JP7196045B2 - Work sound detector - Google Patents

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a work sound detection device, and more particularly to a work sound detection device that detects a specific sound generated by work and notifies a worker of the specific sound.

A lot of machines are running in the factory, making a lot of noise. In such a loud noisy environment, for example, work sounds such as connector fitting sounds are mixed with the noise, causing problems such as the worker not being able to recognize the completion of the work. Therefore, Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose techniques for detecting the fitting sound of a connector.

The connector inspection device described in Patent Document 1 includes a plug to which one electric circuit is connected, a socket to which the other electric circuit is connected, and a lock that locks the plug and the socket when they are fitted together. A connector inspection device for inspecting the connected state of a predetermined number of connectors constituted by a mechanism, comprising detection means for detecting a sound generated from a lock mechanism of the connector when the plug and the socket are completely mated; counting means for counting the detection signals from the detecting means; and determining means for determining the connection state of the connectors by comparing the count value of the counting means with a predetermined value set according to the number of connectors. Characterized by

The connector mating assurance system described in U.S. Patent No. 6,000,004 is a microphone configured to be positioned proximate a mating zone for an electrical connector to detect an audible sound when the electrical connector is mated. and an output unit connected to the microphone for receiving an audio signal from the microphone, the output unit processing the audio signal for mating assurance.

JP-A-4-370673 JP 2016-536773 A

The factory is in a noisy environment, and when using the techniques described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, there is a possibility that the fitting sound is erroneously detected unless noise reduction processing is performed to cancel the noise. be. This noise reduction processing has the problem of causing a large computational processing load or an increase in circuit scale.

A work sound detection device according to a first embodiment includes a sound collector that is attached to the wrist of a worker and converts work sound into an electrical audio signal, and an acceleration detector that detects acceleration of the wrist. When it is detected that the wrist unit, the audio signal, and the acceleration all show a constant change pattern within a certain temporal range, the user is notified that the intended work has been performed correctly. and a control unit for

According to the work sound detection device of the present invention, it is possible to select a time period including the completion of work based on the obtained acceleration pattern detected by the acceleration detection unit as the work timing, and notify the worker of the sound signal.

According to the work sound detection device of the present invention, it is possible to notify the worker of the work sound that is less affected by noise while suppressing an increase in the processing load of the noise suppression process or the circuit scale.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overview of a work sound detection device according to a first embodiment; FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a work sound detection device according to a first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the work sound detection device according to the first embodiment; 2 is a block diagram of a work sound detection device according to a second embodiment; FIG. FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a work sound detection device according to a third embodiment; FIG. FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a work sound detection device according to a fourth embodiment; FIG. 11 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the work sound detection device according to the fourth embodiment; FIG. FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a work sound detection device according to a fifth embodiment;

Embodiment 1
For clarity of explanation, the following descriptions and drawings are omitted and simplified as appropriate. Moreover, in each drawing, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted as necessary.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram for explaining an overview of a work sound detection device 1 according to a first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the work sound detection device 1 according to the first embodiment has a wrist unit 10 worn on the body of a worker H, a control unit 20 and earphones 30 . In the following description, an example of detecting a connector fitting sound is described as an example of a work sound. However, the work sound to be detected is not limited to the fitting sound, and may be, for example, a bolt tightening completion sound.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the wrist unit 10 is attached to the wrist of the worker H, but the wrist unit 10 is attached to a site that is close to the source of work noise during work and exhibits characteristic acceleration during work. It is.

Further, although FIG. 1 shows an example in which the control unit 20 is attached to the upper arm of the worker H, the attachment position of the control unit 20 is not limited to the upper arm, and may be other locations such as the waist. The earphone 30 is attached to the ear of the worker H, and an audio signal is output via the control unit 20 .

Below, the work sound detection device 1 according to the first embodiment will be described in more detail. FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the work sound detection device 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the wrist unit 10 has a sound collector (eg, sound collector sensor 11) and an acceleration detector (eg, acceleration sensor 12). The sound collection sensor 11 converts work sound into an electrical audio signal. As the sound collection sensor 11, for example, it is suitable to use a small microphone such as a condenser microphone. The acceleration sensor 12 detects the acceleration of a portion (for example, the wrist) that exhibits acceleration changes that are characteristic of work. The acceleration sensor 12 outputs the detected acceleration to the control unit 20 as acceleration information.

When the control unit 20 detects that both the voice signal and the acceleration show a constant change pattern within a certain temporal range, the control unit 20 notifies the user that the intended task has been correctly performed. . The control unit 20 has an amplifier 21, a filter circuit 22, a gate period controller 23, a gate circuit 26, and an external output interface circuit (for example, an audio amplifier 27). The amplifier 21 amplifies the audio signal obtained from the sound collection sensor 11 . The filter circuit 22 is a circuit provided between the amplifier 21 and the gate circuit 26, and is a circuit that removes noise from the audio signal. The filter circuit 22 is, for example, a high-pass filter that reduces the sound level of noise in a frequency band lower than the fitting sound (for example, noise generated when a machine operates). In the example shown in FIG. 2, the audio signal after passing through the filter circuit is shown as the audio signal S1.

The gate period control unit 23 validates the gate open instruction signal S3 in response to the fact that the acquired acceleration pattern indicating the change pattern of acceleration acquired by the acceleration sensor 12 satisfies the condition of the preset working pattern (for example, high level). Here, the work time pattern to be set in advance may be one in which a single threshold value is simply set to indicate that the work is being performed, or a change pattern in acceleration during a certain period of time may be set in advance.

The gate period control section 23 has an acceleration determination section 24 and a window setting processing section 25 . The acceleration determination unit 24 determines whether the acquired acceleration pattern satisfies the conditions of the working pattern. Then, when the acquired acceleration pattern satisfies the condition of the working pattern, the acceleration determination unit 24 changes the determination result notification signal S2 from low level to high level. The window setting processing unit 25 validates the gate open instruction signal S3 for a predetermined period of time when the acceleration determination unit determines that the acquired acceleration pattern satisfies the working pattern conditions. After activating the gate open instruction signal S3 for a certain period of time, the window setting processing unit 25 deactivates the gate open instruction signal S3 (for example, sets it to low level).

The gate circuit 26 passes the audio signal S3 amplified by the amplifier 21 while the gate open instruction signal S3 is valid. The gate circuit 26 is, for example, a switch circuit whose ON/OFF state is switched by the gate open instruction signal S3. Also, in FIG. 2, the output signal of the gate circuit 26 is the output signal S4. The audio amplifier 27 outputs the audio signal S3 that has passed through the gate circuit 26 (this audio signal S3 is included in the output signal S4) to the outside. A signal output from the audio amplifier 27 is transmitted to the earphone 30 via the earphone terminal 28 and output from the earphone 30 as sound.

Next, operation of the work sound detection device 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. Therefore, FIG. 3 shows a timing chart for explaining the operation of the work sound detection device 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3 , in the work sound detection device 1 according to the first embodiment, the acquired acceleration pattern is acquired by the sound collecting sensor 11 and the gate circuit 26 during the period before the timing T1 at which the condition of the work pattern is satisfied. block the audio signal S1 input to the output signal S4 and silence the output signal S4.

Then, at timing T1, when the acquired acceleration pattern satisfies the condition of the working pattern, the acceleration determination unit 24 switches the determination result notification signal S2 from the disabled state to the enabled state. As a result, the window setting processing unit 25 switches the gate open instruction signal S3 from the invalid state to the valid state during the period from the timing T1 set as a predetermined period to the timing T2. The audio signal S1 is output as the output signal S4 during the period in which the gate open instruction signal S3 is valid. Then, at timing T2, when the gate open instruction signal S3 is switched from the valid state to the invalid state, the gate circuit 26 is closed and the output signal S4 becomes silent again.

As described above, in the operation sound detection device 1 according to the first embodiment, it is possible to select a period during which the fitting sound is generated so that the worker can hear the fitting sound. In this way, by selecting a period in which the fitting sound is generated and making the worker listen to the audio signal during the selected period, the amplifier 21 is configured so that the fitting sound to be heard by the worker becomes the maximum sound. By setting the amplification factor of , the worker can hear the fitting sound more clearly. On the other hand, if the worker is notified of the sound without selecting the generation period of the mating sound, if the mating sound is set to the maximum level, the environmental sound will be amplified to a clipping level, which is uncomfortable for the worker. Since an audio signal with a high volume level always reaches the worker, not only does the worker miss hearing the fitting sound, but also the worker feels a great deal of discomfort. However, in the work sound detection device 1 according to the first embodiment, the period during which the unpleasant loud environmental sound is transmitted to the worker is greatly reduced. Comfort is greatly improved.

Further, in the work sound detection device 1 according to the first embodiment, the time at which the fitting sound is generated is selected based on the obtained acceleration pattern that indicates the change pattern of the acceleration of the wrist that exhibits characteristic acceleration during work. The audio signal S1 of the period is transmitted to the operator as an output signal S4. As a result, the work sound detection device 1 according to the first embodiment can transmit an easy-to-hear fitting sound to the operator without performing complicated noise removal processing. Further, as a result, in the work sound detection device 1 according to the first embodiment, it is possible to reduce the processing load due to complicated noise removal and suppress the increase in the circuit scale of the noise removal circuit.

Further, in the work sound detection device 1 according to the first embodiment, the valid period of the gate open instruction signal S3 is maintained for a certain period. As a result, the work sound detection device 1 according to the first embodiment prevents the gate open instruction signal S3 from being intermittently output as the output signal S4.

Further, in the work sound detection device 1 according to the first embodiment, the acceleration determination unit 24 determines whether or not the acquired acceleration pattern matches the condition indicated by the work pattern. At this time, by defining an acceleration change pattern in a predetermined time width as a work pattern, the work sound detection device 1 according to the first embodiment detects a temporary large acceleration change during the work period in which the fitting sound is generated. erroneous recognition can be prevented.

In addition, since the work sound detection device 1 according to the first embodiment includes the filter circuit 22, it is possible to reduce the sound volume level of the work sound in a frequency band distant from the fitting sound to be detected. As a result, the work sound detection device 1 according to the first embodiment can further improve the clarity of the fitting sound as compared with the case where only the gate open instruction signal S3 is output by temporal selection.

Embodiment 2
In Embodiment 2, another form of the work sound detection device 1 according to Embodiment 1 will be described. In the description of the second embodiment, the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment are assigned to the constituent elements described in the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of the work sound detection device 2 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4 , the work sound detection device 2 according to the second embodiment replaces the control unit 20 with a control unit 40 . The control unit 40 is obtained by adding a mating sound determination section 41 and an indicator display section 42 to the control unit 20 . The fitting sound determination unit 41 determines the fitting sound to be externally detected when the gate open instruction signal S3 is output as the output signal S4 and when the audio signal S3 is output as the output signal S4 of the gate circuit 26. Notify that there was an input. The indicator display unit 42 realizes one mode of notification, and is provided with an indicator such as an LED that lights up when there is a signal to be notified by the fitting sound determination unit 41, for example.

By providing the fitting sound determination unit 41 and the indicator display unit 42 in this way, not only the sound but also the light can be used for notification, so that the reliability of the fitting operation can be further increased.

Embodiment 3
In Embodiment 3, another form of the work sound detection device 1 according to Embodiments 1 and 2 will be described. In the description of Embodiment 3, the same reference numerals as in Embodiments 1 and 2 are assigned to the constituent elements described in Embodiments 1 and 2, and description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of the work sound detection device 3 according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the work sound detection device 3 according to the third embodiment is a control unit obtained by adding a signal processing unit 51, wireless communication units 52 and 53, and a waveform display device 54 to the control unit 40 according to the second embodiment. It has a unit 50 .

The signal processing unit 51 converts the audio signal S1 into digital value data. The wireless communication unit 52 transmits the audio signal S1 converted into a digital value by the signal processing unit 51 to the wireless communication unit 53 using a wireless signal. The wireless communication unit 53 transmits the audio signal S<b>1 received from the wireless communication unit 52 to the waveform display device 54 . The waveform display device 54 converts the audio signal S1 output from the wireless communication unit 53 into waveform data and displays the waveform data.

Thus, in the work sound detection device 3 according to the third embodiment, the audio signal S1 can be visually recognized as waveform data. As a result, the work sound detection device 3 according to the third embodiment can recognize the fitting sound based on the waveform information, so that the work sound detection device 1 according to the first embodiment further improves the certainty of the work. can be made

Embodiment 4
In Embodiment 4, another form of the work sound detection device 1 according to Embodiment 1 will be described. In addition, in the description of the fourth embodiment, the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment are assigned to the constituent elements described in the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of the work sound detection device 4 according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6 , the work sound detection device 4 according to the fourth embodiment has a control unit 60 instead of the control unit 20 . The control unit 60 includes the amplifier 21, the filter circuit 22, and the audio amplifier 27 of the first embodiment, a moving integration section 61, a first binarization processing section 62, a second binarization processing section 63, a one-shot pulse A generation unit 64 and a work sound notification signal generation unit (for example, the fitting sound notification signal generation unit 65) are added. Further, in the work sound detection device 4 according to the fourth embodiment, the audio signal S12 output from the filter circuit 22 is directly output via the audio amplifier 27. FIG. Further, the work sound detection device 4 according to the fourth embodiment constantly outputs the audio signal S10 from the audio amplifier 27, and the work sound notification signal output by the fitting sound notification signal generation unit 65 (for example, the fitting notification signal In response to S15), the fitting notification unit 66 is caused to notify the user that the work has been completed. The mating notification unit 66 notifies completion of the work using, for example, light emission using an LED or the like, sound such as a buzzer, or the like.

The moving integration unit generates a moving average signal S10 having a moving average value of the acceleration output by the acceleration sensor 12. The first binarization processing unit 62 calculates the acceleration output from the acceleration sensor 12 and the moving average signal. A first binarized signal S11 that is at a high level during a period in which the difference value has a constant amount of change is generated. The second binarization processing unit 63 generates a second binarization signal S13 that is at a high level while the audio signal S12 amplified by the amplifier 21 continues. The one-shot pulse generator 64 outputs a one-shot pulse signal S14 having a constant pulse width in response to the rise of the second binarized signal S12. When the first binarized signal S11 becomes high level while the one-shot pulse signal S14 is high level, the fitting notification signal S15 is output.

Next, operation of the work sound detection device 4 according to the fourth embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 shows a timing chart for explaining the operation of the work sound detection device 4 according to the fourth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 7, depending on the type, the acceleration sensor 12 exhibits large voltage fluctuations with a low frequency, and has the characteristic that the voltage fluctuations corresponding to the movement of the wrist are superimposed on the voltage fluctuations. In addition, since the acceleration sensor output is output after various processes, the voltage change corresponding to the movement of the wrist may be shown at a timing delayed from the change timing of the audio signal S12 corresponding to the work sound. The work sound detection device 4 according to the fourth embodiment corresponds to the acceleration sensor 12 having such characteristics.

Then, in the example shown in FIG. 7, at timing T10, a working sound (for example, a connector fitting sound) is input as the audio signal S12. As a result, in the work sound detection device 4 according to the fourth embodiment, the second binarization processing unit 63 generates a second binarization signal that becomes high level while the amplitude of the audio signal S12 is equal to or higher than a certain amplitude level. output a conversion signal S13. Also, the one-shot pulse generator 64 outputs the one-shot pulse signal S14 in response to the rise of the second binarized signal S13. This one-shot pulse signal S14 is a signal that maintains a high level for a predetermined period. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the one-shot pulse signal S14 is at a high level during an acceleration monitoring period of a predetermined length from timing T10 to timing T12.

After timing T10 and at timing T11 before timing T12, the acceleration sensor 12 indicates a voltage change corresponding to the movement of the wrist. As a result, the first binarization processing unit 62 sets the first binarization signal S11 to high level. At this timing T11, since the one-shot pulse signal S14 is at high level, the fitting sound notification signal generator 65 sets the fitting notification signal S15 to high level. The length of the period during which the fitting sound notification signal generation unit 65 sets the fitting notification signal S15 to a high level is a predetermined length.

In the example shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 60 receives the output of the acceleration sensor at which the first binarized signal S11 becomes high level at timing T13. Therefore, the one-shot pulse signal S14 is at low level, and the fitting sound notification signal generator 65 keeps the fitting notification signal S15 at low level.

From the above description, the work sound detection device 4 according to the fourth embodiment can detect the difference in work even if the timing at which the acceleration sensor 12 outputs the voltage change corresponding to the movement of the wrist is delayed from the actual work. A signal can be generated to signal completion (eg, mating of the connector is complete).

In addition, in the work sound detection device 4 according to the fourth embodiment, since the audio signal S12 is always delivered to the worker, the worker can confirm the completion of the work by voice while confirming the notification of the fitting notification unit 66. It is possible to improve the accuracy of work completion confirmation.

Embodiment 5
Embodiment 5 describes another form of the work sound detection device 4 according to Embodiment 4. FIG. In the description of Embodiment 6, the same reference numerals as in Embodiments 1 and 4 are assigned to the constituent elements described in Embodiments 1 and 4, and description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 8 shows a block diagram of the work sound detection device 5 according to the fifth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8 , the work sound detection device 5 according to the fifth embodiment has a control unit 70 instead of the control unit 60 . The control unit 70 is obtained by adding an equalizing processing section 71 to the control unit 60 . The equalizing processing unit 71 suppresses or amplifies the audio signal S12 in the subsequent stage of the amplifier 21, thereby adjusting the maximum voltage to a constant level. In the example shown in FIG. 7 , the equalizing processing section 71 is arranged after the filter circuit 22 arranged after the amplifier 21 . In this way, by arranging the equalizing processing unit 71 after the filter circuit 22, it is possible to perform the equalizing processing in which the maximum amplitude level is uniformed on the voice signal S12 without noise.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, it is desirable that the circuit using the output of the audio signal S12 such as the second binarization processing section 63 is arranged after the equalizing processing section 71. FIG. This is because the second binarization processing unit 63 and the like can unify the determination of the audio signal S12 regardless of the maximum amplitude level of the audio signal S12.

As described above, in the work sound detection device 5 according to the fifth embodiment, by providing the equalizing processing unit 71, the processing and determination of the circuits arranged after the equalizing processing unit 71 can be unified. Further, by providing the equalizing processing unit 71, the voice signal S12 notified to the worker is unified regardless of the maximum amplitude level of the voice signal S12, so that the burden of voice confirmation on the worker can be reduced. can. Note that the equalizing processor 71 can be provided, for example, between the filter circuit 22 and the gate circuit 26 of the work sound detection device 1 according to the first embodiment.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the scope of the invention.

4 work sound detection device 5 work sound detection device 1 to 5 work sound detection device 10 wrist unit 11 sound collection sensor 12 acceleration sensor 20, 40, 50 control unit 21 amplifier 22 filter circuit 23 gate period control section 24 acceleration determination section 25 window Setting processing unit 26 Gate circuit 27 Audio amplifier 28 Earphone terminal 30 Earphone 41 Fitting sound determination unit 42 Indicator display unit 51 Signal processing unit 52 Wireless communication unit 53 Wireless communication unit 54 Waveform display device 60 Control unit 61 Moving integration unit 62 First binarization processing unit 63 second binarization processing unit 64 one-shot pulse generation unit 65 fitting sound notification signal generation unit 66 fitting notification unit 70 control unit 71 equalizing processing unit H operator S1 audio signal S2 determination result Notification signal S3 Gate open instruction signal S4 Output signal S10 Moving average signal S11 First binarized signal S12 Audio signal S13 Second binarized signal S14 One-shot pulse signal S15 Fitting notification signal

Claims (8)

a wrist unit that is attached to the wrist of a worker and includes a sound collector that converts work sound into an electrical audio signal; and an acceleration detector that detects acceleration of the wrist;
a control unit that notifies a user that a target task has been correctly performed when it is detected that both the audio signal and the acceleration exhibit a constant change pattern within a constant range in time; , has
The control unit is
a moving integrator that generates a moving average signal having a moving average value of the acceleration;
A first binarization processing unit for generating a first binarization signal that is at a high level during a period in which a difference value between the acceleration output from the acceleration detection unit and the moving average signal has a constant amount of change. When,
an amplifier that amplifies the audio signal obtained from the sound collecting unit;
a second binarization processing unit that generates a second binarized signal that is at a high level during a period in which the audio signal amplified by the amplifier continues;
a one-shot pulse generator that outputs a one-shot pulse signal having a constant pulse width in response to the rise of the second binarized signal;
a work sound notification signal generation unit that outputs a work sound notification signal when the first binarized signal becomes high level while the one-shot pulse signal is at high level;
A work sound detection device having a wrist unit that is attached to the wrist of a worker and includes a sound collector that converts work sound into an electrical audio signal; and an acceleration detector that detects acceleration of the wrist;
a control unit that detects that the acceleration exhibits a constant change pattern within a constant range over time;
an earphone for the worker to hear the working sound;
The control unit is
an amplifier that amplifies the audio signal obtained from the sound collecting unit;
a gate period control unit for activating a gate open instruction signal in response to the fact that the obtained acceleration pattern indicating the change pattern of the acceleration obtained by the acceleration detection unit satisfies the condition of a preset working pattern;
a gate circuit that passes the audio signal amplified by the amplifier while the gate open instruction signal is enabled;
an external output interface circuit that outputs the audio signal that has passed through the gate circuit to the outside;
has
The work sound detection device , wherein the earphone is connected to the external output interface circuit and transmits a work sound selected based on the acquired acceleration pattern . 3. The work sound detection device according to claim 2, wherein the gate period control unit has an acceleration determination unit that determines whether the acquired acceleration pattern satisfies the conditions of the work pattern. The gate period control unit enables the gate open instruction signal for a predetermined period of time when the acceleration determination unit determines that the acquired acceleration pattern satisfies the working pattern conditions. 4. The work sound detection device according to claim 3, further comprising a window setting processor. 5. The work sound detection device according to claim 2, further comprising a filter circuit for removing noise of said audio signal between said amplifier and said gate circuit. 6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 5, further comprising a work sound determination unit that notifies that there is an input of the work sound to be detected externally when the sound signal is output as the output signal of the gate circuit. The work sound detection device according to . 7. The work sound detection device according to claim 2, further comprising an external waveform monitor processing unit that displays the audio signal on an externally provided display device. 3. The work sound detection device according to claim 1, further comprising an equalizing processing section that suppresses or amplifies the audio signal so as to equalize the maximum voltage to a constant level in the subsequent stage of the amplifier.

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