Work assistance device, work assistance method, and recording medium

Abstract

A work assistance device according to the present invention identifies the number of workers required for work on the basis of article information regarding articles to be carried in and placement information in which virtual articles simulating articles to be carried in are placed in a carry-in space, decides a carry-in order of the articles on the basis of the identified number of workers, generates work procedure information representing procedures of the work for workers on the basis of the carry-in order that has been decided and the placement information, and outputs the work procedure information that has been generated.

Description

Work support device, work support method, and recording medium

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a work assistance device and the like.

[0002] There are cases where virtual objects are arranged in a predetermined space. For example, Patent Document 1 describes arranging household goods on a two-dimensional plane and determining the order in which the household goods are to be carried in and out.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-288406

[0004] When actually carrying items into a loading space, it can be difficult to get workers to visualize the actual work.

[0005] An example of an object of the present disclosure is to provide a work support device or the like that can facilitate sharing of actual work among workers.

[0006] A work support device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a worker number determination means for determining the number of workers required for a task based on item information regarding items to be delivered and placement information in which virtual items resembling the items to be delivered are placed in a delivery space; a determination means for determining the order in which the items will be delivered based on the number of workers; a generation means for generating work procedure information representing the procedure of the task for workers based on the delivery order and the placement information; and an output means for outputting the work procedure information.

[0007] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a work support method includes a computer executing the following processes: identifying the number of workers required for a task based on item information regarding items to be delivered and placement information in which virtual items resembling the items to be delivered are placed in a delivery space; determining the order in which the items will be delivered based on the number of workers; generating work procedure information representing the procedure for the task for the workers based on the delivery order and the placement information; and outputting the work procedure information.

[0008] A program in one aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to perform the following processes: identify the number of workers required for a task based on item information regarding the items to be delivered and placement information in which virtual items resembling the items to be delivered are placed in the delivery space; determine the order in which the items will be delivered based on the number of workers; generate work procedure information that represents the procedure for the task for the workers based on the delivery order and the placement information; and output the work procedure information.

[0009] Each program may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium.

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to facilitate workers to share their actual work.

[0011] 11B is a first block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a work support device. FIG. 11C is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the work support device. FIG. 11D is an explanatory diagram showing an example of connection between the work support device and another device. FIG. 11E is a second block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a work support device. FIG. 11F is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of an example of arranging items in a carry-in space based on carry-in space information and item information. FIG. 11G is an explanatory diagram showing an example of specifying the number of workers. FIG. 11H is an example of determining the order in which items are carried in so that work requiring a large number of workers is carried out first. FIG. 11H is an explanatory diagram showing an example of displaying a work procedure manual and fees. FIG. 11I is a flowchart showing an example of the operation related to work planning by the work support device. FIG. 11F is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an actual carry-in space. FIG. 11G is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a part of the carry-in space. FIG. 11A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of displaying a space in the travel direction in the carry-in space shown in FIG. 11A. FIG. 11B is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a carry-in procedure displayed on a terminal device. FIG. 11B is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a terminal device of a person in charge of another carry-in source. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of updating progress information for the work of the day by the work support device.

[0012] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, embodiments of a work assistance device, a work assistance method, a program, and a non-transitory recording medium for recording the program according to the present disclosure will be described in detail. The disclosed technology is not limited to these embodiments.

[0013] 1 is a first block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a task support device 10. The task support device 10 includes a number-of-workers identification unit 102, a determination unit 104, a generation unit 106, and an output unit 111.

[0014] The worker number determination unit 102 determines the number of workers required for the work based on item information regarding the items to be delivered and placement information in which virtual items that resemble the items to be delivered are placed in the delivery space.

[0015] The carry-in space is not particularly limited to a living space, a store, a warehouse, an office, a cargo hold of an airplane or a vehicle, etc. In each embodiment, a living space will be described as an example of the carry-in space.

[0016] The virtual object may be a two-dimensional object represented by a plan view or an image, or may be a three-dimensional object. Here, a three-dimensional virtual object will be described as an example.

[0017] The item information is, for example, information that can be used to create a virtual item, i.e., a three-dimensional item model. For example, the item information may include 3D (3-dimensional) data representing the item. The format of the 3D data may be three-dimensional point cloud data, such as three-dimensional mesh model data representing the item, or data that represents the item using a formula. The item information also includes at least information that can identify the size of the item. The item information may also include information regarding item placement rules. The placement rules are rules regarding placement. For example, the placement rules may specify how many centimeters an item must be located away from walls or other items. The item information may further include information regarding whether the item is disassembled or assembled.

[0018] The work is, for example, work to place the item in the placement position indicated by the placement information in the carry-in space. For example, if the item to be carried in is an assembly-type item, not only the work of carrying in the item but also the work of assembling the item is required.

[0019] An example of an assembly-type item is a dining table. For example, if a worker were to carry a dining table as is, the item would be large in size. This could require a large number of workers or could take up too much space in the delivery vehicle. Therefore, the worker may disassemble the dining table into a base and legs before carrying it. For this reason, the worker may carry the base and legs into the loading space and then assemble them.

[0020] Furthermore, when the item is a machine such as a refrigerator, washing machine, or air conditioner, not only the work of carrying in the item but also the work of installing the item is required. Therefore, the work is either the work of carrying in the item, the work of assembling the item, or the work of installing the item. Furthermore, the work may be a combination of the work of carrying in the item and the work of assembling the item, or a combination of the work of carrying in the item and the work of installing the item. In this way, the work may be defined as detailed work related to the carrying in of each item, or a series of detailed work related to each item may be defined as a single work.

[0021] Furthermore, the number-of-workers specifying unit 102 may specify the number of workers for each task. For example, if the item is a washing machine, the number-of-workers specifying unit 102 may specify the number of workers in detail, such as the number of workers required to carry in the washing machine and the number of workers required to install the washing machine.

[0022] For example, the number of workers may be organized into a table for each task. The table used to identify the number of workers is also called a worker number table. The worker number identification unit 102 may then identify the number of workers associated with each task from the worker number table.

[0023] Taking the task of delivering a sofa as an example, the number of workers required varies depending on the size and weight of the sofa. The number of workers identifying unit 102 identifies a larger number of workers as the size of the item increases. The number of workers identifying unit 102 identifies a larger number of workers as the weight of the item increases. Note that the number of workers may be tabulated according to the task and the size of the item to be worked on. The number of workers may be tabulated according to the task and the weight of the item to be worked on. The number of workers may be tabulated according to the task and the size and weight of the item to be worked on. Taking the task of delivering a sofa as an example, if the sofa weighs between 10 kg and 20 kg, the number of workers may be one, and if the sofa weighs 20 kg or more, the number of workers may be two. For example, the number of workers identifying unit 102 may identify the number of workers associated with the size and weight of the item included in the item information from the number of workers table. Note that a model may be prepared in advance that has learned the relationship between the size and weight of the item and the number of workers for past tasks. The worker number specifying unit 102 may then input the size and weight of the item into the model, thereby obtaining the number of workers for work related to the item from the model.

[0024] The determination unit 104 determines the order in which items will be delivered based on the number of workers. Specifically, for example, the determination unit 104 may determine the order in which items will be delivered based on the number of workers for each task, so that tasks with fewer workers will be delivered first. Furthermore, the determination unit 104 may determine the order in which items will be delivered based on the number of workers for each task, so that tasks with more workers will be delivered first.

[0025] Whether it is better to carry out a task requiring fewer workers first or a task requiring more workers first depends on factors such as the schedules of the workers and the number of workers available. An example will be described in which a move is taking place from the morning to the afternoon of May 20th. A large number of workers can be secured for the morning of May 20th, but it may not be possible to secure enough workers for the afternoon of May 20th. In such a case, since it is necessary to complete tasks requiring a large number of workers early, the determination unit 104 determines the order in which items will be carried in based on the number of workers for each task, so that tasks requiring a large number of workers are carried out first.

[0026] In this way, when determining the delivery order, the determination unit 104 may determine the delivery order of the items in association with the date and time. More specifically, for example, the determination unit 104 may determine the delivery order of the items so that a predetermined number of workers are required in a predetermined time period. For example, consider a case where the maximum number of workers required is three, and three workers are required from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, but only two workers are required in other time periods. For example, the determination unit 104 determines the delivery order of the items so that work requiring three workers is performed in the time period from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

[0027] Furthermore, some workers may not be able to assemble or install items. The abilities required for each task differ, and the abilities of each worker also differ. Furthermore, each worker has a different schedule. Therefore, the determination unit 104 determines the order in which items will be delivered based on the abilities and schedules of each worker, and the number of workers for each task and the abilities required for the task. For example, the determination unit 104 determines the order in which items will be delivered so as to ensure a schedule in which workers who have the abilities required for the task can be secured.

[0028] For example, if an item is placed near the entrance, it may interfere with work. For example, the determination unit 104 may determine the order of items to be brought in based on the placement information and the item information, such that items that are farther away from the entrance than the other items are brought in first.

[0029] In addition, for example, when placing a large item, a small item may get in the way. In this way, the determination unit 104 may determine the order in which the items are carried in based on at least one of the size and weight of the items, based on the item information.

[0030] In addition, for example, when placing a sofa on a carpet, the carpet must be brought in before the sofa. In this way, the determination unit 104 may determine the order in which the items are brought in based on the relative positions of the items.

[0031] It should be noted that there are various determination methods that the determination unit 104 can use, and these methods may be combined.

[0032] Generally, the more workers there are, the shorter the work time tends to be. Therefore, the number-of-workers specifying unit 102 may specify the number of workers so that the work time is within a specified work time, for example. The work time here may be the total work time required for delivery. The work time may be specified by the user via a terminal device, for example.

[0033] The generation unit 106 generates work procedure information representing work procedures for workers based on the carry-in order and placement information. The work procedure is at least one of a work procedure related to carry-in to the carry-in space and a work procedure related to carry-out from the carry-in source. The work procedure related to carry-in may be the order of carry-in to the carry-in space or the order of removal from the delivery means. The delivery means is a means for transporting items to the vicinity of the carry-in space. An example of the delivery means is a vehicle such as a truck. Furthermore, for example, the work procedure may include instructions for each task. The work procedure related to carry-out includes the order of loading the items onto the delivery means for delivery.

[0034] The work procedure information may include a scheduled work time for each task. The scheduled work time may be a scheduled start time or a scheduled end time for the task. For example, the generation unit 106 may generate work procedure information representing the work procedure based on a work date specified by a user, the delivery order, and the placement information. Instead of specifying a work date, an overall work start time may be specified. For example, the time required for each task and the number of workers may be stored in a table or the like in advance for each task. This table is called a work time table. The generation unit 106 then identifies the order of the tasks based on the delivery order. The generation unit 106 also identifies the work time for each task from the work time table. The generation unit 106 may then calculate the scheduled work time for each task from the overall work start time based on the order of the tasks and the work time for each task.

[0035] The work procedure information may include the number of workers identified by the number-of-workers identification unit 102 for each task. The work procedure information may also include the names of the workers. The generation unit 106 may further identify the workers in charge of each task based on the capabilities and schedules of the workers and the capabilities and number of workers required for each task. The generation unit 106 then generates a work procedure manual including the names of the workers for each task. Furthermore, the work procedure information may include, for example, a timetable.

[0036] The work procedure information may include at least a part of the placement information. The work procedure information may also include placement information for each work as information representing the completion state of the work.

[0037] The output unit 111 outputs the work procedure information. The output format of the output unit 111 is not particularly limited to a screen display, an audio output, printing on a medium such as paper, etc. The output device to which the output is sent by the output unit 111 is not particularly limited to a terminal device, a display device such as an HMD (Head Mounted Display), an audio output device, a printing device, etc. For example, the output unit 111 outputs the work procedure information to a terminal device of a user. The output unit 111 may also output the work procedure information to a terminal device of a worker.

[0038] 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the task support device 10. The worker number identification unit 102 identifies the number of workers required for a task based on item information about items to be delivered and placement information in which virtual items that resemble the items to be delivered are placed in the delivery space (step S101). The determination unit 104 determines the order in which the items will be delivered based on the number of workers (step S102).

[0039] The generating unit 106 generates work procedure information representing the work procedure for the worker based on the carry-in order and arrangement information (step S103). Then, for example, the output unit 111 outputs the work procedure information (step S104). The work support device 10 ends the series of processes shown in FIG. 2.

[0040] For example, various contracts related to delivery, such as renovations and moving, are often written. Using only written contracts and instructions makes it difficult for actual workers to understand the work. Furthermore, for example, in actual work, experienced workers may receive a rough estimate of the items and their quantities from a planner, but then confirm the specific items to be delivered on the day of the work and appropriately determine the order of work. In recent years, labor shortages and other factors can make it difficult to secure workers. In some cases, it is difficult to uniformly fix the order of work, i.e., the order of delivery, for all delivery spaces. For this reason, it is expected that inexperienced workers will have difficulty determining the order of work, taking the number of workers into consideration. Therefore, the work support device 10 identifies the number of workers required for a task based on item information regarding the items to be delivered and placement information in which virtual items resembling the items to be delivered are placed in the delivery space. The work support device 10 then determines the order of delivery of the items based on the number of workers. The work assistance device 10 generates work procedure information that indicates the work procedures for the workers based on the carry-in order and arrangement information. The work assistance device 10 outputs the work procedure information. This creates work procedure information for workers to share the carry-in-related work. This makes it easier for workers to share the carry-in-related work. Furthermore, because the order in which items are carried in changes depending on the number of workers, it is possible to propose a work procedure that is more suited to the number of workers. This makes it possible to support the work of inexperienced workers.

[0041] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the second embodiment, both an example relating to planning of work procedures and an example relating to the actual work on the day will be described. Below, explanations of content that overlaps with the above explanation will be omitted to the extent that the explanation of the second embodiment is not unclear.

[0042] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a connection between the work support device 20 and another device. The work support device 20 may be connected to a user's terminal device 22 via a communication network. The user may be a planner who plans work procedures, a person who requests delivery, a worker who performs the work, or the like. The type of the terminal device 22 may be a personal computer (PC), a smartphone, a tablet device, or the like. The terminal device 22 may be pre-installed with an application program that can send information to the work support device 20 and output information from the work support device 20. Alternatively, the terminal device 22 may access a website connected to the work support device 20 and send and receive information to and from the work support device 20 via the website.

[0043] The work assistance device 20 may be connected to the user's HMD 21 via a communication network. The work assistance device 20 may also be connected to an input device or the like linked to the user's HMD 21 via a communication network. This allows the work assistance device 20 to receive input for the display on the user's HMD 21 via the user's input device.

[0044] 4 is a second block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the work support device 20. The work support device 20 includes an arrangement unit 201, a number-of-workers identification unit 202, a determination unit 204, a generation unit 206, a fee identification unit 208, an output unit 211, an update unit 213, a delivery time identification unit 215, a delivery time notification unit 217, a determination unit 219, a work request notification unit 221, an inquiry unit 223, and a change instruction reception unit 225.

[0045] The number-of-workers identification unit 202 may have the number-of-workers identification unit 102 shown in Fig. 1 as a basic function. The determination unit 204 may have the determination unit 104 shown in Fig. 1 as a basic function. The generation unit 206 may have the generation unit 106 shown in Fig. 1 as a basic function. The output unit 211 may have the output unit 111 shown in Fig. 1 as a basic function.

[0046] Here, each functional unit will be described separately as an example relating to planning of work procedures and an example relating to actual work.

[0047] <Example of Planning of Work Procedure> First, an example of planning of work procedure will be described. The user here may be, for example, a planner of the delivery work or a client who requests delivery.

[0048] The placement unit 201 places a virtual item that resembles the item to be carried in the carry-in space based on the item information about the item. The virtual item may be a two-dimensional item or a three-dimensional item. Here, a three-dimensional virtual item will be described as an example.

[0049] The carry-in space is not particularly limited to a living space, a store, a warehouse, an office, a cargo hold of an airplane or a vehicle, etc. In each embodiment, a living space will be described as an example of the carry-in space.

[0050] The item information is, for example, information that can be used to create a virtual item, i.e., a three-dimensional item model. For example, the item information may include 3D data representing the item. The format of the 3D data may be three-dimensional point cloud data, such as three-dimensional mesh model data representing the item, or data that represents the item using a formula. The item information also includes at least information that can identify the size of the item. The item information may also include information regarding item placement rules. The placement rules are rules regarding placement. For example, the placement rules may specify how many centimeters an item must be located away from walls or other items. The item information may further include information regarding whether the item is disassembled or assembled.

[0051] The item information may also include information representing the weight of the item. The item information may also include information representing the material of the item. The item information may also include information representing the degree of delicacy of the item. The degree of delicacy is an indicator of the fragility of the item. The method of expressing the degree of delicacy is not particularly limited. For example, fragile items need to be handled carefully, which may require a lot of work. The information representing the degree of delicacy may be used, for example, when calculating the fee, which will be described later. The degree of delicacy may be determined by the type of material. Therefore, information representing the material of the item may be used as information representing the degree of delicacy.

[0052] As the placement process, the placement unit 201 may place a virtual item in the carry-in space in response to a user's operation. The user here may be a user of the carry-in space, a moving planner, a designer at a construction company, or the like, and is not particularly limited. The placement unit 201 may automatically place the virtual item in the carry-in space. An existing technology may be used as the method for automatic placement. For example, the placement unit 201 may input item information into an application that automatically places items and obtain a placement result from the application that automatically places items.

[0053] Furthermore, for example, when placing a virtual item in a virtual carry-in space, the placement unit 201 places a virtual item that resembles the item to be brought in in the virtual carry-in space based on information about the carry-in space and information about the item. Information about the carry-in space is also referred to as carry-in space information. The carry-in space information includes information representing the size of the carry-in space. For example, the information representing the size of the carry-in space may be, for example, the floor plan of the carry-in space. The information about the carry-in space may include information representing the type of the carry-in space. For example, if the carry-in space is a living space, the type may be a room type such as a living room or a dining room. The information about the carry-in space may include information representing the material of the carry-in space. For example, the material may be the material of the floor or the material of the walls.

[0054] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of placing items in a carry-in space based on carry-in space information and item information. In FIG. 5, the carry-in space is a house, and an example of a moving operation is illustrated. In FIG. 5, the items include a desk, a sofa, a television, a shelf, a refrigerator, a washing machine, and the like. For example, the placement unit 201 may acquire the item information via a communication network. The placement unit 201 may acquire the carry-in space information via a communication network. Note that the method of acquiring the item information and the carry-in space information is not particularly limited. As described above, the placement unit 201 may place virtual items in the virtual carry-in space using, for example, an existing CAD (Computer Aided Design) system in response to a user's operation. The output unit 211 may display information during the placement process. For example, in FIG. 5, a virtual desk, a virtual sofa, and a virtual television are installed in a portion of the virtual carry-in space.

[0055] The placement unit 201 may further place the item based on information regarding the user's preference for the loading space. For example, the user may wish for a larger space next to a sofa. For example, the placement unit 201 may cause the output unit 211 to output an alert when another virtual item is placed within a predetermined range next to a virtual sofa.

[0056] Furthermore, the placement unit 201 generates placement information as a result of the placement. For example, the placement information includes at least position information indicating the placement position of the item. The placement information may also include instruction information for the placement. The placement unit 201 may generate the placement information so as to include the received instruction information.

[0057] The placement information may also include distance information indicating the distance from a specific position in the loading space to the placement position of the item. The specific position may be, for example, the entrance of the loading space. For example, the placement unit 201 may calculate the distance from the entrance of the loading space to the placement position of the item and generate placement information including distance information indicating the distance. Note that the distance from the specific position in the loading space to the placement position of the item is given as an example, but distance information may also be, for example, the distance from the entrance of a building where the loading space is located to the placement position of the item, or the distance from a parking lot to the placement position of the item. The placement information may also include positional relationship information indicating the adjacent relationship or hierarchical relationship with other items. For example, the positional relationship information may be information such as placing a dining table on a carpet.

[0058] The worker number determination unit 202 determines the number of workers required for the work based on item information regarding the items to be delivered and placement information in which virtual items that resemble the items to be delivered are placed in the delivery space.

[0059] The virtual object may be a two-dimensional object or a three-dimensional object, and a three-dimensional virtual object will be described here as an example.

[0060] The carry-in space is not particularly limited to a living space, a store, a warehouse, an office, a cargo hold of an airplane or a vehicle, etc. In each embodiment, a living space will be described as an example of the carry-in space.

[0061] The item information is, for example, information that allows creation of a virtual item, i.e., a three-dimensional item model. The item information includes at least information that indicates the size of the item. The item information may also include information that indicates the weight of the item. The item information may also include information that indicates the material of the item. The item information may also include information regarding item placement rules. Placement rules are rules regarding placement. For example, placement rules may be rules such as how many centimeters an item must be located away from walls or other items. The item information may further include information regarding whether the item is disassembled or assembled.

[0062] The work is the work required to place the item in the delivery space at the placement position indicated by the placement information. For example, if the item is an assembly-type item, not only the work of bringing in the item but also the work of assembling the item is required. Also, if the item is a machine such as a refrigerator, washing machine, or air conditioner, not only the work of bringing in the item but also the work of installing the item is required. Therefore, the work is either the work of bringing in the item, the work of assembling the item, or the work of installing the item.

[0063] Furthermore, the number-of-workers specifying unit 202 may specify the number of workers for each task. For example, if the item is a washing machine, the number-of-workers specifying unit 202 may specify the number of workers in detail, such as the number of workers required to carry in the washing machine and the number of workers required to install the washing machine.

[0064] For example, the number of workers may be organized into a table for each task. The table used to identify the number of workers is also called a worker number table. The worker number identification unit 202 may then identify the number of workers associated with each task from the worker number table.

[0065] Taking the task of delivering a sofa as an example, the number of workers required varies depending on the size and weight of the sofa. The number of workers identifying unit 202 identifies a larger number of workers as the size of the item increases. The number of workers identifying unit 202 identifies a larger number of workers as the weight of the item increases. The number of workers identifying unit 202 may also be organized in a table according to the size of the task and the item to be worked on. The number of workers may also be organized in a table according to the task and the weight of the item to be worked on. The number of workers may also be organized in a table according to the task and the size and weight of the item to be worked on. Taking the task of delivering a sofa as an example, if the sofa weighs between 10 kg and 20 kg, the number of workers may be one, and if the sofa weighs 20 kg or more, the number of workers may be two. For example, the number of workers identifying unit 202 may identify the number of workers associated with the size and weight of the item included in the item information from the number of workers table. A model may be prepared in advance that learns the relationship between the size and weight of the item and the number of workers for past tasks. The number-of-workers specifying unit 202 may then input the size and weight of the item into the model, thereby obtaining the number of workers for work related to the item from the model.

[0066] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which the number of workers is identified. FIG. 6 shows an example of detailed tasks and the number of workers for each item. Taking the task of bringing in a desk as an example, there is assembly work and delivery work. Delivery work is, for example, the task of bringing in a desk to its placement position, and assembly work is the task of assembling the desk. The assembly work is performed by one worker, and the delivery work is performed by one worker. Taking the task of bringing in a washing machine as an example, there is delivery work and installation work. Delivery work is, for example, the task of bringing in a washing machine, and installation work is the task of installing the washing machine, such as connecting the electrical cord.

[0067] Generally, the more workers there are, the shorter the work time tends to be. Therefore, the number-of-workers specifying unit 202 may specify the number of workers so that the work time is within a specified work time, for example. The work time here may be the total work time required for delivery. The work time may be specified by the user via the terminal device 22, for example.

[0068] The determination unit 204 determines the order in which items will be delivered based on the number of workers. Specifically, for example, the determination unit 204 may determine the order in which items will be delivered based on the number of workers for each task, so that tasks with fewer workers will be delivered first. Furthermore, the determination unit 204 may determine the order in which items will be delivered based on the number of workers for each task, so that tasks with more workers will be delivered first.

[0069] Fig. 7 shows an example of determining the order in which items are brought in so that the work requiring the most workers is carried out first. In Fig. 7, the order in which items are brought in is determined so that the work requiring the most workers is carried out first, and the related work is carried out in the following order: refrigerator, washing machine, shelf, sofa, desk, and television.

[0070] Whether it is better to carry out a task requiring fewer workers first or a task requiring more workers first depends on factors such as the schedules of the workers and the number of workers available. An example will be described in which a move is taking place from the morning to the afternoon of May 20th. A large number of workers can be secured for the morning of May 20th, but it may not be possible to secure enough workers for the afternoon of May 20th. In such a case, since it is necessary to complete tasks requiring a large number of workers early, the determination unit 204 determines the order in which items will be carried in based on the number of workers for each task, so that tasks requiring a large number of workers are carried out first.

[0071] 7 and 6, if there are multiple tasks related to the delivery of goods and the number of workers for each task is different, the tasks may be performed in parallel with tasks related to other goods. In other words, a task schedule may be created.

[0072] In this way, when determining the delivery order, the determination unit 204 may determine the delivery order of the items in association with the date and time. More specifically, for example, the determination unit 204 may determine the delivery order of the items so that a predetermined number of workers are required in a predetermined time period. For example, consider a case where the maximum number of workers required is three, and three workers are required from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, but only two workers are required in other time periods. The determination unit 204 may determine the delivery order of the items so that work requiring three workers is performed in the time period from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

[0073] Furthermore, some workers may not be able to assemble or install items. The abilities required for each task differ, and the abilities of each worker also differ. Furthermore, each worker has a different schedule. Therefore, the determination unit 204 determines the order in which items will be delivered based on the abilities and schedules of each worker, and the number of workers for each task and the abilities required for the task. For example, the determination unit 204 may determine the order in which items will be delivered so as to ensure a schedule in which workers who have the abilities required for the task can be secured.

[0074] For example, if an item is placed near the entrance, it may interfere with work. For example, the determination unit 204 may determine the order of items to be brought in based on the placement information and the item information, such that items that are farther away from the entrance than the other items are brought in first.

[0075] In addition, for example, when placing a large item, a small item may get in the way. In this way, the determination unit 204 may further determine the order in which the items are carried in based on at least one of the size and weight of the items, based on the item information.

[0076] In addition, for example, when placing a sofa on a carpet, the carpet must be brought in before the sofa. In this way, the determination unit 204 may determine the order in which the items are brought in based on the relative positions of the items.

[0077] Note that the determination unit 204 may use a variety of determination methods, and these methods may be combined. Furthermore, the output unit 211 may output the carry-in order determined by the determination unit 204. As described above, the output destination and output format are not particularly limited.

[0078] The generation unit 206 generates work procedure information representing work procedures for workers based on the carry-in order and placement information. The work procedure is at least one of a work procedure related to carrying in to the carry-in space and a work procedure related to carrying out from the carry-in source. The work procedure related to carrying in may be the order of carrying in to the carry-in space or the order of taking out from the delivery means. The delivery means is a means for transporting items to the vicinity of the carry-in space, such as a truck. Furthermore, for example, the work procedure may include instructions for each work. The work procedure related to carrying out includes the order of loading the items onto the delivery means for delivery.

[0079] The work procedure information may include a scheduled work time for each task. For example, the generation unit 206 may generate work procedure information that represents a work procedure based on a work date specified by a user, the delivery order, and placement information. The overall work start time may be specified in addition to the work date. For example, the time required for each task and the number of workers may be stored in a table or the like in advance for each task. This table is called a work time table. The generation unit 206 then identifies the order of tasks based on the delivery order. The generation unit 206 also identifies the work time for each task from the work time table. The generation unit 206 may then calculate the scheduled work time for each task from the overall work start time based on the order of tasks and the work time for each task. The generation unit 206 then generates a work procedure manual that includes the names of workers for each task.

[0080] The work procedure information may include the number of workers and the names of the workers for each task. The generation unit 206 may identify the workers in charge of each task based on the workers' abilities and schedules, and the abilities and number of workers required for each task. The generation unit 206 then generates a work procedure manual including the names of the workers for each task. Furthermore, the work procedure information may include, for example, a timetable.

[0081] The work procedure information may include arrangement information. The work procedure information may also include arrangement information for each work as information representing the completion state of the work.

[0082] There are various methods for the generating unit 206 to generate the work procedure manual, and the generating methods may be combined.

[0083] The output format of the output unit 211 is not particularly limited to a screen display, an audio output, printing on a medium such as paper, etc. The output device to which the output is sent by the output unit 211 is not particularly limited to a terminal device 22, a display device such as an HMD (Head Mounted Display) 21, an audio output device, a printing device, etc. For example, the output unit 211 outputs the work procedure information to the terminal device 22 of the user. The output unit 211 may also output the work procedure information to the terminal device 22 of the worker.

[0084] The work procedure manual may be modified by the user as appropriate. For example, the generation unit 206 may update the work procedure manual in response to a user operation. For example, when a change in the delivery order is accepted by a user operation, the generation unit 206 may recalculate the scheduled work times for each task in the case where the delivery order is changed to the accepted order, and generate a work procedure manual including the recalculated scheduled work times.

[0085] Here, the generation unit 206 generates a plurality of different work procedure manuals. The output unit 211 outputs the plurality of work procedure manuals. In this case, the output unit 211 may output the plurality of work procedure manuals in a manner that allows comparison. Alternatively, for example, the determination unit 204 may determine a plurality of carry-in orders. Then, a work procedure manual may be generated for each of the plurality of carry-in orders. The output unit 211 may output a work procedure manual for each of the plurality of carry-in orders.

[0086] The fee specification unit 208 calculates the fee required for the entire work. The fee here is an estimated amount of the fee required for the entire work. There are various methods for calculating the fee.

[0087] For example, the fee determination unit 208 may calculate the fee based on the location information. For example, the fee determination unit 208 may calculate the fee based on the location information so that the fee increases as the distance the item is transported increases.

[0088] Furthermore, when the item information includes information indicating the weight of the item and the placement information includes information indicating the distance from a specific position in the delivery space to the placement position of the item, the fee determination unit 208 calculates the fee based on the distance from the specific position to the placement position of the item and the weight of the item. The fee determination unit 208 may calculate the fee by adding a specific additional fee when the weight of the item is equal to or greater than a specific weight and the item is transported over a specific distance. Alternatively, for example, the fee determination unit 208 may calculate the fee so that the fee increases the more items weigh equal to or greater than a specific weight and are transported over a specific distance. The fee determination unit 208 may calculate the fee so that the longer the distance heavier the item is transported. As a result, even if the delivery space is the same and the item is the same, the fee varies depending on the distance the heavy item is transported. In this way, the fee can be determined in more detail depending on the amount of work that may occur in the actual work.

[0089] The fee specifying unit 208 may also calculate the fee based on the degree of delicacy of the item included in the item information. The fee specifying unit 208 may calculate the fee so that the higher the degree of delicacy of the item, the higher the fee. Alternatively, for example, a fee table in which fees are determined according to the degree of delicacy may be prepared in advance. The fee table may be set so that the higher the degree of delicacy, the higher the fee. The fee specifying unit 208 may specify the fee corresponding to the degree of delicacy of the item from the fee table. The fee specifying unit 208 may then calculate the fee for the entire work based on the fee corresponding to the degree of delicacy. Alternatively, for example, the fee specifying unit 208 may calculate the fee so that the higher the number of items with a high degree of delicacy, the higher the fee. The fee specifying unit 208 may calculate the fee for the entire work by adding an additional fee if there are a predetermined number or more items with a degree of delicacy or higher. In this way, the fee can be determined in more detail based on the item information and in accordance with the amount of effort that may be incurred in the actual work.

[0090] Furthermore, for example, the work required and the capabilities required for the work differ depending on the item. Therefore, the fee specification unit 208 calculates the fee based on the capabilities required for the work and the unit price for each capability. For example, unit prices determined for each capability required for the work may be tabulated in advance as a fee table. The fee specification unit 208 may specify a unit price according to the capability required for the work from the fee table, and calculate the fee based on the specified unit price.

[0091] Furthermore, when the worker number determination unit 202 determines the number of workers to meet the specified work time, the fee determination unit 208 calculates a fee according to the specified work time. For example, if the work time is short, it is expected that more people will be needed for the work and that more highly skilled workers will need to be arranged. Therefore, the fee determination unit 208 may calculate a fee that is higher the shorter the specified work time. A fee table may be prepared in advance for each work time.

[0092] The fee determination unit 208 may determine the fee in various ways, and multiple fee determination methods may be combined. For example, the fee determination unit 208 may determine the fee so that the fee increases as the distance traveled for a more delicate item increases. For example, the fee determination unit 208 may calculate the fee so that the fee increases as the specified work time decreases and the distance traveled for a heavier item increases.

[0093] The output unit 211 outputs the work procedure manual generated by the generation unit 206 in association with the fee identified by the fee identification unit 208. As described above, the output destination and output format are not particularly limited.

[0094] 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display of a work procedure manual and fees. For example, in FIG. 8, the output unit 211 displays the work procedure included in the work procedure manual, the arrangement of items in a virtual delivery space, and the fees on the user's terminal device 22.

[0095] The fee determination unit 208 may also determine a fee for each of multiple fee determination methods. The output unit 211 may then output the fees for each of the multiple fee determination methods in a comparable manner. For example, the output unit 211 may output the fees in order of fee. The order of fees may be from highest to lowest, or from lowest to highest, etc. The output unit 211 may output statistical values ​​of the multiple fees. For example, the statistical values ​​may be an average, median, maximum, minimum, mode, etc. The output unit 211 may highlight the statistical values. The fee determination unit 208 may also determine the fee as the statistical value of the multiple fees determined for each of the multiple fee determination methods. For example, outputting multiple fees is useful when presenting fees to a planner or the like. The planner may refer to the multiple fees to determine the final fee.

[0096] Here, when multiple sets of work procedure manuals are generated, the fee specification unit 208 may calculate a fee for each of the multiple sets of work procedure manuals. Then, the output unit 211 outputs the multiple sets of work procedure manuals and their respective fees.

[0097] (Flowchart Related to Planning) FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of operation related to task planning by the task support device 20. The placement unit 201 places a virtual item in a carry-in space based on item information (step S201). In step S201, the placement unit 201 may place the virtual item in the carry-in space in response to a user's operation. For example, as in AR (Augmented Reality), a user may wear the HMD 21, and the placement unit 201 may place the virtual item in the carry-in space in response to a user's operation of an input device linked to the HMD 21 based on the item information. Alternatively, as in VR (Virtual Reality), a user may wear the HMD 21, and the placement unit 201 may place the virtual item in a virtual carry-in space in response to a user's operation of an input device linked to the HMD 21 based on the carry-in space information and the item information. Alternatively, for example, the placement unit 201 may use a CAD system to place virtual items in a virtual carry-in space in response to a user's operation via the user's terminal device 22. In addition, in step S201, the placement unit 201 may automatically perform placement using a CAD system based on existing technology.

[0098] The worker number determination unit 202 determines the number of workers required for the work based on item information regarding the items to be delivered and placement information in which virtual items resembling the items to be delivered are placed in the delivery space (step S202).

[0099] The determination unit 204 determines the order in which the items are to be carried in based on the number of workers (step S203).

[0100] The generation unit 206 generates work procedure information representing the work procedure for the workers based on the delivery order and placement information (step S204). The fee determination unit 208 determines the fee required for the entire work (step S205). Then, the output unit 211 outputs the work procedure information and the fee (step S206). The work support device 20 ends the series of processes shown in FIG. 9.

[0101] <Examples Related to Actual Work> Next, examples related to actual work will be described.

[0102] The output unit 211 outputs the item placement and work procedure based on placement information indicating the placement of items in the carry-in space and work procedure information indicating the work procedure for workers to perform work related to the placement.

[0103] The output unit 211 may output at least one piece of information included in the work procedure information.

[0104] For example, the work procedure information may include, for each task, at least one of the number of workers, identification information for identifying the workers, and scheduled work times. In this case, the output unit 211 may output at least one of the number of workers, identification information for identifying the workers, and scheduled work times.

[0105] Furthermore, for example, the output unit 211 may output the carry-in order included in the work procedure information. For example, the output unit 211 may output the loading order onto the delivery vehicle included in the work procedure information. For example, the output unit 211 may output the removal order from the delivery vehicle included in the work procedure information.

[0106] Furthermore, the output unit 211 may display at least one of the order in which items are to be carried into the carrying-in space and instructions regarding the carrying-in of items, which are included in the work procedure information, in association with the virtual items.

[0107] The output unit 211 may display the arrangement of virtual items that mimic the items in a virtual carry-in space that mimics the carry-in space, based on the arrangement information.

[0108] The output format of the output unit 211 is not particularly limited to a screen display, an audio output, a printout, etc. The output device to which the output is sent by the output unit 211 is not particularly limited to a display device such as the terminal device 22 or the HMD 21, an audio output device, a printout, etc. For example, when the output unit 211 outputs to the HMD 21, the output unit 211 may perform an AR display. Specifically, for example, the output unit 211 may display a virtual item on the HMD 21 at a placement position in the carry-in space indicated by the placement information.

[0109] The update unit 213 updates progress information that indicates the progress of work for a work procedure. As an updating process, for example, the update unit 213 updates the progress information that indicates the progress of work for a work procedure in response to an operation by a user. The user may be a worker, a manager, or a requester, and is not particularly limited. Here, the case of a worker will be described as an example.

[0110] When the output device to which the output unit 211 outputs is the terminal device 22, the device that is the target of the worker's operation may be the terminal device 22 or the input device. For example, the update unit 213 updates the progress information in response to the worker's operation on the terminal device 22.

[0111] The progress status is not particularly limited as long as it is the status of the progress of the work. The method of expressing the progress information is not particularly limited. For example, the progress information may include multiple types of information that represent the progress status.

[0112] The progress status may be a status of whether the task has been completed. For example, progress information representing the progress status may include a flag indicating whether the task has been completed. For example, the progress information may include information on the date and time when the task was completed. As an example of the update process, when the update unit 213 receives a notification of task completion through an operation by the worker, it updates the progress information to indicate that the task has been completed. As a more detailed example of the update process, the update unit 213 changes the flag to indicate that the task has been completed, and updates the progress information to include information on the date and time when the notification of task completion was received.

[0113] For example, the progress status may be a status of whether work has started. The progress information may include a flag indicating whether work has started. The progress information may include information on the date and time when work has started. As an example of the update process, when the update unit 213 accepts the start of work through an operation by the worker, it updates the progress information to indicate that work has started. As a more detailed example of the update process, the update unit 213 changes the flag to indicate that work has started, and updates the progress information to include information on the date and time when the start of work was accepted.

[0114] For example, the progress status may be a status of whether the work has been interrupted. The progress information may include a flag indicating whether the work has been interrupted. The progress information may include information on the date and time when the work has been interrupted. As an example of the update process, when the update unit 213 receives an instruction to interrupt the work through an operation by the worker, it updates the progress information to indicate that the work has been interrupted. As a more detailed example of the update process, the update unit 213 changes the flag to indicate that the work has started, and updates the progress information to include information on the date and time when the instruction to interrupt the work was received.

[0115] For example, the progress status may be the progress status of the work. The progress information may include the time elapsed since the work started. The update unit 213 identifies the elapsed time based on the time when the work started and the current time.

[0116] As another example of the progress status of a task, the progress information may include the remaining time available for the task. The update unit 213 identifies the remaining time available for the task based on the scheduled task time included in the task procedure information and the current time. For example, if the task procedure information includes a scheduled task start time, the time available for the task is the time from the scheduled task start time of the current task to the task start time of the next task. The update unit 213 identifies the remaining time available for the task as the time available for the task by subtracting the elapsed time from the scheduled task start time of the current task to the current time from the time available for the task.

[0117] The progress status of the work may be a delay status of the work. For example, the progress information may include a delay time. The delay time may be a delay time of the entire work, or a delay time of each detailed work. The update unit 213 may identify a delay time of the work based on the scheduled work time included in the work procedure information and the current time.

[0118] The progress status of the work may be an advancement status of the work. For example, the progress information representing the progress status may include an advancement time. The update unit 213 may identify an advancement time of the work based on the scheduled work time included in the work procedure information and the current time.

[0119] Next, the process of updating using an image by the update unit 213 will be described. For example, the update unit 213 may update the progress information based on an image captured by an imaging device operated by a worker. The imaging device may be included in the output device that is the output destination of the output unit 211, or may be a device separate from the output device. For example, if the progress status is a status indicating whether a task has been completed, the image may be, for example, an image representing a state in which an actual item that is the target of the task has been placed at the placement position indicated by the placement information. The update unit 213 updates the progress information to indicate that the task has been completed based on an image captured by the imaging device by the worker that represents a state in which the item that is the target of the task has been placed at the placement position indicated by the placement information.

[0120] For example, if the output device to which the output unit 211 outputs is the worker's terminal device 22, when the worker completes the work, the worker may operate the terminal device 22 to take an image including the items in the arranged state using an imaging device provided in the terminal device 22. Then, when the update unit 213 receives the image taken from the terminal device 22, it may determine that the work has been completed and update the progress information.

[0121] For example, if the output device to which the output unit 211 outputs is the HMD 21 of the worker, when the worker completes the work, the worker may operate an input device linked to the HMD 21 to capture an image including the item in the arranged state using an imaging device provided in the HMD 21. Then, when the update unit 213 receives the captured image from the HMD 21, it may determine that the work has been completed and update the progress information. Also, for example, the HMD 21 may detect the line of sight of the worker and capture an image of the item when it detects that the worker has been looking at the item for a predetermined period of time or more.

[0122] Furthermore, when the progress status indicates that a task has started, the image is an image showing the item to be worked on immediately before being placed at the placement position indicated by the placement information. The update unit 213 may update the progress information to indicate that the next task has started based on an image of the item to be worked on immediately before being placed at the placement position indicated by the placement information, which image is captured by the worker using an imaging device. Note that the method of operating the imaging device by the worker may be the same as the example of updating the progress information to indicate that a task has been completed.

[0123] Furthermore, when the progress status indicates that the work has been interrupted, the image is an image representing the state of the item that is the target of the work. For example, the image may be an image captured in such a way that the current position of the item can be identified. The update unit 213 may update the progress information to indicate that the work has been interrupted based on an image representing the state of the item that is the target of the work, captured by the worker using an imaging device. Note that the method of operating the imaging device by the worker may be the same as the example of updating the progress information to indicate that the work has been completed.

[0124] Alternatively, if an imaging device provided in the output device constantly captures video, the update unit 213 may detect the completion of the work from the video and update the progress information to indicate that the work has been completed. The update unit 213 detects from the video whether the item to be worked on has been placed at the placement position indicated by the placement information.

[0125] The update unit 213 may also update the update information to include the captured image.

[0126] The output unit 211 may output the update information. The output unit 211 may output the update information in association with the work procedure information. Here, the work procedure information may include progress information. For example, the work procedure information may include progress information that indicates the progress status of each task, such as a checklist. When the update information is updated, the output unit 211 may output the work procedure information including the update information.

[0127] The output unit 211 outputs at least a part of the information included in the update information. For example, when the update unit 213 updates the progress status indicating whether a task has been completed, the output unit 211 outputs information indicating whether the task has been completed for each task. When the update unit 213 updates the progress status indicating whether a task has been started, the output unit 211 outputs information indicating whether the task has been started for each task. When the update unit 213 updates the progress status indicating whether a task has been suspended, the output unit 211 outputs information indicating whether the task has been suspended for each task.

[0128] As described above, the update unit 213 may identify the elapsed time, the remaining time available for the task, the delay time, the advanced time, etc. In this case, the output unit 211 may output at least one of the elapsed time, the remaining time available for the task, the delay time, and the advanced time.

[0129] In this way, the output unit 211 may output scheduling information such as the scheduled work time included in the work procedure information, and scheduling information such as the remaining time and elapsed time identified by the update unit 213 from the information included in the work procedure information.

[0130] Furthermore, when all the tasks are completed, the output unit 211 may output a message indicating that all the tasks are completed. Furthermore, when the last task is completed, the output unit 211 may output a message indicating that the last task is completed.

[0131] Even if all work has not been completed, the update unit 213 may update the progress information when it receives notification that the work for the day will be completed. When it receives notification that the work for the day will be completed, the output unit 211 may output notification that the work for the day will be completed. If all work has not been completed, the output unit 211 may output notification that the work for the day will be completed together with the uncompleted work.

[0132] Furthermore, the output unit 211 may output an image captured by an imaging device provided in the output device and an image of a state in which a virtual item is placed in a carry-in space so that they can be compared. The carry-in space here may be a virtual carry-in space. For example, if the placement unit 201 places virtual items using a VR space during planning, the image of a state in which the virtual items are placed in the carry-in space may be an image of a state in which the virtual items are placed in the carry-in space, which is a VR space. For example, if the placement unit 201 places virtual items using an AR space during planning, the image of a state in which the virtual items are placed in the carry-in space is an image of a state in which the virtual items are placed in the actual carry-in space.

[0133] The image captured by the imaging device provided in the output device may be an image representing the state of the item to be worked on. For example, the image may be an image captured in such a way that the current position of the item can be identified. The image captured by the imaging device provided in the output device may be an image used by the update unit 213 to update the progress information.

[0134] Here, the terminal device 22 of the worker is given as an example of the terminal device 22 to which the output unit 211 outputs each piece of information, but the terminal device 22 may also be the terminal device 22 of the person requesting the work, or the terminal device 22 of the administrator who manages the work.

[0135] The output destinations to which the output unit 211 outputs each piece of information may be the terminal devices 22 of multiple different people, or may be a mixture of the HMD 21 and the terminal device 22. For example, the output unit 211 may output each piece of information to the HMD 21 of a worker and the terminal device 22 of a requester. For example, the output unit 211 may output each piece of information to the HMD 21 of some of the multiple workers and to the terminal devices 22 of all but some of the multiple workers.

[0136] Furthermore, when the output unit 211 outputs to each output device of a plurality of workers, the output may be different for each worker. For example, the output unit 211 may output a to-do list. For example, the output unit 211 may highlight tasks that each worker must perform.

[0137] Next, specific examples of the output unit 211 will be described for the cases where the output device to which the output unit 211 outputs is the HMD 21 and the terminal device 22.

[0138] <Example of Display on HMD 21> First, an example in which the output unit 211 displays a work procedure and an item arrangement on the HMD 21 of the user will be described.

[0139] The output unit 211 displays a virtual item in the carry-in space on the user's HMD 21 based on the placement information. For example, the output unit 211 displays a virtual item on the user's HMD 21 at the placement position of the item in the actual carry-in space indicated by the placement information. More specifically, for example, the output unit 211 identifies the user's position in the carry-in space from an image captured by an imaging device provided in the HMD 21. Then, the output unit 211 displays a virtual item to be placed that is visible to the user based on the user's position and the placement information. The virtual item is displayed based on the item information.

[0140] The output unit 211 may output at least one of the order in which items will be carried into the carry-in space and instructions regarding the carrying of the items, in association with the virtual items. The output unit 211 may output at least one of the order in which items will be carried into the carry-in space and instructions regarding the carrying of the items, in accordance with an instruction from a user. Specifically, for example, when an operation is performed on a virtual item, the output unit 211 may output at least one of the order in which items will be carried into the carry-in space and instructions regarding the carrying of the items, in association with the virtual item.

[0141] Fig. 10A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an actual carry-in space. Fig. 10B is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which a virtual refrigerator is displayed in the actual carry-in space. In Fig. 10B, output unit 211 displays the virtual refrigerator and instructions for refrigerator placement associated with the virtual refrigerator in the carry-in space.

[0142] Furthermore, the work procedure information may include at least one of the number of workers, the names of the workers, and the scheduled work time for each task. In this case, the output unit 211 may output at least one of the number of workers, the names of the workers, and the scheduled work time included in the work procedure information in association with a virtual object that is the target of the work. A virtual object that resembles an object that is the target of the work may be abbreviated as a virtual object that is the target of the work. For example, the output unit 211 may display each piece of information included in the work procedure information at least one of above, beside, and below the virtual object, or may display each piece of information included in the work procedure information superimposed on the virtual object. Alternatively, for example, the output unit 211 may output each piece of information included in the work procedure information in association with the placement position of the object that is the target of the work or in the vicinity of the placement position of the object.

[0143] Furthermore, when the output unit 211 outputs information related to the schedule as described above, the output unit 211 may display the information related to the schedule in association with a virtual object that resembles the object to be worked on. Taking the case of outputting the remaining time available for work as an example, the output unit 211 may display the remaining time in association with the virtual object that resembles the object to be worked on. For example, the output unit 211 may display the remaining time at least one of above, beside, or below the virtual object, or may display the remaining time superimposed on the virtual object. Alternatively, for example, the output unit 211 may output the remaining time available for work at or near the placement position of the object to be worked on. The output unit 211 may display the remaining time in a speech bubble.

[0144] The output unit 211 may also terminate the display of the virtual item in the carry-in space at a predetermined timing. The predetermined timing may be the timing at which it is detected that an actual item has been placed in the carry-in space. Alternatively, the predetermined timing may be the timing at which a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of carrying in the item. Alternatively, the predetermined timing may be the timing instructed by the worker.

[0145] When displaying other information included in the work procedure information, such as the number of workers, the names of the workers, the scheduled work times, and the schedule, the output unit 211 may end the display of the virtual object and the other information. Alternatively, the output unit 211 may end the display of the virtual object but continue to display the other information.

[0146] In the above description, an example has been described in which the output unit 211 associates other information with a virtual item and outputs the information. For example, the output unit 211 may output the other information at or near the placement position of the item.

[0147] For example, when a virtual item is not displayed, the output unit 211 may output other information at or near the placement position of the item.

[0148] Furthermore, for example, the output unit 211 may output at least a portion of the information included in the work procedure information in association with an actual item. For example, the output unit 211 may use AR display to output information for items loaded on a delivery vehicle such as a truck. For example, the output unit 211 may use AR display to output the delivery order, the number of workers, and the names of the workers to the HMD 21 on the actual item. For example, if a refrigerator is to be delivered first in the work procedure manual and the number of workers required to transport the refrigerator is two, when the refrigerator is recognized from an image captured by the imaging device provided in the HMD 21, the output unit 211 may superimpose, via the HMD 21, on the refrigerator loaded on the truck, the number of workers, indicating "1" as the delivery order and the number of workers, indicating two. In particular, it is desirable for the number of workers to be displayed before the items are delivered so that the number of workers can be notified before the items are delivered.

[0149] Here, in the actual delivery space, the worker may be unable to see the space ahead due to walls, doors, etc. For example, the worker may be unable to confirm the space in the delivery space where the item to be worked on is to be placed. For example, when the worker cannot see the space in the delivery space in the worker's direction of travel, the output unit 211 may display the space in the worker's direction of travel. For example, the output unit 211 may display a virtual space simulating the space in the direction of travel. This allows the worker to confirm the space in which the item to be worked on is to be placed in the direction of travel. Furthermore, the output unit 211 may display a virtual space in which the virtual item to be worked on is placed at the position indicated by the position information and the delivery space information, based on the position information and the delivery space information. For example, the direction of travel is the direction from the worker's current position in the delivery space to the position of the item to be currently worked on in the delivery space. The output unit 211 can determine the direction of travel based on position information indicating the worker's current position, the position information, and current progress information. Note that the direction of travel is just an example and may be the direction the worker is facing.

[0150] FIG. 11A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a portion of the loading space. FIG. 11B is an explanatory diagram showing an example of displaying a space in the direction of travel in the loading space shown in FIG. 11A. In FIG. 11A, there is a door in the direction of travel of the user, so the user cannot see the space behind the door. In FIG. 11B, the output unit 211 displays a virtual space that simulates the space behind the door. Note that the output unit 211 may also display an image of the space behind the door. This can facilitate the user's work. In FIG. 11B, the virtual space is displayed in the door area, but the virtual space may also be displayed on a wall.

[0151] Furthermore, the timing at which the output unit 211 displays the invisible space is not particularly limited. For example, the output unit 211 may display the invisible space in response to an instruction from the user. Furthermore, the timing at which the output unit 211 ends the display of the invisible space is not particularly limited. For example, the output unit 211 may end the display of the virtual space that is being displayed in response to an instruction from the user. Furthermore, the instruction from the user may be received via an input device linked to the HMD 21.

[0152] Furthermore, based on the arrangement information and the information relating to the carry-in space, the output unit 211 may display a carry-in route in the carry-in space on the HMD 21. The carry-in route may be specified using existing technology.

[0153] 11C is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which a carry-in route is displayed in the carry-in space shown in FIG. 11A. As shown in FIG. 11C, the carry-in route may be represented by, for example, an arrow. For example, the carry-in route may be displayed with text, such as "open the first door and enter," or may be displayed with a combination of text and an arrow. In this way, the method of displaying the carry-in route is not particularly limited.

[0154] Furthermore, the timing at which the output unit 211 displays the carry-in route is not particularly limited. For example, the output unit 211 may display the carry-in route in response to a user instruction. For example, the output unit 211 may display the carry-in route for the next item to be worked on when progress information is updated.

[0155] Furthermore, there is no particular limitation on the timing at which the output unit 211 ends the display of the delivery route. For example, the output unit 211 may end the display of the delivery route in response to a user instruction. Alternatively, for example, the output unit 211 may end the display of the delivery route when a predetermined time has elapsed since the delivery route was displayed.

[0156] For example, other people, such as a client who requests work, a manager at the work company, or a planner who created a work procedure manual, may want to check the progress of the work or the status of the work at the site. Therefore, the output unit 211 may output an image captured by an imaging device provided in the HMD 21 worn by the user to an output device of a person other than the user. This image is an image viewed by the worker through the HMD 21. For example, the output unit 211 may distribute the image viewed by the worker through the HMD 21 in real time. The output unit 211 may distribute the image from the HMD 21 in real time to a portal site of the company performing the work or the company that planned it. Furthermore, when there are multiple workers, the output unit 211 may display images from the HMDs 21 worn by the multiple workers side by side, or may switch between multiple images.

[0157] <Example of Display on Terminal Device 22> Next, an example of display by the output unit 211 on the user's terminal device 22 will be described. As described above, an example of a worker as the user will be described.

[0158] For example, the output unit 211 displays the arrangement of items and the work procedure on the worker's terminal device 22. Furthermore, for example, the output unit 211 displays virtual items in the delivery space based on the arrangement information on the worker's terminal device 22. Alternatively, the output unit 211 outputs at least one of the number of workers, the names of the workers, and the scheduled work times included in the work procedure information.

[0159] Fig. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a carry-in procedure displayed on the terminal device 22. The output unit 211 displays the carry-in procedure on the terminal device 22. In Fig. 12, for example, the output unit 211 displays the carry-in order for each task and the maximum number of workers required for each task.

[0160] 12 , the output unit 211 displays, for each task, the placement of virtual items to be worked on in a carry-in space in the VR space. The output unit 211 displays, for each task, instructions related to the work in association with the placement of the virtual items. For example, in FIG. 12 , the output unit 211 displays, for each task, instructions related to installing the refrigerator, such as placing it 10 cm away from the wall and 5 cm away from the sink, in association with the placement of a refrigerator in the VR space.

[0161] In FIG. 12, the output unit 211 displays the scheduled start time of each task.

[0162] In Fig. 12, the work progress information includes progress information indicating the progress status. In Fig. 12, output unit 211 displays the progress status, such as information indicating whether the work has been completed or started for each work. Output unit 211 displays the work start time and work completion time for each work. For example, since the work on the refrigerator has been completed, the work start time and work completion time are displayed. On the other hand, since the work on the shelves has been started but not completed, the work start time is displayed and the work completion time is left blank.

[0163] Also, for example, after completing a task, a worker takes an image of the state of the item. For the work on the refrigerator, the image is displayed because the work is completed. On the other hand, for the work on the shelves, the image is not displayed because the work is not completed.

[0164] For example, when a camera icon included in a frame capable of displaying a captured image of an incomplete task is tapped, the output unit 211 may display a screen capable of capturing an image using an imaging device on the terminal device 22. Then, when the worker captures an image using the imaging device provided in the terminal device 22, the terminal device 22 transmits the captured image to the work assistance device. The output unit 211 displays the captured image within the frame of the captured image.

[0165] Furthermore, in FIG. 12, when the delay time of the entire work is identified, the output unit 211 may output the delay time of the entire work together with the current time and the scheduled time of completion of the entire work.

[0166] For example, when the "Detailed Layout in VR" button is tapped, the output unit 211 may display the layout of virtual items simulating items in a virtual carry-in space simulating the carry-in space based on the layout information. Furthermore, if the current position of the terminal device 22 in the carry-in space can be identified, the output unit 211 may output a carry-in route to the placement position of the item to be worked on in the virtual carry-in space. The method for identifying the current position of the terminal device 22 in the carry-in space is not particularly limited as long as any existing technology for position identification is used. The method for identifying the carry-in route is not particularly limited as long as any existing technology is used.

[0167] The above has been described separately for the HMD 21 and the terminal device 22. The example for outputting to the HMD 21 may be applied to outputting to the terminal device 22. Also, the example for outputting to the terminal device 22 may be applied to outputting to the HMD 21. For example, the output unit 211 may display a screen such as that shown in FIG. 12 on the HMD 21.

[0168] <Example of requesting a change in delivery time when there is a different delivery source> When multiple items are delivered, it is not necessarily the case that all of the items are delivered from the same delivery source. Taking a move as an example, most of the items are delivered from the house being moved from, but some of the items may be newly purchased products and delivered separately by a delivery company. When the work is actually performed, the progress of the work may differ from the various scheduled times included in the work procedure information. For example, it is expected that the work will be delayed or completed early. For this reason, even if the work procedure information was created in advance based on the scheduled delivery times of the items during planning, there may be cases where the actual delivery time needs to be changed during the work.

[0169] Therefore, the delivery time specifying unit 215 specifies the current desired delivery time based on the scheduled delivery time of the item delivered from another delivery source included in the work progress information and the progress status indicated by the progress information. The other delivery source may be a delivery means for the separately delivered item.

[0170] The delivery time notification unit 217 then notifies the other source of the current desired delivery time. The notification method is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, email, electronic message, etc. For example, the delivery time notification unit 217 outputs the current desired delivery time to a terminal device of a person in charge at the other source.

[0171] For example, when a change to the current desired delivery time is received from another delivery source, the update unit 213 may update the work procedure information based on the current desired delivery time. For example, the update unit 213 may update the scheduled work time included in the work procedure information based on the current desired delivery time.

[0172] Furthermore, when the update unit 213 receives a change to the current desired delivery time from another source, the update unit 213 may update the progress information based on the current desired delivery time. The update unit 213 may update the progress information to include the desired delivery time of the item as the progress status of the item to be delivered. For example, the output unit 211 may output information that the delivery has been changed to be scheduled at the desired delivery time based on the progress information.

[0173] An example of notifying the current desired delivery time and an example of accepting a change will be briefly described with reference to FIG.

[0174] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the terminal device of a person in charge of another delivery source. The delivery time notification unit 217 notifies the person in charge of the current desired delivery time. As shown in FIG. 13, the delivery time notification unit 217 may also notify the person in charge of the total delay time. Specifically, the delivery time notification unit 217 displays the current desired delivery time, the original desired delivery time, and the total work delay time on the terminal device of the person in charge of the other delivery source. In FIG. 13, the desired delivery time before change is the original desired delivery time, and the desired delivery time after change is the current desired delivery time. For example, the desired delivery time before change is 2:30 PM, and the desired delivery time after change is 3:30 PM.

[0175] 13, the screen includes a "Reject Change" button and an "Accept" button. When the "Accept" button is tapped, the update unit 213 updates at least one of the progress information and the work procedure information, assuming that a change to the current desired delivery time from another delivery source has been accepted.

[0176] When the "Do not accept changes" button is tapped, the output unit 211 may output a message that the changes were not accepted.

[0177] <Example of requesting additional workers> When the work is actually being carried out, there may be a shortage of workers. For example, if the work is delayed, it is expected that there are not enough workers.

[0178] The determination unit 219 determines whether there is a shortage of workers based on the scheduled work time included in the work progress information and the delay time specified by the current time. For example, the determination unit 219 may determine whether the delay time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time. The predetermined time may be a fixed time such as two hours, or may be determined based on the degree of delay described below, and is not particularly limited.

[0179] The longer the delay time, the more the determination unit 219 determines that there is a shortage of workers, and the shorter the delay time, the more the determination unit 219 determines that there is no shortage of workers. For example, if the delay time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time, the determination unit 219 determines that there is a shortage of workers. If the delay time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time, the determination unit 219 determines that there is no shortage of workers.

[0180] For example, the degree of delay in a task differs between a case where the scheduled total task time is three hours and there is a one-hour delay and a case where the scheduled total task time is ten hours and there is a one-hour delay. The determination unit 219 may determine whether there is a shortage of workers based on the scheduled total task time and the delay time. The method of expressing the delay degree is not particularly limited, but a higher degree of delay indicates a greater delay, and a lower degree of delay indicates a smaller delay. The determination unit 219 determines that there is a shortage of workers the higher the degree of delay based on the scheduled total task time and the delay time. The determination unit 219 determines that there is a smaller shortage of workers the lower the degree of delay based on the scheduled total task time and the delay time.

[0181] In particular, the total work time may be specified by the work requester. The determination unit 219 may determine that there are insufficient workers even if the degree of delay based on the specified work time and delay time is small. For example, the determination unit 219 determines that there are insufficient workers when the degree of delay is higher than a predetermined degree, and determines whether there are insufficient workers when the degree of delay is lower than the predetermined degree.

[0182] If there is a shortage of workers, the work request notification unit 221 notifies other workers of a work request. Examples of other workers include workers in charge of work in other loading spaces. The notification method is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, email, electronic message, or the like. For example, the work request notification unit 221 outputs the work request to the terminal device of the other worker. For example, the work request notification unit 221 may notify the terminal device of the other worker of the work request together with the location, such as the address, of the loading space and the delay time.

[0183] For example, work may be progressing in another carry-in space. The work request notification unit 221 may notify a worker in the other carry-in space of a work request in accordance with the progress of the work in the other carry-in space.

[0184] <Method of Interaction Between Worker and Other Persons> When actually working, the worker may want to confirm something unclear with another person such as the client or planner.

[0185] For example, the inquiry unit 223 notifies another person of an inquiry from the worker. The notification method is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, email, electronic message, etc. The inquiry unit 223 accepts an inquiry from the worker via the worker's terminal device 22. Then, the inquiry unit 223 notifies the terminal device of the other person of the inquiry from the worker.

[0186] In addition, other people, such as the person who requested the work, the manager of the work company, or the planner who created the work procedure manual, may want to change instructions or work procedures on the day of the work. Therefore, the change instruction receiving unit 225 receives change instructions from other people via their terminal devices. The output unit 211 may output the received change instructions. For example, the generation unit 206 may update the work procedure information based on the received change instructions, and the output unit 211 may output the updated work procedure information. For example, the terminal device of the other people may be a terminal device that broadcasts the video viewed by the worker. This allows other people to request changes from the worker even if they are not actually at the work site.

[0187] 14 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation of updating progress information for the work of the day by the work support device. In FIG. 14, the progress status will be explained by taking as an example a case where the work is completed.

[0188] First, the output unit 211 displays the arrangement of items, the work procedure, and the progress status (step S211). In step S211, the output unit 211 may also display the carry-in route from the terminal device 22 to the item to be worked on every time the terminal device 22 of the worker moves.

[0189] The update unit 213 may also specify the elapsed time and update the progress information to include the elapsed time. Then, in step S211, the output unit 211 may display the elapsed time.

[0190] The update unit 213 determines whether completion of the work has been received (Step S212). If completion of the work has been received (Step S212: Yes), the update unit 213 updates the progress information (Step S213).

[0191] The update unit 213 determines whether the last task has been completed (step S214). If all tasks have been completed (step S214: No), the output unit 211 notifies the user that all tasks have been completed (step S215). After step S215, the task assistance device ends the series of processes shown in FIG. 14.

[0192] If all the tasks have not been completed (step S214: No), the output unit 211 returns to step S211.

[0193] Here, for example, various contracts related to delivery, such as renovations and moving, may be made in writing. Written contracts and instructions alone can make it difficult for actual workers to understand the work. Furthermore, for example, in actual work, experienced workers may receive a rough estimate of the items and their quantities from a planner, but then confirm the specific items to be delivered on the day of the work and appropriately determine the order of the work. In recent years, labor shortages and other factors can make it difficult to secure workers. In some cases, it is difficult to uniformly fix the order of work, i.e., the order of delivery, for all delivery spaces. For this reason, it is expected that inexperienced workers will have difficulty determining the order of work, taking the number of workers into consideration. Therefore, the work assistance device 10 identifies the number of workers required for the work based on item information regarding the items to be delivered and placement information in which virtual items resembling the items to be delivered are placed in the delivery space. The work assistance device 10 then determines the order of delivery of the items based on the number of workers. The work assistance device 10 generates work procedure information representing the work procedure for the worker based on the carry-in order and arrangement information. The work assistance device 10 outputs the work procedure information. This creates work procedure information for workers to share the carry-in-related work. This makes it easier for workers to share the carry-in-related work. Furthermore, the work assistance device 20 can propose a work procedure that is more suitable for the number of workers, as the order in which items are carried in may differ depending on the number of workers required for the work. This makes it possible to support the work of inexperienced workers.

[0194] The work support device 20 determines the delivery order so that tasks requiring fewer workers are performed first. Alternatively, the work support device 20 determines the delivery order so that tasks requiring more workers are performed first. Alternatively, the work support device 20 determines the delivery order based on the ability and schedule information for each worker, the number of workers for each task, and the ability required for the task. In this way, the work support device 20 makes it possible to determine a task order appropriate for the number of workers required. Ultimately, it is possible to determine a delivery order, etc., that addresses labor shortages.

[0195] The work support device 20 identifies the number of workers for each task based on a worker number table in which the number of workers is set by task and item size and weight, and on item information including information indicating the size and weight of the item. This allows the work support device 20 to identify the number of workers required based on the size and weight of the item, even when items are being carried into the same carrying-in space. This allows the work support device 20 to calculate the number of workers in more detail.

[0196] Furthermore, the work support device 20 specifies the number of workers so as to meet the specified work time. This allows the work support device 20 to determine the number of workers according to a wider variety of situations, such as when the work is urgent. Furthermore, for example, the fee specification unit 208 specifies a fee according to the work time. This allows the work support device 20 to propose more detailed fees.

[0197] The work support device 20 may also determine the fee based on the placement information. For example, if the item information includes information indicating the weight of the item and the placement information includes information indicating the distance from a specific position in the loading space to the placement position of the item, the work support device 20 calculates the fee based on the distance and the weight of the item. As a result, for example, even when the same item is being loaded into the same loading space, the fee may vary depending on where each item is placed. In this way, the work support device 20 can propose more detailed fees.

[0198] The work support device 20 determines the fee based on the degree of delicacy of the item. The work support device 20 determines the fee based on the ability required for the work and the unit price according to the worker's ability. This allows the work support device 20 to change the fee depending on how much effort the worker will put into carrying the item in.

[0199] When workers carry items into the receiving space, they may perform the work while sharing an image of the work. However, if it is difficult to share an image of the actual work, it may also be difficult to manage the progress of the work. Therefore, the work support device 20 outputs the arrangement of items and the work procedure based on arrangement information in which virtual items resembling items to be carried into the receiving space are arranged in the receiving space and work procedure information that represents the work procedure for the worker. The work support device 20 updates the progress information that represents the progress of the work relative to the work procedure through user operation. The user can manage the progress of the work while checking the image of the work. When workers carry items into the receiving space, it is easy to have the workers share an image of the work. This makes it possible to simplify the management of the progress of the work.

[0200] The work procedure information includes, for each task, at least one of the number of workers, identification information identifying the workers, and the scheduled time of the task, and the work assistance device outputs at least one of the number of workers, the identification information identifying the workers, and the scheduled time of the task. By checking the number of workers and the identification information identifying the workers, users can see at a glance how many people are required to perform the task and who is responsible for it. This allows users to share an idea of ​​the task. Furthermore, by checking the scheduled time of the task, users can check the estimated progress of the task. This simplifies the management of the task progress.

[0201] The work support device 20 identifies the remaining time for the work as progress information based on the scheduled work time included in the work procedure information and the current time. The work support device 20 may output the remaining time for the work. For example, by showing the worker the remaining time for the work, it is possible to improve the worker's motivation for the work.

[0202] The progress status indicates whether the work has been completed, and when the work support device 20 receives a notification of the completion of the work from the worker, it updates the progress information to indicate that the work has been completed. This simplifies the management of the work progress.

[0203] The work support device 20 updates the progress information when the work is completed based on an image of the item to be worked on, which is placed in the placement position indicated by the placement information, captured by the imaging device through user operation. This makes progress management easier. The work support device 20 also outputs the image so that it can be compared with an image of the virtual item placed in the loading space. This makes it possible to perform progress management while confirming that the work has been completed as originally imagined upon completion of the work.

[0204] The progress status indicates whether the work has started, and when the work support device 20 receives a notification from the worker that the work has started, it updates the progress information to indicate that the work has started. This simplifies the management of the work progress.

[0205] The work support device 20 displays virtual items in the carry-in space on the HMD 21 worn by the worker based on the placement information, thereby making it easier to share an image of the work.

[0206] For example, the work support device 20 outputs at least one of the order in which items are to be carried into the carrying-in space and instructions for carrying the items, in association with the virtual items. This allows the user to confirm the work instructions and the like in association with the items to be worked on. This makes it easier to share the image of the work.

[0207] The work procedure information includes, for each task, at least one of the number of workers, identification information identifying the workers, and scheduled work time, and the work assistance device 20 displays at least one of the number of workers, identification information identifying the workers, and scheduled work time in association with a virtual object that is the target of the task. By viewing the virtual object through the HMD 21, the user can confirm the number of workers, the names of the workers, and the scheduled work time. Therefore, the work assistance device 20 can share an image of the task in an easier-to-understand manner.

[0208] The work support device 20 identifies the remaining time for the work as progress information based on the scheduled work time included in the work procedure information and the current time, and displays the remaining time in association with the virtual item that is the target of the work.

[0209] When the user is a worker, the work support device 20 may output an image captured by an imaging device provided in the HMD 21 to an output device of a person other than the worker. The image is an image viewed by the worker via the HMD 21. For example, the work support device 20 may distribute the image in real time. This allows the other person to easily check the status of the work. For example, the other person can check without going to the loading space. For example, the other person can remotely request changes to the work.

[0210] For example, a worker may be unable to see what is ahead due to a wall or the like. When the worker cannot see the space in the worker's direction of travel in the loading space, the work support device 20 displays the space in the worker's direction of travel on the HMD 21. The worker can check the space in the worker's direction of travel that would normally be invisible. Therefore, the work support device can facilitate the work performed by the worker. When the user cannot see what is ahead due to a wall or the like, the user may want to see the space ahead, or may not particularly need to see it. Therefore, the work support device 20 may display the space in the worker's direction of travel in response to an instruction from the user.

[0211] The work support device 20 displays the arrangement of items and the work procedure on the user's terminal device. For example, the work support device 20 displays the arrangement of virtual items in a virtual carry-in space that simulates the carry-in space on the user's terminal device based on the arrangement information. For example, the arrangement of items can be displayed in a VR space. The user can check the completed state of the arrangement of items. This makes it easier to share the image of the work.

[0212] The work support device 20 identifies the remaining time for the work as progress information based on the scheduled work time included in the work procedure information and the current time, and displays the remaining time in association with the virtual object that is the target of the work, thereby facilitating the management of the progress of the work.

[0213] The work support device 20 identifies the current desired delivery time based on the scheduled delivery time of the item delivered from another delivery source included in the work procedure information and the progress indicated by the progress information. The work support device notifies the other delivery source of the current desired delivery time. When the work support device 20 receives a change to the current desired delivery time from the other delivery source, it updates the progress information based on the current desired delivery time. This allows the work support device 20 to change the delivery time depending on the progress of the work.

[0214] The work support device 20 determines whether there are a shortage of workers based on the scheduled work time included in the work procedure information and a delay time determined based on the current time. The work support device 20 notifies workers in other work spaces of a work request depending on the progress of the work in the other work spaces. The work support device 20 determines that the longer the delay time, the greater the shortage of workers.

[0215] If work procedures and fees can be determined as described in each embodiment, the fees for actual work will not change from the estimated fees. Therefore, for example, the company that plans the work and the company that actually performs the work may be different companies. For example, work can be performed without having to assign a leader or the like on-site. In each embodiment, the use of work procedures allows work to be performed more accurately. Furthermore, in each embodiment, the use of work procedures allows workers to perform work more carefully. Furthermore, in each embodiment, the use of work procedures allows workers to perform work more on time.

[0216] The above is the explanation of each embodiment. The embodiments may be combined or modified for use.

[0217] The work support devices 10 and 20 may also be configured to include some of the functional units and information. The functional units included in the work support device 20 are not particularly limited. The work support device 20 may also have other functional units not shown.

[0218] Furthermore, the embodiments are not limited to the examples described above and can be modified in various ways. Furthermore, the configuration of the work assistance devices 10, 20 is not particularly limited. For example, the functional units of the work assistance devices 10, 20 may be implemented by a single device. Alternatively, for example, each functional unit or database of the work assistance devices 10, 20 may be implemented by a different device, and configured as a system. For example, each functional unit of the work assistance device 20 may be implemented by multiple servers, and configured as a system. For example, it may be implemented by a database server including each database and a server having each functional unit.

[0219] For example, the output unit 211 may be divided into an output unit 211-1 having a function related to planning and an output unit 211-2 having a function related to the work of the day. For example, the entire system may be realized to include a server including the allocation unit 201, the number of workers identifying unit 202, the determination unit 204, the generation unit 206, the fee identifying unit 208, and the output unit 211-1, and a server including the output unit 211-2, the update unit 213, the delivery time identifying unit 215, the delivery time notifying unit 217, the determination unit 219, and the work request notifying unit 221. For example, the entire system may be realized to include a server including the allocation unit, a server including the number of workers identifying unit 202, the determination unit 204, the generation unit 206, and the output unit 211-1, and a server including the update unit 213 and the output unit 211-2.

[0220] In the embodiment, each database may include part of the information described above. Also, each piece of information may include information other than the information described above.

[0221] Furthermore, the process of generating information to be displayed on the terminal device 22 may be performed by a functional unit included in the work support device 10, 20, such as the output unit 211, the delivery time notifying unit 217, or the work request notifying unit 221. This process may also be performed by the terminal device 22. That is, the terminal device 22 generates screen information to be displayed on the terminal device 22 based on data received from the work support device 10, 20, and displays the screen. The process of generating information to be displayed on the HMD 21 may be performed by a functional unit included in the work support device 10, 20, such as the output unit 111 or 211. This process may also be performed by the output unit 111 or 211. That is, the HMD 21 generates information to be displayed on the HMD 21 based on data received from the work support device 10, 20, and displays the information based on that information.

[0222] (Example of Computer Hardware Configuration) Next, an example of a hardware configuration in which each device, such as the work support devices 10 and 20 and the terminal device 22, is realized by a computer will be described.

[0223] 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer. For example, some or all of the devices can be realized using any combination of a computer 80 and a program as shown in FIG.

[0224] The computer 80 includes, for example, a processor 801, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 802, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 803, and a storage device 804. The computer 80 also includes a communication interface 805 and an input / output interface 806. The components are connected to each other, for example, via a bus 807. The number of each component is not particularly limited, and there may be one or more of each component.

[0225] The processor 801 controls the entire computer 80. The processor 801 may be, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a physics processing unit (PPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), a quantum processor, or a combination thereof, and is not particularly limited.

[0226] The computer 80 also includes a ROM 802, a RAM 803, and a storage device 804. Examples of the storage device 804 include a semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), and a solid state drive (SSD). For example, the storage device 804 stores an operating system (OS) program, application programs, and programs related to the embodiments. Alternatively, the ROM 802 stores application programs and programs related to the embodiments. The RAM 803 is used as a work area for the processor 801.

[0227] The processor 801 also loads programs stored in the storage device 804, ROM 802, etc. The processor 801 then executes each process coded in the program. The processor 801 may also download various programs via the communication network NT. The processor 801 also functions as a part or all of the computer 80. The processor 801 may then execute the processes or instructions in the illustrated flowchart based on the program.

[0228] The communication interface 805 is connected to a communication network NT such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network) via a wireless or wired communication line. The communication network NT may be composed of multiple communication networks NT. As a result, the computer 80 is connected to external devices and external computers 80 via the communication networks NT. The communication interface 805 serves as an interface between the communication network NT and the inside of the computer 80. The communication interface 805 also controls the input and output of data from external devices and external computers 80.

[0229] Furthermore, the input / output interface 806 is connected to at least one of an input device, an output device, and an input / output device. The connection method may be wireless or wired. Examples of the input device include a keyboard, a mouse, and a microphone. Examples of the output device include a display device, a lighting device, and an audio output device that outputs audio. Examples of the input / output device include a touch panel display. Note that the input device, output device, and input / output device may be built into the computer 80 or may be external.

[0230] The hardware configuration of the computer 80 is an example. The computer 80 may have some of the components shown in FIG. 15 . The computer 80 may have components other than those shown in FIG. 15 . For example, the computer 80 may have a drive device or the like. The processor 801 may then read programs and data stored on a recording medium attached to the drive device or the like into the RAM 803. Examples of non-transitory tangible recording media include optical disks, flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, and USB (Universal Serial Bus) memories. As described above, the computer 80 may have input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse. The computer 80 may have an output device such as a display. The computer 80 may also have an input device, an output device, and an input / output device.

[0231] The computer 80 may also have various sensors. The types of sensors are not particularly limited. The computer 80 may also have an imaging device capable of capturing images or videos.

[0232] This concludes the description of the hardware configuration of each device. There are various variations in the method of realizing each device. For example, each device may be realized by any combination of a different computer and program for each component. Furthermore, multiple components of each device may be realized by any combination of a single computer and program.

[0233] Furthermore, some or all of the components of each device may be realized by circuits for specific applications. Furthermore, some or all of the components of each device may be realized by general-purpose circuits such as FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays). Furthermore, some or all of the components of each device may be realized by a combination of circuits for specific applications and general-purpose circuits. These circuits may be a single integrated circuit. Alternatively, these circuits may be divided into multiple integrated circuits. The multiple integrated circuits may be connected via a bus or the like.

[0234] Furthermore, when some or all of the components of each device are realized by a plurality of computers, circuits, etc., the plurality of computers, circuits, etc. may be centrally located or distributed.

[0235] The work assistance method described in the embodiment may be realized by being executed by a computer such as the work assistance device 10, 20.

[0236] Each program described in the embodiments is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a HDD, SSD, flexible disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, or USB memory. Each program is executed by being read from the recording medium by a computer. Each program may also be distributed via a communication network NT.

[0237] The functions of each of the components of the work assistance device 10 and the work assistance device 20 described above may be realized by dedicated hardware, such as a computer. Alternatively, each component may be realized by software. Alternatively, each component may be realized by a combination of hardware and software.

[0238] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. The configuration and details of each of the present disclosures may include embodiments to which various modifications that would be apparent to those skilled in the art are applied within the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure may include embodiments in which the details described herein are appropriately combined or substituted as necessary. For example, details described using a particular embodiment may also be applied to other embodiments to the extent that no contradiction occurs. For example, although multiple operations are described in sequence in the form of a flowchart, the order of description does not limit the order in which the multiple operations are performed. Therefore, when implementing the embodiments, the order of the multiple operations may be changed as long as it does not interfere with the content.

[0239] Some or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as follows: However, some or all of the above-described embodiments are not limited to the following.

[0240] (Supplementary Note 1) A work support device comprising: a worker number determination means for determining the number of workers required for a task based on item information on items to be delivered and placement information in which virtual items resembling the items to be delivered are placed in a delivery space; a determination means for determining the order in which the items will be delivered based on the number of workers; a generation means for generating work procedure information representing the procedure of the task for workers based on the order in which the items will be delivered and the placement information; and an output means for outputting the work procedure information.

[0241] (Supplementary Note 2) The work support device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the work is any one of a work of carrying in the item, a work of assembling the item, and a work of installing the item.

[0242] (Supplementary Note 3) The work support device according to Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2, wherein the number-of-workers specifying means specifies the number of workers for each of the tasks, and the determining means determines the order of delivery based on the number of workers for each of the tasks.

[0243] (Supplementary Note 4) The work support device according to Supplementary Note 3, wherein the determining unit determines the order of delivery so that the work requiring the fewest number of workers is carried out first.

[0244] (Supplementary Note 5) The work support device according to Supplementary Note 3, wherein the determining unit determines the order of delivery so that the work requiring a large number of workers is carried out first.

[0245] (Supplementary Note 6) The work support device according to any one of Supplementary Note 3 to Supplementary Note 5, wherein the determination means determines the order of delivery based on the ability and schedule information of each worker, the number of workers for each task, and the ability required for the task.

[0246] (Supplementary Note 7) The work support device described in any one of Supplementary Note 3 to Supplementary Note 6, wherein the item information includes information indicating the size and weight of the item; a worker number table sets the number of workers for each task and the size and weight of the item; and the worker number identification means identifies the number of workers for each task based on the worker number table.

[0247] (Supplementary Note 8) The work support device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 7, wherein the number of workers specifying means specifies the number of workers so as to satisfy a specified work time.

[0248] (Supplementary Note 9) The work support device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 8, further comprising: a fee specification unit that specifies a fee based on the placement information.

[0249] (Supplementary Note 10) The work support device described in Supplementary Note 9, wherein the item information includes information representing the weight of the item, the placement information includes information representing the distance from a specific position in the loading space to a placement position of the item, and the fee specification means calculates the fee based on the distance and the weight of the item.

[0250] (Supplementary Note 11) The work support device according to Supplementary Note 9 or Supplementary Note 10, wherein the fee specification means specifies the fee based on the degree of delicacy of the item.

[0251] (Supplementary Note 12) The work support device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 8, further comprising: a fee specification means for specifying a fee based on the ability required for the work and a unit price according to the ability of the worker.

[0252] (Supplementary Note 13) A work support device as described in any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 8, further comprising a fee specification means for specifying a fee, wherein the worker number specification means specifies the number of workers so as to satisfy a specified work time, and the fee specification means specifies a fee according to the work time.

[0253] (Supplementary Note 14) The work support device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 13, wherein the information about the loading space includes information about a size of the loading space.

[0254] (Supplementary Note 15) The work support device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 14, wherein the work procedure is at least one of a work procedure relating to loading into the loading space and a work procedure relating to unloading from a loading source.

[0255] (Supplementary Note 16) The work support device according to Supplementary Note 15, wherein the procedure for the work related to carrying in includes an order in which the items are to be removed from a delivery means that delivers the items.

[0256] (Supplementary Note 17) The work support device according to Supplementary Note 15, wherein the procedure for the work related to carrying out includes an order in which the items are loaded onto delivery means that delivers the items.

[0257] (Supplementary Note 18) The work support device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 17, wherein the output means outputs the work procedure information to a terminal device of a user.

[0258] (Supplementary Note 19) The work assistance device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 17, wherein the output means outputs the work procedure information to an HMD of a user.

[0259] (Supplementary Note 20) The work support device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 19, further comprising: a placement unit that places the virtual item in the carry-in space based on the item information.

[0260] (Supplementary Note 21) The work support device according to Supplementary Note 20, wherein the placement unit places the virtual item in a virtual carry-in space that simulates the carry-in space based on the item information.

[0261] (Supplementary Note 22) A work support method in which a computer executes the following processes: identifies the number of workers required for a task based on item information regarding items to be delivered and placement information in which virtual items resembling the items to be delivered are placed in a delivery space; determines the order in which the items will be delivered based on the number of workers; generates work procedure information that indicates the procedure for the task for the workers based on the delivery order and the placement information; and outputs the work procedure information.

[0262] (Supplementary Note 23) The work support method according to Supplementary Note 22, wherein the work is any one of carrying in the item, assembling the item, and installing the item.

[0263] (Supplementary Note 24) The work support method described in Supplementary Note 22 or Supplementary Note 23, wherein the process of identifying the number of workers identifies the number of workers for each task, and the process of determining determines the order of delivery based on the number of workers for each task.

[0264] (Supplementary Note 25) The work support method according to Supplementary Note 24, wherein the determining process determines the delivery order so that the work requiring the fewest number of workers is carried out first.

[0265] (Supplementary Note 26) The work support method according to Supplementary Note 24, wherein the determining process determines the delivery order so that the work requiring a large number of workers is carried out first.

[0266] (Supplementary Note 27) The work support method according to any one of Supplementary Note 24 to Supplementary Note 26, wherein the determining process determines the order of delivery based on the ability and schedule information of each worker, the number of workers for each task, and the ability required for the task.

[0267] (Appendix 28) A work support method described in any one of Appendices 24 to 27, wherein the item information includes information indicating the size and weight of the item; a worker number table sets the number of workers for each task and the size and weight of the item; and the process of identifying the number of workers identifies the number of workers for each task based on the worker number table.

[0268] (Supplementary Note 29) The work support method according to any one of Supplementary Note 22 to Supplementary Note 28, wherein the process of specifying the number of workers specifies the number of workers so as to satisfy a specified work time.

[0269] (Supplementary Note 30) The work support method according to any one of Supplementary Note 22 to Supplementary Note 29, further comprising specifying a fee based on the placement information.

[0270] (Appendix 31) The work support method described in Appendix 30, wherein the item information includes information representing the weight of the item, the placement information includes information representing the distance from a specific position in the delivery space to the placement position of the item, and the process of specifying the fee calculates the fee based on the distance and the weight of the item.

[0271] (Supplementary Note 32) The work support method according to Supplementary Note 30 or Supplementary Note 31, wherein the process of specifying the fee specifies the fee based on the degree of delicacy of the item.

[0272] (Supplementary Note 33) The work support method according to any one of Supplementary Note 22 to Supplementary Note 29, wherein a fee is determined based on the ability required for the work and a unit price according to the ability of the worker.

[0273] (Appendix 34) The work support method described in any one of Appendices 22 to 29, further comprising: specifying a fee; in the process of specifying the number of workers, specifying the number of workers so as to satisfy a specified work time; and in the process of specifying the fee, specifying a fee according to the work time.

[0274] (Supplementary Note 35) The work support method according to any one of Supplementary Note 22 to Supplementary Note 34, wherein the information relating to the loading space includes information relating to a size of the loading space.

[0275] (Supplementary Note 36) The work support method according to any one of Supplementary Note 22 to Supplementary Note 35, wherein the work procedure is at least one of a work procedure relating to loading into the loading space and a work procedure relating to unloading from the loading source.

[0276] (Supplementary Note 37) The work support method according to Supplementary Note 36, wherein the procedure for the work related to carrying in includes an order in which the items are removed from the delivery means that delivers the items.

[0277] (Supplementary Note 38) The work support method according to Supplementary Note 36, wherein the procedure for the work related to carrying out includes an order in which the items are loaded onto a delivery means for delivery.

[0278] (Supplementary Note 39) The work support method according to any one of Supplementary Note 22 to Supplementary Note 38, wherein the outputting process outputs the work procedure information to a terminal device of a user.

[0279] (Supplementary Note 40) The work assistance method according to any one of Supplementary Note 22 to Supplementary Note 38, wherein the outputting process outputs the work procedure information to an HMD of a user.

[0280] (Supplementary Note 41) The work support method according to any one of Supplementary Note 22 to Supplementary Note 40, further comprising arranging the virtual item in the carry-in space based on the item information.

[0281] (Supplementary Note 42) The work support method according to Supplementary Note 41, wherein the placing process places the virtual item in a virtual carry-in space that simulates the carry-in space based on the item information.

[0282] (Supplementary Note 43) A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for causing a computer to execute the following processes: identify the number of workers required for a task based on item information regarding items to be delivered and placement information in which virtual items resembling the items to be delivered are placed in a delivery space; determine the order in which the items will be delivered based on the number of workers; generate work procedure information that indicates the procedure for the task for the workers based on the delivery order and the placement information; and output the work procedure information.

[0283] (Supplementary Note 44) The recording medium according to Supplementary Note 43, wherein the work is any one of carrying in the item, assembling the item, and installing the item.

[0284] (Appendix 45) The recording medium described in Appendix 43 or Appendix 44, wherein the process of identifying the number of workers identifies the number of workers for each task, and the process of determining determines the order of delivery based on the number of workers for each task.

[0285] (Supplementary Note 46) The recording medium according to Supplementary Note 45, wherein the process of determining the order of delivery determines the order of delivery so that the work requiring the fewest number of workers is carried out first.

[0286] (Supplementary Note 47) The recording medium according to Supplementary Note 45, wherein the process of determining the order of delivery determines the order of delivery so that the work requiring the most workers is carried out first.

[0287] (Appendix 48) The recording medium described in any one of Appendices 45 to 47, wherein the determining process determines the delivery order based on the ability and schedule information for each worker, the number of workers for each task, and the ability required for the task.

[0288] (Appendix 49) A recording medium described in any of Appendices 45 to 48, wherein the item information includes information indicating the size and weight of the item; a worker number table sets the number of workers for each task and the size and weight of the item; and the process of identifying the number of workers identifies the number of workers for each task based on the worker number table.

[0289] (Supplementary Note 50) The recording medium according to any one of Supplementary Note 43 to Supplementary Note 49, wherein the process of specifying the number of workers specifies the number of workers so as to satisfy a specified work time.

[0290] (Supplementary Note 51) The recording medium according to any one of Supplementary Note 43 to Supplementary Note 50, further comprising: specifying a fee based on the placement information.

[0291] (Appendix 52) The recording medium described in Appendix 51, wherein the item information includes information representing the weight of the item, the placement information includes information representing the distance from a specific position in the loading space to the placement position of the item, and the process of determining the fee calculates the fee based on the distance and the weight of the item.

[0292] (Supplementary Note 53) The recording medium according to Supplementary Note 51 or Supplementary Note 52, wherein the process of determining the fee determines the fee based on the degree of delicacy of the item.

[0293] (Supplementary Note 54) The recording medium according to any one of Supplementary Note 43 to Supplementary Note 50, wherein a fee is specified based on the ability required for the work and a unit price according to the ability of the worker.

[0294] (Appendix 55) A recording medium described in any of Appendices 43 to 50, further comprising: specifying a fee; in the process of specifying the number of workers, specifying the number of workers so as to meet a specified work time; and in the process of specifying the fee, specifying a fee according to the work time.

[0295] (Supplementary Note 56) The recording medium according to any one of Supplementary Notes 43 to 55, wherein the information relating to the loading space includes information relating to a size of the loading space.

[0296] (Supplementary Note 57) The recording medium according to any one of Supplementary Note 43 to Supplementary Note 56, wherein the work procedure is at least one of a work procedure relating to loading into the loading space and a work procedure relating to unloading from the loading source.

[0297] (Supplementary Note 58) The recording medium according to Supplementary Note 57, wherein the procedure for the work related to the carrying-in includes an order in which the items are to be removed from the delivery means that delivers the items.

[0298] (Supplementary Note 59) The recording medium according to Supplementary Note 57, wherein the procedure for the work related to the carrying out includes an order in which the items are loaded onto a delivery means for delivery.

[0299] (Supplementary Note 60) The recording medium according to any one of Supplementary Note 43 to Supplementary Note 59, wherein the outputting process outputs the work procedure information to a terminal device of a user.

[0300] (Supplementary Note 61) The recording medium according to any one of Supplementary Note 43 to Supplementary Note 59, wherein the outputting process outputs the work procedure information to an HMD of a user.

[0301] (Supplementary Note 62) The recording medium according to any one of Supplementary Notes 43 to 61, further comprising: arranging the virtual item in the carry-in space based on the item information.

[0302] (Supplementary Note 63) The recording medium according to Supplementary Note 62, wherein the placing process places the virtual item in a virtual carry-in space that simulates the carry-in space based on the item information.

[0303] 10, 20 Work support device 21 HMD 22 Terminal device 80 Computer 201 Placement unit 102, 202 Number of workers identification unit 104, 204 Determination unit 106, 206 Generation unit 208 Fee identification unit 111, 211, 211-1, 211-2 Output unit 213 Update unit 215 Delivery time identification unit 217 Delivery time notification unit 219 Determination unit 221 Work request notification unit 223 Inquiry unit 225 Change instruction reception unit 801 Processor 802 ROM 803 RAM 804 Storage device 805 Communication interface 806 Input / output interface 807 Bus NT Communication network

Claims

1. A work support device comprising: a worker number determination means for determining the number of workers required for a task based on item information on items to be delivered and placement information in which virtual items modeled after the items to be delivered are placed in a delivery space; a determination means for determining the order in which the items will be delivered based on the number of workers; a generation means for generating work procedure information representing the procedure of the task for workers based on the delivery order and the placement information; and an output means for outputting the work procedure information.

2. The work support device according to claim 1, wherein the work is any one of carrying in the item, assembling the item, and installing the item.

3. The work support device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the worker number identification means identifies the number of workers for each of the tasks, and the determination means determines the order of delivery based on the number of workers for each of the tasks.

4. The work support device according to claim 3, wherein the determination means determines the order of delivery so that the work requiring the fewest number of workers is carried out first.

5. The work support device according to claim 3, wherein the determination means determines the order of delivery so that the work requiring a large number of workers is carried out first.

6. A work support device as described in any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the determination means determines the order of delivery based on the capabilities and schedule information of each worker, the number of workers for each task, and the capabilities required for the task.

7. A work support device as described in any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the item information includes information indicating the size and weight of the item, a worker number table is set with the number of workers for each task and the size and weight of the item, and the worker number determination means determines the number of workers for each task based on the worker number table.

8. The work support device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the number of workers specification means specifies the number of workers so as to satisfy a specified work time.

9. A work support device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising: a fee specification means for specifying a fee based on the placement information.

10. The work support device of claim 9, wherein the item information includes information representing the weight of the item, the placement information includes information representing the distance from a specific position in the entrance space to a placement position of the item, and the fee determination means calculates the fee based on the distance and the weight of the item.

11. The work support device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the fee specification means specifies the fee based on the degree of delicacy of the item.

12. A work support device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising: a fee specification means for specifying a fee based on the ability required for the work and a unit price according to the ability of the worker.

13. A work support device as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a fee specification means for specifying a fee, wherein the worker number specification means specifies the number of workers so as to satisfy a specified work time, and the fee specification means specifies a fee according to the work time.

14. A work support device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the information relating to the loading space includes information relating to a size of the loading space.

15. A work support device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the work procedure is at least one of a work procedure relating to loading into the loading space and a work procedure relating to unloading from a loading source.

16. The work support device according to claim 15, wherein the procedure for the work related to carrying in includes an order in which the items are removed from a delivery means that delivers the items.

17. The work support device according to claim 15, wherein the procedure of the work related to the carrying out includes an order of loading the items onto a delivery means for delivering the items.

18. A work support device as described in any one of claims 1 to 17, further comprising: a placement means for placing the virtual item in a virtual carry-in space simulating the carry-in space based on the item information.

19. A work support method in which a computer executes the following processes: identifies the number of workers required for a task based on item information on items to be delivered and placement information in which virtual items modeled after the items to be delivered are placed in a delivery space; determines the order in which the items will be delivered based on the number of workers; generates work procedure information indicating the procedure for the task for workers based on the delivery order and the placement information; and outputs the work procedure information.

20. A non-transitory recording medium readable by a computer that records a program for causing a computer to execute the following processes: identify the number of workers required for a task based on item information regarding items to be delivered and placement information in which virtual items modeled after the items to be delivered are placed in the delivery space; determine the order in which the items will be delivered based on the number of workers; generate work procedure information that represents the procedure of the task for workers based on the delivery order and the placement information; and output the work procedure information.

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