Attachment management system, information terminal, and attachment management method

Abstract

To manage an attachment to be attached to a work machine.SOLUTION: An attachment management system comprises: a data acquisition unit that acquires position data of an attachment that can be attached to a work machine; an area setting unit that sets an area; a processing unit that recognizes the position of the attachment with respect to the area on the basis of the position data; and an output unit that outputs the recognition result of the position of the attachment.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

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 working machine operates at a work site, various attachments are attached to the working 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] Attachments are stored in a storage site or a work site and are attached to a working machine at the work site during use. There is a demand for a technology capable of managing attachments.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to manage an attachment attached to a working machine.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to the present disclosure, there is provided an attachment management system including a data acquisition unit that acquires position data of an attachment attachable to a working machine, an area setting unit that sets an area, a processing unit that recognizes the position of the attachment with respect to the area based on the position data, and an output unit that outputs a recognition result of the position of the attachment.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, an attachment attached to a working 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

Modes 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] [Working Machine] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a working machine 1 according to an embodiment. The working machine 1 operates at a work site. In the embodiment, the working machine 1 is a hydraulic excavator. In the following description, the working machine 1 is appropriately referred to as the hydraulic excavator 1. The hydraulic excavator 1 includes a traveling body 2, a revolving body 3, a working device 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 the rotation of 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 device 4 is attached to the front portion of the revolving body 3. The working device 4 performs work. Examples of the work performed by the working device 4 include an excavation work of excavating an excavation target and an earth discharge work of discharging the excavated material to an earth discharge target.

[0014] The working device 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 portion 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 device 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 gripper 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 includes 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 the microcomputer 71, the position sensor 72, the motion sensor 73, the communication device 74, and the 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. The management tag 7 can acquire the position data of the attachment 6 by the position sensor 72.

[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 or not 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. The management tag 7 can transmit the position data of the attachment 6 by the communication device 74.

[0023] The battery 75 functions as a power source for 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 the 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 the 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 communicator 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 communicator 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. An example of the input device 16 is a touch panel (touch sensor). 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. An example of the display device 17 is a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.

[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 by using the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). 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 by using not only GNSS but also wireless LAN such as Wifi (registered trademark), wireless PAN such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), and 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 by 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 included in the personal computer 101 may be a wired communication device.

[0036] [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.

[0037] Similarly, each of the terminal computer 15 and the microcomputer 71 also includes a computer system 1000 having at least a processor 1001.

[0038] [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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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 so 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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, part replacement, and cleaning of the attachment 6. For example, as the maintenance of the bucket 61, replacement of an adapter into which the bucket teeth are inserted or replacement of a backing plate attached to the outer surface of the bucket 61 is exemplified.

[0043] The geofence 40 is set to surround the registration position 30. A plurality of geofences 40 are set to surround each of the plurality of registration positions 30. The plurality of geofences 40 are separated from each other. In an embodiment, the geofence 40 includes a storage geofence 41 surrounding the storage yard 31, a site geofence 42 surrounding the work site 32, a site geofence 43 surrounding the work site 33, and a maintenance geofence 44 surrounding the maintenance yard 34.

[0044] The user can set the geofence 40 by operating the input device 16 of the information terminal 10. The geofence 40 is defined in a global coordinate system. The area setting unit 92 sets the geofence 40 based on the input data from the input device 16. The user can arbitrarily set the size of the geofence 40 and the position of the geofence 40 relative to the registration position 30. The geofence 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 geofence 40.

[0045] The display device 17 can display a map. The display device 17 displays the registration position 30 so as to overlap the map. The display device 17 displays the geofence 40 so as to overlap the map. The geofence 40 is displayed around the registration position 30. The display device 17 displays the registration position 30 and the geofence 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 overlap the map.

[0046] 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 including 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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 receiving 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 transportation 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.

[0050] 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 defense 41, the processing unit 93 determines that the state of the attachment 6 is an out-of-stock state of coming out from the storage defense 41. The processing unit 93 may determine whether the state of the attachment 6 is an out-of-stock state based on the position of the attachment 6 at the time when the attachment 6 comes out from the inside to the outside of the storage defense 41. The processing unit 93 may determine whether the state of the attachment 6 is an out-of-stock state based on the position of the attachment 6 immediately before the attachment 6 comes out from the inside to the outside of the storage defense 41. The processing unit 93 may determine whether the state of the attachment 6 is an out-of-stock state based on the position of the attachment 6 at a time point a predetermined time before the time when the attachment 6 comes out from the inside to the outside of the storage defense 41. When the processing unit 93 determines that the attachment 6 exists between the storage defense 41 and the site defense 42, the processing unit 93 determines that the state of the attachment 6 is a state of being transported from the storage defense 41 to the site defense 42. When the processing unit 93 determines that the attachment 6 has entered from the outside to the inside of the site defense 42, the processing unit 93 determines that the state of the attachment 6 is an in-stock state of entering the site defense 42.

[0051] In addition, when the attachment 6 is inside the storage defense 41, the processing unit 93 may determine that the attachment 6 is at the storage yard 31, when the attachment 6 comes out of the storage defense 41, the processing unit 93 may determine that it is in a state of being transported, and when the attachment 6 enters the inside of the site defense 42, the processing unit 93 may determine that the attachment 6 is at the work site 32.

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

[0053] When the attachment 6 exists at the storage site 31, the attachment 6 is considered to be removed from the hydraulic excavator 1 and unused (non-operating). Note that there may be a case where the attachment 6 exists at the storage site 31 while being attached to the hydraulic excavator 1. In the embodiment, when the attachment 6 exists at the storage site 31, the attachment 6 is considered to be unused (non-operating). Therefore, when the attachment 6 exists in the storage geofence 41, the processing unit 93 determines that the attachment 6 is in an available state (non-operating state).

[0054] When the attachment 6 is present at the work site 32 or the work site 33, the attachment 6 is regarded as being attached to the hydraulic excavator 1 and in use (in operation). 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 reach 10 times or more per day. In the embodiment, when the attachment 6 is present at the work site 32 or the work site 33, the attachment 6 is regarded as being in use (in operation). Therefore, when the attachment 6 is present at the site geofence 42 or the site geofence 43, the processing unit 93 determines that the attachment 6 is in a state of being in use (in an operating state).

[0055] Note that even if the attachment 6 is present at the work site 32 or the work site 33, the state of the attachment 6 may be changed to an arbitrary state by the operator operating the information terminal 10. For example, by operating the information terminal 10, it may be changed to another state such as "usable" or "under failure".

[0056] When the attachment 6 is present at the maintenance yard 34, the attachment 6 is regarded as being removed from the hydraulic excavator 1 and under maintenance. Therefore, when the attachment 6 is present at the maintenance geofence 44, the processing unit 93 determines that the attachment 6 is in a state of being under maintenance.

[0057] When the attachment 6 is not present in any of the plurality of geofences 40, the attachment 6 is regarded as being in a state of being removed from the hydraulic excavator 1 and in transit. Therefore, when the attachment 6 is present outside the geofence 40, the processing unit 93 determines that the attachment 6 is in a state of being in transit.

[0058] 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 geofence 40. The recognition result of the position of the attachment 6 includes the determination result as to whether the attachment 6 exists inside the geofence 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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 from the storage defense 41. The information terminal 10 outputs an out-of-stock notice 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 notice 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 on-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 on-site defense 42. The information terminal 10 outputs an in-stock notice indicating that the attachment 6 is in the in-stock state after entering the on-site defense 42. The user can recognize the state of the attachment 6 based on the notices (out-of-stock notice, in-transit notice, in-stock notice) output from the information terminal 10.

[0062] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an 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 each 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, the name 25 of the type of the attachment 6, the current location 26 indicating the current position of the attachment 6, the 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 state of each of the plurality of attachments 6 by checking the information terminal 10.

[0063] In addition, 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, the name 25 of the type of the attachment 6, the current location 26 indicating the current position of the attachment 6, the 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. As the current location 26, an address may be displayed, or instead of the address, the name of a pre-registered area 40 (such as a storage yard, a work site, and a maintenance site, etc.) may be displayed.

[0064] In addition, 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.

[0065] [Method for Managing Attachment] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a method for managing the attachment 6 according to the embodiment. The user operates the input device 16 to set the geofence 40. The input data generated by operating the input device 16 is transmitted to the management server 9 via the communication system 12. The area setting unit 92 of the management server 9 acquires the input data (step S1).

[0066] The area setting unit 92 sets the geofence 40 based on the input data acquired in step S1 (step S2).

[0067] The data acquisition unit 91 acquires the position data of the attachment 6. That is, the data acquisition unit 91 acquires the detection data of the position sensor 72 via the communication system 11 (step S3).

[0068] The processing unit 93 recognizes the position of the attachment 6 with respect to the geofence 40 based on the position data of the attachment 6 acquired in step S3 (step S4).

[0069] The processing unit 93 determines the state of the attachment 6 based on the recognition result of the position of the attachment 6 recognized in step S3 (step S5). As described above, the state of the attachment 6 includes at least one of an out-of-stock state, a stock-in state, a transportation state, a usable state, a in-use state, and a maintenance state.

[0070] The output unit 94 outputs the recognition result of the position of the attachment 6 recognized in step S4 and the determination result of the state of the attachment 6 determined in step S5 to the information terminal 10 (step S6). By displaying the respective states of the plurality of attachments 6 on the display device 17 of the information terminal 10, the user can recognize the current state of the attachment 6.

[0071] [Effect] As described above, in the embodiment, the management system 8 includes a data acquisition unit 91 that acquires position data of the attachment 6 attachable to the hydraulic excavator 1, an area setting unit 92 that sets a geo-fence 40 including the registration position 30, a processing unit 93 that recognizes the position of the attachment 6 with respect to the geo-fence 40 based on the position data of the attachment 6, and an output unit 94 that outputs the recognition result of the position of the attachment 6.

[0072] According to the embodiment, since the position of the attachment 6 with respect to the geo-fence 40 is recognized, the attachment 6 is managed. The recognition of the position of the attachment 6 includes the determination of the state of the attachment 6. Since the current state of the attachment 6 is recognized, the state of the attachment 6 is properly managed.

[0073] [Other Embodiments] In the above-described embodiment, the area 40 includes the registration position 30. The area 40 may not include the registration position 30. The area 40 may be set without depending on the registration position 30.

[0074] 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 an excavator (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.

[0075] 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 different 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.

Explanation of Signs

[0076] 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, 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…Gripper, 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 data acquisition unit that acquires position data of an attachment attachable to a work machine, An area setting unit that sets an area, A processing unit that recognizes the position of the attachment with respect to the area based on the position data, An output unit that outputs a recognition result of the position of the attachment, comprising an attachment management system.

2. The output unit outputs the recognition result to a storage unit, The attachment management system according to claim 1.

3. The output unit outputs the recognition result to an information terminal, The attachment management system according to claim 1.

4. The area setting unit sets the area based on input data from an input device, The attachment management system according to claim 1.

5. The area includes a storage place where the attachment is stored, The attachment management system according to claim 1.

6. The area includes a work site where the work machine operates, The attachment management system according to claim 1.

7. The processing unit determines the state of the attachment based on the position data, The attachment management system according to claim 1.

8. The state of the attachment includes at least one of a shipped state in which the attachment has left the area, a stored state in which the attachment has entered the area, and a transported state in which the attachment exists outside the area. The attachment management system according to claim 7.

9. The area includes a storage location where the attachment is stored, The state of the attachment includes an available state in which the attachment exists in the area including the storage location. The attachment management system according to claim 7.

10. The area includes a work site where the work machine operates, The state of the attachment includes an in-use state in which the attachment exists in the area including the work site. The attachment management system according to claim 7.

11. The area includes a maintenance location where the attachment is maintained, The state of the attachment includes a maintenance-in-progress state in which the attachment exists in the area including the maintenance location. The attachment management system according to claim 8.

12. A management tag attached to the attachment, which acquires position data and transmits the position data, A management server having the data acquisition unit, the area setting unit, the processing unit, and the output unit. The attachment management system according to claim 1.

13. A communication device that receives a recognition result of the position of the attachment with respect to an area based on the position data of the attachment attachable to a work machine, A display device that displays the recognition result of the position of the attachment. An information terminal.

14. The recognition result of the position of the attachment includes the state of the attachment. The information terminal according to claim 13.

15. The display device displays a list of the states of each of the plurality of attachments. The information terminal according to claim 14.

16. The display device displays at least one of the type of the attachment, the identification data of the attachment, the current position of the attachment, the current state of the attachment, and the maintenance data related to the maintenance of the attachment. The information terminal according to claim 15.

17. The state of the attachment includes at least one of a stock-out state in which the attachment has left the area, a stock-in state in which the attachment has entered the area, and a transportation state in which the attachment exists outside the area. The information terminal according to claim 14.

18. The area includes a storage place where the attachment is stored. The state of the attachment includes an available state in which the attachment exists in the area including the storage place. The information terminal according to claim 14.

19. The area includes a work site where the work machine operates. The state of the attachment includes an in-use state in which the attachment exists in the area including the work site. The information terminal according to claim 14.

20. Obtaining position data of an attachment attachable to a work machine. Setting an area. Recognizing the position of the attachment with respect to the area based on the position data. Outputting the recognition result of the position of the attachment. A method for managing an attachment.

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