Location information management system and location information management method

Abstract

This technology enables users to understand the location and status of objects, such as products, that they manage. [Solution] A location information management system for multiple objects to be managed, comprising: a transmitting / receiving unit that acquires location information and detailed management information about the objects acquired from a positioning device attached to the objects, accepts processing requests from users, and sends processing results for said processing requests; a storage unit that stores the acquired location information and detailed management information; and a processing unit that manages the objects and responds to processing requests from users, wherein the processing unit links the objects with the positioning device based on the location information and detailed management information, executes processing to visualize the location and movement trajectory of each object in response to a processing request, and responds to the user with the results of said processing via the transmitting / receiving unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a position information management system and a position information management method for a customer (user)'s managed object.

Background Art

[0002] A position information management system using a conventional positioning device only displays the location of the positioning device on a map and provides its position information. Therefore, it is possible to manage the positions of articles, people, etc. to be managed by registering the name of the managed object for each positioning device. However, when the registered name is changed or deleted once, it becomes difficult to trace the past trajectory of the managed object. This is because the positioning device itself does not have a mechanism to hold past registered names, etc.

[0003] On the other hand, as a prior art related to work support, Patent Document 1 discloses a work support device that determines the assignment of an operator to a work by referring to the predicted communication throughput by a communication device and the operator required communication throughput for each work corresponding to a process in order to appropriately assign work to an operator while preventing the system from being overloaded in consideration of the communication environment at the work place where the work is performed.

[0004] Further, Patent Document 2 discloses that regarding the movable area on the plan view of a field work place such as plant facilities, etc., a place where passage is impossible due to obstacles such as scaffolds and temporary storage is grasped in advance, and by performing a movement route search based on that information, it is possible to efficiently perform field work. Also, for that purpose, it is disclosed that the mobile terminal has a current position detection input unit and the server side has an area map generation unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

[0006] Even if the name of the managed object is registered and its location can be determined, the same system cannot confirm the status of the managed object (such as the product's progress in the process, input date, or shipping date). Furthermore, while systems exist that display the past routes taken by the managed object, there are currently no systems that allow users to view images of what the object looked like at that location in the past.

[0007] Conventional location information management systems, in addition to displaying the location of all products, lack support functions that allow for filtering location display based on operationally necessary conditions, such as "where are products currently experiencing process delays located?", "where are products scheduled for shipment today?", and "are there any workers nearby?". As a result, even if product location information is managed, after shipment, the positioning devices used for that purpose are reused for the next product, making it impossible to analyze past data such as "what route was taken" or "where production was stalled" during the product's production period. Furthermore, even if the movement status is analyzed from the trajectory of the products, it is impossible to confirm the actual situation on site using images or other means.

[0008] The aforementioned issues were not addressed in the aforementioned Patent Documents 1 and 2, and therefore have not been resolved. Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a technology that enables customers (users) to understand the location and status of objects such as products that are subject to their management. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To solve the above problems, one representative location information management system of the present invention is a location information management system for multiple objects to be managed, comprising: a transmitting and receiving unit that acquires location information and detailed management information about the objects acquired from a positioning device attached to the objects, accepts processing requests from users, and sends processing results for said processing requests; a storage unit that stores the acquired location information and detailed management information; and a processing unit that manages the objects and responds to processing requests from users, wherein the processing unit links the objects and positioning devices based on the location information and detailed management information, executes processing to visualize the location and movement trajectory of each object in response to a processing request, and responds to the user with the results of said processing via the transmitting and receiving unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, by narrowing down the location of an object based on operational conditions such as the progress of the object, the time spent searching for an object that requires immediate attention can be reduced. This, in turn, leads to labor savings and a reduction in production lead time. Furthermore, according to the present invention, by adding camera images to the past trajectory of an object, the conditions on site can be visually grasped, which is useful for "supporting the analysis of the causes of what happened in areas where production was stalled" and "supporting the analysis of whether there are any unnecessary contracted vehicles by understanding the usage status of material handling vehicles such as trucks and forklifts." Issues, structures, and effects other than those mentioned above will be clarified by the following explanation of the implementation methods. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a functional overview diagram showing an overview of the functions of the location information management system according to the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of the location information management system according to the present invention and its relationship to the configuration of related equipment and systems. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of a display screen that visualizes and displays the location information of managed objects on a map. [Figure 4] Figure 3 illustrates the display screen, specifically the map information display and home position as initial information. [Figure 5] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the initial settings related to search and display format in the display screen shown. [Figure 6] This figure shows one specific example of a trajectory / dwell time screen. [Figure 7] This figure shows one specific example of a maintenance screen. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The following describes embodiments for carrying out the present invention with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Furthermore, in the drawings, identical parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. [Examples]

[0013] Figure 1 is a functional overview diagram showing an overview of the functions of the location information management system according to the present invention. The location information management system works by installing or attaching location positioning devices or cameras (imaging devices) for visualization to objects (for example, components such as products, vehicles used for transportation, etc., and people such as workers) that are to be managed (resources) at the site where the system is applied, and collecting location positioning data and image data obtained from these devices.

[0014] Furthermore, the location information management system stores and manages the collected location positioning data and image data, visualizes this data as needed, and generates image data showing the movement trajectory and dwell time of the managed objects, as well as the status of the managed objects and their surrounding conditions, and provides this information to customers.

[0015] On the customer (user) side, the provided data from the location information management system is utilized via a corresponding browser or the like using terminals such as tablets or personal computers (PCs). That is, the provided data can be checked, analyzed, and appropriate measures can be taken according to the results, leading to improvements.

[0016] Also, when accumulating and managing data in the location information management system, cooperation with systems owned by the customer side is attempted. For example, efficiency and enrichment can be achieved through cooperation (such as APIs) with systems such as a manufacturing execution system (MES), an enterprise resource planning system (ERP), or a production management system.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the relationship between the schematic configuration of the location information management system according to the present invention and the configurations of related devices and systems. The location information management system 1 is roughly composed of a processing unit 2, a storage unit 3, and a transmission / reception unit (not shown). The storage unit 3 is composed of a location information database (hereinafter referred to as "location information DB") and a management data database (hereinafter referred to as "management data DB").

[0018] The transmission / reception unit (not shown) illustrated takes in data from devices such as a location positioning device 4 and a camera 5, and data from the customer system 8, and also includes a reception unit (not shown) that receives requests from the personal computer (PC) 6 and the tablet 7, which are the usage terminals, and a transmission unit (not shown) that sends out the processing results (responses) by the processing unit 2 in response to requests from the personal computer (PC) 6 and the tablet 7, which are the usage terminals.

[0019] Specifically, the transmitting / receiving unit receives information (device ID, latitude, longitude, positioning time, etc.) uploaded from positioning devices 4 installed on or attached to objects to be managed (resources) (e.g., components such as products, vehicles used for transportation, people such as workers). It also receives image data including metadata uploaded from devices such as cameras 5 mounted on vehicles used for transportation. This received location-related information and image data are stored in the location information database, etc., of the storage unit 3. Furthermore, it receives information from the customer system 8, which will be described later.

[0020] Furthermore, the transmitting and receiving unit receives instruction data related to requests, etc., from customer (user) terminals such as personal computers (PCs) 6 and tablets 7, and transmits predetermined or desired data that the processing unit 2 outputs in response to requests, etc., as display output to these terminals.

[0021] As one example of integration with external systems, we will explain integration with customer systems. As a customer system 8, for example, it will integrate with business systems used by the customer, such as a Manufacturing Execution System (MES), and retrieve necessary information from the customer API (Application Programming Interface) platform.

[0022] Data related to managed resources (e.g., "Managed Resource Type ID," "Managed Resource ID," "Other Customizable Items for Each Customer") is imported from this customer API platform and stored as detailed information about managed objects in the management data DB in the storage unit 3. This customer API platform corresponds to the API according to the present invention.

[0023] Next, regarding the storage unit 3, which is said to consist of a location information DB and a management data DB, we will now explain a specific example of its configuration. Examples of data stored in the management data database include, but are not limited to, the following:

[0024] (1) "List of Management Categories" Master Table A table for storing and managing the types of arbitrary managed objects, which can be set up, for example, by a system engineer (SE) or a customer (user).

[0025] (2) "Managed Information_Customization Items_Definition" Master Table This is a table that stores and manages data related to the definition of item names and other such information as customization items for any managed object, and is configured by the customer (user).

[0026] (3) "Managed Information" Table This is a table that stores and manages detailed information about managed objects, and it imports information from systems that users manually register or integrate with.

[0027] (4) "Linking Information" Table This is a table that manages which managed object is associated with which positioning device 4 and which camera 5.

[0028] (5) "Simple Search Conditions" Table This table manages the conditions for the simple search (described later) that are set for each customer (user).

[0029] Furthermore, while the following are some examples of location information stored in a location database, it is not limited to these. (6) "Location History" Table This is a table that stores the measured location information along with the ID of the managed object.

[0030] (7) "Camera Image History" Table This is a table that stores images transmitted from camera 5 along with metadata such as file name and shooting date and time. However, the image files may be stored in a separate storage device, anticipating their large size.

[0031] Next, we will explain the functions of the processing unit 2. The processing unit 2 uses the data stored in the storage unit 3 to perform processing in response to requests from the customer's (user's) terminal (such as a personal computer 6 or tablet 7), outputs the processing result as, for example, display screen information, and transmits it to the requesting terminal via the transmitting / receiving unit. Here, we will explain an example of typical display screen information output from processing unit 2.

[0032] (8) Top screen (location tracking screen) The top screen is a screen that displays map information to show the latest location of the managed objects (resources) (hereinafter referred to as "managed objects"), as it is used to understand the location of the managed objects. At the same time, it will be possible to display on the same screen a button that allows users to narrow down the display with a single click for a simple search using specific criteria, a menu for a detailed search that allows users to narrow down the display using more detailed criteria, and a list that displays detailed information about the objects being managed.

[0033] The following are specific examples of how the top screen (location tracking screen) can be displayed. Figure 3 shows an example of a display screen that visualizes and displays the location information of managed objects on a map. This enables location management by visualizing the type of object to be managed (resource) (hereinafter referred to as "managed object type" in accordance with the figure) on a map from its perspective.

[0034] In Figure 3, the area where the managed items exist (for example, a business office or factory) is displayed in the form of map information (a floor plan) (this will be explained later in Figure 4), and the location of the managed items within that area is displayed linked to a positioning device such as a GPS tracker (in Figure 3, the teardrop-shaped marks enclosed in a rectangular frame in the map information represent one of the managed items selected as a managed item).

[0035] As shown in Figure 3 under "(1) Management Type," the management types (types of resources whose location is managed) are set to "Products," "Trucks," "Forklifts," and "Workers (including specific individuals or groups of individuals)," and can be displayed on the screen for selection. In Figure 3, "Products" is selected as the target object for the management type.

[0036] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3 under "(2) Managed Detail Information," the managed detail information (items for detail display for each managed item type) is displayed in a table format for each target item. In Figure 3, items such as "Model," "Serial Number," ..., and "Detailed Information" are displayed as details for the target item. This information can be imported either by linking with the detail information system during operation, or by uploading it as a CSV file.

[0037] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the display of map information and home position as initial information in the display screen shown in Figure 3. For locations where the location of managed objects needs to be understood, initial information such as map information of business premises or factories is displayed (as shown in Figure 4, "(1) Business premises / factory site plan"). At that time, it is possible to add specific text to indicate areas. To achieve this, site plans of business premises and factories are registered on the map, and text information for area display is set, enabling centralized management. Additionally, when the map is moved, a home position button is provided to return the map information from the destination to the home screen (shown as "(2) Home Position" in Figure 4).

[0038] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the initial settings related to search and display format in the display screen shown in Figure 3. To improve search convenience, it is possible to set up a one-click search using frequently used terms (shown in Figure 5 as "(1) Simple Search"). For example, in Figure 5, if the managed object is "product," the search is based on the product's shipping date (including delays); if the managed object is "vehicle," the search is divided by vehicle type (logistics vehicle, forklift, etc.); and if the managed object is "people," the search is divided by occupation (worker, site supervisor, etc.). These are some of the conditions for the simple search.

[0039] Furthermore, to easily understand the status of managed items on a map, it is possible to register a legend that displays managed items on the map in different colors (marker colors) (see "(2) Legend" in Figure 5). For example, in Figure 5, the legend uses color coding based on the product's shipping date and the vehicle. Furthermore, to enable the display of fixed text that you want to convey to the user on the location tracking screen, it is possible to set the display of fixed text for notification information (shown as "(3) Free Text" in Figure 5).

[0040] (9) Trajectory / stay screen Regarding the trajectory / dwell time screen, first, the trajectory screen plots the past location information of the managed object and displays its movement trajectory, making it possible to track (trace) it. Furthermore, the dwell time screen allows for the display of a heatmap showing the degree of dwell time of a managed object at a plotted location on its trajectory or at a specified location, based on the temporal changes in the object's past location information. Furthermore, if a camera image taken at the same time as the position of the managed object is saved, the system provides a screen that allows users to view and display the captured image along with the movement trajectory by clicking on a marker plotted on that image in the trajectory / dwell time screen.

[0041] Figure 6 shows one specific example of the trajectory / dwell time screen. Figure 6 shows the movement trajectory of a specific managed object from the "Products" list on a map. Furthermore, switching "■Analysis Switch" from "Trajectory" to "Heatmap" displays a heatmap of the managed object (not shown in the illustration), allowing you to understand its stagnation.

[0042] (10) Maintenance screen The maintenance screen is used for system maintenance, such as registering detailed information about managed objects and linking location positioning devices with registered managed objects. Figure 7 shows one specific example of a maintenance screen, which is an example of a linking screen used to link or unlink a positioning device and camera from a registered managed object.

[0043] Although embodiments for carrying out the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0044] 1...Location information management system, 2...Processing unit, 3...Storage unit, 4...Location positioning device, 5...Camera, 6...Personal computer (PC), 7...Tablet, 8...Customer system

Claims

1. A location information management system for multiple objects to be managed, A transmitting and receiving unit that acquires location information and detailed management information related to the object, which are determined from a positioning device attached to the object, receives processing requests from users, and sends out processing results for said processing requests. A storage unit that stores the acquired location information and the detailed management information, A processing unit that manages the aforementioned object and responds to processing requests from the user. Equipped with, The processing unit links the object and the positioning device based on the location information and the detailed management information, executes a process to visualize the location and movement trajectory of each object in response to the processing request, and responds to the user with the results of the process via the transmitting and receiving unit. A location information management system characterized by the following features.

2. A location information management system according to claim 1, The detailed management information includes at least information indicating the type, identification, and form of the object. A location information management system characterized by the following features.

3. A location information management system according to claim 1, The aforementioned detailed management information is obtained from an external system that is involved with the object and cooperates with the location information management system. A location information management system characterized by the following features.

4. A location information management system according to claim 1, The processing request from the user includes a search that narrows down the target objects based on arbitrary conditions. A location information management system characterized by the following features.

5. A location information management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The processing unit performs a process to visualize the degree of dwell time of the object at its location based on the temporal progression of the location information. A location information management system characterized by the following features.

6. A location information management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The transmitting and receiving unit captures camera images that capture the state of the object and the surrounding conditions of the object. The storage unit stores the captured camera images, The processing unit performs a process to visualize the camera image taken at the same time as the position of the object, along with the movement trajectory of the object. A location information management system characterized by the following features.

7. A method for managing location information for multiple objects to be managed, The position information obtained from the positioning device attached to the object and detailed management information concerning the object are acquired. The acquired location information and detailed management information are stored, Based on the location information and detailed management information, the object and the positioning device are linked, and in response to a processing request from the user, a process is executed to visualize the location and movement trajectory of each object. The system displays and outputs the results of the visualization process performed in response to the processing request, and responds to the user. A method for managing location information characterized by the following features.

8. A location information management method according to claim 7, The processing request from the user includes a search that narrows down the target objects based on arbitrary conditions. A method for managing location information characterized by the following features.

9. A location information management method according to claim 7, As part of the visualization process, a process is also executed to visualize the degree of dwell time at the location of the object based on the temporal changes in the location information. A method for managing location information characterized by the following features.

10. A location information management method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, Camera images capturing the state of the object and its surroundings are also captured and stored. As part of the visualization process, the camera image taken at the same time as the object's position was determined is also visualized along with the object's movement trajectory. A method for managing location information characterized by the following features.

Images