Hand Image Work-State Detection for Manufacturing Stoppages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies, such as those described in PTL 1 and PTL 2, are inadequate for accurately determining work stoppages in manufacturing processes, particularly when human work is involved, as they rely on device log information and cannot accurately assess standby times or require precise target value settings.
Innovation Solution
An assistance system that includes detection means for identifying hands in images of work areas, determination means to assess work states based on hand detection, and output means to provide information on work states, enabling accurate identification of work stoppages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If device log information is used to determine work stoppages, then automation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates for human work
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces device log-based detection with image processing technology to detect hand presence and determine work stoppages. The imaging device captures images of the work area, and the determination unit analyzes these images to detect whether the worker's hand is present, thereby substituting mechanical/log-based detection with optical/image-based detection to achieve both automation and precision for human work.
2Productivity
If target work time values are used to estimate bottlenecks, then productivity analysis is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates without accurate target values
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses actual image data from the work area to automatically determine work stoppages and calculate standby times without requiring pre-set target work time values. The determination unit analyzes hand presence in real-time images to self-determine work states, eliminating the need for external target value inputs and achieving both productivity analysis and measurement precision simultaneously.
3Device complexity
If manual reports and alarms are used to notify work stoppages, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automatic feedback by continuously capturing images of the work area and analyzing hand presence to determine work stoppages. The determination unit processes image data in real-time and generates work state information automatically, creating a closed-loop feedback system that eliminates information loss while maintaining simple device architecture through automated image-based detection.
Data Source
AI summary
An assistance system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes: at least one memory storing a set of instructions; and at least one processor configured to execute the set of instructions to: detect a hand from an image obtained by imaging a work area; determine a work state based on a hand detection result; and outputting output information indicating the work state.