0147] In embodiments 1 and 2 described above, the work management device 100 includes a physical condition level identification unit 103, a skill level identification unit 104, a work determination unit 105, and an information generation unit 106. On the other hand, in this modified example 1, the terminal device 200a includes its physical condition level identification unit 103, skill level identification unit 104, work determination unit 105, and information generation unit 106 instead of the work management device 100. Similarly, each of the terminal devices 200b to 200h, i.e., terminal device 200, may also include its physical condition level identification unit 103, skill level identification unit 104, work determination unit 105, and information generation unit 106. Furthermore, all or part of the processing performed by the management control unit 102 in embodiments 1 and 2 described above may be performed by the terminal control units 202 of terminal devices 200a and 200.

[0148] Even with this modified example 1, the same effects as those of embodiments 1 and 2 described above can be achieved. Furthermore, in this modified example 1, the terminal devices 200a and 200 include a physical condition level identification unit 103, a skill level identification unit 104, a work determination unit 105, and an information generation unit 106, but they may include only at least one of these components.

[0149] (Modification 2 of Embodiments 1 and 2) Figure 15 shows an example of a work management system in a modified example 2 of Embodiments 1 and 2.

[0150] In embodiments 1 and 2 described above, each of the terminal devices 200a to 200h is configured as an integrated wearable terminal. On the other hand, in this modified example 2, terminal device 200a is composed of a display device 250 and a measuring device 260. Similarly, each of the terminal devices 200b to 200h, i.e., terminal device 200, may also be composed of a display device 250 and a measuring device 260.

[0151] The display device 250 has the function of the display 205 and displays the content of the instruction information. The display device 250 may also have a communication function that allows it to communicate with the work management device 100 via a communication network NW. In this case, the display device 250 receives instruction information transmitted from the work management device 100 and displays the content of that instruction information.

[0152] The measuring device 260 is installed within facility F and, for example, photographs a worker and measures the worker's biological condition from the image obtained from the photograph. For example, the measuring device 260 may be a thermographic camera. The measuring device 260 may also have a communication function that communicates with the work management device 100 via a communication network NW. In this case, the measuring device 260 generates biological information indicating the measured condition and transmits it to the work management device 100. The measuring device 260 and the display device 250 may communicate by wire or wireless.

[0153] Even with this modified example 2, the same effects as those of embodiments 1 and 2 can be achieved.

[0154] (Additional information for the work) The tasks in Embodiments 1 and 2 and their modified forms described above may be, but are not limited to, the tasks shown in the request level database d3 in Figure 4. Other tasks may also be performed. The tasks of the worker will be described below in more detail.

[0155] Workers perform tasks on the production floor such as splicing, supplying parts to autoload feeders, feeder placement, soldering, cleaning empty tape boxes, addressing recognition errors, addressing suction errors, and addressing transport errors.

[0156] Splicing is the process of connecting the tape from a new reel to an old reel that has only a small amount of tape left to supply the stored parts, so that the parts can continue to be supplied from the old reel by using the new reel. Specifically, the worker cuts the tip of the new reel's tape to the trailing end of the old reel's tape with scissors. Then, the worker brings the tip of the new reel's tape to the trailing end of the old reel's tape at the cut and applies adhesive tape to join them together.

[0157] The process of supplying parts to an auto load feeder involves replenishing the reel of tape to the auto load feeder attached to the production equipment. Specifically, the worker cuts the end of the tape reel down to the section where the parts are stored. Next, the worker operates a switch to open the shutter of the tape insertion slot of the auto load feeder and inserts the tape from the reel with the cut end into the slot. Once the tape is set, the worker operates a switch to start automatic transport and begins automatic transport.

[0158] The feeder placement process involves attaching tape feeders to production equipment. Specifically, the worker attaches the tape feeder to a cart that is mounted on the production equipment. Then, the worker attaches the reels to the cart with the tape feeder attached.

[0159] Solder preparation is the process of stirring the solder used in screen printing equipment and other applications. Because solder hardens when stored in a refrigerator, it needs to be stirred before use after being taken out of the refrigerator. Depending on the type of solder, the worker will stir it for about 5 to 10 minutes to achieve the correct consistency.

[0160] The empty tape box cleaning operation involves cleaning the empty tape box, which is attached to a trolley on the production equipment and collects empty tapes that have been used up after parts have been supplied. Specifically, the worker cleans the empty tape box by removing it from the trolley and discarding the empty tapes. Then, the worker reattaches the cleaned empty tape box to the trolley.

[0161] Recognition error correction work is performed when a recognition error occurs in the camera installed on the production equipment. For example, a recognition error occurs if the part captured by the camera is not in the correct position or orientation in the recognition image, or if the camera's cover glass is dirty. In such cases, the operator will perform recognition error correction work such as adjusting the camera's position, tilt or settings, adjusting the position or tilt of the nozzle that holds the part, removing dirt from the nozzle, or wiping the camera's cover glass. Also, for example, a recognition error (specifically, the recognition of the recognition mark on the circuit board) may occur if the recognition mark on the circuit board is incorrectly set in the production equipment, or if the circuit board is stopped in the wrong position. A recognition error occurs. In such cases, the operator takes corrective action to address the recognition error, such as correcting the recognition mark settings or adjusting the position of the circuit board.

[0162] Handling suction errors is the procedure performed when a nozzle suction error occurs. For example, when a suction error occurs, the operator checks whether the nozzle's component suction position setting is correct and corrects the setting if it is incorrect. Alternatively, when a suction error occurs, the operator may adjust the suction speed setting to an appropriate speed.

[0163] Handling board transport errors is the work performed when a board transport error occurs. For example, a board transport error can occur if the belt that transports the boards or the guide for the transported boards is dirty. In such cases, the worker will clean the belt or guide as part of the board transport error response. Also, for example, a board transport error can occur if the conveyor's board detection sensor registers a detection state when no board is detected. In such cases, the worker will check if the board detection sensor is dirty and wipe off the dirt if it is.

[0164] (Other forms) The above description has focused on work management systems according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, based on each embodiment and its variations. However, the present disclosure is not limited to each embodiment and its variations. Any modifications to the above embodiments and their variations that a person skilled in the art could conceive of, without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure, may also be included. Furthermore, forms constructed by combining components from multiple different embodiments may also be included. Additionally, forms constructed by combining components from each embodiment and each variation may also be included. Moreover, forms constructed by combining components from multiple different variations may also be included.

[0165] For example, in the work management method using the work management device 100 of this disclosure, the first task to be assigned to the first worker W1 is determined, but conversely, the worker to whom a predetermined task is assigned may also be determined. In other words, the work management method of this disclosure is a work management method in which a computer manages work in a facility F equipped with component mounting devices M1 and M2, and identifies the physical condition level of each of the multiple workers W1 to W8, identifies the skill level of each of the multiple workers W1 to W8, and determines that the worker among the multiple workers W1 to W8 who has the physical condition level and skill level required for the predetermined task will be assigned to that predetermined task.

[0166] This ensures that only workers who possess not only the physical condition level required for a given task, but also the required skill level, are assigned to that task. As a result, the possibility of assigning a task requiring sufficient skills to a worker who lacks the necessary skills can be suppressed. Therefore, a decrease in the production volume of the products produced by the work can be minimized, and the quality of those products can be maintained. In other words, work efficiency can be further improved. Note that the given task may be a task currently being performed by the first worker W1 mentioned above. In this case, the second worker is determined to be assigned the given task.

[0167] Furthermore, the control unit 102 of the work management device 100 of this disclosure may lower the skill level of a worker if the difference between the numerical value indicated by the worker's biological information and the numerical value indicated by the worker's basic biological information is greater than or equal to a threshold. If the biological information and basic biological information each indicate body temperature and blood pressure, the control unit 102 may lower the skill level if the average value of the difference between the difference in body temperature and the difference in blood pressure is greater than or equal to a threshold. The worker may be any of the workers W1 to W8. Furthermore, the control unit 102 may lower the skill level of all workers W1 to W8. The above-mentioned process of lowering the skill level of a worker may be performed. When the management control unit 102 lowers a worker's skill level, it lowers the skill level associated with the worker's identifier in the skill database d2. In this way, the same effects as the above embodiments and their variations can be obtained by adjusting the skill level based on biometric information.

[0168] Furthermore, the management control unit 102 of the work management device 100 of this disclosure may update the basic biological database d1. For example, the management communication unit 101 of the work management device 100 receives biological information indicating the worker's health status from each of the terminal devices 200a to 200h and updates the basic biological database d1 based on that biological information.

[0169] Furthermore, the terminal devices 200a to 200h of this disclosure may periodically measure the worker's condition and transmit biometric information indicating that condition to the work management device 100. This allows for the assignment of work to a worker according to their condition, even if their condition suddenly changes. Additionally, the terminal devices 200a to 200h may transmit biometric information to the work management device 100 when the worker enters facility F or the work area.

[0170] Furthermore, while the requirements level database d3 in this disclosure shows each of the multiple tasks as a task name, each of the multiple tasks may also be shown as a work location. Alternatively, the requirements level database d3 may show both a task name and a work location.

[0171] Furthermore, the work management device 100 of this disclosure determines a task corresponding to the physical condition level and skill level of the first worker W1 as the first task to be assigned to the first worker W1. If there are multiple tasks corresponding to the physical condition level and skill level of the first worker W1, the work management device 100 may determine the first task based on the priority order that has been pre-associated with the multiple tasks.

[0172] Furthermore, the multiple operations described in this disclosure are not limited to assembly line operations, but may be other forms of operations.

[0173] In each of the above embodiments and their variations, each component may be implemented by dedicated hardware or by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may also be implemented by a program execution unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory. Here, the software that implements the work management device 100 in each of the above embodiments is a program that causes a computer to execute each step of the flowchart shown in Figures 5, 8, 9 and 13.

[0174] The following cases are also included in this disclosure.

[0175] (1) The at least one device described above is specifically a computer system consisting of a microprocessor, ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), a hard disk unit, a display unit, a keyboard, a mouse, etc. A computer program is stored in the RAM or hard disk unit. The at least one device described above achieves its function by the operation of the microprocessor in accordance with the computer program. Here, the computer program is composed of a combination of multiple instruction codes that indicate commands to the computer in order to achieve a predetermined function.

[0176] (2) Some or all of the components constituting at least one of the above-described devices may be made up of a single system LSI (Large Scale Integration). The system LSI is a multi-functional LSI manufactured by integrating multiple components onto a single chip, and specifically, it is a computer system comprising a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, etc. The RAM stores a computer program. The system LSI achieves its function by operating the microprocessor in accordance with the computer program.

[0177] (3) Some or all of the components constituting at least one of the above-described devices may consist of an IC card or a standalone module that is detachable from the device. The IC card or module is a computer system consisting of a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, etc. The IC card or module may include the above-described multi-function LSI. The IC card or module achieves its function by the operation of the microprocessor in accordance with a computer program. The IC card or module may be tamper-resistant.

[0178] (4) The disclosure may also be the methods described above. Alternatively, it may be a computer program that implements these methods using a computer, or a digital signal consisting of a computer program.

[0179] Furthermore, this disclosure may also refer to a computer program or digital signal recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, such as a flexible disk, hard disk, CD (Compact Disc)-ROM, DVD, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, BD (Blu-ray® Disc), semiconductor memory, etc. Alternatively, it may refer to a digital signal recorded on such a recording medium.

[0180] Furthermore, this disclosure may also include the transmission of computer programs or digital signals via telecommunications lines, wireless or wired communication lines, networks such as the Internet, data broadcasting, etc.

[0181] Alternatively, the program or digital signal may be carried out by another independent computer system by recording and transferring it on a recording medium, or by transferring the program or digital signal via a network or the like. [Industrial applicability]

[0182] This disclosure can be applied, for example, to devices and systems for managing the work of workers in a production facility that mounts components onto a substrate to produce mounted substrates. [Explanation of symbols]

[0183] 100 Work management device 101 Management Communications Department 102 Management and Control Unit 103 Health Level Identification Department 104 Skill Level Identification Section 105 Work Decision Department 106 Information generation section 107 Basic Biological Database Storage Unit 108 Skill DB Storage Unit 109 Request Level DB Storage 110 Work management DB storage section 200, 200a~200h Terminal equipment 201 Terminal Communications Department 202 Terminal Control Unit 203 Biometric Measurement Department 204 Input section 205 displays 206 Terminal Storage Unit 250 display devices 260 measuring devices 1000 Work Management System d1 Basic Biological Database d2 Skill Database d3 Request-Level Database d4 Work Management Database M1, M2 component mounting equipment NW (Network Communication Network) W1~W8 Operator

Claims

1. A work management method in which a computer manages multiple tasks in a facility equipped with a component mounting device, The system acquires biometric information indicating the biological state of the first worker, which is periodically measured by sensors. By comparing the acquired biological information with basic biological information indicating a standard state of the first worker's body, the physical condition level of the first worker is identified. Identify the skill level of the first worker, The work being performed by the first worker is identified as an ongoing task, Of the aforementioned multiple tasks, the task corresponding to the physical condition level and the skill level is determined as the first task to be assigned to the first worker. In the decision for the first task described above, Of the aforementioned multiple tasks, the task requiring a higher or lower skill level than the task currently being performed is determined as the first task. Work management methods.

2. In determining the physical condition level of the first worker, For each of the multiple workers, a basic biological database containing basic biological information indicating the standard state of the worker's biological condition is referenced. Search the basic biological information of the first worker from the basic biological database. The work management method according to claim 1.

3. In determining the skill level of the first worker, For each of the multiple workers, refer to the skill database that shows the worker's skill level. The skill level of the first worker is identified by searching for the skill level of the first worker in the aforementioned skill database. The work management method according to claim 1 or 2.

4. In the decision for the first task described above, For each of the multiple tasks, a requirements level database is referenced, which associates the task with the required physical condition level and the required skill level. Among the multiple tasks shown in the requirement level database, the task associated with the required physical condition level and required skill level corresponding to the physical condition level and skill level of the first worker is determined as the first task. A work management method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The aforementioned work management method further includes, Obtain an identifier for identifying the first worker, In the search for the basic biological information of the first worker, From among the multiple pieces of basic biological information contained in the basic biological database, the basic biological information associated with the acquired identifier is searched as the basic biological information of the first worker. The work management method described in claim 2.

6. The aforementioned work management method further includes, Obtain an identifier for identifying the first worker, In determining the skill level of the first worker, Among the multiple skill levels shown in the skill database, the skill level associated with the acquired identifier is identified as the skill level of the first worker. The work management method described in claim 3.

7. In determining the first task, if a first task different from the task currently being performed is determined, With regard to the worker performing the aforementioned work, it was decided to switch from the first worker to the second worker. The second worker possesses the physical condition and skill level required for the work being performed. The work management method according to claim 1.

8. The aforementioned work management method further includes: For each of the multiple workers, by referring to a work management database that shows the work being performed by that worker, the work being performed by at least one worker other than the first worker is identified. In the decision to replace the aforementioned second worker, Of the at least one worker mentioned above, the worker performing a task requiring a lower skill level than the task currently being performed is designated as the second worker. The work management method according to claim 7.

9. The aforementioned work management method further includes, Identify the health level of at least one worker other than the aforementioned first worker, Identify the skill level of each of the aforementioned at least one worker, For each of the aforementioned tasks, the required physical condition level and required skill level of the task being performed are identified by referring to a requirement level database that associates the task with the required physical condition level and the required skill level of the task. Of the at least one worker mentioned above, the worker who possesses the physical condition level and skill level corresponding to the required physical condition level and required skill level for the work being performed is designated as the second worker. The work management method according to claim 7 or 8.

10. The aforementioned work management method further includes, By displaying information indicating the determined first task on the display, the first worker is prompted to perform the first task. A work management method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. In the decision for the first task described above, From among the multiple tasks shown in the requirement level database, at least one task associated with the requirement physical condition level corresponding to the physical condition level of the first worker is selected as a first task candidate. From among the at least one candidate first task shown in the requirement level database, the task associated with the requirement skill level corresponding to the skill level of the first worker is determined to be the first task. The work management method described in claim 4.

12. In the decision for the first task described above, From among the multiple tasks shown in the requirement level database, at least one task associated with the requirement skill level corresponding to the skill level of the first worker is selected as a first task candidate. From among the at least one candidate first task shown in the requirement level database, the task associated with the requirement physical condition level corresponding to the physical condition level of the first worker is determined to be the first task. The work management method described in claim 4.

13. In the decision for the first task described above, If the identified physical condition level is lower than a predetermined level, the first task is to determine which task involves taking a break. A work management method according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. In acquiring the aforementioned biological information, The system acquires the biological information that indicates the biological state of the first worker, including at least one of the first worker's heart rate, body temperature, electroencephalogram, and blood pressure. The work management method according to claim 1.

15. A work management device for managing multiple tasks in a facility equipped with a component mounting device, A health condition level identification unit acquires biological information indicating the state of the worker's body, which is periodically measured by a sensor, and identifies the worker's health condition level by comparing the acquired biological information with basic biological information indicating a standard state of the worker's body. A skill level identification unit that identifies the skill level of the aforementioned worker, A work determination unit determines, from among the aforementioned multiple tasks, the tasks corresponding to the physical condition level and the skill level to be assigned to the worker, The system includes a management control unit that identifies the work being performed by the aforementioned worker as an ongoing task, The aforementioned work determination unit, Of the aforementioned multiple tasks, the task that requires a higher or lower skill level than the task currently being performed is selected as the task. Work management device.

16. A program that causes a computer to execute the work management method described in any one of claims 1 to 14.

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