Patent Publication Number: US-2022222605-A1

Title: Information processing apparatus, work management system, and work management method

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application claims priority to and the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-003008 filed on Jan. 12, 2021, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a work management system, and a work management method. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     A technique for managing work by a work machine represented by a lawn mower or the like is known. For example, US-2018-0000025 discloses controlling a device such as a lawn mower, an irrigation device, or the like based on a detection result of a sensor provided in a gardening area. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, an information processing apparatus configured to manage work performed in a work region comprises: an acquisition unit configured to acquire information regarding a work result of the work region; an evaluation unit configured to evaluate work performed in the work region based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit; and an identifying unit configured to identify a work subject that has performed work in a region for which an evaluation is performed by the evaluation unit. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, a work management system comprises: an information processing apparatus configured to manage work performed in a work region; and a communication apparatus provided in a work subject that performs work in the work region and configured to be capable of communicating with the information processing apparatus, wherein the information processing apparatus includes: an acquisition unit configured to acquire information regarding a work result of the work region, an evaluation unit configured to evaluate work performed in the work region based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit; and an identifying unit configured to identify the communication apparatus provided in the work subject that has performed work in a region for which an evaluation is performed by the evaluation unit. 
     According to still another embodiment of the present invention, a work management method for managing work performed in a work region, comprises: acquiring information regarding a work result of the work region; evaluating work performed in the work region based on the information acquired in the acquiring; and identifying a work subject that has performed work in a region for which an evaluation is performed in the evaluating. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of a work management system according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of hardware of the work management system; 
         FIG. 3  is an explanatory view of a work region; 
         FIG. 4  is a flowchart illustrating a processing example of a processing unit; 
         FIG. 5A  is a flowchart illustrating a processing example of the processing unit; 
         FIG. 5B  is a flowchart illustrating a processing example of the processing unit; 
         FIG. 6  is a flowchart illustrating a processing example of a processing unit; 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram illustrating an example of posting to a social network service (SNS); 
         FIG. 8  is a diagram illustrating an example of changing a work frequency; and 
         FIG. 9  is a diagram illustrating an example of an image used for work evaluation. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     In case of managing work by a work subject such as a work machine, a worker, or the like, when a work result by the work subject is not satisfactory, it is desirable to improve the quality of the work to be managed by reflecting the work result in the subsequent work. 
     Embodiments of the present invention provide a technique for improving the quality of work to be managed. 
     Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note, the following embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, and limitation is not made to an invention that requires a combination of all features described in the embodiments. Two or more of the multiple features described in the embodiments may be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are given to the same or similar configurations, and redundant description thereof is omitted. 
     &lt;Outline of Work Management System&gt; 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of a work management system SY according to an embodiment. The work management system SY is a system that manages work performed in a work region  10  (see  FIG. 3 ) to be described later, and includes an information processing apparatus  2  and at least one communication apparatus provided at a work subject. In the present embodiment, the work management system SY includes a work machine  4  and a terminal apparatus  6  having a function as the communication apparatus. The work machine  4  is a machine that performs a predetermined work in the work region  10 , and is an automatic lawn mower in the present embodiment. In addition, the terminal apparatus  6  is a terminal carried by a worker  5  who performs a predetermined work in the work region  10 , and may be, for example, a smartphone, a wearable device, or the like. In addition, the work management system SY may include a camera  8  that images the work region  10 . 
     The information processing apparatus  2 , the work machine  4 , the terminal apparatus  6 , and the camera  8  can be configured to be able to communicate with each other via a network NT. In the present embodiment, the network NT is a local area network (LAN), and the information processing apparatus  2  can be installed, for example, in a management facility or the like of the work region  10  provided around the work region  10 . Note that the information processing apparatus  2  and the work machine  4 , the terminal apparatus  6 , and the camera  8  may be connected via an external network such as the Internet. That is, the information processing apparatus  2  may be a web server or the like. 
     &lt;Hardware Configuration&gt; 
       FIG. 2  is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of hardware of the work management system SY. 
     The information processing apparatus  2  manages work performed in the work region  10 . In the present embodiment, the information processing apparatus  2  includes a processing unit  21 , a storage unit  22 , a communication interface (I/F) unit  23 , and a display unit  24 . The processing unit  21  is a processor, a typical example of which is a central processing unit (CPU), and executes a program stored in the storage unit  22 . The storage unit  22  is a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a hard disk drive (HDD), or the like and stores data or the like used for processing by the processing unit  21  in addition to the program executed by the processing unit  21 . The communication I/F unit  23  relays transmission and reception of signals between an external device and the processing unit  21 . The display unit  24  is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays various types of information. In one embodiment, the display unit  24  displays information such as a work result by the work machine  4  and the worker  5 , a situation of the work region  10 , and the like. 
     The work machine  4  performs predetermined work and includes a control unit  40 , a communication unit  41 , a work unit  42 , a traveling unit  43 , and various sensors  44 . 
     The control unit  40  controls each component of the work machine  4  and includes a processing unit  401 , a storage unit  402 , and an I/F unit  403 . The processing unit  401  is a processor, a typical example of which is a CPU, and executes a program stored in the storage unit  402 . The storage unit  402  is a RAM, a ROM, or the like and stores data or the like used for processing by the processing unit  401  in addition to the program executed by the processing unit  401 . The I/F unit  403  includes, for example, an I/O interface, and relays transmission and reception of signals between the processing unit  401  and each unit of the work machine  4 . The communication unit  41  performs communication with the information processing apparatus  2  or the like which is an external device. 
     The work unit  42  performs various types of work. In the present embodiment, the work unit  42  may include a blade for cutting grass and an electric motor for rotationally driving the blade. The traveling unit  43  is responsible for the traveling drive of the work machine  4  and may include, for example, wheels and an electric motor for driving the wheels. Since a well-known technique can be appropriately employed for these configurations, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. 
     The various sensors  44  detect various types of information. Examples of the various sensors  44  include a current sensor for detecting a load of the electric motor of the work unit  42  or the traveling unit  43 , an infrared sensor or a camera for detecting an obstacle in the surroundings, and the like. Furthermore, the various sensors  44  may include a global positioning system (GPS) sensor that acquires position information of the work machine  4 . In addition, in a case where a wire is arranged at a boundary (see  FIG. 3 ) of the work region  10  to be described later or each of assigned regions  1011 ,  1012 , and  1021  to be described later, sensors that recognize these boundaries may be included in the various sensors  44 . The sensor in this case may be a magnetic sensor that detects a magnetic field generated by alternating current flowing through the wire. 
     In the present embodiment, the control unit  40  executes autonomous control of the work machine  4 . For example, the control unit  40  receives a work plan from the information processing apparatus  2 , and performs the work based on the received work plan. The work plan may include, for example, a traveling route, a traveling speed, a rotation speed of the blade for cutting grass, and the like at the time of work. 
     The terminal apparatus  6  may include a processing unit  61 , a storage unit  62 , a communication I/F unit  63 , a display unit  64 , and a GPS sensor  65 . The processing unit  61  is a processor, a typical example of which is a CPU, and executes a program stored in the storage unit  62 . The storage unit  62  is a RAM, a ROM, or the like and stores data or the like used for processing by the processing unit  61  in addition to the program executed by the processing unit  61 . The communication I/F unit  63  relays transmission and reception of signals between the processing unit  61  and an external device. The GPS sensor  65  acquires the current position of the terminal apparatus  6 . 
     The camera  8  includes an imaging unit  81  and a communication unit  82 . The imaging unit  81  images the work region  10 . The communication unit  82  performs communication with an external device and transmits an image captured by the imaging unit  81  to the information processing apparatus  2 . In one embodiment, the camera  8  may be a surveillance camera or the like provided in the work region  10  or around the work region  10 . 
     &lt;Description of Work Region&gt; 
       FIG. 3  is an explanatory view of the work region  10 . The work region  10  is a region where predetermined work is performed, and in the present embodiment, lawn mowing work is performed. Examples of the work region  10  where the lawn mowing work is performed include a garden of a house, a park, a square, a golf course, and the like. Note that a wire defining a boundary may be arranged at a boundary between the work region  10  and another region or a boundary between each of pairs of the assigned regions  1011 ,  1012 , and  1021  described late. 
     In the present embodiment, two work machines  4   a  and  4   b  and one worker  5  perform work in the work region  10 . Note that, in the following description, the work machine  4   a  and the work machine  4   b  may be collectively referred to as the work machine  4 . 
     The work region  10  is divided into an assigned region  101  in which the work machine  4   a  is assigned to work, an assigned region  102  in which the work machine  4   b  is assigned to work, and an assigned region  103  in which the worker  5  is assigned to work. The assigned regions  101  to  103  can be determined, for example, in a work plan for the work region  10  planned by the information processing apparatus  2 . In the example of  FIG. 3 , the worker  5  is assigned to work in the assigned region  103  where it is difficult for the work machine  4  to perform work due to the intricate portion, and the work machines  4   a  and  4   b  are assigned to work in the assigned regions  101  and  102  which are regions having a relatively simple shape. 
     Note that the assigned regions  101  to  103  can be set as appropriate. For example, at least a part of the assigned regions  101  to  103  may be set to overlap each other. In addition, the work to which each work subject is assigned may be appropriately changed. For example, when the work of the work machine  4   a  is delayed due to the influence of an obstacle or the like, the work machine  4   b  may be assigned to a part of the work in the assigned region  101 . In addition, the worker  5  may be assigned to the work at portions where incomplete mowing by the work machine  4  is likely to occur, such as corners of the assigned regions  101  and  102  and the like. 
     In addition,  FIG. 3  illustrates partial regions  1011 ,  1012 , and  1021  in the work region  10 . The partial regions  1011 ,  1012 , and  1021  are regions partially extracted from the work region  10 . In the example of  FIG. 3 , portions including incomplete mowing  11  are extracted as the partial regions  1011 ,  1012 , and  1021 . Hereinafter, the partial regions  1011 ,  1012 , and  1021  may be collectively referred to as a partial region  1011  and the like. 
     In addition, two cameras  8   a  and  8   b  for imaging the work region  10  are provided around the work region  10 . The camera  8   a  mainly images the assigned region  101 . The camera  8   b  mainly images the assigned regions  102  and  103 . Note that, in the following description, the cameras  8   a  and  8   b  may be collectively referred to as a camera  8 . 
     In the present embodiment, the information processing apparatus  2  stores map data for the work region  10  in the storage unit  22 . For example, in the map data, latitude/longitude information may be associated with each position on the work region  10 . In addition, for example, in the map data, coordinate information of a local coordinate system having a predetermined position as a reference point may be associated with each position on the work region  10 . 
     In addition, the information processing apparatus  2  may be able to associate a position on an image captured by the camera  8  with a position on the map data. For example, the storage unit  22  may store information in which coordinates on map data is associated with coordinates on an image captured by the camera  8 . By using this information, the processing unit  21  can acquire a position, on the map data of an object on the image captured by the camera  8 . 
     Processing Example 1 
       FIG. 4  is a flowchart illustrating a processing example of the processing unit  21 . This flowchart is for feeding back a work result of the work subject (the work machine  4  or the worker  5 ) to subsequent work. For example, this flowchart is executed at a predetermined timing after the work is performed by the work subject. 
     In step S 101  (hereinafter, it is simply referred to as S 101 , and other steps are similarly referred), the processing unit  21  acquires information regarding a work result of the work region  10 . In the present embodiment, the processing unit  21  acquires an image of the work region  10  as information regarding the work result. Furthermore, the processing unit  21  receives an image captured by the camera  8  provided so as to be able to image the work region  10  via the communication I/F unit  23 . 
     In S 102 , the processing unit  21  evaluates the work performed in the work region  10  based on the information regarding the work result acquired in S 101 . For example, the processing unit  21  performs image processing on the image captured by the camera  8  and acquired in S 101  to determine the presence or absence of the lawn or determines the height of the lawn by extracting an edge of the lawn. Then, based on the processing result, the processing unit  21  evaluates work performed by the work subject based on whether there is no incomplete mowing, whether the height of trimmed lawn grass is uniform, whether there is no part where the lawn has grown out, or the like. 
     Note that the evaluation in S 102  may be performed on the entire work region  10  or may be performed on a portion of the work region  10  where the information regarding the work result has been acquired. In addition, the evaluation result may be binary such as whether or not the work result is within an allowable range or good/poor, or may be stepwise such as a score of the work result. 
     In addition, the processing unit  21  may divide the work region  10  included in the image captured by the camera  8  into an appropriate number of sections, perform an evaluation for each section, and store the evaluation result and the position information of the section on the captured image in the storage unit  22  in association with each other. Alternatively, the processing unit  21  may store the evaluation result and the position information of the evaluated portion on the captured image in association with each other in the storage unit  22  only in a case where negative evaluation is made, such as incomplete mowing or the like. 
       FIG. 9  is a diagram illustrating an example of an image used for the work evaluation. For example, the processing unit  21  extracts a region where the height of the lawn can be detected from the image acquired in S 101 , and extracts the edge of the lawn to acquire an image for the evaluation as illustrated in  FIG. 9 . Then, in a case where there is lawn  901  having a height exceeding a reference value  900  based on such an image, the processing unit  21  may determine that the work result is outside the allowable range for that portion. Note that the reference value  900  may be an absolute reference such as a height or the like, or may be a relative reference such as a difference from the height of the surrounding lawn, or the like. 
     In S 103 , the processing unit  21  checks whether or not the evaluation in S 102  includes an evaluation outside the allowable range, proceeds to S 104  in a case where the evaluation outside the allowable range is included, and ends the flowchart in a case where the evaluation is not included. Note that, in a case where the evaluation result in S 102  is not binary but is stepwise such as a score, the processing unit  21  may determine that the evaluation result that does not meet the predetermined reference value to be the evaluation outside the allowable range. 
     In S 104 , the processing unit  21  extracts the partial region  1011  and the like. In the present embodiment, the processing unit  21  extracts, as the partial region  1011  and the like, a region for which the evaluation is performed to be outside the allowable range is performed in S 102  out of the work region  10 . A specific example of extracting the partial region  1011  and the like will be described with reference to  FIGS. 3 and 5A .  FIG. 5A  is a flowchart illustrating a specific example of processing in S 104 . 
     In step S 141 , the processing unit  21  acquires position information, on the image captured by the camera  8 , of the portion where the evaluation has been performed to be outside the allowable range in step S 102 . In the example illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the processing unit  21  acquires coordinate information of three portions of the incomplete mowing  11  in the image captured by the camera  8 . Here, in a case where the position information on the captured image corresponding to the evaluation result is stored in the storage unit  22  in association with each other, the processing unit  21  may acquire the coordinate information of the incomplete mowing  11  based on the information. 
     Note that, although it has been described above that the processing unit  21  acquires the coordinate information of the three portions of incomplete mowing  11 , in a case where there is a plurality of portions where the evaluation is performed to be outside the allowable range, the processing unit  21  may repeat the flowchart of  FIG. 5A  for each portion. For example, the processing unit  21  may acquire coordinate information of one portion of incomplete mowing  11  and proceed to S 142 . 
     In S 142 , the processing unit  21  identifies the position of the portion where the evaluation has been performed to outside the allowable range on the map data of the work region  10 . For example, the processing unit  21  acquires coordinates of the incomplete mowing  11  on the map data based on, for example, information stored in the storage unit  22  in which coordinates on the image captured by the camera  8  are associated with coordinates on the map data. 
     In S 143 , the processing unit  21  extracts a portion corresponding to the position identified in S 143  as the partial region  1011  and the like. For example, the processing unit  21  extracts, as the partial region  1011  and the like, a portion corresponding to the coordinates of the incomplete mowing  11  on the map data acquired in S 142 , or a portion including a certain range around the portion. In S 144 , the processing unit  21  stores the extracted partial region in the storage unit  22  and ends the flowchart. 
     Note that, in a case where the coordinate information of one portion of incomplete mowing  11  is acquired in S 141  and the processing proceeds to S 142 , the processing unit  21  may check, after the processing of S 144 , whether or not there is a portion which has been evaluated to be outside the allowable range and from which the partial region  1011  or the like has not been extracted. Then, in a case where there is a portion which has been evaluated to be outside the allowable range and from which the partial region  1011  or the like has not been extracted, the processing may be returned to S 141  to repeat the processing. 
     In S 105 , the processing unit  21  identifies a work subject. Furthermore, the processing unit  21  identifies a work subject that has performed the work evaluated to be outside the allowable range.  FIG. 5B  is a flowchart illustrating a specific example of processing of S 105 . Hereinafter, a case where the work subject of the partial region  1011  is identified will be described as an example. However, the processing unit  21  may also perform processing on other partial regions  1012  and  1021  in each step. 
     In S 151 , the processing unit  21  acquires the position of the extracted partial region  1011 . For example, the processing unit  21  acquires the position information of the partial region  1011  by reading the information regarding the partial region  1011  stored in the storage unit  22 . 
     In S 152 , the processing unit  21  acquires an action history of the work subject that has performed work in the work region  10 . In the present embodiment, the processing unit  21  acquires action histories of the work machines  4   a  and  4   b  and the worker  5 . The action history of the work machine  4  may be, for example, information regarding a movement route of the work machine  4  based on a detection result of the GPS sensor which is an example of the various sensors  44  included in the work machine  4 . In addition, for example, the action history may be information in which the movement route of the work machine  4  is associated with information such as time or the like. In addition, the action history of the worker  5  may be, for example, information regarding a movement route of the worker  5  based on a detection result of the GPS sensor  65 . 
     Note that the work machine  4  and the terminal apparatus  6  may transmit a detection result or the like of the sensor to the information processing apparatus  2  during or after work so that the processing unit  21  can acquire the action history described above. 
     In S 153 , the processing unit  21  identifies the work subject that has performed work in the partial region  1011 . For example, the processing unit  21  identifies the work subject that has performed work in the partial region  1011  based on the position information of the partial region  1011  and the action history of the work subject. Furthermore, the processing unit  21  identifies the work subject having a history of passing through the partial region  1011  or the periphery thereof as the work subject that has performed work in the partial region  1011 . 
     Note that the processing unit  21  may identify the work subject depending on which work subject&#39;s assigned region includes the partial region extracted in S 104 . In the example illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the extracted partial regions  1011  and  1012  are included in the assigned region  101  of the work machine  4   a , and thus the processing unit  21  may identify the work machine  4   a  as the work subject for the partial regions  1011  and  1012 . In addition, since the extracted partial region  1021  is included in the assigned region  102  of the work machine  4   b , the processing unit  21  may identify the work machine  4   b  as the work subject for the partial region  1021 . 
     However, as described above, since the assigned regions  101  to  103  can be set in advance in the work plan or the like, the work machine  4   b  may be assigned to a part of the assigned region  101  in a case where, for example, the work of the work machine  4   a  is delayed. Therefore, by using the identifying method in which the action history of each work subject is taken into consideration, the work subject can be identified more accurately. 
     In S 106 , the processing unit  21  checks an attribute of the work subject. The processing unit  21  proceeds to S 107  in a case where the attribute of the work subject is the worker  5  and proceeds to S 108  when the attribute of the work subject is the work machine  4 . 
     In S 107 , the processing unit  21  issues a notification regarding the subsequent work to the worker  5 . For example, in a case where the information processing apparatus  2  is installed in a management facility or the like provided around the work region  10 , the processing unit  21  may issue a notification to the worker  5  by causing the display unit  24  to display the contents of the notification. In addition, for example, the processing unit  21  may transmit notification contents to the terminal apparatus  6  possessed by the worker  5  via the communication I/F unit  23  by an e-mail, a so-called chat application, or the like. 
     For example, in a case where the evaluation is outside the allowable range due to incomplete mowing, the processing unit  21  may issue a notification instructing to intensively perform work on a region where incomplete mowing has been left. In addition, for example, in a case where the evaluation is outside the allowable range due to variations in the cutting height of the lawn, a notification instructing to perform the work carefully may be issued. 
     In S 108 , the processing unit  21  causes the work machine  4  to change an operating parameter. In the present embodiment, the processing unit  21  transmits instructions to change the parameter to the work machine  4  via the communication I/F unit  23 . 
     Examples of the operating parameter include a traveling speed, a rotation speed of a blade for mowing lawn, a traveling route, and the like at the time of work. For example, in a case where the result of the work in the partial region  1011  is evaluated to be outside the allowable range, the processing unit  21  may issue an instruction to change the operating parameter so as to decrease the traveling speed or increase the rotation speed of the blade when working in the partial region  1011 . In addition, the traveling route may be changed so as to increase the number of times of passing through the partial region  1011  at the time of work. 
     According to the present processing example, since the work subject of the evaluated work is identified, it is possible to associate the evaluation of the work with the work subject thereof. By using the relationship between the evaluation and the work subject, it is possible to reflect the evaluation of the work efficiently in the subsequent work to improve the quality of the work performed in the work region  10 . In addition, since the feedback of work is performed according to the attribute of the work subject, it is possible to feed the evaluation result back more effectively to the subsequent work. 
     Processing Example 2 
       FIG. 6  is a flowchart illustrating a processing example of the processing unit  21 . In this flowchart, in a case where the work subject is the worker  5 , that is, the work subject is not a machine but a person, a reward for the work is determined. This flowchart is executed, for example, at a predetermined timing after work in the work region  10  is performed. 
     Here, S 201  and S 202  are similar to S 101  and S 102 , respectively. 
     In S 203 , the processing unit  21  identifies the work assigned to the worker  5  out of the work evaluated in S 202 . For example, the processing unit  21  acquires the action history of the worker  5  based on a detection result or the like of the GPS sensor  65  of the terminal apparatus  6  and determines in which region of the work region  10  the worker  5  has performed work. Subsequently, the processing unit  21  identifies the work performed by the worker  5  out of the work evaluated in S 202 . Note that, in a case where all of the work evaluated in S 202  is performed by the work machine  4 , the processing unit  21  may end this flowchart without performing the subsequent processing. 
     In S 204 , the processing unit  21  determines a reward for the worker  5  based on the evaluation result in S 202 . For example, in a case where the evaluation result includes a negative evaluation such as an incomplete mowing or a variation in the height of the lawn, the processing unit  21  may set the reward for the worker  5  lower than the reference value. On the other hand, for example, in a case where the evaluation result does not include a negative evaluation, or the like, the processing unit  21  may set the reward for the worker  5  to be higher than the reference value. 
     In addition, in a case where the evaluation result includes information regarding the workload such as the amount of cut lawn or the like, the processing unit  21  may determine the reward according to the workload of the worker  5 . For example, the processing unit  21  may acquire images captured by the camera  8  before and after work in S 201  and calculate the amount of lawn cut by the worker  5  by comparing results of analyzing images before and after work in S 202 . 
     In addition, in a case where the evaluation result includes information regarding weather conditions and the like such as temperature, humidity, and the like at the time of work, the processing unit  21  may determine the reward according to the conditions. For example, even with the same workload, the burden on the worker  5  becomes relatively large in work under adverse conditions such as high temperature, low temperature, rainy weather, and the like. Therefore, the processing unit  21  may raise the reward in such a case. The processing unit  21  may acquire weather conditions or the like from a temperature and humidity meter or the like installed in the work region  10  or the periphery thereof. In addition, the work machine  4  and the terminal apparatus  6  may include a sensor such as a temperature and humidity meter or the like and the detection result may be transmitted to the information processing apparatus  2 . In addition, the processing unit  21  may acquire weather information around the work region  10  via the Internet. 
     As described above, according to the present processing example, since the reward for the worker  5  is determined according to the work performed by the worker  5 , it is possible to enhance the motivation of the worker  5 . 
     Other Embodiments 
     In the above embodiment, the information regarding the work result is acquired from the camera  8  installed in the work region  10 . However, the method of acquiring the information regarding the work result may be another method. For example, the processing unit  21  may acquire the information regarding the work result based on information such as an image, text, or the like of the work region  10  posted on a predetermined SNS. In one embodiment, the processing unit  21  may be connected to a predetermined SNS server via the Internet or the like and may acquire an image or the like of the work region  10  from the SNS server.  FIG. 7  is a diagram illustrating an example of posting to an SNS. The processing unit  21  may request the SNS server to send data of an image  800  whose associated position information indicates the work region  10  or the periphery thereof among the images posted on the SNS. In addition, the processing unit  21  may determine that the image  800  corresponds to the work region  10  or the periphery thereof based on the content of the text  801  posted together with the image  800  and request the SNS server to send data of the image  800 . For example, the processing unit  21  may determine that the image  800  corresponds to the work region  10  or the periphery thereof in a case where the text  801  includes the name or the like of the facility where the work region  10  is located. In addition, the processing unit  21  may determine the detailed position of the place captured in the image  800  by extracting a fixed object  802  and the like displayed in the image  800  with respect to the image  800  acquired in this manner. In addition, the processing unit  21  may acquire the content itself of the text  801  as the information regarding the work result. For example, in a case where the text  801  includes a word such as “lawn is growing”, “dirty”, and the like, these pieces of information may be used as evaluation materials for the work result. 
     In addition, as a further example of the method of acquiring the information regarding the work result, it is possible to ask an administrator of a facility or the like in which the work region  10  is provided to capture an image of the work region  10  and transmit the image to the information processing apparatus  2 . 
     In addition, in the above embodiment, feedback is performed on the work of the extracted partial region  1011  and the like, but comprehensive evaluation and feedback may be performed on the entire work region  10 . For example, in some cases, the work in the work region  10  may be performed by a plurality of work machines and workers by a contractor A at one time and may be performed by a work machine and a worker by a contractor B at another time. In such a case, the partial region  1011  and the like may be extracted, and not only feedback may be performed on the work of that portion, but also evaluation on the entire work of the contractor A, evaluation on the entire work of the contractor B, and the like may be performed. As a result, a comprehensive evaluation result of the work by the contractor or the like can be acquired, so that it is possible to select the contractor, determine the reward to the contractor, and the like more effectively. Note that the comprehensive evaluation may be performed by, for example, the number of partial regions  1011  and the like extracted in one operation. 
     In addition, in the above embodiment, the work machine  4  is a lawn mower, but the work machine  4  may be another work machine such as a tiller, a snowplow, or the like. For example, in a case where the work machine  4  is a snowplow, the evaluation of the work can be performed based on a result or the like whether or not snow remains in the work region  10 . 
     In addition, in the above embodiment, the processing unit  21  causes to change the operating parameter in S 108 , but the processing unit  21  may change the work frequency in S 108 . For example, the processing unit  21  may set a work frequency of a region extracted as the partial region  1011  and the like to be higher than a work frequency of a region that is not the partial region  1011  and the like. As a specific example, in the case of performing work twice, the processing unit  21  may set only the partial region  1011  and the like as a work target in either one of the work.  FIG. 8  is a diagram illustrating an example of changing the work frequency in the work region  10 . As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the processing unit  21  may increase the work frequency of the partial region  1011  and the like by adding work of only the partial region  1011  and the like between the original work schedules. In addition, the processing unit  21  may increase the work frequency of the partial region  1011  and the like by changing work on a day (for example, July 8) scheduled to be performed on the entire region of the work region  10  to work only on the partial region  1011  and the like. 
     Note that the processing unit  21  may make the number of times of passing through the partial region  1011  and the like in one operation larger than the number of times of passing through other regions. That is, the work frequency of the partial region  1011  and the like may be relatively increased by changing the movement route of the work machine  4  in one operation. 
     In addition, in the above embodiment, a portion once evaluated to be outside the allowable range is extracted as the partial region  1011  and the like, but only a portion evaluated to be outside the allowable range a plurality of times or a portion evaluated to be outside the allowable range at a certain frequency or more may be extracted as the partial region  1011  and the like. For example, it is assumed that work in the work region  10  is periodically performed, and evaluation of the work is performed based on the flowchart of  FIG. 4  after each work. In this case, although a certain region in the work region  10  is basically evaluated as being within the allowable range every time, it is conceivable that the certain region happens to be evaluated as being outside the allowable range due to the influence of the accuracy or the like of the information acquired in S 101 . In such a case, the processing unit  21  may change or the like an operating parameter unnecessarily. Therefore, by extracting a portion evaluated to be outside the allowable range over a plurality of times or evaluated to be outside the allowable range at a certain frequency or more as the partial region  1011  and the like, it is possible to change or the like the operating parameter with respect to a region for which the feedback of work is highly required. 
     SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS 
     The above embodiment discloses at least the following information processing apparatus, work management system, and work management method. 
     1. The information processing apparatus according to the above embodiment is 
     an information processing apparatus (for example, 2) configured to manage work performed in a work region, the information processing apparatus including 
     an acquisition unit (for example,  21 , S 101 ) configured to acquire information regarding a work result of the work region, 
     an evaluation unit (for example,  21 , S 102 ) configured to evaluate work performed in the work region based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit, and 
     an identifying unit (for example,  21 , S 105 ) configured to identify a work subject (for example,  4 ,  5 ) that has performed work in a region for which an evaluation is performed by the evaluation unit. 
     According to this embodiment, it is possible to associate the evaluation result by the evaluation unit with the work subject. Therefore, since the evaluation for the work can be fed back for each work subject, it is possible to improve the quality of the work to be managed. 
     2. According to the above embodiment, 
     the work subject identified by the identifying unit is a work machine (for example,  4 ), and 
     the information processing apparatus further includes a first parameter changing unit (for example,  21 , S 108 ) configured to change an operating parameter of the work machine in a case where an evaluation by the evaluation unit includes an evaluation that a work result is outside an allowable range. 
     According to this embodiment, since the operating parameter of the work machine is changed according to the evaluation of the work, it is possible to improve the quality of the work by the work machine. 
     3. According to the above embodiment, 
     the work subject identified by the identifying unit is a worker (for example,  5 ), and 
     the information processing apparatus further includes a notification unit (for example,  21 , S 107 ) configured to issue a notification regarding work of the worker in a case where an evaluation by the evaluation unit includes an evaluation outside an allowable range. 
     According to this embodiment, since a notification regarding the work is issued to the worker, the worker can perform the subsequent work based on the content of the notification, and it is possible to improve the quality of the work by the worker. 
     4. According to the above embodiment, 
     an extraction unit (for example,  21 , S 104 ) configured to extract, from the work region, a partial region for which evaluation by the evaluation unit is an evaluation outside an allowable range is further included. 
     According to this embodiment, since the partial region for which evaluation is the evaluation outside the allowable range is extracted, it is possible to grasp which work of the work performed by the work subject is evaluated outside the allowable range. 
     5. According to the above embodiment, 
     the work subject identified by the identifying unit is a work machine, and 
     the information processing apparatus further includes a second parameter changing unit (for example,  21 , S 108 ) configured to change an operating parameter of the work machine such that the operating parameter of the work machine in the partial region extracted by the extraction unit is different from an operating parameter of the work machine in a region that is not the partial region. 
     According to this embodiment, since the operating parameter is changed only for the extracted partial region, it is possible to change the operation of the work machine in the region evaluated to be outside the allowable range while maintaining the operation of the work machine in the other region as it is. 
     6. According to the above embodiment, 
     the work subject identified by the identifying unit is a work machine, and 
     the information processing apparatus further includes a work frequency changing unit (for example,  21 ) configured to change a work frequency of the work machine so that the work frequency of the work machine in the partial region extracted by the extraction unit becomes higher than the work frequency of the work machine in a region that is not the partial region. 
     According to this embodiment, since the frequency of the region evaluated to be outside the allowable range increases, it is possible to improve the finish as a whole. 
     7. According to the above embodiment, 
     the work subject identified by the identifying unit is a worker, and 
     the information processing apparatus further includes a determination unit (for example, S 204 ) configured to determine a reward for the worker based on an evaluation result of the evaluation unit. 
     According to this embodiment, since the reward for the worker is determined based on the evaluation result, it is possible to enhance the motivation of the worker. 
     8. According to the above embodiment, 
     the acquisition unit acquires the information regarding the work result based on the image of the work region. 
     According to this embodiment, it is possible to acquire information regarding the work result by using the image of the work region. 
     9. According to the above embodiment, 
     the acquisition unit acquires the information regarding the work result based on an image captured by a camera (for example,  8 ) provided so as to be able to image the work region. 
     According to this embodiment, it is possible to manage work without providing a camera or the like in the work machine itself 
     10. According to the above embodiment, 
     the acquisition unit acquires the information regarding the work result based on an image (for example,  800 ) of the work region posted on a predetermined SNS. 
     According to this embodiment, it is possible to manage work without installing a camera or the like in the periphery of the work region or providing a camera or the like in the work machine itself. 
     11. The work management system according to the above embodiment includes 
     an information processing apparatus (for example,  2 ) configured to manage work performed in a work region, and 
     a communication apparatus (for example,  41 ,  63 ) provided in a work subject (for example,  4 ,  5 ) that performs work in the work region and configured to be capable of communicating with the information processing apparatus, in which 
     the information processing apparatus includes 
     an acquisition unit (for example,  21 , S 101 ) configured to acquire information regarding a work result of the work region, 
     an evaluation unit (for example,  21 , S 102 ) configured to evaluate work performed in the work region based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit, and 
     an identifying unit (for example,  21 , S 105 ) configured to identify the communication apparatus provided in the work subject that has performed work in a region for which an evaluation is performed by the evaluation unit. 
     According to this embodiment, it is possible to associate the evaluation result by the evaluation unit with the work subject. Therefore, since the evaluation for the work can be fed back for each work subject, it is possible to improve the quality of the work to be managed. 
     12. The work management method according to the above embodiment is 
     a work management method for managing work performed in a work region, the work management method including 
     acquiring (for example S 101 ) information regarding a work result of the work region, 
     evaluating (for example S 102 ) work performed in the work region based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit, and 
     identifying (for example S 105 ) a work subject that has performed work in a region for which an evaluation is performed by the evaluation unit. 
     According to this embodiment, it is possible to associate the evaluation result in the evaluation step with the work subject. Therefore, since the evaluation for the work can be fed back for each work subject, it is possible to improve the quality of the work to be managed. 
     The invention is not limited to the foregoing embodiments, and various variations/changes are possible within the spirit of the invention.