Attachment management system, information terminal, and attachment management method

Abstract

To manage an attachment to be attached to a work machine.SOLUTION: This attachment management system comprises: a storage unit that stores identification data of a first owner who owns an attachment attachable to a work machine and rents out the attachment to a third party; a data acquisition unit that acquires input data, from the first owner, for providing the third party with the right to use application software for managing the attachment; a processing unit that sets, on the basis of the identification data and the input data, the right of use to be provided to the third party; and an output unit that outputs the right of use set by the processing unit to an information terminal of the third party.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an attachment management system, an information terminal, and an attachment management method.

Background Art

[0002] As disclosed in Patent Document 1, when a work machine operates at a work site, various attachments are attached to the work machine according to the work content.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a rental business that rents attachments, the attachments are rented from the owner to a third party. The management items of the attachments may differ between the owner and the third party. If the management items provided to the third party are insufficient or excessive, the attachments may not be properly managed.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to manage the attachments attached to a work machine.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to the present disclosure, there is provided a management system for an attachment, comprising: a storage unit that stores identification data of a first owner who owns an attachment attachable to a work machine; a data acquisition unit that acquires input data from the first owner for giving a third party, to whom the attachment is rented from the first owner, the right to use application software for managing the attachment; a processing unit that sets the right to use to be given to the third party based on the identification data and the input data; and an output unit that outputs the right to use set by the processing unit to the information terminal of the third party.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, an attachment attachable to a work machine is managed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described, but the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments. The components of the embodiments described below can be combined as appropriate. Also, some components may not be used.

[0010] [WORK MACHINE] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a work machine 1 according to the embodiment. The work machine 1 operates at a work site. In the embodiment, the work machine 1 is a hydraulic excavator. In the following description, the work machine 1 will be appropriately referred to as the hydraulic excavator 1. The hydraulic excavator 1 includes a traveling body 2, a revolving body 3, a work implement 4, and a hydraulic cylinder 5.

[0011] The traveling body 2 travels while supporting the revolving body 3. The traveling body 2 has a pair of crawlers 2A. By rotating the crawlers 2A, the traveling body 2 performs a traveling operation.

[0012] The revolving body 3 is supported by the traveling body 2. The revolving body 3 is disposed above the traveling body 2. The revolving body 3 performs a revolving operation while being supported by the traveling body 2. The revolving body 3 has a cab 3A. The cab 3A is provided at the left front portion of the revolving body 3. A driver's seat is disposed in the cab 3A.

[0013] The working machine 4 is attached to the front part of the revolving body 3. The working machine 4 performs work. Examples of the work performed by the working machine 4 include an excavation work of excavating an excavation target and an earth discharging work of discharging the excavated material to an earth discharging target.

[0014] The working machine 4 includes a boom 4A, an arm 4B, and a bucket 61 which is a kind of attachment 6 (working tool). The base end portion of the boom 4A is operably connected to the front part of the revolving body 3. The base end portion of the arm 4B is operably connected to the tip end portion of the boom 4A. The base end portion of the bucket 61 is operably connected to the tip end portion of the arm 4B.

[0015] The hydraulic cylinder 5 operates the working machine 4. The hydraulic cylinder 5 includes a boom cylinder 5A, an arm cylinder 5B, and a bucket cylinder 5C. The boom cylinder 5A raises and lowers the boom 4A. The arm cylinder 5B performs an excavation operation and a dump operation on the arm 4B. The bucket cylinder 5C performs an excavation operation and a dump operation on the bucket 61.

[0016] The attachment 6 is replaceable. Each of the plurality of attachments 6 can be attached to the hydraulic excavator 1. Examples of the attachment 6 include a skeleton bucket 62, a concrete crusher 63, a gripping tool 64, and a hydraulic breaker 65.

[0017] A management tag 7 is attached to each of the plurality of attachments 6. The management tag 7 is detachable from the attachment 6.

[0018] [Management tag] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the management tag 7 according to the embodiment. The management tag 7 has a housing 70, a microcomputer 71, a position sensor 72, a motion sensor 73, a communication device 74, and a battery 75.

[0019] The housing 70 houses a microcomputer 71, a position sensor 72, a motion sensor 73, a communication device 74, and a battery 75 respectively. The microcomputer 71 includes at least one processor.

[0020] The position sensor 72 detects the position of the management tag 7. The position sensor 72 detects the position of the attachment 6 in a state where the management tag 7 is attached to the attachment 6. The position sensor 72 detects the position using the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). The Global Navigation Satellite System includes the Global Positioning System (GPS). The position sensor 72 includes a GNSS receiver. The position sensor 72 detects the position of the attachment 6 in the global coordinate system. The global coordinate system refers to a coordinate system fixed to the earth. The position sensor 72 detects the absolute position of the attachment 6.

[0021] The motion sensor 73 detects the operation of the management tag 7. The motion sensor 73 detects the operation of the attachment 6 in a state where the management tag 7 is attached to the attachment 6. The motion sensor 73 detects whether the attachment 6 has moved in a state where the management tag 7 is attached to the attachment 6. Examples of the motion sensor 73 include an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), a gyro sensor, and an acceleration sensor.

[0022] The communication device 74 is a wireless communication device. The communication device 74 wirelessly transmits the detection data of the position sensor 72 and the detection data of the motion sensor 73.

[0023] The battery 75 functions as the power supply of the management tag 7. Each of the microcomputer 71, the position sensor 72, the motion sensor 73, and the communication device 74 operates with the power supplied from the battery 75.

[0024] [Management System] FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a management system 8 for the attachment 6 according to the embodiment. The management system 8 includes a management tag 7, a management server 9, and an information terminal 10. The management server 9 includes a management computer 13.

[0025] The management server 9 can communicate with the management tag 7 via a communication system 11. The communication system 11 includes a mobile phone communication network. Note that the communication system 11 may include an Internet communication network. The communication device 74 transmits the detection data of the position sensor 72 and the detection data of the motion sensor 73 to the management server 9 via the communication system 11. The management server 9 collects the detection data of the position sensor 72 and the detection data of the motion sensor 73 transmitted from each of the plurality of management tags 7.

[0026] The management server 9 can communicate with the information terminal 10 via a communication system 12. The communication system 12 includes an Internet communication network. Note that the communication system 12 may include a mobile phone communication network. The management server 9 collects data from the information terminal 10. A plurality of information terminals 10 are provided. The information terminal 10 includes a personal computer 101 and a mobile terminal 102. Examples of the mobile terminal 102 include a smartphone and a tablet terminal.

[0027] [Information Terminal] FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing the information terminal 10 according to the embodiment. The information terminal 10 includes a housing 14, a terminal computer 15, an input device 16, a display device 17, a camera 18, a position sensor 19, a communication device 20, and a battery 21.

[0028] The housing 14 houses each of the terminal computer 15, the input device 16, the display device 17, the camera 18, the position sensor 19, the communication device 20, and the battery 21. The terminal computer 15 includes at least one processor.

[0029] The input device 16 generates input data when operated by a user. As the input device 16, a touch panel (touch sensor) is exemplified. Note that the input device 16 may include at least one of a computer keyboard and a mouse. The input device 16 may include a voice input device.

[0030] The display device 17 provides display data to the user. The display device 17 has a display screen on which the display data is displayed. As the display device 17, a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display is exemplified.

[0031] The camera 18 images an imaging target. The camera 18 acquires image data of the imaging target. The image data acquired by the camera 18 may be a still image or a moving image. In the following description, the image data of the imaging target acquired by the camera 18 is appropriately referred to as the image data of the camera 18.

[0032] The position sensor 19 detects the position of the information terminal 10. The position sensor 19 detects the position using a global navigation satellite system (GNSS: Global Navigation Satellite System). The position sensor 19 includes a GNSS receiver. The position sensor 19 detects the position of the information terminal 10 (absolute position) in the global coordinate system. The position sensor 19 may detect the position of the information terminal 10 using not only GNSS but also a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) such as Wifi (registered trademark), a wireless PAN (Personal Area Network) such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), and a mobile network, etc.

[0033] The communication device 20 is a wireless communication device. The communication device 20 wirelessly transmits the image data of the camera 18 and the detection data of the position sensor 19. The communication device 20 transmits the image data of the camera 18 and the detection data of the position sensor 19 to the management server 9 via the communication system 12. The management server 9 collects the image data of the camera 18 and the detection data of the position sensor 19 transmitted from each of the plurality of information terminals 10. The communication device 20 transmits and receives various other data.

[0034] The battery 21 functions as the power source of the information terminal 10. Each of the terminal computer 15, the input device 16, the display device 17, the camera 18, the position sensor 19, and the communication device 20 operates with the power supplied from the battery 21.

[0035] Note that the personal computer 101 may not have the camera 18, the position sensor 19, and the battery 21. Also, the communication device 20 of the personal computer 101 may be a wired communication device.

[0036] In the embodiment, application software for managing the attachment 6 is installed in the information terminal 10. The information terminal 10 operates based on the application software. In the following description, the application software installed in the information terminal 10 for managing the attachment 6 is appropriately referred to as the management application.

[0037] [Computer System] FIG. 5 is a hardware configuration diagram showing the management computer 13 according to the embodiment. The management computer 13 of the management server 9 includes a computer system 1000 having at least a processor 1001. The computer system 1000 includes a processor 1001 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a main memory 1002 including a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a storage 1003, and an interface 1004 including an input / output circuit. The functions of the management computer 13 are stored in the storage 1003 as a program. The processor 1001 reads the program from the storage 1003, expands it in the main memory 1002, and executes processing according to the program. Note that the program may be distributed to the computer system 1000 via a network.

[0038] Similarly, each of the terminal computer 15 and the microcomputer 71 also includes a computer system 1000 having at least a processor 1001.

[0039] [Management Server] FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing the management server 9 according to the embodiment. The management server 9 includes a storage unit 90, a data acquisition unit 91, an area setting unit 92, a processing unit 93, and an output unit 94.

[0040] The data acquisition unit 91 acquires the position data of the attachment 6. The position of the attachment 6 is detected by the position sensor 72 of the management tag 7. The position data of the attachment 6 includes the detection data of the position sensor 72. The data acquisition unit 91 acquires the detection data of the position sensor 72 via the communication system 11. The data acquisition unit 91 acquires the position data of each of the plurality of attachments 6.

[0041] The area setting unit 92 sets an area 40 including the registration position 30. The registration position 30 is a pre-registered position. The area setting unit 92 sets, for example, an area 40 centered on the registration position 30. The area 40 is set such that the center position of the area 40 coincides with the registration position 30. Note that the center position of the area 40 and the registration position 30 may be offset. The area 40 is a geofence. A geofence refers to an area surrounded by a virtual boundary line. In the following description, the area 40 is appropriately referred to as the geofence 40.

[0042] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the registration position 30 and the geofence 40 according to the embodiment. The user can register a plurality of registration positions 30 by operating the input device 16 of the information terminal 10. The registration position 30 is defined in the global coordinate system. The plurality of registration positions 30 are separated from each other. The registration position 30 is registered in the storage unit 90. The registration position 30 is registered in the storage unit 90 based on the input data from the input device 16. As shown in FIG. 7, the display device 17 of the information terminal 10 can display the registration position 30.

[0043] In the embodiment, the registration position 30 includes a storage site 31 where the attachment 6 is stored, a work site 32 where the hydraulic excavator 1 operates, a work site 33 where the hydraulic excavator 1 operates, and a maintenance site 34 where the attachment 6 is maintained. The storage site 31 includes a storage facility for the attachment 6. The maintenance site 34 includes a maintenance facility for the attachment 6. Examples of the maintenance of the attachment 6 include repair of the attachment 6, replacement of parts, and cleaning. For example, as the maintenance of the bucket 61, replacement of an adapter into which the bucket tooth is inserted or replacement of a backing plate attached to the outer surface of the bucket 61 is exemplified.

[0044] The geo-fence 40 is set to surround the registration position 30. A plurality of geo-fences 40 are set to surround each of the plurality of registration positions 30. The plurality of geo-fences 40 are separated from each other. In an embodiment, the geo-fence 40 includes a storage geo-fence 41 surrounding the storage yard 31, a site geo-fence 42 surrounding the work site 32, a site geo-fence 43 surrounding the work site 33, and a maintenance geo-fence 44 surrounding the maintenance yard 34.

[0045] The user can set the geo-fence 40 by operating the input device 16 of the information terminal 10. The geo-fence 40 is defined in a global coordinate system. The area setting unit 92 sets the geo-fence 40 based on the input data from the input device 16. The user can arbitrarily set the size of the geo-fence 40 and the position of the geo-fence 40 relative to the registration position 30. The geo-fence 40 set by the area setting unit 92 is registered in the storage unit 90. As shown in FIG. 7, the display device 17 of the information terminal 10 can display the geo-fence 40.

[0046] The display device 17 can display a map. The display device 17 displays the registration position 30 so as to be superimposed on the map. The display device 17 displays the geo-fence 40 so as to be superimposed on the map. The geo-fence 40 is displayed around the registration position 30. The display device 17 displays the registration position 30 and the geo-fence 40 in the global coordinate system. The display device 17 displays the position of the attachment 6 in the global coordinate system. In the example shown in FIG. 7, a symbol 22 indicating the position of the attachment 6 is displayed on the display device 17. The display device 17 displays the symbol 22 so as to be superimposed on the map.

[0047] Based on the position data of the attachment 6 acquired by the data acquisition unit 91, the processing unit 93 recognizes the position of the attachment 6 with respect to the geofence 40. The processing unit 93 calculates the relative position between the geofence 40 and the attachment 6 based on the position data of the attachment 6. The relative position between the geofence 40 and the attachment 6 is a concept that includes the relative distance between the geofence 40 and the attachment 6. The recognition of the position of the attachment 6 with respect to the geofence 40 includes determining whether the attachment 6 exists inside the geofence 40. The processing unit 93 determines whether the attachment 6 exists inside the geofence 40 based on the position data of the attachment 6.

[0048] Based on the position data of the attachment 6 acquired by the data acquisition unit 91, the processing unit 93 determines the state of the attachment 6. The processing unit 93 determines the state of the attachment 6 by recognizing the position of the attachment 6 with respect to the geofence 40.

[0049] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the state of the attachment 6 according to the embodiment. Based on the position data of the attachment 6 acquired by the data acquisition unit 91, the processing unit 93 determines the state of the attachment 6. The processing unit 93 determines the state of the attachment 6 based on the relative position between the geofence 40 and the attachment 6.

[0050] The state of the attachment 6 includes a shipping state in which the attachment 6 has come out from the inside to the outside of the geofence 40. The state of the attachment 6 includes a storage state in which the attachment 6 has entered from the outside to the inside of the geofence 40. The state of the attachment 6 includes a transit state in which the attachment 6 exists outside the geofence 40. As described above, each of the position of the attachment 6 and the position of the geofence 40 is defined in a global coordinate system. The processing unit 93 can determine the state of the attachment 6 based on the position and size of the geofence 40 registered in the storage unit 90 and the position data of the attachment 6 acquired by the data acquisition unit 91.

[0051] FIG. 8 shows an example in which the attachment 6 is transported from the storage yard 31 to the work site 32. When the processing unit 93 determines that the attachment 6 has come out from the inside to the outside of the storage fence 41, it determines that the state of the attachment 6 is an out-of-stock state of coming out from the storage fence 41. When the processing unit 93 determines that the attachment 6 exists between the storage fence 41 and the site fence 42, it determines that the state of the attachment 6 is a state of being transported from the storage fence 41 to the site fence 42. When the processing unit 93 determines that the attachment 6 has entered from the outside to the inside of the site fence 42, it determines that the state of the attachment 6 is an in-stock state of entering the site fence 42.

[0052] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the state of the attachment 6 according to the embodiment. As described above, the fence 40 includes a storage fence 41, a site fence 42, a site fence 43, and a maintenance fence 44. The state of the attachment 6 includes an available state in which the attachment 6 exists in the storage fence 41 including the storage yard 31. The state of the attachment 6 includes an in-use state in which the attachment 6 exists in the site fence 42 including the work site 32 or the site fence 43 including the work site 33. The state of the attachment 6 includes a maintenance state in which the attachment 6 exists in the maintenance fence 44 including the maintenance yard 34. The state of the attachment 6 includes a state of being transported in which the attachment 6 exists outside the fence 40.

[0053] When the attachment 6 is present in the storage yard 31, the attachment 6 is considered to be removed from the hydraulic excavator 1 and unused (non-operational). Note that there may be a case where the attachment 6 is present in the storage yard 31 while being attached to the hydraulic excavator 1. In the embodiment, when the attachment 6 is present in the storage yard 31, the attachment 6 shall be considered to be unused (non-operational). Therefore, when the attachment 6 is present in the storage geo-fence 41, the processing unit 93 determines that the attachment 6 is in a usable state (non-operational state).

[0054] When the attachment 6 is present at the work site 32 or the work site 33, the attachment 6 is considered to be attached to the hydraulic excavator 1 and in use (operational). Note that there may be a case where the attachment 6 is present at the work site 32 or the work site 33 while being removed from the hydraulic excavator 1. At the work site 32 or the work site 33, the attachment 6 is attached to or removed from the hydraulic excavator 1 as necessary. The work of replacing the attachment 6 for the hydraulic excavator 1 may be performed more than 10 times a day. In the embodiment, when the attachment 6 is present at the work site 32 or the work site 33, the attachment 6 shall be considered to be in use (operational). Therefore, when the attachment 6 is present in the field geo-fence 42 or the field geo-fence 43, the processing unit 93 determines that the attachment 6 is in an in-use state (operational state).

[0055] When the attachment 6 is present in the maintenance yard 34, the attachment 6 is considered to be removed from the hydraulic excavator 1 and under maintenance. Therefore, when the attachment 6 is present in the maintenance geo-fence 44, the processing unit 93 determines that the attachment 6 is in a maintenance state.

[0056] When the attachment 6 is not present on any of the plurality of fences 40, the attachment 6 is considered to be in a state of being transported outside the hydraulic excavator 1. Therefore, when the attachment 6 is present outside the fence 40, the processing unit 93 determines that the attachment 6 is in a transported state.

[0057] The output unit 94 outputs the recognition result of the position of the attachment 6. The recognition result of the position of the attachment 6 includes the recognition result of the relative position of the attachment 6 with respect to the fence 40. The recognition result of the position of the attachment 6 includes the determination result as to whether the attachment 6 is present inside the fence 40. The recognition result of the position of the attachment 6 includes the determination result of the state of the attachment 6. The output unit 94 outputs the recognition result of the position of the attachment 6 to the storage unit 90. The output unit 94 outputs the recognition result of the position of the attachment 6 to the information terminal 10.

[0058] The communication device 20 of the information terminal 10 receives the recognition result of the position of the attachment 6 output from the output unit 94. The recognition result of the position of the attachment 6 includes the determination result of the state of the attachment 6.

[0059] Note that the output unit 94 may store the recognition result of the position of the attachment 6 in the storage unit 90 in association with the elapsed time from a predetermined time point, or may output it to the information terminal 10. As the predetermined time point, the time point when the data acquisition unit 91 starts acquiring the position data of the attachment 6 is exemplified.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 8, when the processing unit 93 determines that the state of the attachment 6 is the out-of-stock state after leaving the storage defense 41, the output unit 94 transmits to the information terminal 10 that the attachment 6 is in the out-of-stock state after leaving the storage defense 41. The information terminal 10 outputs an out-of-stock notification indicating that the attachment 6 is in the out-of-stock state after leaving the storage defense 41. When the processing unit 93 determines that the state of the attachment 6 is the in-transit state existing outside the defense 40, the output unit 94 transmits to the information terminal 10 that the attachment 6 is in the in-transit state. The information terminal 10 outputs an in-transit notification indicating that the attachment 6 is in the in-transit state. When the processing unit 93 determines that the state of the attachment 6 is the in-stock state after entering the site defense 42, the output unit 94 transmits to the information terminal 10 that the attachment 6 is in the in-stock state after entering the site defense 42. The information terminal 10 outputs an in-stock notification indicating that the attachment 6 is in the in-stock state after entering the site defense 42. The user can recognize the state of the attachment 6 based on the notifications (out-of-stock notification, in-transit notification, in-stock notification) output from the information terminal 10.

[0061] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the information terminal 10 that outputs the state of the attachment 6 according to the embodiment. The display device 17 of the information terminal 10 displays a list of the states of the plurality of attachments 6. The communication device 20 of the information terminal 10 receives the state of the attachment 6 output from the output unit 94. As shown in FIG. 10, on the display device 17 of the information terminal 10, there are displayed a symbol 23 indicating the type of the attachment 6, identification data 24 including the identification number of the attachment 6, a name 25 of the type of the attachment 6, a current location 26 indicating the current position of the attachment 6, a current state 27 of the attachment 6, and maintenance data 28 related to the maintenance of the attachment 6. The user can recognize the current states of the plurality of attachments 6 by checking the information terminal 10.

[0062] Note that at least one of a symbol 23 indicating the type of the attachment 6, identification data 24 including the identification number of the attachment 6, a name 25 of the type of the attachment 6, a current location 26 indicating the current position of the attachment 6, a current state 27 of the attachment 6, and maintenance data 28 related to the maintenance of the attachment 6 may be displayed on the display device 17.

[0063] Note that the display device 17 may display the state of the attachment 6 in association with the elapsed time from a predetermined time point. As the predetermined time point, the time point when the data acquisition unit 91 starts acquiring the position data of the attachment 6 is exemplified. Further, the specification data and the asset data of the attachment 6 may be displayed on the display device 17.

[0064] [Rental of Attachment] The attachment 6 is rented. In the rental business of renting the attachment 6, the attachment 6 is rented from the owner to a third party. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the rental business of the attachment 6 according to the embodiment.

[0065] The attachment 6 manufactured by the manufacturer is sold to the first rental company via the seller. The first rental company corresponds to the first owner of the attachment 6. The first owner is the owner of the attachment 6. The first rental company can rent the owned attachment 6 to the second rental company. When the attachment 6 is rented from the first rental company to the second rental company, the first rental company is the lender and the second rental company is the borrower.

[0066] The second rental company can rent the attachment 6 rented from the first rental company to the first contractor. The second rental company double-rents the attachment 6 to the first contractor. The second rental company corresponds to the second owner of the attachment 6, and the first contractor corresponds to the first user of the attachment 6. When the attachment 6 is rented from the second rental company to the first contractor, the second rental company is the lender and the first contractor is the borrower.

[0067] The first contractor can rent the attachment 6 rented from the second rental company to the second contractor. The second contractor corresponds to the second user of the attachment 6. When the attachment 6 is rented from the first contractor to the second contractor, the first contractor is the lender and the second contractor is the borrower.

[0068] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a rental form of the attachment 6 according to the embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the first owner owns the attachments 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, and 6F. The attachment 6C is rented from the first owner to the second owner. The second owner owns the attachment 6G. The second owner double-rents the attachment 6C rented from the first owner to the first user. The first owner rents the attachment 6E to the second user. The second owner rents the attachment 6G to the second user. The second user is rented the attachment 6E from the first owner and the attachment 6G from the second owner. Note that the first owner may rent, for example, the attachment 6A to the first user.

[0069] [Setting of Usage Rights for Management App] Each of the first owner, the second owner, the first user, and the second user holds the information terminal 10 on which the management application is installed. The management application is installed on the terminal computer 15 of the information terminal 10. Among the first owner, the second owner, the first user, and the second user, the management items of the attachment 6 may be different. In the embodiment, the usage rights of the management applications of the first owner, the second owner, the first user, and the second user are different. The usage rights of the management application include the viewing right and the editing right of the management items. By granting the appropriate usage rights of the management application to each of the first owner, the second owner, the first user, and the second user, the attachment 6 is properly managed.

[0070] In the example shown in FIG. 12, the first owner grants the usage right of the management application related to the management items of the attachment 6C to the second owner. The second owner grants the usage right of the management application related to the management items of the attachment 6C to the first user. The first owner grants the usage right of the management application related to the management items of the attachment 6E to the second user. The second owner grants the usage right of the management application related to the management items of the attachment 6G to the second user.

[0071] For example, when the first owner grants the usage right of the management application related to the attachment 6C to the second owner, the first owner operates the input device 16 of the information terminal 10 and inputs the input data for granting the usage right of the management application related to the attachment 6C to the second owner. The input device 16 of the information terminal 10 held by the first owner is operated by the first owner to grant the usage right of the management application to the second owner. The communication device 20 of the information terminal 10 held by the first owner transmits the usage right of the management application input from the input device 16 to the management server 9. The data acquisition unit 91 acquires the input data from the first owner for granting the usage right of the management application related to the attachment 6C to the second owner. The input data includes the identification data of the first owner.

[0072] The storage unit 90 stores in advance the identification data of the first owner who rents the attachment 6 to a third party. The processing unit 93 sets the usage permission of the management application related to the attachment 6C to be given to the second owner, who is a third party, based on the identification data of the first owner stored in the storage unit 90 and the input data from the first owner acquired by the data acquisition unit 91. That is, the processing unit 93 collates the identification data included in the input data acquired by the data acquisition unit 91 with the identification data of the first owner stored in the storage unit 90 to determine whether the input data acquired by the data acquisition unit 91 is the input data from the first owner. When it is determined that the input data acquired by the data acquisition unit 91 is the input data from the first owner, the processing unit 93 sets the usage permission of the management application related to the attachment 6C to be given to the second owner based on the input data acquired by the data acquisition unit 91.

[0073] The output unit 94 outputs the usage permission related to the attachment 6C set by the processing unit 93 to the information terminal 10 held by the second owner. Outputting the usage permission to the information terminal 10 of a third party (the second owner) includes one or both of providing the management application with the set usage permission to the information terminal 10 held by the third party and providing the usage permission to the management application installed on the information terminal 10 held by the third party.

[0074] In the embodiment, the output unit 94 provides the management application with the usage permission related to the attachment 6C set to the information terminal 10 held by the second owner.

[0075] For example, when the second owner grants the first user the right to use the management app related to the attachment 6C, the second owner operates the input device 16 of the information terminal 10 to input input data for granting the first user the right to use the management app related to the attachment 6C. The input data includes the identification data of the second owner. The input device 16 of the information terminal 10 possessed by the second owner is operated by the second owner to grant the first user the right to use the management app. The communication device 20 of the information terminal 10 possessed by the second owner transmits the right to use the management app input from the input device 16 to the management server 9.

[0076] The storage unit 90 stores in advance the identification data of the second owner who rents the attachment 6 to a third party. Based on the identification data of the second owner stored in the storage unit 90 and the input data from the second owner acquired by the data acquisition unit 91, the processing unit 93 sets the right to use the management app related to the attachment 6C to be given to the first user who is a third party. That is, the processing unit 93 collates the identification data included in the input data acquired by the data acquisition unit 91 with the identification data of the second owner stored in the storage unit 90 to determine whether the input data acquired by the data acquisition unit 91 is input data from the second owner. When it is determined that the input data acquired by the data acquisition unit 91 is input data from the second owner, the processing unit 93 sets the right to use the management app related to the attachment 6C to be given to the first user based on the input data acquired by the data acquisition unit 91. The output unit 94 provides the management app with the set right to use the attachment 6C to the information terminal 10 possessed by the first user. Note that the output unit 94 may provide the right to use the management app installed on the information terminal 10 possessed by the first user.

[0077] For example, when the first owner grants the second user the right to use the management application related to Attachment 6E, the first owner operates the input device 16 of the information terminal 10 to input input data for granting the second user the right to use the management application related to Attachment 6E. The input device 16 of the information terminal 10 held by the first owner is operated by the first owner to grant the second user the right to use the management application. The communication device 20 of the information terminal 10 held by the first owner transmits the right to use the management application input from the input device 16 to the management server 9.

[0078] The storage unit 90 stores in advance the identification data of the first owner who rents Attachment 6 to a third party. Based on the identification data of the first owner stored in the storage unit 90 and the input data from the first owner acquired by the data acquisition unit 91, the processing unit 93 sets the right to use the management application related to Attachment 6E to be given to the second user who is a third party. When it is determined that the input data acquired by the data acquisition unit 91 is the input data from the first owner, the processing unit 93 sets the right to use the management application related to Attachment 6E to be given to the second user based on the input data acquired by the data acquisition unit 91. The output unit 94 provides the management application with the set right to use Attachment 6E to the information terminal 10 held by the second user. Note that the output unit 94 may provide the right to use the management application installed on the information terminal 10 held by the second user.

[0079] For example, when the second owner grants the second user the right to use the management application related to Attachment 6G, the second owner operates the input device 16 of the information terminal 10 to input input data for granting the second user the right to use the management application related to Attachment 6G. The input device 16 of the information terminal 10 held by the second owner is operated by the second owner to grant the second user the right to use the management application. The communication device 20 of the information terminal 10 held by the second owner transmits the right to use the management application input from the input device 16 to the management server 9.

[0080] The storage unit 90 stores in advance the identification data of the second owner who rents the attachment 6 to a third party. Based on the identification data of the second owner stored in the storage unit 90 and the input data from the second owner acquired by the data acquisition unit 91, the processing unit 93 sets the usage permission of the management application related to the attachment 6G to be given to the second user who is a third party. When it is determined that the input data acquired by the data acquisition unit 91 is the input data from the second owner, the processing unit 93 sets the usage permission of the management application related to the attachment 6G to be given to the second user based on the input data acquired by the data acquisition unit 91. The output unit 94 provides the management application with the usage permission set for the attachment 6G to the information terminal 10 owned by the second user. Note that the output unit 94 may provide the usage permission to the management application installed in the information terminal 10 owned by the second user.

[0081] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining the usage permission of the management application according to the embodiment. The processing unit 93 sets the usage permission of the management application based on the rental period during which the attachment 6 is rented to a third party.

[0082] The first owner who is the owner of the attachment 6 has the usage permission of the management application during the entire period. When the attachment 6C is rented from the first owner to the second owner, the second owner has the usage permission of the management application related to the attachment 6C during the rental period of the attachment 6C. When the attachment 6C is rented from the second owner to the first user, the first user has the usage permission of the management application related to the attachment 6C during the rental period of the attachment 6C. When the attachment 6E is rented from the first owner to the second user, the second user has the usage permission of the management application related to the attachment 6E during the rental period of the attachment 6E. When the attachment 6G is rented from the second owner to the second user, the second user has the usage permission of the management application related to the attachment 6G during the rental period of the attachment 6G.

[0083] When the first owner is the lessor, the rental period may be determined by the first owner. The first owner operates the input device 16 of the information terminal 10 to input input data for determining the rental period of the attachment 6. The input device 16 of the information terminal 10 held by the first owner is operated by the first owner to determine the rental period of the attachment 6. The communication device 20 of the information terminal 10 held by the first owner transmits the rental period of the attachment 6 input from the input device 16 to the management server 9. Incidentally, when the second owner is the lessor, the rental period may be determined by the second owner.

[0084] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a specific example of the usage right of the management application according to the embodiment. The communication device 20 of the information terminal 10 held by a third party receives the usage right of the management application from the management server 9. A management screen of the management application is displayed on the display device 17 of the information terminal 10. The display device 17 displays the management screen based on the usage right. The display device 17 restricts the display of the management screen based on the usage right. The display device 17 restricts the display of the management screen based on the rental period of the attachment 6. The terminal computer 15 causes the display device 17 to display only the management screen during the rental period. When the rental period ends, the terminal computer 15 does not cause the display device 17 to display the management screen.

[0085] A third party can operate the input device 16 of the information terminal 10 to edit the management screen. The input device 16 is operated to edit the management screen. The terminal computer 15 restricts the editing of the management screen based on the usage right. The terminal computer 15 restricts the editing of the management screen based on the rental period of the attachment 6. The terminal computer 15 accepts only the editing of the management screen during the rental period. When the rental period ends, the terminal computer 15 does not accept the editing of the management screen.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 14, as an example of management items, the setting of the geo fence 40 is increased. As described above, the geo fence 40 is set to include the registration position 30 where the attachment 6 is transported. When the management item is the setting of the geo fence 40, the first owner and the second owner can view the management screen of the management application related to the setting of the geo fence 40, but cannot edit it. The first user can view the management screen of the management application related to the setting of the geo fence 40, but cannot edit it. The second user can edit and view the management screen of the management application related to the setting of the geo fence 40. Note that each of the first user and the second user may be able to edit and view the management screen of the management application related to the setting of the geo fence 40.

[0087] [Method for managing attachment] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a method for managing the attachment 6 according to the embodiment. A third party operates the input device 16 of the information terminal 10 in which the management application is installed to apply for renting the attachment 6 owned by the first owner. The input device 16 is operated by the third party to apply for renting the attachment 6. The management application installed in the information terminal 10 applies for renting the attachment 6 based on the input data from the third party. The communication device 20 of the information terminal 10 transmits the rental application of the attachment 6 input from the input device 16 to the management server 9. The data acquisition unit 91 acquires the rental application of the attachment 6 from the third party (step S1).

[0088] The output unit 94 notifies the information terminal 10 owned by the first owner that there is a rental application of the attachment 6 from the third party (step S2).

[0089] When the first owner responds to the rental application, the first owner operates the input device 16 of the information terminal 10 to input input data for granting the third party the right to use the management application. Also, the first owner operates the input device 16 of the information terminal 10 to input input data for determining the rental period. The input data is transmitted from the communication device 20 of the information terminal 10 to the management server 9. The data acquisition unit 91 acquires the input data from the first owner for granting the third party the right to use the management application and the input data from the first owner for determining the rental period of the attachment 6 (step S3).

[0090] Note that the third party may apply for the rental period together with the rental application for the attachment 6. The rental period applied for by the third party is notified to the information terminal 10 owned by the first owner via the management server 9. When the rental period is notified, the first owner may operate the input device 16 of the information terminal 10 to input input data for granting the third party the right to use the management application for the notified rental period.

[0091] The processing unit 93 sets the usage right of the management application to be given to the third party and the rental period of the attachment 6 based on the identification data of the first owner stored in the storage unit 90 and the input data from the first owner acquired by the data acquisition unit 91 (step S4).

[0092] That is, the processing unit 93 collates the identification data included in the input data acquired by the data acquisition unit 91 with the identification data of the first owner stored in the storage unit 90 to determine whether the input data acquired by the data acquisition unit 91 is the input data from the first owner. When it is determined that the input data acquired by the data acquisition unit 91 is the input data from the first owner, the processing unit 93 sets the usage right of the management application to be given to the third party and the rental period of the attachment 6 based on the input data acquired by the data acquisition unit 91.

[0093] The output unit 94 outputs the usage right of the management application to the information terminal 10 held by a third party. The output unit 94 may provide the information terminal 10 held by a third party with the management application for which the usage right is set, or may provide the usage right to the management application installed in the information terminal 10 held by a third party.

[0094] As described with reference to FIG. 12, the first owner can rent the attachment 6 to at least one of the second owner, the first user, and the second user. The first owner gives the usage right to a third party for only the rental period determined by the first owner (step S5).

[0095] When the first owner rents the attachment 6 to the second owner, the first owner gives the necessary usage right to the second owner for only the rental period determined by the first owner. The second owner can double - rent the attachment 6 rented from the first owner to at least one of the first user and the second user. The second owner can give the necessary usage right to at least one of the first user and the second user for only the rental period determined by the second owner.

[0096] When the first owner rents the attachment 6 to the first user or the second user, the first owner gives the necessary usage right to the first user or the second user for only the rental period determined by the first owner.

[0097] As described with reference to FIG. 14, the management applications of the information terminals 10 respectively held by the second owner, the first user, and the second user restrict the display of the management screen based on the viewing restriction and the rental period. Also, the management applications of the information terminals 10 respectively held by the second owner, the first user, and the second user restrict the editing of the management screen based on the editing right and the rental period.

[0098] When the rental period ends, the usage rights of the management apps of the information terminals 10 respectively held by the second owner, the first user, and the second user expire. Also, the usage rights of the management app expire upon the return application of the attachment 6 from the third party. Each of the second owner, the first user, and the second user can no longer view the management screen and can no longer edit the management screen (step S6).

[0099] A third party can apply for the return of the rented attachment 6 using the management app. When the third party returns the attachment 6 to the first owner, the third party operates the input device 16 of the information terminal 10 on which the management app is installed to apply for the return of the attachment 6. The input device 16 is operated by the third party to apply for the return of the attachment 6. The management app installed on the information terminal 10 applies for the return of the attachment 6 based on the input data from the third party. The communication device 20 of the information terminal 10 transmits the return application of the attachment 6 input from the input device 16 to the management server 9. The data acquisition unit 91 acquires the return application of the attachment 6 from the third party. The output unit 94 notifies the information terminal 10 held by the first owner that there has been a return application of the attachment 6 from the third party. Upon completion of the return application, the usage rights of the management app of the third party expire.

[0100] In addition, when the attachment 6 is rented from the first owner to the second owner, if there is an application for renting the attachment 6 of the first owner from the first user or the second user to the second owner, the management app of the information terminal 10 possessed by the first owner may notify the first owner that there is an application for renting the attachment 6 to the second owner. That is, when there is an application for double-renting the attachment 6 from the first user or the second user to the second owner, the information terminal 10 possessed by the first owner may notify the first owner that there is an application for double-renting to the second owner. The information terminal 10 possessed by the first owner may cause the display device 17 to display that there is an application for double-renting. When the information terminal 10 has an audio output device, the audio output device may output that there is an application for double-renting. The display device 17 or the audio output device is an example of a notification device that notifies the first owner that there is an application for double-renting the attachment 6 to the second owner.

[0101] In addition, when the attachment 6 rented from the first owner to the second owner is rented to the first user or the second user, if there is an application for returning the attachment 6 from the first user or the second user to the second owner, the management app of the information terminal 10 possessed by the first owner may notify the first owner that there is an application for returning the attachment 6 to the second owner. That is, when there is an application for returning the double-rented attachment 6 from the first user or the second user to the second owner, the information terminal 10 possessed by the first owner may notify the first owner that there is an application for returning the double-rented attachment 6 to the second owner. The information terminal 10 possessed by the first owner may cause the display device 17 to display that there is an application for returning the double-rented attachment 6. When the information terminal 10 has an audio output device, the audio output device may output that there is an application for returning the double-rented attachment 6. The display device 17 or the audio output device is an example of a notification device that notifies the first owner that there is an application for returning the double-rented attachment 6 to the second owner.

[0102] [Effect] As described above, in the embodiment, the management system 8 includes a storage unit 90 that stores identification data of a first owner who owns an attachment 6 attachable to the hydraulic excavator 1 and rents the attachment 6 to a third party, a data acquisition unit 91 that acquires input data from the first owner for giving the third party the right to use a management application for managing the attachment 6, a processing unit 93 that sets the right to use the management application to be given to the third party based on the identification data stored in the storage unit 90 and the input data acquired by the data acquisition unit 91, and an output unit 94 that provides the management application with the set right to use to the information terminal 10 of the third party.

[0103] According to the embodiment, by granting the third party the right to use a management application suitable for the third party, appropriate management items are provided to the third party. As a result, each of the first owner and the third owner can properly manage the attachment 6.

[0104] [Other Embodiments] In the above-described embodiment, the working machine 1 is assumed to be a hydraulic excavator. The working machine 1 may be an electric excavator. Further, the working machine 1 only needs to have a working machine to which the attachment 6 is exchangeable, and may be a working machine different from a shovel (hydraulic excavator or electric excavator). Examples of the working machine 1 having a working machine to which the attachment 6 is exchangeable include construction machines such as wheeled hydraulic excavators, wheel loaders, backhoe loaders, and skid steer loaders. Further, examples of the working machine 1 include agricultural machines or cargo handling vehicles such as forklifts.

[0105] In the above-described embodiment, the functions of the storage unit 90, the data acquisition unit 91, the area setting unit 92, the processing unit 93, and the output unit 94 may be assigned to respective separate hardware (computer systems). At least one of the functions of the storage unit 90, the data acquisition unit 91, the area setting unit 92, the processing unit 93, and the output unit 94 may be assigned to, for example, the information terminal 10. [Description of Reference Numerals]

[0106] 1…Hydraulic excavator (working machine), 2…Traveling body, 2A…Track, 3…Slewing body, 3A…Cab, 4…Working machine, 4A…Boom, 4B…Arm, 5…Hydraulic cylinder, 5A…Boom cylinder, 5B…Arm cylinder, 5C…Bucket cylinder, 6…Attachment, 6A…Attachment, 6B…Attachment, 6C…Attachment, 6D…Attachment, 6E…Attachment, 6F…Attachment, 6G…Attachment, 7…Management tag, 8…Management system, 9…Management server, 10…Information terminal, 11…Communication system, 12…Communication system, 13…Management computer, 14…Housing, 15…Terminal computer, 16…Input device, 17…Display device, 18…Camera, 19…Position sensor, 20…Communicator, 21…Battery, 22…Symbol, 23…Symbol, 24…Identification data, 25…Name, 26…Current location, 27…Status, 28…Maintenance data, 30…Registration location, 31…Storage area, 32…Work site, 33…Work site, 34…Maintenance site, 40…Geofence (area), 41…Storage geofence, 42…Site geofence, 43…Site geofence, 44…Maintenance geofence, 61…Bucket, 62…Skeleton bucket, 63…Concrete crusher, 64…Gripping tool, 65…Hydraulic breaker, 70…Housing, 71…Microcomputer, 72…Position sensor, 73…Motion sensor, 74…Communicator, 75…Battery, 90…Memory unit, 91…Data acquisition unit, 92…Area setting unit, 93…Processing unit, 94…Output unit, 101…Personal computer, 102…Mobile terminal, 1000…Computer system, 1001…Processor, 1002…Main memory, 1003…Storage, 1004…Interface.

Claims

1. A storage unit that stores identification data of a first owner who owns an attachment attachable to a work machine and rents the attachment to a third party; A data acquisition unit that acquires input data from the first owner for giving the third party the right to use application software for managing the attachment; A processing unit that sets the usage right to be given to the third party based on the identification data and the input data; An output unit that outputs the usage right set by the processing unit to the information terminal of the third party, An attachment management system.

2. The processing unit sets the usage right based on the rental period, The attachment management system according to claim 1.

3. The third party includes a second owner who rents the attachment rented from the first owner to a user, The processing unit sets the usage right to be given to the user based on the input data from the second owner, The attachment management system according to claim 2.

4. The user rents the attachment from the first owner, The processing unit sets the usage right to be given to the user based on the input data from the first owner, The attachment management system according to claim 3.

5. The application software can set an area including a registration position where the attachment is transported, The first owner and the second owner can view a management screen of the application software related to the setting of the area, The user can edit the management screen, The attachment management system according to claim 4.

6. The application software applies for rental of the attachment based on input data from the third party. The attachment management system according to claim 1.

7. The application software applies for return of the attachment based on input data from the third party. The attachment management system according to claim 1.

8. The third party includes a second owner who rents the attachment rented from the first owner to a user. The application software notifies the first owner that the rental application of the attachment was from the second owner. The attachment management system according to claim 1.

9. The third party includes a second owner who rents the attachment rented from the first owner to a user. The application software notifies the first owner that the return application of the attachment was from the second owner. The attachment management system according to claim 1.

10. An input device operated to give the third party the right to use application software for managing an attachment that can be attached to a work machine and is rented from a first owner to a third party, and a communication device that transmits the usage right input from the input device. An information terminal.

11. The input device is operated to determine the rental period of the attachment. The communication device transmits the rental period input from the input device. The information terminal according to claim 10.

12. The third party includes a second owner who rents the attachment rented from the first owner to a user, and includes a notification device that notifies that an application for renting the attachment was made to the second owner. The information terminal according to claim 10.

13. The third party includes a second owner who rents the attachment rented from the first owner to a user, and includes a notification device that notifies that an application for returning the attachment was made to the second owner. The information terminal according to claim 10.

14. A terminal computer installed with application software for managing an attachment that can be attached to a work machine and is rented from a first owner to a third party, a communication machine that receives the right to use the application software, and a display device that displays a management screen of the application software based on the right to use. Information terminal.

15. The display device restricts the display of the management screen based on the rental period of the attachment. The information terminal according to claim 14.

16. It includes an input device that is operated to edit the management screen, and the terminal computer restricts the editing of the management screen based on the right to use. The information terminal according to claim 14.

17. It includes an input device that is operated to apply for renting the attachment, and the communication machine transmits the rental application of the attachment input from the input device. The information terminal according to claim 14.

18. comprising an input device operated to apply for return of the attachment, wherein the communication device transmits a return application of the attachment input from the input device. The information terminal according to claim 14.

19. storing identification data of a first owner who owns an attachment attachable to a work machine; obtaining input data from the first owner for giving a third party, to whom the attachment is rented from the first owner, the right to use application software for managing the attachment; setting the right to use to be given to the third party based on the identification data and the input data; and outputting the right to use to the information terminal of the third party, A method for managing an attachment.

Images