Work assistance device, work assistance method, and work assistance program

Abstract

This work assistance device comprises: an information determination unit that determines information on a work instruction in a work procedure for work of a worker on the basis of work state information for work instruction of the worker and awareness information relating to work of the worker; and an information presentation unit that presents information on the work instruction determined by the information determination unit.

Description

Work support device, work support method, and work support program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a work assistance device, a work assistance method, and a work assistance program for assisting a worker in performing a task.

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various work support devices have been proposed that provide advice to a worker regarding a work to be performed by the worker or regarding the results of the work performed by the worker.

[0003] In this regard, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2023-8625 (Patent Document 1) proposes a method for outputting the contents of work instructions in accordance with proficiency information for each worker.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-8625

[0005] On the other hand, there was a problem in that the content of the work instructions was maintained even when the worker could not understand the content of the work instructions or when the worker found the work instructions difficult.

[0006] The present disclosure is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a work assistance device, a work assistance method, and a work assistance program that are capable of providing work instructions related to work that are tailored to the worker's situation.

[0007] A work assistance device according to an example of the present disclosure includes an information determination unit that determines information about work instructions in a work procedure for a worker's work based on work status information for the worker's work instructions and information about the worker's awareness of the work, and an information presentation unit that presents the information about the work instructions determined by the information determination unit. With this configuration, it is possible to provide work instructions related to the work in accordance with the worker's situation because the information about the work instructions in the work procedure for the worker's work is determined based on the worker's awareness of the work.

[0008] The work assistance device further includes a work information acquisition unit that acquires work information of the worker, and an analysis unit that analyzes the work information of the worker acquired by the work information acquisition unit and generates work status information. With this configuration, since the work information of the worker is analyzed and the work status information is generated, it is possible to provide work instructions related to the work according to the worker's situation.

[0009] The work assistance device further includes a self-awareness information acquisition unit that acquires self-awareness information related to the work of the worker. According to this configuration, since the self-awareness information acquisition unit that acquires self-awareness information is included, information on work instructions in the work procedure of the worker's work is determined based on the self-awareness information related to the work of the worker, and therefore it is possible to provide work instructions related to the work in accordance with the worker's situation.

[0010] The work assistance device includes an information storage unit that stores multiple work instruction contents, which are information about work instructions. The multiple work contents are classified into multiple work instruction content groups. The information determination unit determines one of the multiple work instruction content groups based on the work status information and the awareness information, and determines one of the multiple work instruction contents in the determined work instruction content group. With this configuration, one work instruction content is determined from multiple work instruction contents included in one of the multiple work instruction content groups, making it possible to provide work instructions related to the work tailored to the worker's situation.

[0011] The work assistance device further includes an information receiving unit that receives input of the worker's awareness information. With this configuration, since the information receiving unit that receives input of the worker's awareness information is included, it is possible to provide work instructions related to the work in accordance with the worker's situation in a simple manner.

[0012] The worker's awareness information is information relating to whether or not the worker has understood the work instructions. With this configuration, since the awareness information is information relating to whether or not the worker has understood the work instructions, it is possible to provide work instructions according to the worker's situation.

[0013] The worker's awareness information is information about whether the work in accordance with the work instructions is appropriate. With this configuration, since the awareness information is information about whether the work in accordance with the work instructions is appropriate, it is possible to provide work instructions related to the work according to the worker's situation.

[0014] A work assistance method according to an example of the present disclosure includes a step of determining information about work instructions in a work procedure for a worker's work based on work status information for the worker's work instructions and information about the worker's awareness of the work, and a step of presenting the determined information about the work instructions.

[0015] A work assistance program that causes a computer to execute a work assistance method according to an example of the present disclosure includes a step of determining information about work instructions in a work procedure for a worker's work based on work status information for the worker's work instructions and information about the worker's awareness of the work, and a step of presenting the determined information about the work instructions.

[0016] According to the work assistance device, work assistance method, and work assistance program disclosed herein, it is possible to provide work instructions according to the worker's situation.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a work support system 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a case where a worker performs screw tightening work using a screwdriver DR according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a server 20 according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating functional blocks of the server 20 according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating processing of the server 20 according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a content determination transition diagram according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating determination of work instruction content for a first work instruction content group according to an embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating determination of work instruction content for a second work instruction content group according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating determination of work instruction content for a third work instruction content group according to an embodiment.

[0018] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same or corresponding parts in the drawings are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0019] (Overall Configuration) The configuration of a work support system 1 according to an embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the work support system 1 according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, the work support system 1 includes a projector 10, a server 20, a camera 30, and an input device 50. The projector 10, the camera 30, and the input device 50 are each connected to the server 20. As an example of the predetermined task, a worker performs a predetermined task using a screwdriver DR on a workpiece W placed on a workbench TB. In this example, as an example of the predetermined task, a case will be described in which a worker performs a screw tightening task on the workpiece W using the screwdriver DR. A case will be described in which a screw tightening task is repeatedly performed on the workpiece W. Although not shown, the screwdriver DR is provided with a tilt sensor, which will be described later. Furthermore, although not shown, the workbench TB is provided with a pressure sensor. The tilt sensor and the pressure sensor are provided so as to be able to communicate with the server 20.

[0020] As an example, the projector 10 projects (outputs) information on work instructions for a predetermined task onto a projection area DP, which is a portion of the workbench TB. The camera 30 captures an image of the worker's work status and outputs the captured image data to the server 20 as work information. The input device 50 is a device for inputting the worker's awareness information regarding the task. As an example, the input device 50 is provided with a switch-type button. The input device 50 is configured to be able to accept input of information regarding the worker's awareness. For example, the input device 50 is configured to selectively accept input of information regarding whether the task is performed appropriately in accordance with the work instructions as awareness information. For example, the worker inputs awareness information regarding the task for each predetermined task via the input device 50. When the worker determines that the task has been performed in accordance with the work instructions as awareness information, the worker presses one of two switches provided on the input device 50. As a result, the worker's awareness information (the task is appropriate) is transmitted to the server 20 via the input device 50. Furthermore, when the worker determines that he / she is not performing the prescribed work in accordance with the work instructions as subjective information, he / she presses the other of the two switches provided on the input device 50. As a result, the worker's subjective information (the work is inappropriate) is transmitted to the server 20 via the input device 50.

[0021] The server 20 acquires, as work information, the captured image data input via the camera 30 and / or the data input via the driver DR, determines information on work instructions in the work procedure of the worker's work based on work status information obtained by analyzing it and subjective information input via the input device 50, and presents the information on the determined work instructions. For example, the server 20 presents the information on the determined work instructions via the projector 10.

[0022] In this example, a case where a worker uses a screwdriver DR to tighten a screw on a workpiece W will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this and other tasks may also be performed. Note that, although a method using a screwdriver DR will be described as an example, a method not using a screwdriver DR may also be used. In this example, a case where work instruction information for a predetermined task is projected (output) onto the projection area DP using a projector 10 will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this and, for example, the work instruction information for a predetermined task may be presented to the worker using a display device instead of the projector 10. Also, in this example, a case where work instruction information for a predetermined task is presented visually will be described, but the information may also be presented to the worker audibly using a speaker, for example. Alternatively, a speaker and the projector 10 may be used in combination.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a case where an operator uses a screwdriver DR according to an embodiment to perform a screw tightening operation. Referring to FIG. 2 , the screwdriver DR is provided with a tilt sensor 16. The tilt sensor 16 is, for example, an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor, and continuously detects the tilt angle of the cutting edge member of the screwdriver DR relative to the workpiece W and transmits data representing the detected tilt angle to a server 20. The tilt sensor 16 is provided with a wireless communication function that enables communication with the server 20. An interface that employs a low-power data communication standard, such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), is used as the wireless interface. Instead of a wireless interface, a wired communication line, such as a wired local area network (LAN), can also be used, and a power cord can also be used as the communication line.

[0024] As an example, a pressure sensor 15 is provided on the workbench TB. The pressure sensor 15 continuously detects the pressure (load) applied to the workpiece W via the cutting edge member of the screwdriver DR and transmits data representing the detected pressure value to the server 20. The pressure sensor 15 is provided with a wireless communication function that enables communication with the server 20. As a wireless interface, for example, an interface that adopts a low-power data communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) is used. Note that instead of a wireless interface, a wired communication line such as a wired local area network (LAN) can be used, and a power cord can also be used as the communication line. Note that at least one of the pressure sensor 15 and the tilt sensor 16 may be configured to be provided within the screwdriver DR.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a server 20 according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 3, the server 20 typically has a structure conforming to a general-purpose computer architecture. Specifically, the server 20 includes a processor 101, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessing unit (MPU), a memory 102, a storage 103, a display controller 104, an input interface 105, and a communication interface 106. These components are connected to each other via a bus to enable data communication. The processor 101 loads various programs stored in the storage 103 into the memory 102 and executes them to perform various processes according to this embodiment. The memory 102 is typically a volatile storage device such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) and stores programs read from the storage 103. The storage 103 is typically a nonvolatile magnetic storage device such as a hard disk drive. The storage 103 stores a task assistance program 131 executed by the processor 101. The storage 103 also stores work information 132 and content information 133. The work information 132 is data relating to the work status of the worker in response to work instructions transmitted from the camera 30, the pressure sensor 15, and the tilt sensor 16 and received via the communication interface 106. The content information 133 is information on work instructions for a predetermined work that has been stored in advance.

[0026] The various programs installed in the storage 103 are distributed in a state stored on a memory card or the like. The display controller 104 is connected to the projector 10 and outputs signals to the projector 10 to display various information in accordance with internal commands from the processor 101. The input interface 105 is connected to the input device 50 and receives the worker's awareness information input via the input device 50. The input interface 105 may also mediate data transmission between input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, touch panel, or dedicated console (not shown). The communication interface 106 mediates data transmission between the processor 101 and external devices (e.g., the camera 30, the pressure sensor 15, and the tilt sensor 16). The communication interface 106 typically includes Ethernet (registered trademark) or USB (Universal Serial Bus). The various programs stored in the storage 103 may be downloaded from a distribution server or the like via the communication interface 106.

[0027] When using a computer having a structure conforming to the above-described general-purpose computer architecture, an operating system (OS) for providing basic computer functions may be installed in addition to an application for providing the functions according to the present embodiment. In this case, the program according to the present embodiment may execute processing by calling necessary modules provided as part of the OS in a predetermined order and timing. In other words, the program according to the present embodiment itself may not include such modules, and may execute processing in cooperation with the OS. Alternatively, some or all of the functions provided by execution of the task assistance program 131 may be implemented as dedicated hardware circuits.

[0028] 4 is a diagram illustrating functional blocks of the server 20 according to the embodiment. Referring to FIG. 4, the server 20 constitutes a work assistance device and includes a work information acquisition unit 110, a subjective information acquisition unit 111, an analysis unit 112, an information determination unit 114, and an information presentation unit 115. Each functional block is realized by the processor 101 executing a work assistance program 131.

[0029] The work information acquisition unit 110 acquires image data from the camera 30 as work information and stores it in the storage 103 as work information 132. The work information acquisition unit 110 acquires wireless signals from the pressure sensor 15 and the tilt sensor 16 as work information. The work information acquisition unit 110 acquires the wireless signals transmitted from the pressure sensor 15 and the tilt sensor 16, decodes the signals, acquires pressure data and tilt data on the workpiece W, and stores the work information 132 in the storage 103. The subjective information acquisition unit 111 acquires the worker's subjective information input via the input device 50. The analysis unit 112 analyzes the work information 132 stored in the storage 103 based on the work information 132 and generates work status information for the worker's work instructions. Specifically, the analysis unit 112 analyzes the work information 132, which is tilt data of the worker's work status transmitted from the tilt sensor 16, and generates an analysis result indicating whether the screwdriver DR is straight with respect to the screw as work status information. The analysis unit 112 analyzes work information 132, which is image data of the worker's work state input via the camera 30, and generates an analysis result as work state information indicating whether the worker is holding the screwdriver DR in a way that does not strain the wrist, i.e., whether the wrist is bent or not. The analysis unit 112 analyzes work information 132, which is pressure data of the worker's work state transmitted from the pressure sensor 15, and generates an analysis result as work state information indicating whether the worker is pressing down on the screwdriver DR with too much force.

[0030] The information determination unit 114 determines information about work instructions in the work procedure of the worker's work based on the work status information for the worker's work instructions and the worker's awareness information about the work, which are the analysis results of the analysis unit 112. Specifically, the information determination unit 114 determines information about work instructions in accordance with a content determination transition diagram described later.

[0031] The information presenting unit 115 presents information about the work instructions determined by the information determining unit 114. Specifically, the information presenting unit 115 projects (outputs) the content of the determined work instructions onto the projection area DP via the projector 10.

[0032] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating processing by the server 20 according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 5, the server 20 determines the content of work instructions to be displayed to the worker (step S0). Specifically, the information determination unit 114 determines the content of work instructions in the work procedure of the work to be displayed to the worker. As an example, the information determination unit 114 determines the content of a preset initial state. The information determination unit 114 determines the content D1 of the first work instruction content group corresponding to state N1 in the content determination transition diagram described below. Next, the server 20 outputs the content (step S2). The information presentation unit 115 projects (outputs) the determined content onto the projection area DP via the projector 10.

[0033] Next, the server 20 acquires the worker's work information (step S4). Specifically, the work information acquisition unit 110 decodes the image data from the camera 30 and the wireless signals transmitted from the pressure sensor 15 and the tilt sensor 16 to acquire pressure data and tilt data as work information. Next, the server 20 analyzes the acquired work information of the worker (step S6). Specifically, the analysis unit 112 analyzes the work information stored in the storage 103. Next, the server 20 generates work status information as the analysis result (step S8). Specifically, the analysis unit 112 analyzes the work information, which is tilt data of the worker's work state transmitted from the tilt sensor 16, and generates, as work status information, an analysis result indicating whether the screwdriver DR is held straight with respect to the screw. The analysis unit 112 analyzes the work information, which is image data of the worker's work state input via the camera 30, and generates, as work status information, an analysis result indicating whether the screwdriver DR is held comfortably in the wrist, i.e., whether the wrist is bent. The analysis unit 112 analyzes the work information 132, which is pressure data on the worker's work state transmitted from the pressure sensor 15, and generates the analysis result indicating whether the driver DR is being pressed with too much force as work state information.

[0034] Next, the server 20 acquires the worker's awareness information (step S10). Specifically, the awareness information acquisition unit 111 acquires the worker's awareness information input via the input device 50. Next, the server 20 determines content to be displayed to the worker in the next task based on the worker's work status information and awareness information (step S12). Specifically, the information determination unit 114 determines work instruction information based on the worker's work status information and awareness information using a content determination transition diagram described below.

[0035] Next, the server 20 determines whether the work has been completed (step S14). If the server 20 determines that the work has been completed (YES in step S14), the server 20 ends the processing (END). For example, the server 20 may determine that the work has been completed when the worker leaves the workbench TB based on image data from the camera 30. Alternatively, the server 20 may determine that the work has been completed when the workpiece W is no longer present.

[0036] On the other hand, if the server 20 determines that the work has not been completed (NO in step S14), the process returns to step S2, where the server 20 outputs the content (step S2). The information presentation unit 115 projects (outputs) the determined content onto the projection area DP via the projector 10, and repeats the above process. For example, the server 20 may determine that the next work is being performed when the worker grasps a new workpiece W based on image data from the camera 30, and may determine that the work has not been completed and output the content. Alternatively, the server 20 may detect the input of a switch to start the next work and output the content in accordance with the detection.

[0037] (Content Determination) FIG. 6 is a content determination transition diagram according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 6, the content information includes a plurality of work instruction contents. Specifically, the plurality of work instruction contents are classified into three groups, first to third work instruction content groups, as an example. The work instruction contents determined in the content determination transition diagram transition from the first work instruction content group to the second work instruction content group in accordance with the worker's proficiency. Furthermore, the work instruction contents determined in the content determination transition diagram transition from the second work instruction content group to the third work instruction content group in accordance with the worker's proficiency.

[0038] The first work instruction content group includes work instruction contents D1, D1a, and D1b (also simply referred to as contents), the second work instruction content group includes work instruction contents D2, D2a, and D2b, and the third work instruction content group includes work instruction contents D3, D3a, and D3b.

[0039] The information determination unit 114 determines one of the first to third work instruction content groups, and then determines one of the work instruction contents in the determined work instruction content group. The information presentation unit 115 presents the determined work instruction content to the worker as information on the next work instruction.

[0040] (First Work Instruction Content Group) In the initial state, the first work instruction content group is selected, and work instruction content D1 of the first work instruction content group is determined. That is, the initial state in the content determination transition diagram is state N1.

[0041] The worker checks the information of the work instruction in the work procedure "Hold the screwdriver straight against the screw," which is the work instruction content D1, and starts the work.

[0042] The work information acquisition unit 110 acquires tilt data of the worker's work state input via the screwdriver DR as work information. The analysis unit 112 uses the tilt data to analyze whether the screwdriver DR is held straight relative to the screw. The analysis unit 112 generates work state information ("straight" or "not straight"), which is the analysis result of whether the screwdriver DR is straight based on the work information, and outputs the work state information to the information determination unit 114. The subjective information acquisition unit 111 acquires the worker's subjective information input via the input device 50. The worker inputs subjective information related to each predetermined task via the input device 50. When the worker determines, as subjective information, that the predetermined task in accordance with the work instructions is appropriate or inappropriate, the worker presses one or the other of two switches provided on the input device 50. The self-awareness information acquisition unit 111 acquires the worker's self-awareness information regarding the work instruction in the work procedure of the work instruction content D1, "Hold the screwdriver straight against the screw," via the input device 50. As an example, the self-awareness information acquisition unit 111 acquires the worker's self-awareness information ("straight" or "not straight") in accordance with pressing one or the other of two switches.

[0043] When the state is N1, the information determination unit 114 transitions the state N1 to N2 based on the awareness information ((1) "straightened") and the work state information ((2) "straightened") that is the analysis result of the analysis unit 112. The information determination unit 114 determines a second work instruction content group corresponding to the state N2, and determines work instruction content D2 ("Hold the screwdriver so that it does not strain your wrist") of the second work instruction content group. The information presentation unit 115 presents the determined work instruction content D2 to the worker as information on the next work instruction. When the state is N1, the information determination unit 114 maintains the state N1 based on the awareness information ((1) "not straightened") and the work state information ((2) "not straightened") that is the analysis result of the analysis unit 112. The information determination unit 114 determines a first work instruction content group corresponding to the state N1, and determines work instruction content D1 ("Hold the screwdriver straight over the screw") from the first work instruction content group. The information presentation unit 115 presents the determined work instruction content D1 to the worker as information on the next work instruction.

[0044] When the state is N1, the information determination unit 114 transitions the state N1 to a state N1A based on the subjective information ((1) "straightened") and the work state information ((2) "not straightened") that is the analysis result of the analysis unit 112. The information determination unit 114 determines a first work instruction content group corresponding to the state N1A, and determines work instruction content D1a ("Hold the screwdriver so that it is at the center of your body") of the first work instruction content group. The information presentation unit 115 presents the determined work instruction content D1a to the worker as information on the next work instruction. When the state is N1, the information determination unit 114 transitions the state N1 to a state N1B based on the subjective information ((1) "not straightened") and the work state information ((2) "straightened") that is the analysis result of the analysis unit 112. The information determination unit 114 determines a first work instruction content group corresponding to the state N1B, and determines work instruction content D1b ("The driver who worked last time was straight. Work in the same way.") of the first work instruction content group. The information presentation unit 115 presents the determined work instruction content D1b to the worker as information on the next work instruction.

[0045] When the state is N1A, the information determination unit 114 maintains the state N1A based on the subjective information ((1) "straightened" or "not straightened") and the work state information ((2) "not straightened") that is the analysis result of the analysis unit 112. The information determination unit 114 determines a first work instruction content group corresponding to the state N1A and determines work instruction content D1a ("Hold the screwdriver so that it is at the center of your body") of the first work instruction content group. The information presentation unit 115 presents the determined work instruction content D1a to the worker as information on the next work instruction. When the state is N1A, the information determination unit 114 transitions the state N1A to state N1B based on the subjective information ((1) "not straightened") and the work state information ((2) "straightened") that is the analysis result of the analysis unit 112. The information determination unit 114 determines a first work instruction content group corresponding to the state N1B, and determines work instruction content D1b ("The driver who worked last time was straight. Work in the same way.") of the first work instruction content group. The information presentation unit 115 presents the determined work instruction content D1b to the worker as information on the next work instruction.

[0046] When the state is N1A, the information determination unit 114 transitions the state from N1A to N1 based on the awareness information ((1) "straightening") and the work state information ((2) "straightened") that is the analysis result of the analysis unit 112. The information determination unit 114 determines a first work instruction content group corresponding to the state N1, and determines work instruction content D1 ("hold the screwdriver straight against the screw") of the first work instruction content group. The information presentation unit 115 presents the determined work instruction content D1 to the worker as information on the next work instruction.

[0047] When the state is N1B, the information determination unit 114 maintains the state N1B based on the awareness information ((1) "not straightened") and the work state information ((2) "straightened") that is the analysis result of the analysis unit 112. The information determination unit 114 determines a first work instruction content group corresponding to the state N1B and determines work instruction content D1b ("The driver kept the road straight during the previous work. Do the same") of the first work instruction content group. The information presentation unit 115 presents the determined work instruction content D1b to the worker as information on the next work instruction. When the state is N1B, the information determination unit 114 transitions from state N1B to state N1A based on the awareness information ((1) "straightened" or "not straightened") and the work state information ((2) "not straightened") that is the analysis result of the analysis unit 112. The information determination unit 114 determines a first work instruction content group corresponding to the state N1A, and determines work instruction content D1b ("Hold the screwdriver so that it is at the center of your body") from the first work instruction content group. The information presentation unit 115 presents the determined work instruction content D1b to the worker as information on the next work instruction.

[0048] When the state is N1B, the information determination unit 114 transitions from state N1B to state N1 based on the awareness information ((1) "straightening") and the work state information ((2) "straightened") that is the analysis result of the analysis unit 112. The information determination unit 114 determines a first work instruction content group corresponding to state N1, and determines work instruction content D1 ("hold the screwdriver straight against the screw") of the first work instruction content group. The information presentation unit 115 presents the determined work instruction content D1 to the worker as information on the next work instruction.

[0049] (Second Work Instruction Content Group) The worker checks the work instruction information in the work procedure "Hold the screwdriver without straining your wrist," which is work instruction content D2 corresponding to state N2, and starts the work.

[0050] The work information acquisition unit 110 acquires image data of the worker's work status input via the camera 30 as work information. The analysis unit 112 uses the image data to analyze whether the worker's wrist is bent during the screw tightening work process. The analysis unit 112 generates work status information ("the worker's wrist is bent" or "the worker's wrist is not bent"), which is an analysis result of whether the worker is holding the screwdriver in a way that does not strain the wrist, based on the work information, and outputs the information determination unit 114. The subjective information acquisition unit 111 acquires the worker's subjective information input via the input device 50. The worker inputs subjective information related to each specified task via the input device 50. When the worker determines that the specified task has been performed or not in accordance with the work instruction, the worker presses one or the other of two switches provided on the input device 50 as subjective information. The subjective information acquisition unit 111 acquires the worker's subjective information regarding the work instruction in the work procedure for the work instruction content D2, "Hold the screwdriver in a way that does not strain the wrist," via the input device 50. As an example, the subjective information acquisition unit 111 acquires the subjective information of the worker ("wrist is bent" or "wrist is not bent") according to pressing one or the other of the two switches.

[0051] When the worker is in state N2, the information determination unit 114 transitions from state N2 to state N3 based on the subjective information ((1) "The wrist is not bent") and the work state information ((2) "The wrist is not bent") that is the analysis result of the analysis unit 112. The information determination unit 114 determines a third work instruction content group that corresponds to state N3, and determines work instruction content D3 ("Do not press the screwdriver with too much force") of the third work instruction content group. The information presentation unit 115 presents the determined work instruction content D3 to the worker as information for the next work instruction. When the worker is in state N2, the information determination unit 114 maintains state N2 based on the subjective information ((1) "The wrist is bent") and the work state information ((2) "The wrist is bent") that is the analysis result of the analysis unit 112. The information determination unit 114 determines a second work instruction content group corresponding to the state N2, and determines work instruction content D2 ("Hold the screwdriver in a way that does not strain your wrist") from the second work instruction content group. The information presentation unit 115 presents the determined work instruction content D2 to the worker as information on the next work instruction.

[0052] When the worker is in state N2, the information determination unit 114 transitions from state N2 to state N2A based on the subjective information ((1) "your wrist is not bent") and the work state information ((2) "your wrist is bent") that is the analysis result of the analysis unit 112. The information determination unit 114 determines a second work instruction content group corresponding to state N2A and determines work instruction content D2a ("adjust your posture so that a triangle is formed with your center of body, elbow, and screwdriver") of the second work instruction content group. The information presentation unit 115 presents the determined work instruction content D2a to the worker as information for the next work instruction. When the worker is in state N2, the information determination unit 114 transitions from state N2 to state N2B based on the subjective information ((1) "your wrist is bent") and the work state information ((2) "your wrist is not bent") that is the analysis result of the analysis unit 112. The information determination unit 114 determines a second work instruction content group corresponding to the state N2B, and determines work instruction content D2b of the second work instruction content group ("The previous work was performed with the wrists in a straight position. Perform the work in the same manner."). The information presentation unit 115 presents the determined work instruction content D2b to the worker as information on the next work instruction.

[0053] When the worker is in state N2A, the information determination unit 114 maintains state N2A based on the subjective information ((1) "The wrist is not bent" or "The wrist is bent") and the work state information ((2) "The wrist is bent") that is the analysis result of the analysis unit 112. The information determination unit 114 determines a second work instruction content group corresponding to state N2A and determines work instruction content D2a ("Adjust your posture so that a triangle is formed with the center of your body, elbow, and screwdriver") of the second work instruction content group. The information presentation unit 115 presents the determined work instruction content D2a to the worker as information for the next work instruction. When the worker is in state N2A, the information determination unit 114 transitions state N2A to state N2B based on the subjective information ((1) "The wrist is bent") and the work state information ((2) "The wrist is not bent") that is the analysis result of the analysis unit 112. The information determination unit 114 determines a second work instruction content group corresponding to the state N2B, and determines work instruction content D2b of the second work instruction content group ("The previous work was performed with the wrists in a straight position. Perform the work in the same manner."). The information presentation unit 115 presents the determined work instruction content D2b to the worker as information on the next work instruction.

[0054] When the worker is in state N2A, the information determination unit 114 transitions from state N2A to state N2 based on the subjective information ((1) "your wrist is not bent") and the work state information ((2) "your wrist is not bent") that is the analysis result of the analysis unit 112. The information determination unit 114 determines a second work instruction content group that corresponds to state N2, and determines work instruction content D2 ("hold the screwdriver so that your wrist is not strained") of the second work instruction content group. The information presentation unit 115 presents the determined work instruction content D2 to the worker as information on the next work instruction.

[0055] When the worker is in state N2B, the information determination unit 114 maintains state N2B based on the subjective information ((1) "The wrist is bent") and the work state information ((2) "The wrist is not bent") that is the analysis result of the analysis unit 112. The information determination unit 114 determines a second work instruction content group corresponding to state N2B and determines work instruction content D2b ("The previous work was done with a posture where the wrist was not bent. Perform the work in the same way") of the second work instruction content group. The information presentation unit 115 presents the determined work instruction content D2b to the worker as information on the next work instruction. When the worker is in state N2B, the information determination unit 114 transitions state N2B to state N2A based on the subjective information ((1) "The wrist is not bent" or "The wrist is bent") and the work state information ((2) "The wrist is bent") that is the analysis result of the analysis unit 112. The information determination unit 114 determines a second work instruction content group corresponding to the state N2A, and determines work instruction content D2a ("Adjust your posture so that a triangle is formed with the center of your body, your elbow, and the screwdriver") of the second work instruction content group. The information presentation unit 115 presents the determined work instruction content D2a to the worker as information on the next work instruction.

[0056] When the worker is in state N2B, the information determination unit 114 transitions from state N2B to state N2 based on the subjective information ((1) "your wrist is not bent") and the work state information ((2) "your wrist is not bent") that is the analysis result of the analysis unit 112. The information determination unit 114 determines a second work instruction content group that corresponds to state N2, and determines work instruction content D2 ("hold the screwdriver so that your wrist is not strained") of the second work instruction content group. The information presentation unit 115 presents the determined work instruction content D2 to the worker as information on the next work instruction.

[0057] (Third Work Instruction Content Group) The worker checks the work instruction information in the work procedure for "Do not press the screwdriver too hard", which is work instruction content D3 corresponding to state N3, and starts work.

[0058] The work information acquisition unit 110 acquires pressure data on the work state of the worker input via the driver DR as work information. The analysis unit 112 uses the pressure data to analyze whether the driver DR is being pressed with too much force. The analysis unit 112 generates work state information ("strong force not applied" or "strong force applied"), which is the analysis result of whether the driver is being pressed with too much force based on the work information, and outputs the information determination unit 114. The subjective information acquisition unit 111 acquires the worker's subjective information input via the input device 50. The worker inputs subjective information related to each specified task via the input device 50. When the worker determines that the specified task has been performed or not in accordance with the work instruction, the worker presses one or the other of two switches provided on the input device 50 as subjective information. The subjective information acquisition unit 111 acquires the worker's subjective information regarding the work instruction in the work procedure for "Do not press the driver with too much force," which is work instruction content D3, via the input device 50. As an example, the subjective information acquisition unit 111 acquires the worker's subjective information ("pressing with strong force" or "not pressing with strong force") according to pressing one or the other of the two switches.

[0059] When the state is N3, the information determination unit 114 transitions from state N3 to state N4 based on the awareness information ((1) "not pressing with strong force") and the work state information ((2) "strong force not being applied") that is the analysis result of the analysis unit 112. The information determination unit 114 determines not to display the content as state N4. The information presentation unit 115 does not present information about the next work instruction to the worker. When the state is N3, the information determination unit 114 maintains state N3 based on the awareness information ((1) "pressing with strong force") and the work state information ((2) "strong force is being applied") that is the analysis result of the analysis unit 112. The information determination unit 114 determines a third work instruction content group corresponding to state N3, and determines work instruction content D3 ("do not press the driver with strong force") of the third work instruction content group. The information presenting unit 115 presents the determined work instruction content D3 to the worker as information on the next work instruction.

[0060] When the state is N3, the information determination unit 114 transitions the state N3 to state N3A based on the awareness information ((1) "not pressing with strong force") and the work state information ((2) "strong force is being applied") that is the analysis result of the analysis unit 112. The information determination unit 114 determines a third work instruction content group corresponding to state N3A and determines work instruction content D3a ("hold the screwdriver between your thumb and middle finger and press it against the screwdriver") of the third work instruction content group. The information presentation unit 115 presents the determined work instruction content D3a to the worker as information on the next work instruction. When the state is N3, the information determination unit 114 transitions the state N3 to state N3B based on the awareness information ((1) "pressing with strong force") and the work state information ((2) "strong force is not being applied") that is the analysis result of the analysis unit 112. The information determination unit 114 determines a third work instruction content group corresponding to state N3B, and determines work instruction content D3b ("You did not press hard the previous time. Do the same work.") of the third work instruction content group. The information presentation unit 115 presents the determined work instruction content D3b to the worker as information on the next work instruction.

[0061] When the state is N3A, the information determination unit 114 maintains the state N3A based on the awareness information ((1) "pressing with strong force" or "not pressing with strong force") and the work state information ((2) "strong force is being applied") that is the analysis result of the analysis unit 112. The information determination unit 114 determines a third work instruction content group corresponding to the state N3A and determines work instruction content D3a ("hold the screwdriver between your thumb and middle finger and press it against the screwdriver") of the third work instruction content group. The information presentation unit 115 presents the determined work instruction content D3a to the worker as information on the next work instruction. When the state is N3A, the information determination unit 114 transitions the state N3A to state N3B based on the awareness information ((1) "pressing with strong force") and the work state information ((2) "strong force is not being applied") that is the analysis result of the analysis unit 112. The information determination unit 114 determines a third work instruction content group corresponding to state N3B, and determines work instruction content D3b ("You did not press hard the previous time. Do the same work.") of the third work instruction content group. The information presentation unit 115 presents the determined work instruction content D3b to the worker as information on the next work instruction.

[0062] When the state is N3A, the information determination unit 114 transitions the state from N3A to N3 based on the awareness information ((1) "not pressing with strong force") and the work state information ((2) "strong force not applied") that is the analysis result of the analysis unit 112. The information determination unit 114 determines a third work instruction content group corresponding to the state N3, and determines work instruction content D3 ("do not press the driver with strong force") of the third work instruction content group. The information presentation unit 115 presents the determined work instruction content D3 to the worker as information on the next work instruction.

[0063] When the state is N3B, the information determination unit 114 maintains the state N3B based on the awareness information ((1) "strong pressure applied") and the work state information ((2) "strong pressure not applied") that is the analysis result of the analysis unit 112. The information determination unit 114 determines a third work instruction content group corresponding to the state N3B and determines work instruction content D3b ("strong pressure not applied in the previous work. Perform the same work") of the third work instruction content group. The information presentation unit 115 presents the determined work instruction content D3b to the worker as information on the next work instruction. When the state is N3B, the information determination unit 114 transitions the state N3B to state N3A based on the awareness information ((1) "strong pressure applied" or "not strong pressure applied") and the work state information ((2) "strong pressure applied") that is the analysis result of the analysis unit 112. The information determination unit 114 determines a third work instruction content group corresponding to the state N3A, and determines work instruction content D3a ("Hold the screwdriver between your thumb and middle finger and press it against the work area.") from the third work instruction content group. The information presentation unit 115 presents the determined work instruction content D3a to the worker as information on the next work instruction.

[0064] When the state is N3B, the information determination unit 114 transitions the state from N3B to N3 based on the awareness information ((1) "not pressing with strong force") and the work state information ((2) "strong force not applied") that is the analysis result of the analysis unit 112. The information determination unit 114 determines a third work instruction content group corresponding to the state N3, and determines work instruction content D3 ("do not press the screwdriver with strong force") of the third work instruction content group. The information presentation unit 115 presents the determined work instruction content D3 to the worker as information on the next work instruction.

[0065] 7 is a diagram illustrating the determination of work instruction content for the first work instruction content group according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 7, information on the next work instruction is determined based on (1) awareness information ("straightened" or "not straightened") and (2) work status information ("straightened" or "not straightened").

[0066] 8 is a diagram illustrating the determination of work instruction content for the second work instruction content group according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 8, information on the next work instruction is determined based on (1) subjective information ("wrist is bent" or "wrist is not bent") and (2) work status information ("wrist is not bent" or "wrist is bent").

[0067] 9 is a diagram illustrating the determination of work instruction content for the third work instruction content group according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 9, the next work instruction information is determined based on (1) awareness information ("strong force applied" or "not strong force applied") and (2) work status information ("strong force not applied" or "strong force applied").

[0068] In this example, the first to third work instruction content groups are provided, but a configuration may be adopted in which additional work instruction content groups are provided, or alternatively, only one work instruction content group may be provided.

[0069] In this example, since the information on work instructions in the work procedure of the worker's work is determined based on the worker's subjective information regarding the work, it is possible to provide work instructions related to the work according to the worker's situation. For example, when the worker's subjective information determines that the work is not being performed appropriately, if the work is actually being performed appropriately, it is possible to present work instructions that indicate that the work is actually being performed, so that the worker can continue working with peace of mind according to the worker's situation. For example, when the worker's subjective information determines that the work is being performed appropriately, if the work is actually not being performed appropriately, it is possible to present work instructions that allow the worker to perform the work appropriately according to the worker's situation.

[0070] In this example, the case where the worker's awareness information (whether the work is appropriate or inappropriate) is transmitted to the server 20 via the input device 50 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the worker's awareness information regarding understanding of the content of the work instructions (whether the worker understands the work instructions or does not understand the work instructions) may also be transmitted to the server 20. For example, if the worker's awareness information indicates that the worker does not understand the work instructions, the work instructions can be changed so that the worker can understand them, thereby presenting work instructions tailored to the worker's situation so that the worker can continue working with peace of mind. For example, if the worker's awareness information indicates that the worker does understand the work instructions, but the worker has not actually performed the work appropriately, different work instructions can be presented to enable the worker to perform the work appropriately, thereby presenting work instructions tailored to the worker's situation so that the worker can work appropriately.

[0071] In this example, as an example, a case has been described in which two switches are provided on the input device 50 to classify the worker's awareness information into two categories. Specifically, a case has been described in which the awareness information is classified into either appropriate work or inappropriate work, but this is not limiting, and a plurality of switches may be provided to classify the worker's awareness information into a plurality of patterns, and information on work instructions in the work procedure for the worker's work may be determined based on the work status information for the worker's work instructions and the worker's awareness information regarding the work, which are the analysis results of the analysis unit 112.

[0072] In this example, a configuration has been described in which a switch that the worker can selectively press is provided as an example of the input device 50, but the input device is not limited to a switch, and the worker's awareness information may be received using a keyboard or other input device. For example, a microphone may be used as the input device 50. For example, the worker's awareness information may be acquired by inputting voice into the microphone.

[0073] In this example, the tilt sensor 16 and pressure sensor 15 of the screwdriver DR are used to determine whether the screwdriver is held straight against the screw and whether the screwdriver is being pressed with too much force. However, this is not limiting and other methods may be used to make the above determination. For example, image data from the camera 30 may be analyzed to determine whether the screwdriver is held straight against the screw, and the work status information may be generated. Similarly, image data from the camera 30 may be analyzed to determine whether the screwdriver is being pressed with too much force, and the work status information may be generated.

[0074] In this example, the method in which the analysis unit 112 analyzes the work information and generates the work status information of the worker has been described, but this is not limiting and a method in which the work status information is input from outside may also be adopted. For example, a manager of the workers may observe the workers' work according to work instructions and input work status information based on the manager's observation to the server 20. For example, an input device 50 for the manager may be provided and the work status information ("straight" or "not straight") may be input to the server 20.

[0075] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described, the embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, and it is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0076] 1 Work support system, 10 Projector, 11 Housing, 12 Cutting edge member, 14 Power supply circuit, 15 Pressure sensor, 16 Tilt sensor, 17 Communication unit, 18 Antenna, 20 Server, 30 Camera, 50 Input device, 101 Processor, 102 Memory, 103 Storage, 104 Display controller, 105 Input interface, 106 Communication interface, 110 Work information acquisition unit, 111 Self-awareness information acquisition unit, 112 Analysis unit, 114 Information determination unit, 115 Information presentation unit, 131 Work support program, 132 Work information, 133 Content information.

Claims

1. A work support device comprising: an information determination unit that determines information about work instructions in a work procedure for a worker's work based on work status information for the worker's work instructions and the worker's awareness information regarding the work; and an information presentation unit that presents the information about the work instructions determined by the information determination unit.

2. A work support device as described in claim 1, further comprising: a work information acquisition unit that acquires work information of the worker; and an analysis unit that analyzes the work information of the worker acquired by the work information acquisition unit to generate work status information.

3. The work support device according to claim 1, further comprising a subjective information acquisition unit for acquiring subjective information regarding the work of the worker.

4. A work support device as described in claim 1, further comprising an information storage unit for storing a plurality of work instruction contents which are information on the work instructions, the plurality of work contents being classified into a plurality of work instruction content groups, and the information determination unit determining one of the plurality of work instruction content groups based on the work status information and awareness information, and determining one of the plurality of work instruction contents from the determined work instruction content group.

5. The work support device according to claim 1, further comprising an information receiving unit that receives input of the worker's awareness information.

6. A work support device according to claim 5, wherein the worker's awareness information is information on whether or not the worker has understood the work instructions.

7. A work support device according to claim 5, wherein the worker's awareness information is information on whether the work instructions are being followed appropriately or not.

8. A work support method comprising the steps of: determining information about work instructions in a work procedure for a worker's work based on work status information for the worker's work instructions and the worker's awareness information regarding the work; and presenting the determined information about the work instructions.

9. A work support program for causing a computer to execute a work support method, comprising the steps of: determining information on work instructions in a work procedure for a worker's work based on work status information for the worker's work instructions and information on the worker's awareness of the work; and presenting the determined information on work instructions.

Images