Management device, management method, and management program for managing wheel chock installation

Abstract

To provide a management device, a management method, and a management program for managing installation of a wheel chock, capable of encouraging a user to reliably perform installation or removal of a wheel chock.SOLUTION: A management device, management method, and management program for managing installation of a wheel chock use a controller connected to an input unit, a presentation unit, and an acquisition unit. In the input unit, a condition of a vehicle that is controlled so as to pass through a predetermined location is input. The presentation unit presents instructions to a user associated with the vehicle. The acquisition unit acquires information related to installation of the wheel chock. The controller determines whether or not the vehicle is stopped at the predetermined location on the basis of the condition. When it is determined that the vehicle is stopped at the predetermined location, the controller presents, via the presentation unit, an installation instruction instructing installation of a wheel chock on the vehicle. The controller acquires completion information indicating that installation of the wheel chock on the vehicle has been completed via the acquisition unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a management device, a management method, and a management program for managing installation of wheel chocks. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for estimating the cargo handling time required for loading or unloading cargo using a sensor that detects whether a wheel chock is stored in a storage section of a vehicle. According to this technology, the cargo handling time is estimated as the time from when the sensor detects that the wheel chock has been removed from the storage section to when the sensor detects that the wheel chock has been stored in the storage section. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-88958 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a vehicle used for loading and unloading operations, such as that described in Patent Document 1, there is a risk that the vehicle may start moving if the parking brake loses air. Therefore, when performing loading and unloading operations, the driver of the vehicle often installs wheel chocks in combination with the parking brake. However, there is a problem in that the user may not reliably install or remove the wheel chocks.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a management device, a management method, and a management program for managing the installation of wheel chocks, which can encourage users to reliably install or remove wheel chocks. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The management device, management method, and management program for managing the installation of wheel chocks according to the present disclosure use a controller connected to an input unit, a presentation unit, and an acquisition unit. The input unit receives input of the status of a vehicle controlled to pass through a predetermined location. The presentation unit presents instructions to the user regarding the vehicle. The acquisition unit acquires information regarding the installation of wheel chocks. The controller determines whether the vehicle is parked at the predetermined location based on the status. If it is determined that the vehicle is parked at the predetermined location, the controller presents an installation instruction via the presentation unit to instruct the installation of wheel chocks on the vehicle. Completion information indicating that the installation of wheel chocks on the vehicle has been completed is acquired via the acquisition unit.

[0007] When the controller acquires the completion information, the controller may transition to a locked state in which the vehicle is prohibited from traveling.

[0008] The controller may maintain the vehicle stationary in the locked state.

[0009] In the locked state, the controller may be configured to issue a removal instruction via the notification unit to instruct the driver to remove the wheel chock from the vehicle.

[0010] The controller may acquire, via the acquisition unit, removal information indicating that removal of the wheel chock from the vehicle has been completed.

[0011] When the controller acquires the removal information, the controller may transition to an unlocked state in which the vehicle is permitted to travel.

[0012] The presentation unit may present instructions to the user by sound, light, or vibration.

[0013] At least one of the presentation unit and the acquisition unit may be installed in a terminal carried by a user.

[0014] The acquisition unit may be an operation button that acquires information related to installation based on operation by a user, an imaging device that photographs the location where the wheel chock is to be installed, or a position detection sensor that detects the position of the wheel chock.

[0015] The acquisition unit may be mounted on the vehicle or installed at a predetermined location.

[0016] The predetermined location may be a location where a vehicle is loaded or unloaded, or a location where a vehicle is stored. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a management device, a management method, and a management program for managing the installation of wheel chocks, which can encourage users to reliably install or remove wheel chocks. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a management device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a management device. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a vehicle on which a wheel chock is installed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Hereinafter, several exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that common parts in the drawings are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0020] [Configuration of management device] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a management device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The management device 1 includes an input unit 10, a presentation unit 20, an acquisition unit 30, and a controller 40. The controller 40 is connected to the input unit 10, the presentation unit 20, and the acquisition unit 30 so as to be able to communicate with them wirelessly or via a wired connection.

[0021] The management device 1 manages the installation of wheel chocks on vehicles. For example, the vehicle may be a vehicle used for loading and unloading operations, such as a truck or trailer, or a vehicle that provides passenger transportation services, such as a bus. In addition, the vehicle may be controlled by a driver in the driver's seat, or may be autonomously driven or remotely controlled. The vehicle may be either unmanned or manned.

[0022] The vehicle may be controlled to pass through a predetermined location. The predetermined location may be a location registered on a predetermined map, and may be, for example, a location where luggage is loaded onto or unloaded from the vehicle, or a location where the vehicle is stored. Alternatively, the predetermined location may be a location where passengers get on and off the vehicle. The vehicle may be controlled to travel along a predetermined course.

[0023] The input unit 10 receives input of the state of a vehicle that is controlled to pass through a predetermined location. For example, the input unit 10 may be a sensor mounted on the vehicle. More specifically, the input unit 10 may be a speed sensor that acquires the speed of the vehicle, or a wheel speed sensor that acquires the rotational speed of the wheels. The input unit 10 may also be a sensor that acquires the vehicle's own position using odometry, a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), a Global Positioning System (GPS), or the like.

[0024] The presentation unit 20 presents instructions to the user regarding the vehicle. For example, the presentation unit 20 may present instructions to the user by sound, light, or vibration. More specifically, the presentation unit 20 may be a speaker, a monitor, a warning light, a vibration device, or the like.

[0025] The presentation unit 20 may be mounted on a vehicle or on a terminal carried by a user.

[0026] The "instructions to the user regarding the vehicle" presented by the presentation unit 20 include "installation instructions to install wheel chocks on the vehicle," "removal instructions to remove wheel chocks from the vehicle," etc. The presentation unit 20 presents the "instructions to the user regarding the vehicle" based on a command from the controller 40, which will be described later.

[0027] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a vehicle on which wheel chocks are installed. In Fig. 3, a warning light LP is shown as the presentation unit 20. The illumination of the warning light LP may mean "an installation instruction to install wheel chocks on the vehicle," or the illumination of the warning light LP may mean "a removal instruction to remove wheel chocks from the vehicle." The manner in which information is presented by the presentation unit 20 is not limited to the examples given here.

[0028] The acquisition unit 30 acquires information related to the installation of wheel chocks. The "information related to the installation of wheel chocks" includes "completion information indicating that the installation of wheel chocks on a vehicle has been completed" and "removal information indicating that the removal of wheel chocks from a vehicle has been completed." The "information related to the installation of wheel chocks" acquired by the acquisition unit 30 is transmitted to the controller 40, which will be described later.

[0029] The acquisition unit 30 may be mounted on a vehicle or on a terminal carried by a user. Alternatively, the acquisition unit 30 may be mounted on a vehicle or installed at a predetermined location.

[0030] For example, the acquisition unit 30 may be an operation button that acquires information related to the installation of wheel chocks based on an operation by a user. More specifically, the acquisition unit 30 may be a push button, a touch panel, a switch, or the like.

[0031] 3, a push button BTN that can be pressed by a user is shown as the acquisition unit 30. For example, when an "installation instruction instructing installation of wheel chocks on a vehicle" is presented via the presentation unit 20, and the user presses the push button BTN, "completion information indicating that installation of the wheel chocks on the vehicle has been completed" may be acquired. Also, when a "removal instruction instructing removal of the wheel chocks from the vehicle" is presented via the presentation unit 20, and the user presses the push button BTN, "removal information indicating that removal of the wheel chocks from the vehicle has been completed" may be acquired.

[0032] The acquisition unit 30 may also be an imaging device that captures an image of a location where a wheel chock is to be installed. In FIG. 3, an imaging device CM is shown as the acquisition unit 30. An area RG including a wheel chock WD is shown as a location where a wheel chock is to be installed. When the wheel chock WD is captured within the area RG, the acquisition unit 30 may acquire "completion information indicating that installation of the wheel chock on the vehicle has been completed." When the wheel chock WD is not captured within the area RG, the acquisition unit 30 may also acquire "removal information indicating that removal of the wheel chock from the vehicle has been completed."

[0033] Image recognition technology using the shape, surface pattern, and color of the wheel chock WD may be used to determine whether the wheel chock WD is reflected in the image. Alternatively, an image showing an identifier for identifying the wheel chock WD may be attached to the surface of the wheel chock WD, and whether the wheel chock WD is reflected in the image may be determined based on whether the image can be recognized. For example, the image showing the identifier may be data in which the identifier is expressed as a binary code, expressed as a one-dimensional or two-dimensional array pattern.

[0034] The acquisition unit 30 may also be a position detection sensor that detects the position of the wheel chock. In Fig. 3, a position detection sensor PS is shown as the acquisition unit 30. For example, the position detection sensor PS may acquire information on whether or not the wheel chock WD is located near a wheel of the vehicle by measuring its position using infrared rays, radio waves, or the like.

[0035] When the wheel chock WD is located within a predetermined range from the wheel, the position detection sensor PS may acquire "completion information indicating that installation of the wheel chock on the vehicle is complete." On the other hand, when the wheel chock WD is not located within a predetermined range from the wheel, the position detection sensor PS may acquire "removal information indicating that removal of the wheel chock from the vehicle is complete."

[0036] The manner in which the acquiring unit 30 acquires information is not limited to the example given here.

[0037] The controller 40 is a general-purpose computer equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, and an input / output unit. A computer program (management program) for functioning as the management device 1 is installed in the controller 40. By executing the computer program, the controller 40 functions as multiple information processing circuits (41, 43, 45) equipped in the management device 1.

[0038] In this disclosure, an example is shown in which multiple information processing circuits (41, 43, 45) are realized by software. However, it is also possible to configure the information processing circuits (41, 43, 45) by preparing dedicated hardware for executing each of the information processes described below. Also, the multiple information processing circuits (41, 43, 45) may be configured by individual hardware.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 1, the controller 40 includes a determination unit 41, a state setting unit 43, and a travel management unit 45 as a plurality of information processing circuits (41, 43, 45).

[0040] The determination unit 41 determines whether the vehicle is stopped at a predetermined location based on the vehicle state acquired via the input unit 10. For example, the determination unit 41 determines that the vehicle is stopped when the vehicle speed is less than a predetermined value. Then, the determination unit 41 determines that the vehicle is located at the predetermined location when the vehicle position is within a range that specifies a pre-registered predetermined location.

[0041] When it is determined that the vehicle is parked at a predetermined location, the status setting unit 43 presents an installation instruction to install wheel chocks on the vehicle via the presentation unit 20. The status setting unit 43 also acquires completion information, which indicates that installation of wheel chocks on the vehicle has been completed, via the acquisition unit 30.

[0042] Furthermore, when the completion information is acquired, the state setting unit 43 may transition to a locked state in which the vehicle is prohibited from traveling. Specifically, when the completion information is acquired, the state setting unit 43 may change a flag indicating the state of the vehicle to a value corresponding to the locked state. The determination of whether the completion information is acquired may be performed by the determination unit 41.

[0043] Furthermore, in the locked state, the state setting unit 43 may present a removal instruction to instruct the removal of the wheel chock from the vehicle via the presentation unit 20. The state setting unit 43 may also acquire removal information indicating that the removal of the wheel chock from the vehicle has been completed via the acquisition unit 30. The determination of whether the removal information has been acquired may be made by the determination unit 41.

[0044] Furthermore, when the removal information is acquired, the state setting unit 43 may transition to an unlocked state in which the vehicle is permitted to travel. Specifically, when the removal information is acquired, the state setting unit 43 may change a flag indicating the state of the vehicle to a value corresponding to the unlocked state.

[0045] The driving management unit 45 sets whether or not to permit the vehicle to drive, depending on the locked state / unlocked state described above. For example, the driving management unit 45 may maintain the vehicle stopped in the locked state. The driving management unit 45 may activate the parking brake of the vehicle in the locked state. Furthermore, the driving management unit 45 may control the driving of the vehicle in the unlocked state. The driving management unit 45 may release the parking brake of the vehicle in the unlocked state.

[0046] The driving management unit 45 may itself control the vehicle, or may switch whether or not to permit control of the vehicle based on a command received from the outside.

[0047] For example, if the vehicle is controlled by a driver in the driver's seat, the driving management unit 45 may maintain the vehicle stopped without transmitting the driver's instructions to the vehicle in the locked state. Also, the driving management unit 45 may transmit the driver's instructions to the vehicle in the unlocked state.

[0048] Similarly, if the vehicle is controlled by automatic driving or remote driving, the driving management unit 45 may maintain the vehicle stopped in the locked state without transmitting instructions based on the automatic driving or remote driving to the vehicle. Also, the driving management unit 45 may transmit instructions based on the automatic driving or remote driving to the vehicle in the unlocked state.

[0049] Alternatively, when the vehicle is controlled by an automated driving device installed outside the vehicle, the driving management unit 45 may send a prohibit command to the automated driving device in the locked state, indicating that the vehicle is prohibited from driving. Furthermore, the driving management unit 45 may send a permission command to the automated driving device in the unlocked state, indicating that the vehicle is permitted to drive. For example, when the automated driving device receives a prohibit command from the driving management unit 45, it may maintain the vehicle stopped without starting to drive the vehicle, and when it receives a permission command from the driving management unit 45, it may start to drive the vehicle.

[0050] [Management device processing procedure] 2 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the management device. The processing shown in FIG. 2 may be repeatedly executed at a predetermined interval.

[0051] In step S101, the determination unit 41 acquires the state of the vehicle via the input unit 10.

[0052] In step S103, the determination unit 41 determines whether the vehicle is stopped at a predetermined location.

[0053] If the vehicle is not stopped at the predetermined location (NO in step S103), the processing in FIG. 2 ends.

[0054] On the other hand, if the vehicle is parked at the predetermined location (YES in step S103), in step S105, state setting unit 43 presents, via presenting unit 20, an installation instruction to instruct the installation of wheel chocks on the vehicle.

[0055] In step S107, the determination unit 41 determines whether or not completion information has been acquired.

[0056] If the completion information has not been acquired (NO in step S107), the process returns to step S101.

[0057] On the other hand, if the completion information has been acquired (YES in step S107), in step S109, the state setting unit 43 transitions to a locked state in which the vehicle is prohibited from traveling.

[0058] In step S111, the state setting unit 43 presents, via the presenting unit 20, a removal instruction to instruct the user to remove the wheel chock from the vehicle.

[0059] In step S113, the determining unit 41 determines whether or not removal information has been acquired.

[0060] If the removal information has not been acquired (NO in step S113), the process returns to step S111.

[0061] On the other hand, if removal information has been acquired (YES in step S113), in step S115, the state setting unit 43 transitions to an unlocked state in which the vehicle is permitted to travel.

[0062] [Effects of the embodiment] As described in detail above, the management device, management method, and management program for managing the installation of wheel chocks according to the present disclosure use a controller connected to an input unit, a presentation unit, and an acquisition unit. The input unit receives input of the status of a vehicle controlled to pass through a predetermined location. The presentation unit presents instructions to the user regarding the vehicle. The acquisition unit acquires information regarding the installation of wheel chocks. The controller determines whether the vehicle is parked at the predetermined location based on the status. If it is determined that the vehicle is parked at the predetermined location, the controller presents an installation instruction via the presentation unit to instruct the installation of wheel chocks on the vehicle. Completion information indicating that the installation of wheel chocks on the vehicle has been completed is acquired via the acquisition unit.

[0063] This makes it possible to encourage the user to reliably install or remove the wheel chock. In particular, even when a user who is unfamiliar with installing or removing wheel chocks uses a vehicle, it is possible to encourage the user to reliably install or remove the wheel chock. This makes it possible to reliably install the wheel chock when the vehicle is stopped, and to prevent the vehicle from moving off unintentionally.

[0064] The controller may transition to a locked state in which the vehicle is prohibited from traveling when the controller acquires the completion information, thereby enabling the installation of the wheel chock to be used as a trigger to start a period in which the vehicle is prohibited from traveling.

[0065] The controller may maintain the vehicle stationary in the locked state, thereby preventing the vehicle from starting to move while the wheel chock is in place.

[0066] In the locked state, the controller may be configured to issue a removal instruction via the notification unit to instruct the user to remove the wheel chock from the vehicle, thereby informing the user that the wheel chock has been installed.

[0067] The controller may acquire, via the acquisition unit, removal information indicating that the wheel chocks have been removed from the vehicle. This can encourage the user to remove the wheel chocks reliably. In particular, when the vehicle is about to depart, the wheel chocks can be reliably removed, preventing problems with the vehicle starting due to carelessly installed wheel chocks.

[0068] The controller may transition to an unlocked state in which the vehicle is permitted to travel when the controller acquires the removal information. In this way, the removal of the wheel chock can be used as a trigger to end the period in which the vehicle is prohibited from traveling.

[0069] The indicator may be configured to provide instructions to the user by sound, light, or vibration, thereby informing the user that a wheel chock needs to be installed or removed.

[0070] At least one of the presentation unit and the acquisition unit may be installed in a terminal carried by the user. This makes it possible to more reliably notify the user that a wheel chock needs to be installed or removed. In particular, instructions can be presented to the user even if the user has left the vehicle. The terminal also has the advantage of being portable by the user. Therefore, even if the user is staying in a location far from the vehicle, the user can be informed via the terminal that a wheel chock needs to be installed or removed. As a result, user convenience in managing wheel chock installation is improved.

[0071] The acquisition unit may be an operation button that acquires installation information based on a user's operation, an imaging device that takes an image of the location where the wheel chock is to be installed, or a position detection sensor that detects the position of the wheel chock, thereby making it possible to reliably detect whether the wheel chock has been installed or removed.

[0072] The acquisition unit may be mounted on the vehicle or installed at a predetermined location, thereby making it possible to reliably detect whether a wheel chock is installed or removed.

[0073] The predetermined location may be a location where luggage is loaded or unloaded from a vehicle, or a location where the vehicle is stored. This allows the location where installation or removal of wheel chocks is required to be specified. Even when a user who is unfamiliar with installing or removing wheel chocks uses a vehicle, the user can be encouraged to install or remove the wheel chocks reliably. In particular, the wheel chocks can be reliably installed when the vehicle is stopped, preventing the vehicle from unintentionally starting.

[0074] Each function described in the above embodiments may be implemented by one or more processing circuits, including programmed processors, electrical circuits, and even devices such as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or circuit components arranged to perform the described functions.

[0075] According to the present disclosure, the user's attention is drawn to installing wheel chocks, thereby improving the user's work efficiency, which can contribute to, for example, Goal 8 of the United Nations-led Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) "Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all."

[0076] Although several embodiments have been described, the embodiments can be modified or varied based on the above disclosure. All components of the above embodiments and all features described in the claims may be individually extracted and combined, unless they are mutually inconsistent. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 1 Management device 10 Input section 20 Presentation part 30 Acquisition Department 40 Controller 41 Judgment section 43 Status setting section 45 Driving Management Department BTN push button Commercial filming equipment LP warning light PS position detection sensor RG region WD Wheel Chock

Claims

1. A management device for managing the installation of wheel chocks, The management device an input unit for inputting a state of a vehicle to be controlled so as to pass through a predetermined location; a presentation unit that presents instructions to a user of the vehicle; an acquisition unit that acquires information related to the installation of the wheel chock; a controller connected to the input unit, the presentation unit, and the acquisition unit; Equipped with The controller determining whether the vehicle is parked at the predetermined location based on the state; When it is determined that the vehicle is stopped at the predetermined location, an installation instruction to install the wheel chock on the vehicle is presented via the presentation unit; acquiring, via the acquisition unit, completion information indicating that installation of the wheel chock on the vehicle has been completed; Management device.

2. The management device according to claim 1 , wherein the controller, when acquiring the completion information, transitions to a locked state in which the vehicle is prohibited from traveling.

3. The management device according to claim 2 , wherein the controller maintains the vehicle stopped in the locked state.

4. The management device according to claim 2 , wherein the controller, in the locked state, presents, via the presenting unit, a removal instruction to instruct the user to remove the wheel chock from the vehicle.

5. The management device according to claim 1 , wherein the controller acquires, via the acquisition unit, removal information indicating that removal of the wheel chock from the vehicle has been completed.

6. The management device according to claim 5 , wherein the controller, when acquiring the removal information, transitions to an unlocked state in which the vehicle is permitted to travel.

7. 7. The management device according to claim 1, wherein the presenting unit presents the instruction to the user by sound, light, or vibration.

8. 7. The management device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the presentation unit and the acquisition unit is installed in a terminal carried by the user.

9. The acquisition unit an operation button for acquiring the information related to the installation based on an operation by the user; An imaging device that photographs the location where the wheel chock is to be installed, or a position detection sensor that detects the position of the wheel chock; The management device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

10. 7. The management device according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit is mounted on the vehicle or installed at the predetermined location.

11. 7. The management device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined location is a location where cargo is loaded onto or unloaded from the vehicle, or a location where the vehicle is stored.

12. A management method for managing the installation of wheel chocks, comprising: an input unit for inputting the state of a vehicle to be controlled so as to pass through a predetermined location; a presentation unit that presents instructions to a user of the vehicle; an acquisition unit that acquires information related to the installation of the wheel chock; and a connected controller, determining whether the vehicle is parked at the predetermined location based on the state; When it is determined that the vehicle is stopped at the predetermined location, an installation instruction to install the wheel chock on the vehicle is presented via the presentation unit; acquiring, via the acquisition unit, completion information indicating that installation of the wheel chock on the vehicle has been completed; Management method.

13. A management program for managing installation of wheel chocks, comprising: an input unit for inputting the state of a vehicle to be controlled so as to pass through a predetermined location; a presentation unit that presents instructions to a user of the vehicle; an acquisition unit that acquires information related to the installation of the wheel chock; and a controller connected to the determining whether the vehicle is parked at the predetermined location based on the state; When it is determined that the vehicle is parked at the predetermined location, presenting an installation instruction via the presentation unit to instruct the vehicle to install the wheel chock; acquiring, via the acquisition unit, completion information indicating that installation of the wheel chock on the vehicle has been completed; A management program comprising:

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