Message transmission method and message transmission apparatus

Abstract

To provide a message transmission device capable of improving workability at a construction site.SOLUTION: A fixed point image of a prescribed place H in a construction site KG is picked up by a camera 2. Then, a worker sticks a sheet on which a certain specific image is copied to the predetermined place H. In this case, when a specific image is picked up by the camera 2, the specific image is determined by a determination means. Then, a message corresponding to the determination contents of the determination means is transmitted to a designated place by a transmission means. Accordingly, the workability of the construction site can be improved.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a message sending method and a message sending device. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a facility that can store waste materials and other garbage generated at construction sites (see, for example, Patent Document 1). At each construction site, workers make a request for collection of such garbage.

[0003] However, due to concerns about information leaks, only a very limited number of people are allowed to bring mobile phones to construction sites. Therefore, if a person requesting garbage collection is unable to bring a mobile phone, they must either borrow a mobile phone from someone who can bring a mobile phone or go to an office set up at the construction site to make a call, which is a very cumbersome process. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Unexamined Utility Model No. Heisei 1-103602 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Therefore, in order to solve the above problems, one possible solution would be to use AI (Artificial Intelligence) technology, which has been rapidly gaining popularity in recent years, to automatically collect garbage once it reaches a certain standard.

[0006] However, each construction site has its own unique rules, such as how much garbage accumulates depending on the site schedule, different garbage collection standards, building materials that do not need to be collected being placed near garbage so that workers cannot distinguish it from garbage without visual inspection, and how garbage is placed at each construction site.As a result, it has been very difficult to use AI technology to automatically collect garbage.

[0007] Therefore, in view of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide a message transmission method and a message transmission device that can improve workability at construction sites by automating subsequent work, while still requiring workers to check for garbage. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The above object of the present invention can be achieved by the following means: Note that the parentheses indicate reference symbols of embodiments to be described later, but the present invention is not limited to these.

[0009] The message sending method according to the invention of claim 1 is characterized in that a predetermined location (e.g., predetermined location H shown in FIG. 1) of a construction site (e.g., construction site KG shown in FIG. 1) is imaged at a fixed point by an imaging means (e.g., camera 2 shown in FIG. 1), and when a worker attaches a sheet (e.g., sheet SH1 shown in FIG. 3, sheet SH2 shown in FIG. 5(a), sheet SH3 shown in FIG. 5(b)) on which a specific image (e.g., specific image SH1a shown in FIG. 3, specific image SH2a shown in FIG. 5(a), specific image SH3a shown in FIG. 5(b)) is drawn at the predetermined location of the construction site imaged at the fixed point, and when the specific image is thus imaged by the imaging means, a predetermined device (e.g., message sending device 3 shown in FIG. 1) is used to determine the specific image (see step S3 shown in FIG. 4), and a message according to the determination is sent to a specified location (see step S4 shown in FIG. 4).

[0010] According to the invention of claim 2, in the message sending method described in claim 1, the specific image (for example, the specific image SH1a shown in Figure 3) corresponds to a message encouraging the collection of garbage generated at the construction site (for example, the construction site KG shown in Figure 1).

[0011] According to the invention of claim 3, in the message sending method described in claim 1 or 2 above, when the message is sent to a specified location, an image of a predetermined location (e.g., predetermined location H shown in Figure 1) at the construction site (e.g., construction site KG shown in Figure 1) is also sent.

[0012] The message transmitting device according to the invention of claim 4 comprises a determining means (for example, specific image determining unit 33 shown in FIG. 2) for determining a specific image when a worker attaches a sheet (for example, sheet SH1 shown in FIG. 3, sheet SH2 shown in FIG. 5(a), or sheet SH3 shown in FIG. 5(b)) that resembles a specific image (for example, specific image SH1a shown in FIG. 3, specific image SH2a shown in FIG. 5(a), or specific image SH3a shown in FIG. 5(b)) to a specific location (for example, specific location H shown in FIG. 1) of a construction site (for example, construction site KG shown in FIG. 1) that is being fixedly imaged by an imaging means (for example, camera 2 shown in FIG. 1), and the specific image is thereby captured by the imaging means; The system is characterized by comprising a sending means (for example, the message generating and sending unit 34 shown in FIG. 2) for sending a message to a specified location according to the determination content of the determining means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] Next, the effects of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the reference symbols in parentheses are those of the embodiments described below, but the present invention is not limited to these.

[0014] According to the inventions of claims 1 and 4, when a worker attaches a sheet (e.g., sheet SH1 shown in FIG. 3, sheet SH2 shown in FIG. 5(a), or sheet SH3 shown in FIG. 5(b)) bearing a specific image (e.g., specific image SH1a shown in FIG. 3, specific image SH2a shown in FIG. 5(a), or specific image SH3a shown in FIG. 5(b)) to a predetermined location (e.g., predetermined location H shown in FIG. 1) at a construction site (e.g., construction site KG shown in FIG. 1) that is being photographed at a fixed point, the specific image is then captured by an imaging means (e.g., camera 2 shown in FIG. 1). After that, a message according to the judgment of the specific image is sent to a specified location.

[0015] Therefore, in this way, workers only need to attach a sheet (for example, sheet SH1 shown in FIG. 3, sheet SH2 shown in FIG. 5(a), or sheet SH3 shown in FIG. 5(b)) with a specific image (for example, specific image SH1a shown in FIG. 3, specific image SH2a shown in FIG. 5(a), or specific image SH3a shown in FIG. 5(b)) drawn on it in a predetermined location (for example, predetermined location H shown in FIG. 1), eliminating the need for conventional work. This can improve the ease of working at a construction site.

[0016] In particular, as in the invention of claim 2, it is useful if a specific image (for example, the specific image SH1a shown in Figure 3) corresponds to a message encouraging the collection of garbage generated at a construction site (for example, the construction site KG shown in Figure 1).

[0017] Furthermore, as in the invention of claim 3, if an image of a predetermined location (for example, predetermined location H shown in Figure 1) at a construction site (for example, construction site KG shown in Figure 1) is also transmitted, the recipient of the transmission can check the site situation corresponding to the message in advance. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic overall view of a message transmission system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram of a message sending device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which a sheet is attached to a predetermined location at a construction site according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the processing content of the message sending device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] 4(a) shows an example of a sheet different from that shown in FIG. 3, and FIG. 4(b) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a sheet different from that shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] An embodiment of a message transmission system relating to a message transmission method and a message transmission device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, when directions such as up, down, left, and right are indicated, they refer to up, down, left, and right when viewed from the front of the illustration.

[0020] <Outline of the message transmission system> The message transmission system according to this embodiment can improve the ease of working at a construction site. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 1, the message transmission system 1 is composed of a camera 2 and a message transmission device 3. Each component will be described in detail below.

[0021] <Camera description> The camera 2 is, for example, a CCD camera, and captures images of a predetermined location H of a construction site KG at a fixed point, as shown in Fig. 1. The camera 2 outputs the captured images to the message transmitting device 3.

[0022] <Message sending device description> The message transmitting device 3 has a CPU 3a, a RAM 3b, a ROM 3c, an input device 3d, and an input / output module 3e. The CPU 3a executes and controls each function of the message transmitting device 3, and the RAM 3b temporarily stores programs and data supplied from external devices, etc.

[0023] On the other hand, the ROM 3c stores programs and various parameters that do not require modification, and the input device 3d is an external input device, such as a keyboard or a mouse, for receiving operation instructions from the user. The input / output module 3e transmits and receives data to and from external devices, etc. The functions and processes of the message transmitting device 3, which will be described later, are realized by the CPU 3a reading and executing programs stored in the ROM 3c, etc.

[0024] <Explanation of the functional configuration of the message transmission device> Next, the functional configuration of the message sending device 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 2, the functional configuration of the message sending device 3 is made up of a determination unit 30, a storage unit 31, an image processing unit 32, a specific image determination unit 33, and a message generating and sending unit 34. Each component will be described below.

[0025] The determination unit 30 exchanges information with each functional block based on the state held by the determination unit 30 or the state held by each functional block. Furthermore, the determination unit 30 also exchanges information with the camera 2 and outputs predetermined data to the outside.

[0026] The storage unit 31 stores data necessary for processing.

[0027] The image processing unit 32 performs image processing on the image of a predetermined location H of the construction site KG shown in FIG. 1, which is captured by the camera 2 at a fixed point. Specifically, the image processing unit 32 performs recognition processing to determine whether or not a specific image SH1a, as shown in FIG. 3, is present. More specifically, when a worker working at the construction site KG shown in FIG. 1 visually checks for waste materials and other garbage generated at the construction site and, if the worker determines that the garbage should be collected, the worker attaches a sheet SH1 shown in FIG. 3 to the predetermined location H. As shown in FIG. 3, this sheet SH1 has a specific image SH1a consisting of an arbitrary pattern drawn in the center, and letters SH1b (written as "garbage" in the illustration) written in the four corners so that the worker can visually understand what the specific image SH1a means.

[0028] Thus, when such a sheet SH1 is attached to a predetermined location H as shown in FIG. 3, the image processing section 32 performs a recognition process to determine that a specific image SH1a is present.

[0029] The specific image determination unit 33 determines the specific image SH1a recognized by the image processing unit 32. Specifically, the specific image determination unit 33 extracts a feature value of the recognized specific image SH1a. Then, the specific image determination unit 33 determines what the feature value means. Specifically, the specific image determination unit 33 makes the determination by reading a table (not shown) pre-stored in the storage unit 31 shown in FIG. 2. That is, this table (not shown) stores data in which the meaning of each feature value is associated with each other, such as feature value A representing dust, feature value B representing an SOS, and feature value C representing a work request A. Thus, the specific image determination unit 33 reads the table (not shown) from the storage unit 31 shown in FIG. 2 and determines what the extracted feature value means. For example, if the extracted feature value is feature value A, the specific image determination unit 33 determines that the extracted feature value means "dust."

[0030] The message generating and transmitting unit 34 automatically generates a message according to the content determined by the specific image determining unit 33 and transmits the automatically generated message to a designated location pre-stored in the storage unit 31 shown in FIG. 2. Specifically, if the specific image determining unit 33 determines that the image means "garbage," the message generating and transmitting unit 34 automatically generates a message requesting garbage collection. The message generating and transmitting unit 34 then reads out a designated location, such as an email address, LINE (registered trademark), or telephone number, pre-stored in the storage unit 31 shown in FIG. 2, and transmits the automatically generated message to the designated location (an automated voice message is sent if the telephone number is used). If the specific image determining unit 33 determines that the image means "SOS," the message generating and transmitting unit 34 automatically generates a message corresponding to the SOS. If the specific image determining unit 33 determines that the image means "work request A," the message generating and transmitting unit 34 automatically generates a message corresponding to the work request A. In addition, multiple destinations may be set as destinations, or a destination may be set for each meaning determined by the specific image determining unit 33.

[0031] The above is the configuration of the message transmission system 1 shown in FIG.

[0032] <Explanation of the processing contents of the message transmission device> Next, the processing contents of the message transmitting device 3 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0033] First, the determination unit 30 shown in FIG. 2 acquires an image of a predetermined location H of a construction site KG shown in FIG. 1, which is captured by the camera 2 (step S1).

[0034] Next, the determination unit 30 outputs the acquired captured image to the image processing unit 32. In response to this, the image processing unit 32 performs a recognition process to determine whether or not a specific image SH1a such as that shown in FIG. 3 exists in the predetermined place H of the construction site KG, such as a building site, shown in FIG. 1 (step S2). If the image cannot be recognized (step S2: NO), the image processing unit 32 determines that the sheet SH1 is not attached to the predetermined place H, as shown in FIG. 3, and outputs this result to the determination unit 30. In response to this, the determination unit 30 again performs the process of step S1. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the process of steps S1 to S2 shown in FIG. 4 is repeated until the sheet SH1 is attached to the predetermined place H.

[0035] On the other hand, if the image can be recognized (step S2: YES), the image processing unit 32 determines that the sheet SH1 has been attached to the predetermined location H, as shown in FIG. 3, and outputs the result to the determination unit 30. In response to this, the determination unit 30 outputs the recognized specific image SH1a shown in FIG. 3 to the specific image determination unit 33. In response to this, the specific image determination unit 33 extracts feature quantities of the recognized specific image SH1a. Then, the specific image determination unit 33 reads the table (not shown) described above from the storage unit 31 and determines what meaning the extracted feature quantities indicate. In this way, the specific image determination unit 33 outputs the determination result to the determination unit 30 (step S3).

[0036] Next, the determination unit 30 outputs the determination result to the message generation / transmission unit 34. In response to this, the message generation / transmission unit 34 automatically generates a message according to the content determined by the specific image determination unit 33. For example, if the specific image determination unit 33 determines that the image means "garbage," the message generation / transmission unit 34 automatically generates a message requesting that the garbage be collected. Then, the message generation / transmission unit 34 performs a process of sending the automatically generated message to a designated location (for example, the garbage collection company's email address, LINE (registered trademark), or telephone number) pre-stored in the storage unit 31 shown in FIG. 2 (step S4). In response to this, the determination unit 30 sends the message to the designated location and ends the process.

[0037] The above-described processing is performed by the message transmitting device 3 according to this embodiment.

[0038] Therefore, according to the present embodiment described above, when a worker desires to have garbage collected, he simply attaches the sheet SH1 shown in Fig. 3 to the designated location H, and the subsequent work is automated. In other words, there is no need to perform conventional work such as contacting someone using a borrowed mobile phone or going to an office set up at the construction site KG to make a call.

[0039] Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to improve the ease of working at a construction site.

[0040] <Description of Modifications> It should be noted that the content illustrated in this embodiment is merely an example, and various modifications and alterations are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention as set forth in the claims. For example, in this embodiment, for ease of understanding, a location where there is no garbage to be collected is illustrated as the predetermined location H of the construction site KG shown in FIG. 1, but it is of course also possible to have the camera 2 take fixed-point images of the predetermined location H where garbage to be collected is placed. In this way, the garbage to be collected can be captured by the camera 2, and a message can be sent to a specified location along with an image of the garbage to be collected. Therefore, in this way, the garbage collection company can check the status of the garbage to be collected in advance.

[0041] Although the sheet SH1 in this embodiment is exemplified by a dust image, other sheets may also be used. For example, a sheet SH2 as shown in FIG. 5(a) may be used. As shown in FIG. 5(a), this sheet SH2 has a specific image SH2a of an arbitrary pattern drawn in the center, and letters SH2b (in the illustration, "SOS") written in the four corners so that the worker can visually understand the meaning of the specific image SH2a. This allows the message generating and transmitting unit 34 shown in FIG. 2 to automatically generate a message corresponding to the SOS. The message generating and transmitting unit 34 then reads a designated destination, such as an email address, LINE (registered trademark), or telephone number, pre-stored in the storage unit 31 shown in FIG. 2, and transmits the automatically generated message to the designated destination. In this case, if a fixed-point image of a predetermined location H where accidents or other incidents are likely to occur is captured by the camera 2, the camera 2 can capture the scene where the SOS is occurring, and the message can be transmitted to the designated location along with the image of the scene. Therefore, in this manner, those who rush to the scene after receiving the SOS can confirm the situation at the scene in advance.

[0042] Alternatively, a sheet SH3 such as that shown in FIG. 5(b) may be used. As shown in FIG. 5(b), this sheet SH3 has a specific image SH3a with an arbitrary pattern drawn in the center, and the four corners are colored SH3b (in the illustration, red represents work request A) to allow the worker to visually understand what the specific image SH3a means. This allows the message generating and transmitting unit 34 shown in FIG. 2 to automatically generate a message corresponding to work request A. The message generating and transmitting unit 34 then reads out a designated destination address, such as an email address, LINE (registered trademark), or telephone number, pre-stored in the storage unit 31 shown in FIG. 2, and transmits the automatically generated message to the designated destination. In this case, if a fixed-point image of the designated location H where work request A is to be performed is captured by the camera 2, the site related to work request A can be captured by the camera 2, and the message can be transmitted to the designated location along with the image of the site. This allows the recipient of work request A to check the site situation in advance.

[0043] Furthermore, in this embodiment, pattern-like images are exemplified as the specific images SH1a to SH3a, but images such as icons or QR codes (registered trademark) may also be used, and of course, text images may also be used.

[0044] Furthermore, the message sending device 3 illustrated in this embodiment may be installed anywhere, for example, at a construction site, or at a location other than a construction site, or on the cloud, or may be integrated with the camera 2. [Explanation of symbols]

[0045] 1. Message sending system 2. Camera (imaging means) 3. Message sending device (prescribed device) 33 Specific image determination unit (determination means) 34 Message generation and transmission unit (transmission means) KG Construction Site H designated location SH1~SH3 seats SH1a~SH3a Specific images

Claims

1. A message transmission method in which a predetermined location at a construction site is imaged at a fixed point by an imaging means, and when a worker attaches a sheet with a specific image drawn on it to the predetermined location at the construction site that is being imaged at the fixed point, and the specific image is thus imaged by the imaging means, a specified device is used to identify the specific image and a message corresponding to the identification is sent to a specified location.

2. The message sending method according to claim 1 , wherein the specific image corresponds to a message encouraging the collection of waste generated at the construction site.

3. 3. The message transmission method according to claim 1, wherein when the message is transmitted to the designated location, an image of the predetermined location of the construction site is also transmitted.

4. A message transmission device comprising: a determination means for determining a specific image when a worker attaches a sheet bearing a specific image to a specific location on a construction site, the specific location of which is being photographed by an imaging means, and the specific image is then captured by the imaging means; and a transmission means for transmitting a message to a specified location in accordance with the determination made by the determination means.

Images