Communication device, communication system, and communication method

Abstract

The present disclosure has an object to effectively manage an electric working machine. In order to achieve the object, a communication device (30) includes a storage device, a first wireless communication circuit, an information acquisition section, and a storage processing section. The first wireless communication circuit receives information wirelessly transmitted from a transmission device (10-1) and corresponding to the transmission device (10-1) through an antenna. The transmission device (10-1) is connected to an electric working machine (11-1). The transmission device (10-1) wirelessly transmits the information whenever a transmission timing comes. The information acquisition section acquires the information received by the first wireless communication circuit in response to an event in which it should be confirmed whether or not the information is received. The storage processing section stores the information acquired by the information acquisition section in the storage device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to techniques for processing information wirelessly transmitted from a transmitting device connected to an electric work machine. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a tool monitoring system for remotely monitoring tools used at a work site. In this tool monitoring system, a wireless communication unit periodically scans tool information transmitted from the tools. The wireless communication unit then transmits the received tool information to a server.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: US Patent No. 9949075 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0007] Patent Document 1 does not specifically disclose the timing of the wireless communication device's scanning tool information. If the scanning frequency is too low, the monitoring accuracy may decrease. If the scanning frequency is too high, the power consumption of the wireless communication device will increase. As mentioned above, if the scanning frequency is not set properly, it is difficult to manage the tool effectively.

[0008] One aspect of this disclosure is to effectively manage electric work machines.

[0009] Technical solutions to the problem

[0010] One aspect of the communication apparatus disclosed herein includes a storage device, a first wireless communication circuit, an information acquisition unit, and a storage processing unit.

[0011] The first wireless communication circuit includes an antenna. The first wireless communication circuit receives information via the antenna, which is information wirelessly transmitted from a transmitting device connected to the electric work machine and corresponds to that transmitting device. The transmitting device wirelessly transmits the information whenever a transmission timer arrives. In response to an event requiring confirmation of whether the information has been received, the information acquisition unit acquires the information received by the first wireless communication circuit. The storage processing unit stores the information acquired by the information acquisition unit in a storage device.

[0012] In the aforementioned communication device, whenever the event occurs, if the information is received by the first wireless communication circuit, the information is stored in a storage device. Receiving the information can be interpreted as indicating the presence of a transmitting device, for example, within a predetermined area including the communication device (e.g., an area where the communication device can obtain the information from the transmitting device). Not obtaining the information can be interpreted as indicating the absence of a transmitting device, for example, within the predetermined area.

[0013] Therefore, the manager of the electric work platform can effectively manage the platform by accessing information stored in the storage device. Specifically, the manager can, for example, confirm in real time or afterward whether the scheduled electric work platform was present near the communication device (e.g., within the predetermined area) when the event occurred.

[0014] Furthermore, the sending device can be connected to the power working machine in any manner. For example, the sending device can be mounted to the power working machine using an assembly. The sending device can also be detachably mounted to the power working machine. In this case, the sending device can be electrically connected to the power working machine in response to being mounted on it, and can be disconnected from the power working machine in response to being detached from it. Alternatively, the sending device can be built into the power working machine.

[0015] The timing of transmitting the information in the transmitting device can be arbitrary. For example, the transmission timing can arrive periodically.

[0016] The information acquisition unit can acquire the information at any specific time in response to the occurrence of the event. For example, the information acquisition unit can acquire the information received by the first wireless communication circuit at the moment the event occurs. Alternatively, the information acquisition unit can acquire the information received by the first wireless communication circuit within a predetermined period including the moment the event occurs. The start date of the predetermined period can be, for example, the moment the event occurs. When the transmitting device is configured to periodically transmit the information at a predetermined transmission cycle, the length of the predetermined period can be, for example, greater than or equal to the transmission cycle. More specifically, the length of the predetermined period can be, for example, more than three times the transmission cycle.

[0017] The information may include any information corresponding to the transmitting device. For example, the information may include information possessed by the transmitting device. For example, the information may include information related to an electric work machine connected to the transmitting device.

[0018] An electric workpiece can be configured to operate by receiving electricity. For example, an electric workpiece may have a motor and can be configured to use the motor's rotational driving force to drive a driven component, thereby acting on the work object. The driven component may be, for example, a tool head, a fan impeller, a rotating blade, saw teeth, etc.

[0019] The event may include the communication device receiving an acknowledgment request, which refers to a request to confirm whether the information has been received.

[0020] In the aforementioned communication device, the information received by the first wireless communication circuit is acquired in response to a confirmation request received by the communication device. Therefore, by confirming whether the information is stored in the storage device in response to the confirmation request, the manager can manage the electric work machine more effectively. Furthermore, "acquiring the information received by the first wireless communication circuit" specifically means that when the information is received by the first wireless communication circuit, the information acquisition unit acquires the received information.

[0021] The communication device may also have a user interface. The user interface can accept requests from users of the communication device, the requests seeking confirmation of whether to receive the information. The confirmation request may include the user interface accepting the request.

[0022] In the aforementioned communication device, the administrator can easily confirm whether the information has been received by the communication device at any given time. Furthermore, the request operation can include any operation. For example, the request operation can include a manual operation performed by the user.

[0023] The communication device may also include a second wireless communication circuit configured to receive radio waves. The confirmation request may include a confirmation command received by the second wireless communication circuit. The confirmation command instructs the communication device to confirm whether it has received the information.

[0024] In the aforementioned communication device, the information received by the first wireless communication circuit is acquired in response to receiving an acknowledgment command from the second wireless communication circuit. Therefore, the administrator can easily confirm whether the information has been received by the communication device at any given time using the acknowledgment command.

[0025] Furthermore, the confirmation command can be sent from any location. For example, the confirmation command can be sent from either the first information processing device or the second information processing device (described later) at any time.

[0026] The communication device may further include a second wireless communication circuit, an interrogation unit, and a response acquisition unit. The second wireless communication circuit transmits and receives radio waves. The interrogation unit, via the second wireless communication circuit, interrogates a first information processing device, which is separately located from the communication device, whether confirmation of information reception is required (i.e., confirmation of whether the information has been received). The response acquisition unit, via the second wireless communication circuit, acquires the response from the first information processing device to the interrogation made by the interrogation unit. The confirmation request may include: the response acquired by the response acquisition unit indicating that confirmation of information reception is required.

[0027] In the aforementioned communication device, the receipt of the information is confirmed in response to the first information processing device's reply to the inquiry. Therefore, even in situations where it is difficult for the device separate from the communication device to actively send the aforementioned confirmation command to the communication device, the manager can effectively manage the electric work machine.

[0028] The event may include the arrival of a set confirmation timer. In the aforementioned communication device, the information received by the first wireless communication circuit is acquired in response to the arrival of the confirmation timer. Therefore, the manager can easily obtain information on whether the information has been received at each confirmation timer. Consequently, the manager can more easily manage the electric work machine.

[0029] The communication device may also include an action setting unit. The action setting unit can selectively set the confirmation action performed by the information acquisition unit to be valid or invalid. The confirmation action may include acquiring the information received by the first wireless communication circuit in response to the arrival of a confirmation timer. The information acquisition unit may execute the confirmation action in response to the confirmation action being set to valid and the confirmation timer arriving. The information acquisition unit may also avoid executing the confirmation action in response to the confirmation action being set to invalid and the confirmation timer arriving.

[0030] In the aforementioned communication device, if the confirmation action is set to invalid, the information acquisition unit will avoid acquiring the information even when the confirmation timer arrives. That is, even if the information is received by the first wireless communication circuit, the information acquisition unit will not acquire it. Therefore, the manager can effectively manage the electric work machine as needed. Furthermore, the confirmation timer can be arbitrary. For example, the confirmation timer can arrive periodically. The confirmation timer can be, for example, a set time or a set date and time.

[0031] The communication device may also include a status setting unit. The status setting unit can selectively set the communication device to a first state or a second state. The status setting unit can change the communication device to the second state in response to the occurrence of an event in the first state a predetermined number of times. The information acquisition unit in the communication device set to the second state can avoid performing a confirmation action in response to the arrival of a confirmation timer.

[0032] In the aforementioned communication device, in the first state, if the predetermined number of events has not yet occurred, the information received by the first wireless communication circuit is acquired whenever the confirmation timer arrives. On the other hand, in the first state, after the predetermined number of events has occurred, no confirmation action is performed even when the confirmation timer arrives. Therefore, the administrator can prevent the confirmation action from being excessively executed. Furthermore, the predetermined number of times can be one or any number of times, including two or more.

[0033] The status setting unit can change the communication device back to the first state in response to the communication device being set to the second state and the setting change condition being met. In the aforementioned communication device, even if the communication device is changed to the second state in response to the event described in the first state occurring more than a predetermined number of times, it will still be changed back to the first state if the setting change condition is met. Therefore, the manager can effectively and continuously manage the electric work machine as needed. Furthermore, the manager can arbitrarily set the setting change condition.

[0034] Setting change conditions allows the changes to take effect upon the arrival of a specified time. Administrators can arbitrarily set the specified time.

[0035] The communication device may also include a second wireless communication circuit and a transmitting unit. The second wireless communication circuit may be configured to transmit radio waves. The transmitting unit may wirelessly transmit the information acquired by the information acquisition unit to a second information processing device, which is separately located from the communication device, via the second wireless communication circuit.

[0036] In the aforementioned communication device, the information received by the communication device is wirelessly transmitted to the second information processing device. Therefore, even without going to the location where the communication device is located, the manager can effectively manage the electric work machine based on the information received by the second information processing device.

[0037] Furthermore, the sending unit can send the information to the second information processing device at any arbitrary time. For example, the sending unit can send the information to the second information processing device in real time whenever the information acquisition unit acquires the information. For example, the sending unit can send the information stored in the storage device to the second information processing device in response to the arrival of the information transmission timer. In this case, the sending unit can, for example, send the information that has not yet been sent to the second information processing device whenever the information transmission timer arrives. The second information processing device can be the same as the first information processing device, or it can be separate from the first information processing device. In addition to the information mentioned above, the sending unit can send information different from the information mentioned above. Information different from the information mentioned above may include, for example, information about the communication device (e.g., identification information of the communication device, information indicating the location of the communication device). The sending unit can also send the information acquired by the information acquisition unit to the second information processing device unchanged, or it can process the information acquired by the information acquisition unit appropriately before sending it to the second information processing device. The processing of the information may, for example, be processing aimed at reducing the amount of information sent to the second information processing device. Specifically, for example, the sending unit may delete the parts of the information to be sent that are the same as the information previously sent, and only send the parts that are different from the information previously sent.

[0038] The first wireless communication circuit can receive the information wirelessly transmitted according to the first communication method. The second wireless communication circuit can wirelessly transmit the information according to a second communication method different from the first communication method. Furthermore, the second communication method can be, for example, a cellular wireless mobile communication method.

[0039] The information may include a first identifier and / or a second identifier. The first identifier is used to identify the transmitting device. The second identifier is used to identify the electric work machine. In the aforementioned communication device, the first identifier and / or the second identifier received by the first wireless communication circuit are acquired in response to the occurrence of the event. Therefore, the manager can manage the electric work machine individually and with high precision.

[0040] Additionally, the first identifier can be stored in the transmitting device. The second identifier can be pre-stored in the corresponding transmitting device, or it can be stored in the electric work machine and retrieved by the corresponding transmitting device.

[0041] The first wireless communication circuit can receive the information wirelessly transmitted from the transmitting device. The first wireless communication circuit can also receive information wirelessly transmitted from a transmitting device separately configured from the transmitting device, and corresponding to the transmitting device separately configured from the transmitting device. The information acquisition unit can acquire the information received by the first wireless communication circuit within a predetermined period including the time of the event, in response to the occurrence of the event.

[0042] In the aforementioned communication device, the manager can individually and efficiently manage electric work machines corresponding to the transmitting device and those separately installed from it. Furthermore, the first wireless communication circuit can also receive information wirelessly transmitted from one or more additional transmitting devices, and this information corresponds to one or more of these additional transmitting devices. In this case, the manager can individually and efficiently manage electric work machines corresponding to the transmitting device, those separately installed from it, and those separately installed from it.

[0043] Another aspect of this disclosure describes a communication system comprising a communication device and an information processing device. The communication device includes the aforementioned first wireless communication circuit, a second wireless communication circuit configured to transmit radio waves, the aforementioned information acquisition unit, and the aforementioned transmission unit. The information processing device acquires the information wirelessly transmitted from the communication device.

[0044] The aforementioned communication system can achieve the same effect as the aforementioned communication device.

[0045] Another aspect of the communication system disclosed herein includes a transmitting device and a communication device. The transmitting device can be connected to an electric work machine. The transmitting device can wirelessly transmit information corresponding to the transmitting device whenever a transmission timer arrives. The communication device includes the aforementioned storage device, the aforementioned wireless communication circuit, the aforementioned information acquisition unit, and the aforementioned storage processing unit.

[0046] The aforementioned communication system can achieve the same effect as the aforementioned communication device.

[0047] Another aspect of the communication method disclosed herein includes the following steps: in response to an event requiring confirmation of whether information has been received, acquiring the information received by a wireless communication circuit, wherein the information is wirelessly transmitted from and corresponds to a transmitting device connected to an electric work machine, and the information is wirelessly transmitted from the transmitting device whenever a transmission timer arrives; and storing the acquired information.

[0048] The above-described communication method can achieve the same effect as the above-described communication device. Attached Figure Description

[0049] Figure 1 This is an explanatory diagram showing the management system of the first embodiment.

[0050] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of the transmitting terminal according to the first embodiment.

[0051] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of the communication device according to the first embodiment.

[0052] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the communication process in the first embodiment.

[0053] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the communication process in the second embodiment.

[0054] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of the communication processing in the third embodiment.

[0055] Figure 7 This is a block diagram showing another example of an electric work machine. Detailed Implementation

[0056] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0057] [1. First Embodiment]

[0058] (1-1) Overview of the Management System

[0059] The management system 1 has n (n is a natural number greater than 1) transmitting terminals 10-1, 10-2, ..., 10-n, n electric work machines 11-1, 11-2, ..., 11-n, communication device 30, management device 60, and data server 70.

[0060] In the first embodiment, the management system 1 includes three or more electric work machines and a sending terminal. However, the management system 1 may include two electric work machines and a sending terminal, or four or more electric work machines and a sending terminal.

[0061] Sending terminals 10-1, 10-2, ..., 10-n are respectively connected to one of the corresponding electric work machines 11-1, 11-2, ..., 11-n. Specifically, in the first embodiment, sending terminal 10-1 is connected to electric work machine 11-1, sending terminal 10-2 is connected to electric work machine 11-2, and sending terminal 10-n is connected to electric work machine 11-n.

[0062] The sending terminal 10-1 can be connected to the corresponding electric work machine 11-1 in any manner. The sending terminal 10-1 can be physically connected to the corresponding electric work machine 11-1. The sending terminal 10-1 can be electrically connected to the corresponding electric work machine 11-1, or it can be not electrically connected to the corresponding electric work machine 11-1. The sending terminal 10-1 can be assembled to the electric work machine 11-1, for example, using accessories such as cable ties, adhesives, and screws. The sending terminal 10-1 can also be detachably assembled to the electric work machine 11-1, for example.

[0063] The electric work machines 11-1, 11-2, ..., 11-n can each have their own (different from each other) device identifiers. The device identifier is an example equivalent to the second identifier in this disclosure.

[0064] Similar to transmitter 10-1, other transmitters 10-2 to 10-n can also be connected to their respective electric work machines in any manner.

[0065] Whenever the transmission timer arrives, the transmitting terminals 10-1 to 10-n wirelessly transmit the information corresponding to that transmitting terminal (hereinafter referred to as "terminal information") according to the first communication method. The terminal information is equivalent to an example of the information in this disclosure.

[0066] The transmission timing can be arbitrary. In the first embodiment, the transmission timing arrives periodically, for example, according to a first cycle. The transmission timings of the transmitting terminals 10-1 to 10-n can be different from each other.

[0067] The first communication method can be any communication method. In the first embodiment, the first communication method is, for example, a communication method according to the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication standard. Furthermore, "Bluetooth" is a registered trademark.

[0068] Terminal information may include any information. For example, terminal information may include information possessed by the corresponding transmitting terminal. More specifically, terminal information may include, for example, a terminal identifier used to identify the corresponding transmitting terminal. The terminal identifier is equivalent to an example of the first identifier in this disclosure.

[0069] Terminal information may include, for example, information about the electric work machine corresponding to the sending terminal (i.e., the electric work machine connected to the corresponding sending terminal). More specifically, terminal information may include, for example, the aforementioned device identifier possessed by the corresponding electric work machine.

[0070] Electric workpieces 11-1 to 11-n are configured to operate by receiving electricity. At least one of the electric workpieces 11-1 to 11-n may include a motor, and is configured to use the rotational driving force of the motor to drive a driven component, thereby acting on the work object. The driven component may be, for example, a tool head, a fan impeller, a rotating blade, a saw tooth, etc. The electric workpieces 11-1 to 11-n may all be the same type, or they may be different types of each other.

[0071] In addition, the specific configuration of electric work machines 11-1 to 11-n is different from that of... Figure 7 The configuration of the electric work machine 80 shown below, excluding the wireless communication circuit 22, the first antenna 22a, and the wireless control circuit 71, is roughly the same.

[0072] The communication device 30 includes a first antenna 41a and a second antenna 42a. The communication device 30 receives terminal information transmitted from transmitting terminals 10-1 to 10-n via the first antenna 41a. However, the communication device 30 can receive terminal information from transmitting terminals 10-1 to 10-n whose distance from the communication device 30 (specifically, the distance from the first antenna 41a) is within the communication range. The communication device 30 cannot receive terminal information from transmitting terminals whose distance from the communication device 30 exceeds the communication range. Furthermore, the communication range of each transmitting terminal 10-1 to 10-n can be different. The communication range of each transmitting terminal 10-1 to 10-n can vary depending on the environment between the corresponding transmitting terminal and the communication device 30, and the characteristics (e.g., directivity, gain, polarization) of the antenna 22a of the corresponding transmitting terminal.

[0073] The communication device 30 can be installed, for example, at the work site where electric work machines 11-1 to 11-n are used.

[0074] The communication device 30 is capable of communicating with the management device 60 and the data server 70 respectively via a network. In the first embodiment, the network includes, for example, the Internet 100.

[0075] The communication device 30 can be connected to the Internet 100 in any way. In the first embodiment, the communication device 30 can, for example, be connected to a cellular mobile communication network and connected to the Internet 100 via the mobile communication network. In the first embodiment, the communication device 30 is capable of wireless communication according to a second communication method. The second antenna 42a transmits and receives radio waves according to the second communication method. The communication device 30 is connected to the mobile communication network via the second communication method.

[0076] Mobile communication networks can be configured to support mobile communication using any communication standard. For example, a mobile communication network can be configured to support mobile communication based on the LTE (Long Term Evolution) communication standard, or it can be configured to support mobile communication based on a mobile communication standard from various generations such as 4G (4th Generation) and 5G (5th Generation). Furthermore, a mobile communication network can also be configured to support mobile communication based on LTE Level M1, for example. LTE Level M1 is a type of LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) wireless communication technology, one of the wireless communication technologies for the Internet of Things (IoT).

[0077] The communication device 30 wirelessly transmits (uploads) field management information to the data server 70 via a second communication method. The field management information includes terminal information received by the communication device 30. The field management information may also include device identification information used to identify the communication device 30.

[0078] If the data server 70 receives field management information uploaded from the communication device 30, it saves the received field management information.

[0079] The management device 60 is capable of communicating with the data server 70. Specifically, the management device 60 can be an information processing device such as a personal computer, smartphone, or tablet computer terminal.

[0080] The management device 60 has management functions for managing electric work machines 11-1 to 11-n. Specifically, the management device 60 is equipped with management software, which is software used to implement the management functions. Alternatively, the management software may be software used outside of the management device 60. For example, the management software may be a web application running on a web browser. The management functions implemented by the management software include, for example, the ability to retrieve field management information from a data server 70 and display the retrieved field management information on a display (not shown). The management functions also include the ability to send scanning commands (described later) to the communication device 30 according to instructions sent by the manager.

[0081] The user of management device 60 (hereinafter referred to as "manager") can manage electric work machines 11-1 to 11-n by using management software on management device 60. Specifically, the manager can confirm whether electric work machines 11-1 to 11-n are present at the work site where they are used. In addition, the manager and the user of communication device 30 can be the same or different.

[0082] The administrator can send a scan command from the management device 60 to the communication device 30, which is used to instruct the execution of the scan function described later.

[0083] Each of the sending terminals 10-1 to 10-n is associated with its corresponding electric work machine. Specifically, for example, a first management table representing the correspondence between sending terminals and electric work machines can be prepared in the data server 70. In the first management table, for example, a terminal identifier of the sending terminal can be associated with the device identifier of the electric work machine corresponding to that sending terminal.

[0084] At the work site where electric work machines 11-1 to 11-n are used, an equipment storage room can be configured to house the electric work machines 11-1 to 11-n. A communication device 30 can be installed in this equipment storage room. The communication device 30 can be installed inside the equipment storage room.

[0085] The equipment storage vault can be made of metal, that is, assembled from metal-containing materials, and configured to prevent or minimize the propagation of electromagnetic waves from the outside into the vault. In this configuration, the manager can confirm whether the power work machines 11-1 to 11-n are stored in the vault. For example, at the work site, by informing the operators that they will store the power work machines 11-1 to 11-n in the vault at the end of the day, the manager can manage the presence or absence of the power work machines 11-1 to 11-n on a daily basis.

[0086] When the communication device 30 is installed inside a metal equipment storage vault, the communication device 30 can be configured such that the second antenna 42a can transmit and receive radio waves with the outside of the equipment storage vault. Specifically, for example, the communication device 30 can be installed inside the equipment storage vault such that the second antenna 42a protrudes from the outside of the equipment storage vault. Furthermore, for example, a region capable of transmitting radio waves can be provided on a portion of the outer surface of the equipment storage vault, and the second antenna 42a can be disposed in that region.

[0087] The communication device 30 can be installed, for example, inside the vehicle used to transport the electric work machines 11-1 to 11-n to the work site. In this case, the manager can effectively manage the electric work machines 11-1 to 11-n used at the work site.

[0088] (1-2) Configuration of transmitting terminals 10-1 to 10-n

[0089] Reference Figure 2 The specific configuration of the transmitting terminals 10-1 to 10-n will be described. In the first embodiment, the transmitting terminals 10-1 to 10-n are configured in a substantially identical manner except for the terminal identifier. Therefore, the description will focus on transmitting terminal 10-1. Furthermore, the transmitting terminals 10-1 to 10-n may all be the same type, or they may include multiple different types.

[0090] like Figure 2 As shown, the transmitting terminal 10-1 includes a wireless control circuit 21, a wireless communication circuit 22, and a power supply circuit 23. The wireless communication circuit 22 includes a first antenna 22a.

[0091] The wireless communication circuit 22 performs wireless communication according to the first communication method. Specifically, the wireless communication circuit 22 transmits radio waves from the first antenna 22a according to the first communication method. The wireless communication circuit 22 can also have the function of receiving radio waves.

[0092] The power supply circuit 23 supplies power to the wireless control circuit 21 and the wireless communication circuit 22. The wireless control circuit 21 and the wireless communication circuit 22 operate using the power supplied from the power supply circuit 23. The power supply circuit 23 can be configured in any manner. For example, the power supply circuit 23 can be configured to have a battery and supply power to the battery. The power supply circuit 23 may include a voltage conversion circuit for converting the battery voltage and can apply the voltage converted by the conversion circuit to the wireless control circuit 21 and the wireless communication circuit 22.

[0093] The wireless control circuit 21 includes, for example, a CPU 21a and a memory 21b. The memory 21b stores various programs for implementing the functions of the wireless control circuit 21. The CPU 21a implements the functions of the wireless control circuit 21 by executing the programs stored in the memory 21b. The aforementioned terminal information can be stored in the memory 21b.

[0094] The wireless control circuit 21 has the aforementioned function of transmitting terminal information whenever the transmission timer arrives. That is, the wireless control circuit 21 wirelessly transmits terminal information via the wireless communication circuit 22 in response to the arrival of the transmission timer.

[0095] (1-3) Composition of communication devices

[0096] Reference Figure 3 The specific configuration of the communication device 30 will be described. The communication device 30 includes a control circuit 31, a first wireless communication circuit 41, and a second wireless communication circuit 42.

[0097] The first wireless communication circuit 41 performs wireless communication according to the aforementioned first communication method. Specifically, the first wireless communication circuit 41 receives terminal information wirelessly transmitted from transmitting terminals 10-1, 10-2, ..., 10-n respectively.

[0098] The second wireless communication circuit 42 transmits and receives radio waves according to the aforementioned second communication method. In this embodiment, the second communication method is a communication method based on communication standards used in mobile communication networks, such as LTE, 4G, and 5G.

[0099] The communication device 30 also includes a user interface 32, a power supply circuit 33, and a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver 34.

[0100] User interface 32 accepts various input operations from the user. User interface 32 has a scan button 32a. The user of communication device 30 can press the scan button 32a. By pressing the scan button 32a, the user can request confirmation of whether the first wireless communication circuit 41 has received terminal information. Pressing the scan button 32a is equivalent to an example of the request operation in this disclosure.

[0101] The user interface 32 may include a display device. The display device may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic EL display. Terminal information received by the communication device 30 can be displayed on the display device.

[0102] The power supply circuit 33 supplies power to the control circuit 31, the first wireless communication circuit 41, the second wireless communication circuit 42, the GPS receiver 34, and the user interface 32. The control circuit 31, the first wireless communication circuit 41, the second wireless communication circuit 42, the GPS receiver 34, and the user interface 32 operate using the power supplied from the power supply circuit 33.

[0103] The power supply circuit 33 can be configured in any manner. For example, it can be configured to have a battery and supply power to the battery. The power supply circuit 33 can include a voltage conversion circuit for converting the battery voltage and can output the voltage converted by the conversion circuit. The communication device 30 can be fitted with and detached from a battery (not shown). The power supply circuit 33 can receive power from the battery installed on the communication device 30 and supply that power to the recipient. The power supply circuit 33 can be configured to supply different voltages to various components such as the control circuit 31 and the first wireless communication circuit 41.

[0104] GPS receiver 34 receives GPS signals transmitted by GPS satellites not shown in the figure and outputs the received GPS signals to control circuit 31.

[0105] The control circuit 31 includes, for example, a microcomputer with a CPU 31a and a memory 31b. The memory 31b includes at least one of various semiconductor memories such as RAM, ROM, and flash memory. Various functions of the control circuit 31, including the scanning function described later, are implemented by the CPU 31a executing a program stored in a non-transferable physical recording medium. In this example, the memory 31b is equivalent to a non-transferable physical recording medium storing the program. Furthermore, the method corresponding to the program is executed by executing the program. Alternatively, the control circuit 31 may include one microcomputer or multiple microcomputers.

[0106] The methods for implementing the various functions of the control circuit 31 are not limited to software; some or all of the functions can be implemented using one or more hardware components. For example, when the above functions are implemented by an electronic circuit as hardware, the electronic circuit can be implemented by a digital circuit, an analog circuit, or a combination of digital and analog circuits, which includes multiple logic circuits.

[0107] In the first embodiment, the communication processing program described later is stored in the memory 31b. If the CPU 31a is started by supplying power to the CPU 31a, the CPU 31a reads the communication processing program stored in the memory 31b and executes the communication processing.

[0108] The control circuit 31 has a scanning function. The scanning function is included in the communication processing. The scanning function is a function of scanning the terminal information sent from the transmitting terminals 10-1 to 10-n respectively. More specifically, the scanning function is a function of confirming whether the first wireless communication circuit 41 has received the terminal information sent from the transmitting terminals 10-1 to 10-n respectively.

[0109] The control circuit 31 (specifically, CPU 31a) executes the scanning function in response to an event that triggers the scanning function (hereinafter referred to as a "scan request event"). The control circuit 31 also receives terminal information from the first wireless communication circuit 41 by executing the scanning function, acquires the received terminal information via the first wireless communication circuit 41, and stores the terminal information in the memory 31b.

[0110] The scan request event includes the communication device 30 receiving a confirmation request, namely, a request to confirm whether terminal information has been received.

[0111] In the first embodiment, the confirmation request includes, for example, the user pressing the scan button 32a.

[0112] The confirmation request also includes, for example, receiving a scan command from the management device 60 via the second wireless communication circuit 42. The scan command is an instruction to the communication device 30 to confirm whether to receive terminal information. That is, the scan command instructs the communication device 30 to perform a scan function. The scan command is an example of the confirmation command in this disclosure.

[0113] The scan request event also includes, for example, the arrival of an automatic scan timer. That is, whenever the automatic scan timer arrives, the control circuit 31 executes the scan function. The automatic scan timer can be arbitrarily set and changed by the user. For example, the user can change the setting of the automatic scan timer via a user interface. Hereinafter, the execution of the scan function whenever the automatic scan timer arrives will be referred to as "automatic scan". Automatic scan is equivalent to an example of the confirmation action in this disclosure, and the automatic scan timer is equivalent to an example of the confirmation timer in this disclosure.

[0114] Automatic scan timing can be arbitrary. For example, automatic scan timing can occur periodically. Automatic scan timing can be set at a specific time or date.

[0115] However, users can selectively enable or disable automatic scanning. This setting can be made in any way. For example, it can be made via user interface 32. It can also be made remotely via an information processing device (such as management device 60, a user-held smartphone, computer, tablet computer terminal, etc.) that is separate from the communication device 30.

[0116] The control circuit 31 performs the scanning function in response to the automatic scanning being set to active and the automatic scanning timer arriving. If the automatic scanning is set to inactive, the control circuit 31 will not perform a scan even if the automatic scanning timer arrives. That is, the control circuit 31 avoids performing automatic scanning if the automatic scanning is set to inactive.

[0117] Whenever a scan request event occurs, the control circuit 31 performs a reception confirmation on whether to receive terminal information in the first wireless communication circuit 41. The timing or period for performing the reception confirmation (hereinafter referred to as the "scan period") can be any timing or period.

[0118] The scanning period can be, for example, the moment when a scan request event occurs. The scanning period can be, for example, within a predetermined period that includes the moment when the scan request event occurs. The start date of the predetermined period can be, for example, the moment when the scan request event occurs. In the first embodiment, as described above, each of the transmitting terminals 10-1 to 10-n periodically transmits terminal information according to a first cycle. Therefore, the length of the predetermined period can, for example, be greater than or equal to the first cycle. More specifically, the length of the predetermined period can, for example, be more than three times the first cycle.

[0119] The control circuit 31 can detect the position of the communication device 30 based on GPS signals from the GPS receiver 34. The control circuit 31 can upload field management information, including position information indicating the detected position, to the data server 70.

[0120] (1-4) Communication Processing

[0121] Next, refer to Figure 4 The aforementioned communication processing performed by the control circuit 31 will be explained. If the control circuit 31 (specifically, CPU 31a) begins to execute communication processing, it checks the current scan settings in S110. The scan settings include the setting value for whether automatic scanning is valid or invalid, and the automatic scan timing.

[0122] In S120, it is determined whether automatic scanning is enabled. If automatic scanning is disabled, the process proceeds to S140. If automatic scanning is enabled, the process proceeds to S130.

[0123] In S130, it is determined whether the automatic scan timing has arrived. If the automatic scan timing has arrived, this process proceeds to S160. In S160, the scan function is executed. In S160, the terminal information received through the scan function is also stored in memory 31b. The terminal information received in S160 is, for example, terminal information from a transmitting terminal located at a position such that the distance between the transmitting terminal and the communication device 30 is within the aforementioned communicable distance.

[0124] In S170, the scan results are uploaded to the data server 70. Specifically, field management information, including the terminal information received in S160, is uploaded to the data server 70 via the second wireless communication circuit 42. After processing in S170, this process proceeds to S120.

[0125] In S130, if the automatic scan timer has not arrived, the process proceeds to S140. In S140, it is determined whether the scan button 32a has been pressed. If the scan button 32a has been pressed, the process proceeds to S160. If the scan button 32a has not been pressed, the process proceeds to S150.

[0126] In S150, it is determined whether a scan command has been received from the management device 60. If a scan command has been received, the process proceeds to S160. If no scan command has been received, the process proceeds to S120.

[0127] (1-5) Effects of the first embodiment

[0128] According to the first embodiment described above, the following effects (1a) to (1f) can be obtained.

[0129] (1a) Whenever a scan request event occurs, the communication device 30 performs a scan function and stores the terminal information received by the first wireless communication circuit 41 in the memory 31b. Therefore, the manager can effectively manage the electric work machines 11-1 to 11-n by obtaining the terminal information stored in the memory 31b. Specifically, the manager can, for example, confirm in real time or afterward whether the timed electric work machines 11-1 to 11-n that triggered the scan request event are near the communication device 30 (e.g., within a communication range of the communication device 30).

[0130] (1b) The communication device 30 uploads field management information, including terminal information, to the data server 70 via the second wireless communication circuit 42. Therefore, even without going to the location where the communication device 30 is located, the manager can effectively manage the electric work machine based on the field management information uploaded to the data server 70.

[0131] (1c) Users or managers can perform the scanning function by pressing the scan button 32a. Therefore, managers can easily confirm the presence of electric work machines 11-1 to 11-n in the vicinity of the communication device 30 at any time.

[0132] (1d) The communication device 30 performs a scanning function in response to receiving a scanning command from the management device 60. Therefore, the manager can easily remotely manage the electric work machines 11-1 to 11-n by using the scanning command.

[0133] (1e) The communication device 30 has an automatic scanning function. That is, the communication device 30 performs the scanning function whenever the automatic scanning time arrives. Therefore, the manager can easily obtain information about whether the electric work machines 11-1 to 11-n are near the communication device 30 at each automatic scanning time. As a result, the manager can more easily manage the electric work machines 11-1 to 11-n.

[0134] (1f) Users can selectively enable or disable automatic scanning. Communication devices 30 with automatic scanning disabled will not perform automatic scanning even when the automatic scanning timer arrives. Therefore, managers can effectively manage the electric work machines as needed.

[0135] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the memory 31b corresponds to an example of the storage device in this disclosure. Each of the transmitting terminals 10-1 to 10-n corresponds to an example of the transmitting device in this disclosure. The control circuit 31 corresponds to an example of the information acquisition unit, storage processing unit, action setting unit, status setting unit, and transmitting unit in this disclosure.

[0136] [2. Second Implementation]

[0137] The management system in the second embodiment and Figures 1-3 The management system 1 of the first embodiment shown is basically the same. The difference between the management system of the second embodiment and the management system 1 of the first embodiment lies in the communication processing performed by the control circuit 31 of the communication device 30.

[0138] The control circuit 31 in the second embodiment selectively sets the scan completion flag to either on or off. When the scan completion flag is set to off, the control circuit 31 performs automatic scanning. If, after switching the scan completion flag from on to off, the control circuit 31 performs a predetermined number of scans, it switches the scan completion flag back to on.

[0139] The specified number of scans can be one or more. In the second embodiment, the specified number of scans is, for example, one. The user can also change the specified number of scans. Setting the scan completion flag to off corresponds to an example of the first state in this disclosure. Setting the scan completion flag to on corresponds to an example of the second state in this disclosure.

[0140] While the scan completion flag is set to on, the control circuit 31 will not perform automatic scanning even when the automatic scanning timer arrives. While the scan completion flag is on, the control circuit 31 will switch the scan completion flag to off in response to the flag off condition being met.

[0141] The flag-off condition can be any condition. In the second embodiment, the flag-off condition is set, for example, when the date changes, that is, when the time becomes 0:00 AM. The user can also change the flag-off condition. The flag-off condition is equivalent to an example of the setting change condition in this disclosure. 0:00 AM when the flag-off condition is set is equivalent to an example of the specified time in this disclosure.

[0142] The communication processing for implementing the functions described above in the second embodiment is as follows: Figure 5 As shown. In Figure 5 In the middle, to and Figure 4 Same processing annotation and Figure 4 The same reference numerals are used in the accompanying drawings. The following will refer to... Figure 5 The parts of the communication process shown that differ from those in the first embodiment will be described.

[0143] like Figure 5 As shown, in the communication processing of the second embodiment, if automatic scanning is set to active in S120, the process proceeds to S125. In S125, it is determined whether the scan completion flag is set to active. Furthermore, the scan completion flag is activated in S180, described later.

[0144] In S125, if the scan completion flag is set to on, this process proceeds to S140. In S125, if the scan completion flag is set to off, this process proceeds to S130.

[0145] In the communication process of the second embodiment, if a scan result is uploaded to the data server 70 in S170, the process proceeds to S180. In S180, the scan completion flag is set to "on". Furthermore, if the predetermined number of scans is set to 2 or more, the process in S180 is invalidated until the scan function in S160 is executed the predetermined number of times. After the scan function in S160 has been executed the predetermined number of times, the scan completion flag is set to "on" in S180. After the process in S180, the process proceeds to S190. Additionally, if no scan command is received in S150, the process proceeds to S190.

[0146] In S190, it is determined whether the flag-off condition is met. If the flag-off condition is not met, this process proceeds to S120. If the flag-off condition is met, this process proceeds to S200. In S200, the scan completion flag is set to off. After the processing in S200, this process proceeds to S120.

[0147] In the second embodiment detailed above, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment described above, the following effects can also be obtained: The communication device 30 performs automatic scanning in response to the arrival of the automatic scanning timer while the scan completion flag is set to off. On the other hand, if the scanning function is performed a predetermined number of times (for example, once in the first embodiment), the scan completion flag is set to on. While the scan completion flag is set to on, the communication device 30 does not perform automatic scanning even when the automatic scanning timer arrives.

[0148] Therefore, managers can suppress excessive automatic scanning by appropriately setting the prescribed number of scans and the conditions for flag closure. This allows managers to effectively manage the electric work machines 11-1 to 11-n as needed.

[0149] [3. Third Implementation]

[0150] The management system of the third embodiment is basically the same as that of the management system of the second embodiment. The difference between the management system of the third embodiment and the management system of the second embodiment lies in the communication processing performed by the control circuit 31 of the communication device 30.

[0151] In the third embodiment, the scan request event further includes the communication device 30 receiving a first response from the data server 70, wherein the first response is a response to a polling request sent from the communication device 30 to the data server 70 regarding whether a scan is required. The first response indicates that confirmation of receiving terminal information is required. Receiving the first response is an example of the aforementioned confirmation request.

[0152] The polling process for whether a scan is required is as follows: The data server 70 is consulted via the second wireless communication circuit to inquire whether confirmation of receiving terminal information is required.

[0153] The data server 70 sets the scan requirement flag to be on or off. In response to receiving a poll asking whether a scan is required, the data server 70 sends a response to the communication device 30 corresponding to the set scan requirement flag.

[0154] Specifically, when the scan requirement flag is set to "on", the data server 70 sends a first response in response to a poll asking whether a scan is required. When the scan requirement flag is set to "off", the data server 70 sends a second response in response to a poll asking whether a scan is required. The second response indicates that no confirmation of receiving terminal information is needed.

[0155] The scanning flag can be set either at the data server 70 or from an information processing device (such as the management device 60) that is different from the data server 70.

[0156] The communication processing for implementing the functions described above in the third embodiment is as follows: Figure 6 As shown. In Figure 6 In the middle, to and Figure 5 Same processing annotation and Figure 5 Same reference numerals. (For) Figure 6 The parts of the communication process shown that differ from those in the second embodiment will be described.

[0157] like Figure 6 As shown, in the communication processing of the third embodiment, if the scan button 32a is not pressed in S140, the process proceeds to S155. In S155, a poll is performed on the data server 70 to determine whether a scan is required.

[0158] In S156, it is determined whether the response from the polling server 70 regarding whether a scan is needed is the first response or the second response. If the response is the first response, this process proceeds to S160. If the response is the second response, this process proceeds to S190.

[0159] According to the third embodiment detailed above, in addition to the effects of the second embodiment described above, the following effects can also be obtained: That is, by appropriately setting the scanning requirement flag at the data server 70, the administrator can effectively manage the electric work machines 11-1 to 11-n as needed.

[0160] Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the management device 60 may not have the function of sending scan commands. In the management system of the third embodiment, even if the management device 60 does not have the function of sending scan commands, the administrator can still manage in the same way as if it did have the function of sending scan commands.

[0161] In other words, even if the management device 60 does not have the function of sending scan commands, the manager can still properly manage the electric work machine by setting the scan requirement flag of the data server 70 to be turned on as needed.

[0162] [4. Other implementation methods]

[0163] The embodiments of this disclosure have been described above. However, this disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments and can be modified and implemented in various ways.

[0164] (4-1) Control circuit 31 does not need to upload field management information every time it performs the scanning function. For example, control circuit 31 can upload field management information, including terminal information stored in memory 31b that has not yet been sent, in response to a predetermined information transmission timer.

[0165] Furthermore, the communication device 30 may have a media interface, such as a USB interface, that can connect to a storage medium. Moreover, the communication device 30 can also output terminal information stored in the memory 31b to the storage medium via the media interface.

[0166] (4-2) The destination for uploading on-site management information may be different from that of data server 70. For example, on-site management information may be uploaded to management device 60.

[0167] (4-3) The first communication method can be a communication method different from BLE. The first communication method can be, for example, a wireless LAN, or a short-range wireless communication method different from BLE. The second communication method can be any communication method. The second communication method can be, for example, a wired communication method. Specifically, for example, in the communication device 30 of the first embodiment (see...) Figure 3 In this device, a wired communication interface for connecting to a wired communication network (e.g., a LAN) can be provided instead of the second wireless communication circuit 42, or a wired communication interface for connecting to a wired communication network (e.g., a LAN) can be provided in addition to the second wireless communication circuit 42. Furthermore, the communication device 30 can connect to the Internet 100 via the wired communication interface and the LAN connected to that wired communication interface. The wired communication interface can be configured to directly connect to the Internet 100.

[0168] (4-4) The hardware configuration of the communication device 30 can be arbitrary. The communication device 30 can be, for example, an information communication terminal such as a smartphone or tablet computer terminal. In this case, by installing a communication processing program in the information communication terminal, the information communication terminal can also perform the functions of the communication device 30 in the above embodiments.

[0169] (4-5) The transmitting terminal 10-1 can be detachably mounted to the electric work machine 11-1. In this case, the transmitting terminal 10-1 can be electrically connected to the electric work machine 11-1 in response to being mounted to it, and can be disconnected from the electric work machine 11-1 in response to being detached from it. The transmitting terminal 10-1 can be built into the electric work machine 11-1, for example. The other transmitting terminals 10-2 to 10-n have the same configuration as the transmitting terminal 10-1.

[0170] exist Figure 7 An example of an electric work machine with a built-in transmitting terminal 10-1 is shown in the figure. Figure 7 The electric work machine 80 shown includes an equipment control circuit 61, a power supply circuit 62, a motor 63, a drive mechanism 64, an equipment storage unit 66, a wireless control circuit 71, and a wireless communication circuit 22.

[0171] The wireless control circuit 71 includes a CPU 71a and a memory 71b. The wireless control circuit 71 is essentially the same as the wireless control circuit 21 of the first embodiment. However, the wireless control circuit 71 has the function of data communication with the device control circuit 61. Furthermore, in the electric work machine 80, the wireless control circuit 71 and the wireless communication circuit 22 correspond to the transmitting terminal 10-1 of the first embodiment.

[0172] The power supply circuit 62 supplies power to various components, including the equipment control circuit 61 and the wireless control circuit 71. Specifically, the electric work machine 80 is configured to have a removable battery 90. The power supply circuit 62 receives power from the battery 90 installed on the electric work machine 80 and supplies that power to various components.

[0173] Furthermore, the power supply circuit 62 can be configured in any manner. For example, the power supply circuit 62 can be configured to have a built-in battery and supply power to the battery. The power supply circuit 62 may include a conversion circuit for converting the battery voltage and can output the voltage converted by the conversion circuit.

[0174] The equipment control circuit 61 controls the motor 63. The equipment control circuit 61 drives the motor 63, for example, in response to the operation of an operation switch (not shown). The rotational driving force of the motor 63 is transmitted to the drive mechanism 64. A work output component 65 is mounted on the drive mechanism 64. The work output component 65 may be fixed to the drive mechanism 64 or may be detachable from the drive mechanism 64. The drive mechanism 64 drives the work output component 65 mounted on the drive mechanism 64 by the rotational driving force transmitted from the motor 63.

[0175] The output component 65 is configured to perform the function of the electric work machine 80 by acting on a work object outside the electric work machine 80, in other words, by providing energy to the work object. The output component 65 may be, for example, a rotating blade configured to cut grass, small-diameter trees, etc. Alternatively, the output component 65 may be, for example, a drill bit configured to rotate and drill holes in the workpiece.

[0176] The equipment control circuit 61 also stores various information related to the state of the electric work machine 80 in the equipment storage unit 66. The various information stored in the equipment storage unit 66 may include, for example, the number of times the aforementioned operating switch has been operated, the value of the current supplied to the motor 63, etc.

[0177] The electric work machine 80 configured as described above substantially includes the sending terminal 10-1 of the first embodiment, and also functions as the sending terminal 10-1.

[0178] (4-6) In the third embodiment, a polling process to the data server 70 to determine whether a scan is needed is performed in S155. However, the polling process can be performed at any time. For example, the polling process can be performed repeatedly at certain time intervals, or it can be performed in response to the arrival of a predetermined time or date.

[0179] (4-7) Management system 1 can manage various equipment, tools, devices, etc., that are different from electric work machines as management objects. Management objects can include various work machines that do not have motors. For example, management objects can include various work machines that have internal combustion engines (such as various tools, lawnmowers, circular saws, etc.).

[0180] (4-8) The management device 60 and the data server 70 can be housed in the same enclosure. That is, an information processing device can have the functions of both the management device 60 and the data server 70.

[0181] (4-9) Multiple functions of one constituent element in the above embodiments can be achieved by multiple constituent elements, or one function of one constituent element can be achieved by multiple constituent elements. Furthermore, multiple functions of multiple constituent elements can be achieved by one constituent element, or one function achieved by multiple constituent elements can be achieved by one constituent element. Furthermore, a portion of the configuration of the above embodiments can be omitted. Furthermore, at least a portion of the configuration of the above embodiments can be added to the configuration of other above embodiments, or at least a portion of the configuration of the above embodiments can be substituted with the configuration of other above embodiments.

[0182] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0183] 1…Management system; 10-1~10-n…Transmitting terminal; 11-1~11-n, 80…Electric working machine; 21, 71…Wireless control circuit; 22…Wireless communication circuit; 30…Communication device; 31…Control circuit; 31a…CPU; 31b…Memory; 32…User interface; 32a…Scan button; 41…First wireless communication circuit; 41a…First antenna; 42…Second wireless communication circuit; 42a…Second antenna; 60…Management device; 70…Data server; 90…Battery; 100…Internet.

Claims

1. A communication device, characterized in that, have: Storage device; The first wireless communication circuit includes an antenna and is configured to receive information via the antenna, the information being wirelessly transmitted from the transmitting device whenever a transmission timing arrives in the transmitting device connected to the electric work machine, and corresponding to the transmitting device. The information acquisition unit is configured to acquire the information received by the first wireless communication circuit in response to an event that requires confirmation of whether the information has been received. A storage processing unit that stores the information acquired by the information acquisition unit in the storage device; as well as The second wireless communication circuit is configured to receive radio waves. The event includes the communication device receiving an acknowledgment request, which refers to a request to confirm whether the information has been received. The confirmation request includes receiving a confirmation command by the second wireless communication circuit, the confirmation command instructing the communication device to confirm whether it has received the information.

2. The communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a user interface configured to accept requests from users of the communication device, the requests seeking confirmation of whether to receive the information. The confirmation request includes the user interface accepting the request.

3. The communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second wireless communication circuit is configured to also transmit radio waves. The communication device also includes: The inquiry unit is configured to inquire, via the second wireless communication circuit, whether a confirmation of receiving the information is required from the first information processing device, which is separately provided from the communication device. as well as The response acquisition unit is configured to acquire, via the second wireless communication circuit, a response to an inquiry made by the first information processing device to the inquiry unit. The confirmation request includes: the response obtained by the response acquisition unit indicates that confirmation of receiving the information is required.

4. The communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The event includes the arrival of the set confirmation timer.

5. The communication device according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes an action setting unit configured to selectively set a confirmation action performed by the information acquisition unit to be valid or invalid. The confirmation action includes acquiring the information received by the first wireless communication circuit in response to the arrival of the confirmation timing. The information acquisition unit is configured to execute the confirmation action in response to the confirmation action being set to valid and the confirmation timer arriving, and to avoid executing the confirmation action in response to the confirmation action being set to invalid and the confirmation timer arriving.

6. The communication device according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes a state setting unit that selectively sets the communication device to a first state or a second state, and the state setting unit is configured to change the communication device to the second state in response to an event occurring more than a predetermined number of times in the first state. The information acquisition unit in the communication device set to the second state is configured to avoid acquiring the information received by the first wireless communication circuit in response to the arrival of the confirmation timer.

7. The communication device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The state setting unit is configured to change the communication device to the first state in response to the communication device being set to the second state and the setting change condition being met.

8. The communication device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The specified change conditions are established upon the arrival of a predetermined time.

9. The communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second wireless communication circuit is configured to also transmit radio waves. The communication device further includes a transmitting unit configured to wirelessly transmit the information acquired by the information acquisition unit to a second information processing device separately disposed from the communication device via the second wireless communication circuit.

10. The communication device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first wireless communication circuit is configured to receive the information wirelessly transmitted according to the first communication method. The second wireless communication circuit is configured to wirelessly transmit the information according to a second communication method different from the first communication method.

11. The communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The information includes a first identifier for identifying the sending device and / or a second identifier for identifying the electric work machine connected to the sending device.

12. The communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first wireless communication circuit is configured to receive the information wirelessly transmitted from the transmitting device, and to receive information wirelessly transmitted from a transmitting device separately disposed from the transmitting device and corresponding to the transmitting device separately disposed from the transmitting device. The information acquisition unit is configured to acquire the information received by the first wireless communication circuit within a predetermined period including the time of occurrence of the event in response to the occurrence of the event.

13. A communication system, characterized in that, have: Communication devices; and Information processing device The communication device includes: The first wireless communication circuit includes an antenna and is configured to receive information via the antenna, the information being wirelessly transmitted from the transmitting device whenever a transmission timing arrives in the transmitting device connected to the electric work machine, and corresponding to the transmitting device. A second wireless communication circuit, configured to transmit and receive radio waves; An information acquisition unit is configured to acquire the information received by the first wireless communication circuit in response to an event that requires confirmation of whether the information has been received; and The transmitting unit is configured to wirelessly transmit the information acquired by the information acquiring unit to the information processing device via the second wireless communication circuit. The information processing device is configured to acquire the information wirelessly transmitted from the communication device. The event includes the communication device receiving an acknowledgment request, which refers to a request to confirm whether the information has been received. The confirmation request includes receiving a confirmation command by the second wireless communication circuit, the confirmation command instructing the communication device to confirm whether it has received the information.

14. A communication method, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: In response to an event that requires confirmation of whether information is received by the first wireless communication circuit, the information received by the first wireless communication circuit is acquired, wherein the information is wirelessly transmitted from and corresponds to the transmitting device, which is connected to the electric work machine, and the information is wirelessly transmitted from the transmitting device whenever a timer is reached in the transmitting device; as well as Store the acquired information. The event includes receiving a confirmation request, which refers to a request to confirm whether the information has been received. The confirmation request includes receiving a confirmation command from a second wireless communication circuit, the confirmation command indicating whether to confirm receipt of the information. The second wireless communication circuit is configured to receive radio waves.

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