Work assistance system and work assistance method

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a work assistance system that makes it possible to visually recognize, in three dimensions, each part of a fluid machine and the analysis results of flow analysis. [Solution] A work assistance system 1 comprises: an analysis data acquisition unit that receives, as analysis conditions, shape data D2 indicating the shape of a fluid machine and boundary condition data D3 indicating a boundary condition when flow analysis of the fluid machine is performed, that performs flow analysis on the basis of the analysis conditions, and that acquires analysis data D4 which includes the analysis results of the flow analysis; a visual field data acquisition unit that acquires, on the basis of the position and posture of a worker which are detected by a position / posture detection unit, visual field data D1 indicating the field of view of the worker in a virtual reality space; and a visualization data generation unit that generates visualization data D5 for causing a virtual object display unit to display, as a virtual object, a shape object based on the shape data D2 and an analysis object based on the analysis data D4, with respect to the field of view indicated by the visual field data D1.

Description

Work support system and work support method

[0001] The present invention relates to a work assistance system and a work assistance method.

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, for fluid machinery such as pumps, for example, workers in charge of research, development, design, etc. have performed flow analysis of the fluid machinery using a simulation method such as computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in order to confirm the performance and behavior of the fluid machinery.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-145151

[0004] Although a flow analysis provides three-dimensional analysis results, it has been difficult to confirm the details of the analysis results in three dimensions in relation to each part of the fluid machinery. For example, when an analysis result indicates that a part of the fluid machinery needs to be improved in design, it has been difficult for an operator to intuitively grasp the corresponding part of the fluid machinery and the design shape of that part of the fluid machinery.

[0005] In view of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide a work support system and a work support method that enable three-dimensional visual confirmation of each location of a fluid machine and the analysis results of flow analysis.

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the present invention provides a work assistance system that assists a worker wearing a worker device that includes an input unit that accepts input operations from a worker, a position and posture detection unit that detects a position and posture of the worker, and a virtual object display unit that can display virtual objects in a virtual reality space, and includes: an analysis data acquisition unit that accepts shape data that indicates a shape of a fluid machine and boundary condition data that indicates boundary conditions for performing a flow analysis of the fluid machine as analysis conditions, performs the flow analysis based on the analysis conditions, and acquires analysis data including analysis results of the flow analysis; a view data acquisition unit that acquires view data that indicates a field of view of the worker in the virtual reality space based on the position and posture of the worker detected by the position and posture detection unit; and a visualization data generation unit that generates visualization data for the virtual object display unit to display, as the virtual objects, a shape object based on the shape data accepted by the analysis data acquisition unit and an analysis object based on the analysis data acquired by the analysis data acquisition unit for the field of view indicated by the view data acquired by the view data acquisition unit.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, in the work assistance system, a visualization data generator generates visualization data for causing a virtual object display unit to display, as virtual objects, a shape object based on the shape data and an analysis object based on the analysis data in a field of view of an operator in a virtual reality space represented by the field of view data. Therefore, based on the visualization data, a shape object representing the shape of the fluid machine and an analysis object representing the analysis result of the flow analysis are displayed as virtual objects in the virtual reality space, allowing the operator to visually recognize each part of the fluid machine and the analysis result of the flow analysis in a three-dimensional manner in the virtual reality space.

[0008] Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will become apparent from the detailed description of the invention that follows.

[0009] 5A , 5B, and 5C are an overall configuration diagram showing an example of a work support system 1. FIG. 5B is a block diagram showing an example of a worker device 2. FIG. 5C is a block diagram showing an example of a management device 3. FIG. 5D is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer 900. FIG. 5E is a flowchart showing an example of a work support method by the work support system 1. FIG. 5F is a flowchart (continuation of FIG. 5A ) showing an example of a work support method by the work support system 1. FIG. 5G is a diagram showing a first display example in which a virtual object 11A is displayed in a virtual reality space. FIG. 5H is a diagram showing a second display example in which a virtual object 11B is displayed in a virtual reality space. FIG. 5I is a diagram showing a third display example in which a first operation object 12A for changing the shape or arrangement of a shape object 110B is displayed. FIG. 5J is a diagram showing a fourth display example in which a second operation object 12B for newly adding a shape object 110B is displayed. FIG. 5J is a diagram showing a fifth display example in which a third operation object 12C for changing boundary conditions is displayed.

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The scope necessary for the explanation to achieve the object of the present invention will be schematically shown, and the scope necessary for explaining the relevant parts of the present invention will be mainly explained, and the parts that are omitted from the explanation will be based on publicly known techniques.

[0011] 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an example of a work support system 1. The work support system 1 according to this embodiment functions as a system for supporting a worker U in charge of research and development, design, manufacturing, inspection, maintenance, etc. of a pump 10 as fluid machinery.

[0012] The work support system 1 mainly comprises a worker device 2 and a management device 3 configured to be able to communicate with the worker device 2. The worker device 2 and the management device 3 are configured, for example, as general-purpose or dedicated computers (see FIG. 4 described later), and are configured to be able to send and receive various data to and from each other via a network 4. Note that the number of worker devices 2 and management devices 3 and the connection configuration of the network 4 are not limited to the example in FIG. 1 and may be changed as appropriate.

[0013] The pump 10 is a device for transferring any fluid. The pump 10 is used, for example, as infrastructure facilities such as water supply and sewerage systems, water supply and drainage systems installed in buildings, and plant facilities installed in plants for oil refining, power generation, manufacturing, chemical processes, and the like.

[0014] The pump 10 is configured by arbitrarily combining driving components 100 such as a motor, an electric valve, an electromagnetic valve, etc., electrical components 101 such as a sensor, an inverter, a converter, a control panel, an operation display panel, etc., and mechanical components 102 such as an impeller, a rotating shaft, bearings, a coupling, a joint, a seal, a casing, piping, a manual valve, etc. The operation of the pump 10 is controlled based on various operating parameters when the pump 10 is operated.

[0015] The worker device 2 is, for example, a portable device worn on the head of the worker U. The worker device 2 is a device capable of realizing virtual reality (VR) and is configured, for example, by a wearable computer such as smart glasses or a head-mounted display. In this embodiment, the worker device 2 will be described mainly in the case where it is configured by combining a head-mounted display with a hand-held grip controller.

[0016] When worn by the worker U, the worker device 2 acquires field of view data D1 indicating the field of view of the worker U in the virtual reality space and transmits the field of view data D1 to the management device 3. Furthermore, when the worker device 2 receives visualization data D5 from the management device 3, the worker device 2 displays virtual objects in the virtual reality space based on the visualization data D5 and accepts input operations from the worker U via the grip controller.

[0017] The management device 3 is a device that transmits and receives various types of information to and from the worker device 2. The management device 3 is configured, for example, as a server-type computer or a cloud-type computer. Note that the management device 3 may also be configured as a stationary computer or a portable computer.

[0018] The management device 3 performs a flow analysis of the pump 10 based on the analysis conditions of the flow analysis. Upon receiving the view data D1 from the operator device 2, the management device 3 generates visualization data D5 for displaying a virtual object in a virtual reality space based on the view data D1 and the analysis results of the flow analysis, and transmits the visualization data D5 to the operator device 2.

[0019] The network 4 is configured using wired or wireless communication, or a combination of wired and wireless communication, according to any communication standard. Specifically, for example, a standardized communication network such as the Internet, a communication network managed within a building such as a local network, or a combination of these communication networks can be used. Furthermore, an international standard is typically used as the communication standard for wireless communication. Examples of international standard communication methods that can be used include IEEE 802.15.4, IEEE 802.15.1, IEEE 802.15.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, 11ac, 11ad, ISO / IEC 14513-3-10, and IEEE 802.15.4g. In addition, methods such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), Bluetooth Low Energy, Wi-Fi, ZigBee (registered trademark), Sub-GHz, EnOcean (registered trademark), and LTE can also be used.

[0020] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the worker apparatus 2. The worker apparatus 2 includes a terminal control unit 20, a terminal storage unit 21, a terminal communication unit 22, a terminal input unit 23, a position and orientation detection unit 24, and a virtual object display unit 25.

[0021] The terminal-side communication unit 22 functions as a communication interface for transmitting and receiving various types of information to and from the management device 3 via the network 4. The terminal-side input unit 23 accepts input operations from the worker U and is configured, for example, by a grip controller. Note that the terminal-side input unit 23 may accept input operations from the worker U by voice or gesture.

[0022] The position and orientation detection unit 24 detects the position and orientation of the worker U wearing the worker device 2. The position and orientation detection unit 24 is configured with, for example, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, etc. The position and orientation detection unit 24 may further include a camera (image sensor) such as a CMOS sensor or a CCD sensor having a predetermined resolution (number of pixels).

[0023] The virtual object display unit 25 displays virtual objects arranged in a virtual reality space according to the field of view of the worker U, which is based on the position and posture of the worker U. When the worker U wears the worker device 2, the virtual object display unit 25 is arranged, for example, in front of one or both eyes of the worker U. Note that various types of information may be output as sound in addition to the display of the virtual objects.

[0024] The terminal storage unit 21 stores various programs (such as an operating system and a terminal control program 210) used in the operation of the worker device 2, and various data.

[0025] The terminal-side control unit 20 operates in accordance with the terminal-side control program 210 to function as a field of view data acquisition unit 200 and a virtual reality display processing unit 201 .

[0026] The field of view data acquisition unit 200 acquires field of view data D1 indicating the field of view of the worker U in the virtual reality space, based on the position and posture of the worker U detected by the position and posture detection unit 24. The field of view data acquisition unit 200 then transmits the field of view data D1 to the management device 3. At that time, when the position and posture of the worker U detected by the position and posture detection unit 24 change, the field of view data acquisition unit 200 acquires post-change field of view data D1 based on the change, and transmits the post-change field of view data D1 to the management device 3.

[0027] When the virtual reality display processing unit 201 receives visualization data D5 from the management device 3, it controls the virtual object display unit 25 based on the visualization data D5 to display a virtual object on the virtual object display unit 25. Furthermore, when the virtual reality display processing unit 201 receives an input operation input by the worker U via the terminal-side input unit 23, such as an input operation to change the analysis conditions of the flow analysis, it acquires input operation data D6 indicating the input operation and transmits the input operation data D6 to the management device 3.

[0028] 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the management device 3. The management device 3 includes a management control unit 30, a management storage unit 31, a management communication unit 32, a management input unit 33, and a management display unit 34.

[0029] The management-side communication unit 32 functions as a communication interface for transmitting and receiving various types of information to and from the worker device 2 via the network 4. The management-side input unit 33 accepts input operations from the worker U. The management-side display unit 34 displays various types of information on a display screen. Note that the various types of information may be output as sound instead of or in addition to the display screen.

[0030] The management side memory unit 31 stores various programs (such as the operating system and management side control program 310) used in the operation of the management device 3, and various data (such as shape data D2 and boundary condition data D3).

[0031] The shape data D2 is data that indicates the shape of the pump 10. The shape data D2 is stored in a data format such as CAD, and includes the dimensions of each component that constitutes the pump 10 and the assembled state of each component.

[0032] The boundary condition data D3 is data indicating the boundary conditions when performing a flow analysis of the pump 10. The boundary conditions include, for example, the shape of the flow path in which the pump 10 is installed and the characteristics of the fluid flowing through the flow path. Examples of the shape of the flow path include the length, width, and depth of the flow path. Examples of the characteristics of the fluid include the type of fluid, flow rate, flow velocity, and temperature.

[0033] The shape data D2 and the boundary condition data D3 are data used as analysis conditions when performing a flow analysis of the pump 10. The shape data D2 and the boundary condition data D3 are stored in association with, for example, the type or model name of the pump 10. Note that one piece of boundary condition data D3 may be associated with multiple pieces of shape data D2, or multiple pieces of boundary condition data D3 may be associated with one piece of shape data D2.

[0034] The management-side control unit 30 operates in accordance with a management-side control program 310 to function as an analysis data acquisition unit 300 and a visualization data generation unit 301 .

[0035] The analysis data acquisition unit 300 receives the shape data D2 and the boundary condition data D3 as analysis conditions.

[0036] For example, the analysis data acquisition unit 300 may accept the analysis conditions by referring to the shape data D2 and boundary condition data D3 stored in the management side memory unit 31, or may accept the analysis conditions based on input operations entered via the management side input unit 33.

[0037] Furthermore, when the analysis data acquisition unit 300 receives input operation data D6 from the operator device 2, indicating an input operation for changing the analysis conditions of the flow analysis, the analysis data acquisition unit 300 may accept a change to the analysis conditions through an input operation by the operator U indicated by the input operation data D6. For example, the analysis data acquisition unit 300 may accept a change to the shape data D2 through an input operation for changing the shape or arrangement of a shape object in the virtual reality space, or may accept a change to the shape data D2 through an input operation for adding a new shape object in the virtual reality space. The analysis data acquisition unit 300 may also accept a change to the boundary condition data D3 through an input operation for changing the shape of a flow path in which the pump 10 is installed in the virtual reality space, or an input operation for changing a characteristic quantity of a fluid flowing through the flow path. Note that when the analysis data acquisition unit 300 accepts a change to the shape data D2 or the boundary condition data D3, the changed shape data D2 or the changed boundary condition data D3 may be stored in the management storage unit 31.

[0038] The analysis data acquisition unit 300 then performs the flow analysis based on the analysis conditions received as described above and acquires analysis data D4 including the analysis results of the flow analysis. At this time, the analysis data acquisition unit 300 may store the analysis data D4 in the management-side storage unit 31 in association with the analysis conditions.

[0039] The analysis data D4 includes the results of flow analysis of the pump 10 performed under analysis conditions using any simulation method, such as computational fluid dynamics. In this case, the analysis data D4 may include the results of flow analysis for multiple analysis items, such as streamlines, pressure distribution in a specified cross section, and cavitation (bubbles that cause abnormal noise).

[0040] The analysis data acquisition unit 300 may perform flow analysis based on the changed analysis conditions and acquire changed analysis data D4 by accepting, as a change in analysis conditions, a change to the shape data D2 due to an input operation input via the terminal input unit 23 or the management input unit 33. The analysis data acquisition unit 300 may also perform flow analysis based on the changed analysis conditions and acquire changed analysis data D4 by accepting, as a change in analysis conditions, a change to the boundary condition data D3 due to an input operation input via the terminal input unit 23 or the management input unit 33.

[0041] The visualization data generation unit 301 generates visualization data D5 for causing the virtual object display unit 25 to display, as virtual objects, a shape object based on the shape data D2 received by the analysis data acquisition unit 300 and an analysis object based on the analysis data D4 received by the analysis data acquisition unit 300 for the field of view indicated by the field of view data D1 acquired by the field of view data acquisition unit 200. In this case, the visualization data generation unit 301 may also generate visualization data D5 for displaying, as virtual objects, a boundary condition object based on the boundary condition data D3 received by the analysis data acquisition unit 300.

[0042] In addition, when the analysis data acquisition unit 300 accepts changes to the shape data D2 and acquires the changed analysis data D4, the visualization data generation unit 301 generates visualization data D5 for displaying a shape object based on the changed shape data D2 and an analysis object based on the changed analysis data D4 as virtual objects.

[0043] Furthermore, when the analysis data acquisition unit 300 accepts a change to the boundary condition data D3 and acquires the changed analysis data D4, the visualization data generation unit 301 generates visualization data D5 for displaying, as a virtual object, an analysis object based on the changed analysis data D4. At this time, the visualization data generation unit 301 may also generate visualization data D5 for displaying, as a virtual object, a boundary condition object based on the changed boundary condition data D3.

[0044] Furthermore, when the changed field of view data D1 is acquired by the field of view data acquisition unit 200, the visualization data generation unit 301 generates visualization data D5 for displaying a shape object based on the shape data D2 and an analysis object based on the analysis data D4 as virtual objects for the field of view indicated by the changed field of view data D1.

[0045] The visualization data D5 generated by the visualization data generation unit 301 is displayed on the virtual object display unit 25, allowing the worker U to visually recognize virtual objects in the virtual reality space. At this time, when the terminal input unit 23 receives an input operation to switch the analysis item to be displayed, the visualization data generation unit 301 may generate visualization data D5 for displaying virtual objects based on the analysis data D4 for the analysis item received via the terminal input unit 23 among the multiple analysis items. As a result, the virtual objects in the virtual reality space are updated, allowing the worker U to visually recognize virtual objects related to the analysis item after the switch when the analysis item is switched.

[0046] (Hardware Configuration of Each Device) Fig. 4 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of the computer 900. Each of the worker device 2 and the management device 3 is configured by a general-purpose or dedicated computer 900.

[0047] 4, the computer 900 includes, as its main components, a bus 910, a processor 912, a memory 914, an input device 916, an output device 917, a display device 918, a storage device 920, a communication I / F (interface) unit 922, an external device I / F unit 924, an I / O (input / output) device I / F unit 926, and a media input / output unit 928. Note that the above components may be omitted as appropriate depending on the application of the computer 900.

[0048] The processor 912 is composed of one or more arithmetic processing devices (CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), NPU (Neural Processing Unit), etc.), and operates as a control unit (terminal side control unit 20, management side control unit 30) that controls the entire computer 900. The memory 914 stores various data and programs 930, and is composed of, for example, volatile memory (DRAM, SRAM, etc.) that functions as main memory, non-volatile memory (ROM), flash memory, etc.

[0049] The input device 916 is composed of, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a numeric keypad, an electronic pen, a joystick, a microphone, etc., and functions as an input unit (terminal-side input unit 23, management-side input unit 33). The output device 917 is composed of, for example, a sound (audio) output device, a vibration device, etc., and functions as an output unit. The display device 918 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, electronic paper, a projector, etc., and functions as an output unit (virtual object display unit 25, management-side display unit 34). The input device 916 and the display device 918 may be integrated, such as a touch panel display. The storage device 920 is composed of, for example, an HDD, an SSD, etc., and functions as a memory unit (terminal-side memory unit 21, management-side memory unit 31). The storage device 920 stores various data necessary for executing the operating system and the program 930.

[0050] The communication I / F unit 922 is connected to a network 940 (which may be the same as network 4 in FIG. 1 ) such as the Internet or an intranet via a wired or wireless connection and functions as a communication unit (terminal communication unit 22, management communication unit 32) that transmits and receives data to and from other computers in accordance with a predetermined communication standard. The external device I / F unit 924 is connected to an external device 950 (such as a camera, printer, scanner, or reader / writer) via a wired or wireless connection and functions as a communication unit that transmits and receives data to and from the external device 950 in accordance with a predetermined communication standard. The I / O device I / F unit 926 is connected to I / O devices 960 (such as various sensors and actuators) and functions as a communication unit that transmits and receives various signals and data, such as detection signals from sensors and control signals to actuators, to and from the I / O devices 960. The media input / output unit 928 is composed of, for example, a drive device such as a DVD drive or a CD drive, a memory card slot, or a USB connector, and reads and writes data from and to media (non-temporary storage media) 970 (such as a DVD, CD, memory card, or USB memory).

[0051] In the computer 900 having the above configuration, the processor 912 loads the program 930 stored in the storage device 920 into the memory 914, executes the program, and controls each unit of the computer 900 via the bus 910. The program 930 may be stored in the memory 914 instead of the storage device 920. The program 930 may be recorded on the medium 970 in an installable file format or an executable file format, and provided to the computer 900 via the media input / output unit 928. The program 930 may be provided to the computer 900 by downloading it via the communication I / F unit 922 over the network 940. In addition, the computer 900 may realize the various functions realized by the processor 912 executing the program 930 using hardware such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0052] The computer 900 is an electronic device of any type, such as a desktop computer or a portable computer. The computer 900 may be a client computer, a server computer, a cloud computer, or an embedded computer such as a control panel or a controller (including a microcomputer, a programmable logic controller, or a sequencer).

[0053] (Work Support Method) Figures 5A and 5B are flowcharts showing an example of a work support method using the work support system 1. Below, an example of the operation of the worker device 2 and the management device 3 will be described when a worker U wearing the worker device 2 checks, in virtual reality space, the analysis results of a flow analysis performed when the pump 10 is operating. In this case, the description will be given assuming that shape data D2 indicating the shape of a vertical pump (an example of the pump 10) and boundary condition data D3 are stored in the management-side storage unit 31 as initial data to be checked. Note that the flowcharts shown in Figures 5A and 5B are executed when the worker device 2 starts detecting the position and orientation using the position and orientation detection unit 24, for example, by receiving an input operation from the worker U instructing the start of work.

[0054] First, in step S100, the analysis data acquisition unit 300 of the management device 3 refers to the management-side storage unit 31 and receives the shape data D2 and boundary condition data D3 as analysis conditions.

[0055] Next, in step S110, the analysis data acquisition unit 300 performs a flow analysis based on the analysis conditions received in step S100, and acquires analysis data D4 including the analysis results of the flow analysis.

[0056] In step S120, the field of view data acquisition unit 200 of the worker device 2 acquires field of view data D1 indicating the field of view of the worker U in the virtual reality space, based on the position and posture of the worker U detected by the position and posture detection unit 24. Then, the field of view data acquisition unit 200 transmits the field of view data D1 to the management device 3.

[0057] Next, in step S130, when the visualization data generation unit 301 receives the field of view data D1 transmitted in step S120, the visualization data generation unit 301 generates visualization data D5 for displaying, as virtual objects on the virtual object display unit 25, a shape object based on the shape data D2 received in step S100, a boundary condition object based on the boundary condition data D3 received in step S100, and an analysis object based on the analysis data D4 acquired in step S110 for the field of view indicated by the field of view data D1, and transmits the generated visualization data D5 to the worker device 2.

[0058] Then, in step S140, when the virtual reality display processing unit 201 of the management device 3 receives the visualization data D5 transmitted in step S130, it displays a virtual object based on the visualization data D5, thereby displaying the virtual object in the virtual reality space.

[0059] 6 is a diagram showing a first display example in which a virtual object 11A is displayed in a virtual reality space. Note that the virtual objects 11A and 11B shown in FIG. 6 and in FIGS. 7 to 10 (described later) simply represent the shape data D2 and the analysis data D4 for ease of explanation, and differ from the actual shape of the pump 10 and the analysis results of the flow analysis.

[0060] 6 illustrates a shape object 110A, a boundary condition object 111A, and an analysis object 112A as virtual objects 11A displayed in virtual reality space. The shape object 110A represents the shape of the pump 10, and in FIG. 6, a casing 1100 of the vertical pump and a suction bell mouth 1101 provided at the tip of the casing 1100 are displayed. The boundary condition object 111A visually represents the boundary conditions, and in FIG. 6, a bottom surface 1110 and side wall surfaces 1111-1114 are displayed as fixed walls forming the flow path, a sliding wall 1115 representing the top surface of the fluid, and an arrow 1116 indicating the flow direction of the fluid. The analysis object 112A represents the results of the flow analysis, and the flow velocity and flow rate are displayed according to the direction, thickness, and color depth of the line.

[0061] The shape object 110A, the boundary condition object 111A, and the analysis object 112A may each be switchable between being displayed in the virtual reality space and not being displayed in the virtual reality space. The virtual object 11A may be displayed as a still image or a moving image. The virtual object 11A may be displayed according to the actual dimensions of the pump 10, or may be enlarged or reduced, and the scaling factor may be changeable.

[0062] Here, when the worker U who has visually recognized Figure 6 changes his / her walking or posture to approach the vertical pump, which is the shape object 110A, in the virtual reality space, in step S200 shown in Figure 5A, the field of view data acquisition unit 200 acquires the changed field of view data D1 in response to the position and posture detection unit 24 detecting that the position and posture of the worker U have changed, and transmits the changed field of view data D1 to the management device 3.

[0063] Next, in step S210, when the visualization data generation unit 301 receives the changed field of view data D1 transmitted in step S200, it generates visualization data D5 for displaying, as virtual objects, a shape object based on the shape data D2 received in step S100, a boundary condition object based on the boundary condition data D3 received in step S100, and an analysis object based on the analysis data D4 acquired in step S110 for the field of view indicated by the changed field of view data D1, and transmits the generated visualization data D5 to the worker device 2.

[0064] Then, in step S220, when the virtual reality display processing unit 201 receives the visualization data D5 transmitted in step S210, it updates the virtual objects in the virtual reality space by displaying virtual objects based on the visualization data D5.

[0065] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a second display example in which a virtual object 11B is displayed in a virtual reality space. In Fig. 7, as the operator U approaches the shape object 110A shown in Fig. 6 in the virtual reality space, the updated virtual object 11B is enlarged compared to the virtual object 11A shown in Fig. 6 and is displayed based on a different viewpoint. As the shape object 110B, the shape object 110B, the boundary condition object 111B, and the analysis object 112B are displayed, similarly to Fig. 6.

[0066] In the virtual reality space where the virtual object 11B shown in Figure 7 is displayed, when the worker U inputs, for example, via the terminal input unit 23, to change the analysis conditions of the flow analysis, the virtual reality display processing unit 201 displays an operation object for changing the analysis conditions of the flow analysis.

[0067] 8 is a diagram showing a third display example in which a first manipulation object 12A for changing the shape or arrangement of the shape object 110B is displayed. In FIG. 8, the first manipulation object 12A for changing the outer diameter of the casing 1100, which is the shape object 110B, is displayed. Note that the first manipulation object 12A may change not only the outer diameter of the casing 1100, but also the length or position of the casing 1100, or may change the shape or arrangement of a shape object 110B corresponding to any component part other than the casing 1100.

[0068] 9 is a diagram showing a fourth display example in which a second operation object 12B for newly adding a shape object 110B is displayed. In FIG. 9, the second operation object 12B for newly adding a vortex breaker 1102 into the flow path is displayed as the shape object 110B. Note that the second operation object 12B may not only add the vortex breaker 1102, but may also change the dimensions or position of the added vortex breaker 1102, or may newly add a shape object 110B corresponding to any component other than the vortex breaker 1102.

[0069] 10 is a diagram showing a fifth display example in which a third manipulation object 12C for changing a boundary condition is displayed. In FIG. 10, the third manipulation object 12C for changing the inlet flow rate indicated by an arrow 1116 is displayed as a boundary condition. Note that the third manipulation object 12C may change not only the inlet flow rate of the fluid but also the inlet pressure of the fluid, or may change any boundary condition other than the feature quantity of the fluid, such as the shape of the flow path.

[0070] Here, when worker U performs an input operation to change the analysis conditions of the flow analysis using the operation objects 12A to 12C shown in any of Figures 8 to 10 displayed in the virtual reality space, the virtual reality display processing unit 201 acquires input operation data D6 indicating the input operation of worker U in step S300 shown in Figure 5B and transmits the input operation data D6 to the management device 3.

[0071] Next, in step S310, upon receiving the input operation data D6 transmitted in step S300, the visualization data generation unit 301 accepts a change in the analysis conditions through the input operation of the operator U indicated by the input operation data D6.

[0072] Next, in step S320, the analysis data acquisition unit 300 performs a flow analysis based on the changed analysis conditions received in step S110, and acquires changed analysis data D4.

[0073] Next, in step S330, the visualization data generation unit 301 generates visualization data D5 for displaying, as virtual objects, a shape object based on the changed shape data D2 accepted in step S310, a boundary condition object based on the changed boundary condition data D3 accepted in step S310, and an analysis object based on the changed analysis data D4 acquired in step S320 for the field of view indicated by the changed field of view data D1 transmitted in step S200, and transmits the generated visualization data D5 to the operator device 2. Note that, if the shape data D2 has not been changed as the changed analysis condition received in step S310, it is not necessary to update the shape object based on the shape data D2, and if the boundary condition data D3 has not been changed, it is not necessary to update the boundary condition object based on the boundary condition data D3.

[0074] Then, in step S340, upon receiving the visualization data D5 transmitted in step S330, the virtual reality display processing unit 201 updates the virtual objects in the virtual reality space by displaying virtual objects based on the visualization data D5. When the outer diameter of the casing 1100 is changed using the first manipulation object 12A shown in FIG. 8, a virtual object 11B reflecting the change in the shape object is displayed. When a vortex breaker 1102 is newly added using the second manipulation object 12B shown in FIG. 9, a virtual object 11B reflecting the addition of the shape object is displayed. When the inlet flow rate is changed using the third manipulation object 12C shown in FIG. 10, a virtual object 11B reflecting the change in the boundary condition is displayed.

[0075] As described above, the series of operations shown in Figures 5A and 5B are performed. Then, steps S200 to S220 are executed as needed in response to changes in the body position or posture of the worker U. Furthermore, steps S300 to S340 are executed as needed in response to changes in the analysis conditions. As a result, the virtual objects 11A and 11B in the virtual reality space are updated as needed.

[0076] According to the work support system 1 and work support method of the present embodiment, shape objects 110A and 110B indicating the shape of the pump 10 and analysis objects 112A and 112AB indicating the analysis results of the flow analysis are displayed as virtual objects 11A and 11B in the virtual reality space, based on the visualization data D5 generated by the visualization data generation unit 301. This allows the worker U to visually recognize each location of the pump 10 in relation to the analysis results of the flow analysis in a three-dimensional manner in the virtual reality space.

[0077] When the position or posture of the body of the worker U changes and the field of view of the worker U in the virtual reality space changes, visualization data D5 for displaying the virtual objects 11A and 11B in the changed field of view is generated by the visualization data generation unit 301. As a result, the virtual objects 11A and 11B are updated in accordance with the change in the position or posture of the worker U in the virtual reality space, so that, for example, even in areas that are difficult to view in the actual pump 10, the analysis results of the flow analysis can be viewed while immersed in the virtual reality space.

[0078] Furthermore, when an input operation to change the analysis conditions of the flow analysis is accepted by the operation objects 12A-12C displayed in the virtual reality space and the changed analysis data D4 is acquired, the visualization data generator 301 generates visualization data D5 for displaying the virtual objects 11A and 11B based on the changed analysis data D4. As a result, the virtual objects 11A and 11B are updated in response to changes in the analysis conditions of the flow analysis in the virtual reality space, allowing the user to visually confirm the analysis results of the changed flow analysis while immersed in the virtual reality space. This allows the user to intuitively grasp the effects of changes to the shape and boundary conditions of the pump 10.

[0079] (Other Embodiments) The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, all of which are included in the technical concept of the present invention.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the pump 10 has been described as an example of a fluid machine, but the work assistance system 1 may also handle fluid equipment other than the pump 10. Examples of fluid machines other than the pump 10 include, but are not limited to, compressors, blowers, turbines, and cylinders.

[0081] In the above embodiment, the worker device 2 and the management device 3 are described as being separate devices, but these two devices may be configured as a single device. For example, the worker device 2 may have the functions of the management device 3, so that the work support system 1 may be configured only with the worker device 2.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the case where the work assistance system 1 operates according to the flowcharts shown in Figures 5A and 5B has been described, but the execution order of the steps may be changed as appropriate, or some steps may be omitted. Note that in the work assistance method in the flowcharts, steps S100, S110, S310, and S320 correspond to an analysis data acquisition step, step S120 corresponds to a visibility data acquisition step, steps S130 and S330 correspond to a visualization data generation step, and steps S140, S220, and S340 correspond to a virtual reality display processing step.

[0083] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1...Work support system, 2...Worker device, 3...Management device, 4...Network, 10...Pump (fluid machinery), 11A, 11B...Virtual object, 12A to 12C...Operation object, 20...Terminal control unit, 21...Terminal memory unit, 22...Terminal communication unit, 23...Terminal input unit, 24...Position and orientation detection unit, 25...Virtual object display unit, 30...Management control unit, 31...Management memory unit, 32...Management communication unit, 33...Management input unit, 34...Management display unit, 110A, 110B...Geometry object, 111A, 111B...Boundary condition object, 112A, 112B...Analysis object, 200...View data acquisition unit, 201...Virtual reality display processing unit, 210...Terminal control program, 300...Analysis data acquisition unit, 301...Visualization data generation unit, 310...Management control program

Claims

1. A work support system that supports a worker wearing a worker device comprising an input unit that accepts input operations from a worker, a position and posture detection unit that detects the position and posture of the worker, and a virtual object display unit that can display virtual objects in a virtual reality space, the work support system comprising: an analysis data acquisition unit that accepts shape data that indicates a shape of a fluid machine and boundary condition data that indicates boundary conditions for performing a flow analysis of the fluid machine as analysis conditions, performs the flow analysis based on the analysis conditions, and acquires analysis data including analysis results of the flow analysis; a view data acquisition unit that acquires view data that indicates the field of view of the worker in the virtual reality space based on the position and posture of the worker detected by the position and posture detection unit; and a visualization data generation unit that generates visualization data for displaying, on the virtual object display unit, a shape object based on the shape data accepted by the analysis data acquisition unit and an analysis object based on the analysis data acquired by the analysis data acquisition unit as the virtual objects for the field of view indicated by the view data acquired by the view data acquisition unit.

2. The work support system of claim 1, wherein the analysis data acquisition unit accepts changes to the shape data due to the input operation input via the input unit as changes to the analysis conditions, performs the flow analysis based on the changed analysis conditions, and acquires the changed analysis data; and the visualization data generation unit, when the changed analysis data is acquired by the analysis data acquisition unit, generates the visualization data for displaying a shape object based on the changed shape data and an analysis object based on the changed analysis data as the virtual objects.

3. The work support system according to claim 2, wherein the analysis data acquisition unit accepts changes to the shape data by the input operation that changes the shape or arrangement of the shape object in the virtual reality space.

4. The work support system according to claim 2, wherein the analysis data acquisition unit accepts a change to the shape data by the input operation of newly adding the shape object in the virtual reality space.

5. The work support system of claim 1, wherein the analysis data acquisition unit accepts changes to the boundary condition data due to the input operation input via the input unit as changes to the analysis conditions, performs the flow analysis based on the changed analysis conditions, and acquires the changed analysis data; and the visualization data generation unit, when the changed analysis data is acquired by the analysis data acquisition unit, generates the visualization data for displaying an analysis object based on the changed analysis data as the virtual object.

6. The work support system according to claim 5, wherein the analysis data acquisition unit accepts changes to the boundary condition data through the input operation that changes the boundary condition data in the virtual reality space.

7. The work support system of claim 5, wherein the visualization data generation unit generates the visualization data for displaying a boundary condition object based on the boundary condition data accepted by the analysis data acquisition unit as the virtual object for the field of view indicated by the field of view data acquired by the field of view data acquisition unit, and when the analysis data acquisition unit acquires the changed analysis data, generates the visualization data for displaying a boundary condition object based on the changed boundary condition object and an analysis object based on the changed analysis data as the virtual object.

8. A work support system as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the field of view data acquisition unit acquires the changed field of view data based on changes in the position and posture of the worker detected by the position and posture detection unit, and the visualization data generation unit generates the visualization data for displaying a shape object based on the shape data and an analysis object based on the analysis data as the virtual object for the field of view indicated by the changed field of view data.

9. A work support method in which a work support system consisting of one or more computers supports a worker wearing a worker device comprising an input unit that receives input operations from the worker, a position and posture detection unit that detects the position and posture of the worker, and a virtual object display unit that can display virtual objects in a virtual reality space, the work support method comprising: an analysis data acquisition process that receives shape data that indicates the shape of fluid machinery and boundary condition data that indicates the boundary conditions for performing a flow analysis of the fluid machinery as analysis conditions, performs the flow analysis based on the analysis conditions, and acquires analysis data including analysis results of the flow analysis; a view data acquisition process that acquires view data that indicates the field of view of the worker in the virtual reality space based on the position and posture of the worker detected by the position and posture detection unit; and a visualization data generation unit that generates visualization data for displaying, on the virtual object display unit, a shape object based on the shape data received in the analysis data acquisition process and an analysis object based on the analysis data acquired in the analysis data acquisition process as the virtual objects for the field of view indicated by the view data acquired in the view data acquisition process.

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