Aggregate management system and aggregate management method

Abstract

To provide an aggregate management system that can accurately identify information regarding characteristics written on a slip and prevent aggregates with different characteristics in a storage area from getting mixed up.SOLUTION: An aggregate management system 1 includes multiple storage units for storing aggregates with different characteristics, and a switching-conveying unit for conveying aggregates that have been unloaded from a vehicle to one storage unit selected from the multiple storage units according to the aggregate characteristics. The aggregate management system 1 includes an imaging unit 30 that shoots images of aggregates loaded on the vehicle, a determination unit 44 that determines the characteristics of the aggregates based on the images that have been shot, a slip reading unit 50 that reads information about the characteristics printed on the slips issued at an aggregate plant, and an instruction unit 45 that permits unloading of aggregates from the vehicle when the characteristics of the aggregates determined by the determination unit 44, the characteristics of the aggregates read by the slip reading unit 50, and the characteristics of aggregates that can be stored in the storage unit selected by the switching-conveying unit match each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aggregate management system and an aggregate management method. [Background technology]

[0002] Aggregates such as gravel and sand used in concrete are classified according to their particle size and other characteristics, transported to manufacturing plants by transport vehicles, and stored in storage tanks according to the aggregate's characteristics via transport conveyors. At this time, a manager switches the position of the transport conveyor according to the aggregate's characteristics, so that the aggregate is stored in the appropriate storage tank according to its characteristics. However, due to human error such as managerial mistake or incorrect operation, aggregates with different characteristics can be placed in the wrong storage tank, resulting in the mixing of aggregates with different characteristics in one storage tank.

[0003] Various technologies have been proposed to prevent the incorrect addition of aggregate due to human error as described above. For example, an aggregate transport and storage system is known that includes a transport conveyor that transports aggregate unloaded from a transport vehicle to a storage tank and a sorting conveyor that sorts the aggregate from multiple storage tanks to a predetermined storage tank according to its particle size (characteristics) (Patent Document 1). In the aggregate transport and storage system, a manager (operator) receives a slip from the driver of the transport vehicle and manually inputs the particle size (characteristics) of the aggregate written on the slip into a control unit. An imaging unit then captures images of the aggregate loaded on the transport vehicle and determines the particle size of the aggregate from the image processing results (3D images). If the particle size of the aggregate input by the manager matches the particle size of the aggregate calculated from the image processing results, the control unit switches the sorting conveyor based on the particle size of the aggregate. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-162015 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, with the above technology, there have been cases where the manager has input incorrect information (characteristics) into the control means due to a mistake or an operation error, etc. If there is an error in the information input into the control means, the sorting conveyor cannot be switched unless the input information error is identified and corrected, and the unloading work from the transport vehicle may be delayed.

[0006] Taking the above circumstances into consideration, the present invention provides an aggregate management system and an aggregate management method that can accurately identify information regarding characteristics written on invoices and prevent the mixing of aggregates with different characteristics in storage areas. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention provides an aggregate management system comprising a plurality of storage units for storing aggregates having different characteristics, and a switching and conveying unit for conveying the aggregate unloaded from a vehicle to one of the storage units selected from the plurality of storage units according to the characteristics of the aggregate, the system comprising: a photographing unit for photographing the aggregate loaded on the vehicle; a determination unit for determining the characteristics of the aggregate based on the image photographed by the photographing unit; a slip reading unit for reading information about the characteristics written on a slip issued at the aggregate manufacturing plant; and an instruction unit for permitting the unloading of the aggregate from the vehicle when the characteristics of the aggregate determined by the determination unit, the characteristics of the aggregate read by the slip reading unit, and the characteristics of the aggregate that can be stored in the storage unit selected by the switching and conveying unit match.

[0008] In this case, the system may further include a display unit that displays the image captured by the photographing unit, and if there is an error in the judgment result by the judging unit, the administrator may judge the characteristics of the aggregate based on the image displayed on the display unit.

[0009] In this case, it is preferable that the apparatus further includes a counting unit that counts the characteristics of the aggregates read by the slip reading unit.

[0010] In this case, the photographing unit is a stereotype digital camera or a monocular type digital camera with a distance measurement function, and the judgment unit is a learning-type artificial intelligence engine having a feature calculation unit that calculates feature amounts of multiple types of aggregate based on training data for deep learning generated based on the multiple images photographed by the photographing unit, a learning unit that learns the feature amounts of the multiple types of aggregate, and a characteristic inference unit that infers the characteristics of the aggregate based on the learning results by the learning unit and images of the aggregate photographed separately by the photographing unit.

[0011] In this case, the characteristics of the aggregate may include at least one of the particle size of the aggregate, the particle size distribution of the aggregate, and the rock type of the aggregate.

[0012] The present invention provides an aggregate management method in a facility equipped with a plurality of storage units for storing aggregates having different characteristics, and a switching and conveying unit for conveying the aggregate unloaded from a vehicle to one of the storage units selected from the plurality of storage units according to the characteristics of the aggregate, the method comprising: a photographing step in which a photographing unit photographs the aggregate loaded on the vehicle; a determination step in which a determination unit determines the characteristics of the aggregate based on the image photographed by the photographing unit; a slip reading step in which a slip reading unit reads information about the characteristics written on a slip issued at the aggregate manufacturing plant; and an instruction step in which an instruction unit permits the unloading of the aggregate from the vehicle when the characteristics of the aggregate determined by the determination unit, the characteristics of the aggregate read by the slip reading unit, and the characteristics of the aggregate that can be stored in the storage unit selected by the switching and conveying unit match.

[0013] In this case, in the judgment process, the image taken by the photographing unit is displayed on a display unit, and if there is an error in the judgment result by the judgment unit, the administrator can judge the characteristics of the aggregate based on the image displayed on the display unit.

[0014] In this case, it is preferable that the counting unit further includes a counting step of counting the characteristics of the aggregate read by the slip reading unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to accurately identify information regarding the characteristics written on a slip, and to prevent the mixing of aggregates with different characteristics in the storage section. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view showing an aggregate management system (receiving hopper, etc.) according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a side view showing an aggregate management system (sorting conveyor, etc.) according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram showing an aggregate management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view (block diagram) showing a photographing unit and the like of an aggregate management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a perspective view (block diagram) showing a slip reading unit and the like of an aggregate management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a flowchart showing the steps of an aggregate management method according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that although terms indicating directions and positions are used in this specification, these terms are used for convenience of explanation and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0018] An aggregate management system 1 according to one embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 5. Figures 1 and 2 are side views showing a part of the aggregate management system 1. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the aggregate management system 1. Figure 4 is a perspective view (block diagram) showing the photographing unit 30 and other parts. Figure 5 is a perspective view (block diagram) showing the slip reading unit 50 and other parts.

[0019] [Aggregate Management System] The aggregate management system 1 is installed at a construction site for a large-scale structure such as a dam, and is used to manage and store aggregates 9 for concrete used at the construction site. The aggregate management system 1 classifies and stores aggregates 9 (see FIG. 1) loaded on a vehicle 90, such as a dump truck, according to their characteristics. The aggregates 9 are classified into four types, for example, sand 9A (fine aggregate), small gravel 9B (small coarse aggregate), medium gravel 9C (medium coarse aggregate), and large gravel 9D (large coarse aggregate) (see FIG. 2). The particle size of the aggregates 9 increases in the order of sand 9A, small gravel 9B, medium gravel 9C, and large gravel 9D. In this specification, when describing the aggregates 9A, small gravel 9B, medium gravel 9C, and large gravel 9D in common, they are simply referred to as aggregates 9, and only Arabic numerals are used as reference symbols. The classification of aggregates 9 is not limited to the above four types and can be changed as appropriate depending on the type of concrete to be produced, the environment in which they are used, and other factors.

[0020] The aggregate management system 1 includes a plurality of storage units 2A to 2D, a switching and conveying unit 4, a photographing unit 30, a control unit 40, and a slip reading unit 50. In this specification, the "conveying direction" of the aggregate 9 refers to the conveying direction of the aggregate 9 by the conveyor 11, which will be described later.

[0021] <Storage section> As shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of (for example, four) storage sections 2A-2D are tanks formed in a substantially cylindrical shape and each having a storage port 3A-3D on the upper end surface. The plurality of storage sections 2A-2D are aligned in a line along the conveying direction. The plurality of storage sections 2A-2D store (a plurality of types of) aggregates 9 having different properties. As an example, the four storage sections 2A-2D store sand 9A, small gravel 9B, medium gravel 9C, and large gravel 9D in this order from upstream to downstream in the conveying direction. In this specification, in the description common to the four storage sections 2A-2D (four storage ports 3A-3D), only Arabic numerals are used for the reference numerals.

[0022] <Switching conveyance section> The switching conveying section 4 conveys the aggregates 9 unloaded from the vehicle 90 to one storage section 2 selected from the plurality of storage sections 2A to 2D depending on the characteristics of the aggregates 9. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the switching conveying section 4 has a receiving hopper 10, a transfer conveyor 11, a sorting conveyor 12, and a sorting moving section 13.

[0023] (receiving hopper) As shown in FIG. 1, the receiving hopper 10 is formed in a funnel shape that narrows from top to bottom. An enclosing member 5, which is made of a frame material with soundproofing material attached, is provided on the top of the receiving hopper 10. A loading opening (not shown) is formed in front of the enclosing member 5 to load aggregates 9 from a vehicle 90 into the receiving hopper 10. The aggregates 9 loaded on the vehicle 90 are loaded into the top opening of the receiving hopper 10, and an approximately fixed amount of aggregates 9 is discharged from the bottom opening of the receiving hopper 10. A vibrating device (not shown) is provided near the receiving hopper 10 to vibrate the receiving hopper 10.

[0024] A turntable 6 that rotates 180 degrees with the vehicle 90 loaded on it is provided in front of the receiving hopper 10 (enclosing member 5). The turntable 6 is provided with switches (not shown) at two diagonal positions across from the vehicle 90 for rotating the turntable 6. The vehicle 90 moves forward and stops on the turntable 6, and the driver, still aboard the vehicle 90, operates one of the switches to rotate the turntable 6 180 degrees. This causes the vehicle 90 to face its rear loading platform toward the receiving hopper 10 (see FIG. 1).

[0025] A plurality of (e.g., two) rotating lights 14, 15 and a vehicle detection sensor 16 are provided ahead of the driver of a vehicle 90 stopped with its loading platform facing the receiving hopper 10. Each of the rotating lights 14, 15 turns on a light-emitting element (not shown) while rotating a reflector (not shown). The rotating lights 14, 15 notify the manager and the driver of the vehicle 90 whether or not the aggregate 9 loaded on the vehicle 90 can be unloaded. For example, the rotating light 14 lights up blue, indicating that the aggregate 9 loaded on the vehicle 90 can be loaded into the receiving hopper 10. The rotating light 15 lights up red, indicating that loading of the aggregate 9 into the receiving hopper 10 is prohibited. The vehicle detection sensor 16 is, for example, an ultrasonic sensor, and detects the presence or absence of the vehicle 90 on the turntable 6.

[0026] (Transport conveyor) As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the transport conveyor 11 is provided between below the receiving hopper 10 and above the plurality of storage sections 2A to 2D. The transport conveyor 11 includes a transport belt 21 wound around a plurality of transport rollers 20 arranged in the transport direction. Each transport roller 20 is supported by a frame (not shown) so as to be rotatable about its axis, and each transport roller 20 is connected to a transport motor M1 via a drive transmission mechanism (not shown) such as a gear train. The transport motor M1 rotates the transport belt 21 in one direction (see the arrow in FIGS. 1 and 2). The transport belt 21 rotates in one direction to transport the aggregates 9 toward the storage section 2 (sorting conveyor 12).

[0027] (sorting conveyor) As shown in Fig. 2, the sorting conveyor 12 is provided above the plurality of storage sections 2A-2D, crossing the storage openings 3A-3D of the plurality of storage sections 2A-2D. The sorting conveyor 12 is disposed below the downstream portion of the transport conveyor 11 in the conveying direction. The sorting conveyor 12 includes a sorting belt 23 wound around a plurality of sorting rollers 22 arranged in the conveying direction. Each sorting roller 22 is supported by a sorting frame 24 so as to be rotatable about its axis, and each sorting roller 22 is connected to a sorting motor M2 via a drive transmission mechanism (not shown) such as a gear train. The sorting motor M2 rotates the sorting belt 23 forward or backward.

[0028] (Sorting and moving section) As shown in FIG. 2, the sorting movement section 13 has a plurality of (e.g., two) rollers 25 arranged below the sorting conveyor 12. The rollers 25 are interposed between the sorting frame 24 and a rail (not shown) and support the sorting frame 24 so that it can move laterally. One roller 25 is connected to a movement motor M3 via a drive transmission mechanism (not shown) such as a gear train. A rotary encoder (not shown) that detects the rotation angle of an output shaft (not shown) is incorporated in the movement motor M3. The movement motor M3 rotates the rollers 25 to move the sorting frame 24 (sorting conveyor 12) back and forth laterally.

[0029] The conveying motor M1, the sorting motor M2, and the movement motor M3 are electrically connected to a conveying control unit 26, which includes, for example, a microcomputer, a transceiver, etc. A changeover switch 27 (see FIG. 3) operated by an administrator to switch the position of the sorting conveyor 12 is provided in a management room (not shown) installed away from the switching conveying unit 4, etc. The changeover switch 27 is electrically connected to the conveying control unit 26. The conveying control unit 26 controls the various motors M1, M2, and M3 based on a switching signal D4 (see FIG. 3) sent from the changeover switch 27. The conveying control unit 26 calculates (detects) the position and movement direction of the sorting conveyor 12 based on an output signal from a rotary encoder built into the movement motor M3.

[0030] Although the transport control unit 26 calculates the position of the sorting conveyor 12 using a rotary encoder incorporated in the movement motor M3, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, one or more detection means such as an optical sensor, microswitch, or camera may be provided (not shown), and the transport control unit 26 may directly detect the position of the sorting conveyor 12 based on the output of the detection means.

[0031] Before the aggregates 9 are dumped into the receiving hopper 10, the manager selects one of the multiple storage sections 2A to 2D according to the characteristics of the aggregates 9, and operates the selector switch 27 to specify the position of the sorting conveyor 12 and the rotation direction of the sorting belt 23. The aggregates 9 dumped into the receiving hopper 10 are discharged from the opening at the bottom of the receiving hopper 10 and placed on the conveyor belt 21 at a substantially uniform thickness. The aggregates 9 transported by the transport conveyor 11 are placed (dropped) onto the sorting belt 23 from the downstream end of the conveyor belt 21 in the transport direction.

[0032] For example, when sand 9A is dropped onto the sorting conveyor 12, the sorting movement unit 13 (movement motor M3) moves the sorting conveyor 12 laterally so that one end (the left end in FIG. 2) of the sorting conveyor 12 is aligned with the storage opening 3A of the storage unit 2A. Then, the sorting motor M2 rotates the sorting belt 23 to transport the sand 9A to the storage unit 2A, and the sand 9A is dropped (stored) in the storage unit 2A. In the case of small gravel 9B, the sorting movement unit 13 moves the sorting conveyor 12 so that one end is aligned with the storage opening 3B of the storage unit 2B, and the sorting motor M2 rotates the sorting belt 23 to transport the small gravel 9B to the storage unit 2B, and the small gravel 9B is dropped into the storage unit 2B. In the case of medium gravel 9C (large gravel 9D), the sorting movement unit 13 moves the sorting conveyor 12 so that the other end (the right end in FIG. 2) is aligned with the storage opening 3C of the storage unit 2C (storage opening 3D of the storage unit 2D), and the sorting motor M2 rotates the sorting belt 23 so as to transport the medium gravel 9C (large gravel 9D) to the storage unit 2C (storage unit 2D), and the medium gravel 9C is dropped into the storage unit 2C (large gravel 9D is dropped into the storage unit 2D). As described above, the position and rotation direction of the sorting conveyor 12 are controlled based on the instructions of the manager, and the multiple types of aggregate 9 are sorted according to their characteristics and stored in the storage unit 2.

[0033] Although the switching conveying section 4 includes the sorting conveyor 12, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of the sorting conveyor 12, an inclined gutter may be configured to rotate around a vertical axis (not shown). In this case, the rotation center of the inclined gutter may be located below the end of the conveying conveyor 11, and multiple storage sections 2 may be located on the rotation path at the tip end of the inclined gutter. By controlling the rotation position of the inclined gutter, the aggregate 9 dropped from the conveying conveyor 11 may be sorted into selected storage sections 2.

[0034] <Photography Department> As shown in FIG. 4, the photographing unit 30 has two (stereotype) digital cameras 31. The two digital cameras 31 are fixed above the loading opening of the outer casing member 5 with a gap between them. The vehicle 90 stops with its loading platform facing the receiving hopper 10, and the photographing unit 30 (two digital cameras 31) photographs the aggregates 9 loaded on the loading platform of the vehicle 90. An illuminator 32 is provided between the two digital cameras 31 to illuminate the aggregates 9 loaded on the vehicle 90. The digital camera 31 and the illuminator 32 are connected to and controlled by a controller 33 including, for example, a microcomputer, a transceiver, etc. The images photographed by the photographing unit 30 may be color images or monochrome images. In addition,

[0035] While the photographing unit 30 is configured with a digital camera 31 in the above embodiment, it is not limited to this and may be configured with a camera equipped with a mirror. The photographing unit 30 may also be configured with three or more cameras, or may be configured with a single camera that combines two or more lens mechanisms and a shutter mechanism. The photographing unit 30 may also be a monocular digital camera with a distance measurement function (not shown).

[0036] <Control unit> The control unit 40 is located in a roofed management room away from the storage unit 2 and the switching and conveying unit 4. As shown in FIG. 3 , the control unit 40 includes a computer unit 41 and a display unit 42. The computer unit 41 is a so-called personal computer. The computer unit 41 includes a memory unit that stores data such as programs and images captured by the imaging unit 30, a calculation processing unit that executes calculations according to the programs, and a communication unit that is communicatively connected to various controlled devices. The memory unit, calculation processing unit, and communication unit are electrically connected to each other and configured to be able to communicate with each other. Input means (not shown), such as a keyboard and a mouse, are also connected to the computer unit 41, and an administrator operates the input means to input predetermined information into the computer unit 41. The display unit 42 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and is connected to the computer unit 41 to display multiple images captured by the imaging unit 30, calculation results from the computer unit 41, and the like.

[0037] The storage unit includes storage media such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a hard disk, and the arithmetic processing unit includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit). Various information necessary for managing the aggregates 9, such as the four types of aggregates 9 and the characteristics of the aggregates 9 that can be stored in the four storage units 2A to 2D, is stored (saved) in advance in the storage unit. The devices to be controlled, such as the rotating lights 14 and 15, the vehicle detection sensor 16, the transport control unit 26, and the controller 33, are electrically connected to the computer unit 41 via a communication unit.

[0038] 3, the computer unit 41 is equipped with a teacher data generation unit 43, a judgment unit 44, an instruction unit 45, and a counting unit 52. The teacher data generation unit 43, the judgment unit 44, the instruction unit 45, and the counting unit 52 are functions realized by the calculation processing unit executing calculation processing based on a program or the like.

[0039] The training data generation unit 43 generates training data for deep learning based on multiple images captured by the imaging unit 30. The determination unit 44 determines the characteristics of the aggregates 9 based on the images (photography results) captured by the imaging unit 30. The determination unit 44 is a learning-type artificial intelligence engine having a feature calculation unit 46, a learning unit 47, and a property inference unit 48. All or part of the artificial intelligence engine is composed of program code written using an existing programming language. The feature calculation unit 46 calculates feature quantities of multiple types of aggregates 9 based on the generated training data. The learning unit 47 learns the feature quantities of multiple types of aggregates 9. The property inference unit 48 infers the characteristics of the aggregates 9 based on the learning results by the learning unit 47 and images of the aggregates 9 captured separately by the imaging unit 30. The instruction unit 45 permits unloading of the aggregates 9 from the vehicle 90 when predetermined conditions are met (details will be described later). The counting unit 52 counts the characteristics of the aggregates 9 read by the slip reading unit 50 (described later).

[0040] Training data refers to a pair of "input data" and "correct label" used in supervised deep learning. For example, training data is generated by inputting images as "input data" into a neural network with many parameters to perform deep learning, updating the difference between the inferred label and the correct label (the weight during training) and calculating the trained weight.

[0041] The characteristics of the aggregate 9 include at least one of the particle size of the aggregate 9, the particle size distribution of the aggregate 9, and the rock type of the aggregate 9. The characteristic inference unit 48 determines the particle size of the aggregate 9 (determines the particle size classification of fine aggregate and coarse aggregate), predicts the particle size distribution of the aggregate 9 (roughly determines the coarse particle ratio (FM value)), and determines the rock type of the aggregate 9 (determines the type). The coarse particle ratio is the value obtained by dividing the sum of the percentages of the amount of aggregate 9 retained on each sieve for the nominal size of each sieve by 100.

[0042] The procedure for generating training data by the training data generating unit 43 (the procedure for learning processing) and the procedure for determining the characteristics of the aggregate 9 by the determining unit 44 (the procedure for aggregate discrimination processing) are the same as the procedures described in (Regarding learning processing) and (Regarding aggregate discrimination processing) of Japanese Patent No. 7284023. The particle size, particle size distribution, and rock type of the aggregate 9 are determined or predicted by the procedures described in (Verification example of particle size discrimination), (Verification example of particle size distribution prediction), and (Verification example of rock type discrimination) of Japanese Patent No. 7284023.

[0043] <Slip reading section> The slip reading unit 50 is a system that executes what is known as OCR (Optical Character Recognition / Reader) and is installed in the control room. As shown in Figure 5, the slip reading unit 50 has a computer unit 41 and a reading camera 51. The computer unit 41 is a component that constitutes the control unit 40, but it is also a component that constitutes the slip reading unit 50.

[0044] The reading camera 51 is, for example, a digital camera, and is electrically connected to the computer unit 41 (communication unit). The reading camera 51 photographs a slip P issued at the production site of the aggregate 9. More specifically, the reading camera 51 optically reads information about the characteristics of the aggregate 9 written on the slip P (hereinafter referred to as "characteristic information D6"). The computer unit 41 converts the characteristic information D6 read by the reading camera 51 into a digital character code. The function of converting the characteristic information D6 into a digital character code is configured by program code written using an existing programming language. A reading illuminator (not shown) that illuminates the slip P may be provided near the reading camera 51.

[0045] The characteristic information D6 written on the slip P includes, for example, the company name (manufacturer name), the date and time of issue, the particle size of the aggregate 9, the type (rock type), and the weight (or volume). The format of the slip P is pre-stored (registered) in the memory of the computer unit 41. If there are multiple factories that produce the aggregate 9, the format of the slip P may differ for each factory. The characteristic information D6 written on the slip P may differ depending on the factory, but at least the particle size, type, and weight of the aggregate 9 are assumed to be written.

[0046] [Aggregate management method] An aggregate management method using the aggregate management system 1 will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 6. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the steps of the aggregate management method.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 6, the aggregate management method includes a photographing step S1, a determining step S2, a slip reading step S3, an instruction step S4, and a counting step S5.

[0048] When the vehicle 90 enters a construction site equipped with the aggregate management system 1, the driver of the vehicle 90 submits the slip P issued at the production site of the aggregate 9 to the management office (manager) (step S10). The driver drives the vehicle 90 onto the turntable 6, stops it at a predetermined position, and, while still inside the vehicle 90, operates a switch to rotate the turntable 6 180 degrees, so that the rear of the vehicle 90 (loading platform) faces the receiving hopper 10 (see Figure 1).

[0049] <Filming process> In the photographing step S1, the photographing unit 30 photographs the aggregates 9 loaded on the vehicle 90. Specifically, when the vehicle detection sensor 16 detects the vehicle 90 on the turntable 6 (YES in step S11), it transmits a detection signal D1 to the computer unit 41 (control unit 40). The computer unit 41, having received the detection signal D1, transmits a control signal D2 to the controller 33 of the photographing unit 30, instructing the controller 33 to photograph the aggregates 9. The controller 33, having received the control signal D2, controls the two digital cameras 31, and the two digital cameras 31 (photographing units 30) photograph the aggregates 9 loaded on the vehicle 90 (step S12). At this time, the controller 33 may execute control to turn on the illuminators 32. Note that step S11 is repeatedly executed until the vehicle detection sensor 16 detects the vehicle 90 (NO in step S11). Furthermore, the vehicle detection sensor 16 may be omitted. In that case, an administrator may recognize the vehicle 90 and manually start photographing the aggregates 9 with the photographing unit 30.

[0050] The controller 33 transmits the image (image data D3) captured by the imaging unit 30 to the computer unit 41 (control unit 40) (step S12). The computer unit 41 temporarily stores (saves) the received image data D3 in a storage unit. The computer unit 41 may also display the received image data D3 on the display unit 42.

[0051] <Judgment process> In the determination step S2, the determination unit 44 determines the characteristics of the aggregate 9 based on the image (image data D3) captured by the imaging unit 30. The determination unit 44 executes an aggregate discrimination process based on the image data D3, and determines, for example, the particle size of the aggregate 9 as a characteristic (step S21). The determination unit 44 temporarily stores (saves) the determination result (particle size of the aggregate 9) in the storage unit. The determination unit 44 may also display the determination result on the display unit 42. Note that the determination unit 44 only needs to determine at least one of the particle size, particle size distribution, and rock type of the aggregate 9, and may determine any two or three of the particle size, particle size distribution, and rock type of the aggregate 9.

[0052] However, there is a very rare possibility that the determination unit 44 may not be able to correctly determine the characteristics (particle size, etc.) of the aggregates 9 from the image (image data D3), for example, when the aggregates 9 loaded on the vehicle 90 are wet from rain or when snow has fallen and accumulated on the aggregates 9. Therefore, the manager checks (visually) the image displayed on the display unit 42 to check whether the determination result by the determination unit 44 is correct (step S22). If the determination result is incorrect (YES in step S22), the manager determines the characteristics of the aggregates 9 based on the image displayed on the display unit 42, and temporarily stores (saves) the manager's determination result (particle size of the aggregates 9) in the storage unit instead of the determination result by the determination unit 44 (step S23). If the determination result is correct (NO in step S22), the process proceeds to the next step (instruction step S4). Note that if the aggregates 9 cannot be identified at all, for example, if the aggregates 9 are not captured in the image captured by the image capture unit 30, the determination unit 44 outputs an error.

[0053] <Slip reading process> In the slip reading step S3, the slip reading unit 50 reads the characteristic information D6 of the slip P. The slip reading step S3 is performed simultaneously with the photographing step S1 or the determining step S2.

[0054] In the slip reading process S3, the manager places the slip P received from the driver of the vehicle 90 at the shooting (reading) position of the reading camera 51 and operates the reading camera 51 (or the computer unit 41 (input means)) to start reading the slip P. The reading camera 51 optically reads the characteristic information D6 written on the slip P and transmits the read characteristic information D6 (image) to the computer unit 41. The computer unit 41 converts the received characteristic information D6 into digital character code and temporarily stores (saves) the character code in a memory unit. The computer unit 41 may also display the image of the slip P and the converted character code on the display unit 42.

[0055] <Counting process> In the counting step S5, the counting unit 52 counts the properties of the aggregates 9 read by the slip reading unit 50. The counting step S5 is performed after the slip reading step S3, at the same time as the photographing step S1 or the determining step S2.

[0056] In the tallying step S5, the tallying unit 52 tally (accumulates) the particle size, type, and weight of the aggregate 9 included in the characteristic information D6, and temporarily stores (saves) the tallying results for each characteristic in the memory of the computer unit 41. The tallying unit 52 may also display the tallying results on the display unit 42. If the aggregate 9 has multiple characteristics (particle size, type, weight, etc.), the tallying unit 52 may tally at least one characteristic. If the aggregate 9 is produced at multiple factories, the tallying unit 52 may tally the characteristics of the aggregate 9 for each factory. The tallying unit 52 may also issue (generate) an invoice or the like for each factory based on the tallying results.

[0057] <Instruction process> In the instruction process S4, if the characteristics (particle size, etc.) of the aggregate 9 determined by the judgment unit 44, the characteristics of the aggregate 9 read by the slip reading unit 50, and the characteristics (particle size) of the aggregate 9 that can be stored in the storage unit 2 selected by the switching and conveying unit 4 match, the instruction unit 45 allows the unloading of the aggregate 9 from the vehicle 90.

[0058] In the instruction step S4, the manager visually checks the slip P (which may be an image of the slip P displayed on the display unit 42) and / or the judgment result of the judgment unit 44 displayed on the display unit 42, and recognizes the particle size of the aggregate 9. The manager selects a storage unit 2 that stores aggregate 9 of the recognized particle size and operates the changeover switch 27 according to the selection result. The changeover switch 27 transmits a changeover signal D4 according to the operation to the conveyance control unit 26. The conveyance control unit 26 controls the movement motor M3 based on the received changeover signal D4 to align the position of the sorting conveyor 12 with the selected storage unit 2 and transmits selection information D5 regarding the selected storage unit 2 to the computer unit 41 (control unit 40) (step S41). Note that at this time, the conveyance motor M1 and the sorting motor M2 (the conveyance belt 21 and the sorting belt 23) are maintained in a stopped state, but the conveyance motor M1 and the sorting motor M2 may be driven and controlled to rotate the conveyance belt 21 and the sorting belt 23.

[0059] The instruction unit 45 determines whether or not three pieces of information match: the particle size of the aggregate 9 determined by the determination unit 44, the particle size of the aggregate 9 included in the characteristic information D6 read by the slip reading unit 50, and the particle size of the aggregate 9 that can be stored in the storage unit 2, which is indicated by the selection information D5 (step S42). If the above three pieces of information match (YES in step S42), the instruction unit 45 executes control to turn on and rotate the rotating light 14 (blue) to permit unloading of the aggregate 9 from the vehicle 90 (step S43). After confirming that the rotating light 14 is lit, the driver of the vehicle 90 deposits (unloads) the aggregate 9 loaded on the vehicle 90 into the receiving hopper 10. Furthermore, if the above three pieces of information match (YES in step S42), the instruction unit 45 sends a signal to the conveyance control unit 26 to instruct it to start driving, and the conveyance control unit 26 drives and controls the conveyance motor M1 and the sorting motor M2 based on the received signal, and rotates the conveyance belt 21 and the sorting belt 23 (step S44). As a result, the unloaded aggregate 9 is conveyed to the appropriately selected storage unit 2 and thrown in (stored).

[0060] If the above three pieces of information do not match (NO in step S42), the instruction unit 45 executes control to turn on and rotate the rotating light 15 (red) to prohibit the unloading of the aggregates 9 from the vehicle 90 (step S45). The driver of the vehicle 90 checks that the rotating light 15 is lit, etc., and does not unload the aggregates 9 loaded on the vehicle 90. Furthermore, if the above three pieces of information do not match (NO in step S42), the instruction unit 45 does not send a signal to the conveyance control unit 26 to instruct it to start driving, so the conveyance motor M1 and the sorting motor M2 are maintained in a stopped state. Then, the manager executes an investigation to identify the cause of the mismatch between the above three pieces of information.

[0061] This completes the aggregate management method. Note that the aggregate management method described above is merely an example, and the order (procedure) may be changed in various ways within the spirit of the technical concept, such as for example, the slip reading step S3 and the tallying step S5 being performed before the photographing step S1 or the determination step S2, or after the photographing step S1 or the determination step S2.

[0062] In the aggregate management system 1 (aggregate management method) according to the present embodiment described above, the slip reader 50 is configured to read the information about the characteristics (characteristic information D6) written on the slip P issued at the production site of the aggregate 9. This configuration eliminates misunderstandings and operational errors by the manager, thereby enabling accurate identification of the characteristic information D6. Furthermore, if the characteristics of the aggregate 9 determined by the determination unit 44, the characteristics of the aggregate 9 read by the slip reader 50, and the characteristics of the aggregate 9 that can be stored in the storage unit 2 selected by the switching and conveying unit 4 match, the instruction unit 45 permits unloading of the aggregate 9 from the vehicle 90. This configuration prevents unloading unless the three pieces of information match, thereby preventing the aggregate 9 from being placed in a storage unit 2 other than the appropriate storage unit 2. This prevents the storage unit 2 from containing aggregates 9 with different characteristics.

[0063] Furthermore, in the aggregate management system 1 according to this embodiment (determination step S2 of the aggregate management method), the image captured by the photographing unit 30 is displayed on the display unit 42, and if the determination result by the determination unit 44 is incorrect, the manager determines the characteristics of the aggregate 9 based on the image displayed on the display unit 42. With this configuration, even if the determination unit 44 does not correctly determine the characteristics of the aggregate 9, the manager does not need to climb onto the loading platform of the vehicle 90 to check the aggregate 9, and can safely and easily check (visually confirm) the aggregate 9 displayed on the display unit 42.

[0064] Furthermore, according to the aggregate management system 1 of this embodiment (the counting step S5 of the aggregate management method), the counting unit 52 counts the properties of the aggregates 9, eliminating the need to assign personnel to count the properties of the aggregates 9 and significantly reducing the time required for the counting. Note that if the above-described counting work is not required, the counting step S5 (counting unit 52) may be omitted.

[0065] Furthermore, according to the aggregate management system 1 of this embodiment, the photographing unit 30 is a stereo type digital camera, so it is possible to stably acquire images of the aggregates 9 loaded on the vehicle 90. Furthermore, the determining unit 44 is a learning type artificial intelligence engine, so it is possible to determine the characteristics (feature amounts) of the aggregates 9 quickly and with high accuracy.

[0066] Furthermore, according to the aggregate management system 1 of this embodiment, the determination unit 44 determines multiple types of characteristics of the aggregate 9 (particle size, particle size distribution, rock type), thereby enabling the aggregate 9 to be appropriately allocated.

[0067] In the aggregate management system 1 according to this embodiment, the determination unit 44 is a learning-type artificial intelligence engine, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of comparison images relating to the characteristics of the aggregate 9 are stored (saved) in advance in a storage unit, and another determination unit compares the image photographed by the photographing unit 30 with the comparison images and makes a determination.

[0068] Furthermore, in the aggregate management system 1 according to this embodiment, the slip reading unit 50 reads the characteristic information D6 of the slip P via the reading camera 51, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of the reading camera 51, the slip reading unit 50 may have a scanner (not shown) that includes a glass portion on which the slip P is set, a light-emitting portion that irradiates light onto the slip P placed on the glass portion, and a light-receiving element that receives light reflected from the slip P.

[0069] Furthermore, in the aggregate management system 1 according to the present embodiment, the computer unit 41 is used as both the control unit 40 and the slip reading unit 50, but this is not limiting, and the control unit 40 and the slip reading unit 50 may each have their own computer unit 41. Furthermore, while images captured by the photographing unit 30 and images read by the slip reading unit 50 can be displayed on the display unit 42 of the control unit 40, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a dedicated display unit for displaying images captured by the photographing unit 30 or images read by the slip reading unit 50 may be provided separately from the display unit 42 of the control unit 40 (neither is shown).

[0070] The above-described embodiment shows one aspect of the aggregate management system and aggregate management method according to the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. The present invention may be modified, substituted, or altered in various ways without departing from the spirit of the technical concept, and the claims include all embodiments that may fall within the scope of the technical concept. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 1 Aggregate Management System 2A~2D Storage section 4 Switching conveying section 9 Aggregate 30 Photography Department 42 Display section 44 Judgment section 45 Instruction section 46 Feature calculation unit 47 Learning Department 48 Property Inference Unit 50 Slip reading unit 52 Counting Department 90 vehicles P slip S1 Filming Process S2 Judgment process S3 Slip reading process S4 Instruction process S5 Aggregation process

Claims

1. a plurality of storage units for storing aggregates having different properties; a switching conveying unit that conveys the aggregate unloaded from the vehicle to one of the storage units selected according to the characteristics of the aggregate, an imaging unit that images the aggregate loaded on the vehicle; a determination unit that determines the characteristics of the aggregate based on the image captured by the imaging unit; a slip reading unit that reads information about the characteristics written on a slip issued at a manufacturing plant of the aggregate; An aggregate management system characterized by comprising an instruction unit that allows the unloading of the aggregate from the vehicle when the characteristics of the aggregate determined by the determination unit, the characteristics of the aggregate read by the slip reading unit, and the characteristics of the aggregate that can be stored in the storage unit selected by the switching and conveying unit match.

2. a display unit that displays the image captured by the image capturing unit, The aggregate management system according to claim 1, characterized in that if the judgment result by the judgment unit is incorrect, an administrator judges the characteristics of the aggregate based on the image displayed on the display unit.

3. 3. The aggregate management system according to claim 1, further comprising a counting unit that counts the characteristics of the aggregate read by the slip reading unit.

4. the photographing unit is a stereo type digital camera or a monocular type digital camera having a distance measurement function, The determination unit a feature calculation unit that calculates feature amounts of the plurality of types of aggregates based on training data for deep learning generated based on the plurality of images captured by the imaging unit; a learning unit that learns the feature amounts of a plurality of types of aggregates; The aggregate management system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is a learning-type artificial intelligence engine having a characteristic inference unit that infers the characteristics of the aggregate based on the learning results of the learning unit and an image of the aggregate separately photographed by the photographing unit.

5. The aggregate management system of claim 4 , wherein the characteristics of the aggregate include at least one of a particle size of the aggregate, a particle size distribution of the aggregate, and a rock type of the aggregate.

6. a plurality of storage units for storing aggregates having different properties; a switching conveying unit that conveys the aggregate unloaded from the vehicle to one of the storage units selected according to the characteristics of the aggregate, the method comprising: an imaging step of imaging the aggregate loaded on the vehicle by an imaging unit; a determination step in which a determination unit determines the characteristics of the aggregate based on the image captured by the imaging unit; a slip reading step in which a slip reading unit reads information about the characteristics written on a slip issued at a manufacturing plant of the aggregate; An aggregate management method characterized by comprising an instruction process in which an instruction unit instructs the vehicle to allow unloading of the aggregate when the characteristics of the aggregate determined by the determination unit, the characteristics of the aggregate read by the slip reading unit, and the characteristics of the aggregate that can be stored in the storage unit selected by the switching and conveying unit match.

7. The aggregate management method described in claim 6, characterized in that in the judgment process, the image taken by the photographing unit is displayed on a display unit, and if there is an error in the judgment result by the judgment unit, a manager judges the characteristics of the aggregate based on the image displayed on the display unit.

8. 8. The method for managing aggregates according to claim 6, further comprising a counting step in which a counting unit counts the characteristics of the aggregates read by the slip reading unit.

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