Functionality management system for industrial machinery

Abstract

The aim is to allow users to easily understand the available functions depending on the equipment installed on the work machine. [Solution] The function management system for a work machine is a system that manages the functions available according to the equipment attached to the work machine. The work machine includes a controller that executes an application that realizes a predetermined function of the work machine in cooperation with multiple pieces of equipment, and a monitor that displays the processing results of the controller. The controller has a storage unit that stores activation conditions that define the combination of equipment necessary to activate the application, an acquisition unit that acquires identification information of equipment attached to the work machine, and a management unit that determines the applications that can be activated based on the identification information of the equipment and the activation conditions, and creates a list of the applications that can be activated. The monitor displays the list of applications that can be activated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a function management system for a working machine that manages functions available according to equipment mounted on the working machine.

Background Art

[0002] For working machines, equipment or attachments may be additionally mounted to handle various construction tasks. In recent years, to realize advanced functions (solutions) such as machine guidance, multiple pieces of equipment such as GNSS antennas, communication devices, acceleration sensors, or dedicated controllers are mounted on the working machine, and application software that realizes the functions in cooperation with the multiple pieces of equipment is installed on the working machine. In this type of working machine, depending on the mounting status of the multiple pieces of equipment, the executability of the application software changes, and as a result, the realizability of the functions also changes. However, it is difficult for users such as the manager or operator of the working machine to grasp which combination of equipment enables which application software to be executed and, as a result, which functions are available. In addition, it is also assumed that expensive equipment can be replaced and used on another working machine. Even for equipment sellers, it is difficult to grasp what equipment is currently mounted on a working machine that has once been released to the market, which application software is executable, and as a result, which functions are available.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for managing parts mounted on a working machine by attaching an RFID tag to a part and reading the radio wave transmitted from the RFID tag on the working machine side.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 mainly involves attaching RFID tags to consumables such as filters to monitor whether genuine products are installed. In other words, with the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is difficult for users to understand which application software can be executed and, consequently, which functions are available, based on the combination of equipment installed on the work machine.

[0006] In view of the circumstances described above, the present invention aims to allow users to easily understand the functions available depending on the mounting status of the equipment on the work machine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the aforementioned problems, the function management system for a work machine of the present invention is a function management system for a work machine that manages functions available according to equipment attached to the work machine, wherein the work machine comprises a controller that executes application software that realizes a predetermined function of the work machine in cooperation with a plurality of the equipment, and a monitor that displays the processing results of the controller, wherein the controller comprises a storage unit that stores activation conditions that define the combination of equipment necessary to activate the application software, an acquisition unit that acquires identification information of the equipment attached to the work machine, and a management unit that determines the application software that can be activated based on the identification information of the equipment acquired by the acquisition unit and the activation conditions stored in the storage unit, and creates a list of the application software that can be activated, and the monitor displays the list of the application software created by the management unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, the user can easily understand the available functions depending on the mounting status of the equipment on the work machine. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] A diagram showing the external configuration of the work machine. [Figure 2] A diagram illustrating the configuration of the functional management system. [Figure 3] Figure 2 illustrates the configuration of the controller shown. [Figure 4] A table showing the activation conditions stored in the memory unit shown in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 2 illustrates the list of activatable applications displayed on the monitor shown. [Figure 6] Figure 2 illustrates the deactivation and enablement messages displayed on the monitor shown. [Figure 7] A flowchart showing the process related to enabling or disabling an application in the controller shown in Figure 3. [Figure 8] A diagram illustrating the server configuration that processes whether or not to enable an application. [Figure 9] Figure 8 shows a flowchart illustrating the process related to enabling or disabling applications on the server. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Components denoted by the same reference numerals in each embodiment are similar in each embodiment unless otherwise specified, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0011] Figure 1 shows the external configuration of the work machine 35.

[0012] The work machine 35, whose functions are managed by the function management system 100 according to the equipment 22, may be a construction machine such as a hydraulic excavator, wheel loader, or dump truck. Figure 1 shows a hydraulic excavator as an example of a work machine 35, but the work machine 35 is not particularly limited.

[0013] The work machine 35 is equipped with an engine 1 which is the power source of the work machine 35, and a main pump 2 which is a hydraulic pump driven by the engine 1. In the work machine 35, the lower traveling body 3, the upper revolving body 4, and the working device 5 operate independently by the hydraulic oil supplied from the main pump 2.

[0014] The lower traveling body 3 consists of a pair of traveling devices 6 (only one side is shown in Fig. 1) and operates by the rotation of a traveling hydraulic motor 7. The upper revolving body 4 is connected to the upper part of the lower traveling body 3 via a revolving device 8 and operates by the rotation of a revolving hydraulic motor (not shown).

[0015] The working device 5 is mounted on the front part of the upper revolving body 4. The working device 5 includes a boom 9 rotatably supported by the upper revolving body 4, a boom cylinder 10 for driving the boom 9, an arm 11 rotatably supported by the boom 9, an arm cylinder 12 for driving the arm 11, a bucket 13 rotatably supported by the arm 11, and a bucket cylinder 14 for driving the bucket 13. Each hydraulic cylinder 10, 12, 14 expands and contracts by the hydraulic oil supplied from the main pump 2 and rotates the boom 9, the arm 11, and the bucket 13 around each rotation axis 15 - 17 as a fulcrum. Thereby, the working device 5 performs operations such as excavation or land leveling.

[0016] Fig. 2 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the function management system 100.

[0017] The function management system 100 is a system that manages the functions available according to the equipment 22 mounted on the work machine 35. The function management system 100 includes the work machine 35, a server 23 communicably connected to the work machine 35, and an administrator terminal 36 communicably connected to the server 23.

[0018] The work machine 35 is equipped with a controller 18, a monitor 19, and a communication device 20. The controller 18 and the monitor 19 can communicate with each other via an in-vehicle network 21 such as CAN. Further, a plurality of equipment 22 mounted on the work machine 35 are also connected to the in-vehicle network 21. When the equipment 22 is mounted on the work machine 35, the identification information of the equipment 22 is output to the in-vehicle network 21 and transmitted to the controller 18 via the in-vehicle network 21.

[0019] The controller 18 is a controller that executes application software (hereinafter also referred to as "app") that realizes a predetermined function (solution) of the work machine 35 in cooperation with a plurality of equipment 22. A plurality of apps are implemented in the controller 18 for each of the functions. The controller 18 enables or disables each of the plurality of apps. When the controller 18 enables an app, the app becomes executable. When the controller 18 executes an app, the function corresponding to the app is realized. When the controller 18 disables an app, the app becomes non-executable and the function corresponding to the app is not realized. That is, in the present embodiment, enabling an app means transitioning the app to an executable state, and disabling an app means transitioning the app to a non-executable state.

[0020] Here, equipment 22 may be a component of the work machine 35 that is connected to the in-vehicle network 21 and communicates with the controller 18. Equipment 22 may also be equipment that is retrofitted to the work machine 35. Equipment 22 may be, for example, a GNSS receiver, a guidance monitor, an acceleration sensor, or a camera. Functions realized through the cooperation of multiple pieces of equipment 22 and an application may be, for example, a 3D machine guidance function, a remote navigation function, a remote monitoring function, a 2D machine guidance function, or a crane function. An application that realizes the functions of the work machine 35 in cooperation with multiple pieces of equipment 22 may be, for example, an application for 3D machine guidance, an application for remote navigation, an application for remote monitoring, an application for 2D machine guidance, or a crane application. In other words, an application is implemented in the controller 18 for each function realized through the cooperation of multiple pieces of equipment 22.

[0021] The controller 18 can enable or disable the application in response to setting signals transmitted from the touchscreen monitor 19 by a user such as the administrator or operator of the work machine 35 operating the monitor 19. Alternatively, the controller 18 can enable or disable the application in response to setting signals transmitted via the server 23 and communication device 20 by the administrator of the work machine 35 operating the administrator terminal 36.

[0022] Furthermore, the equipment 22 may be a component of the work machine 35 that is not connected to the in-vehicle network 21, that is, a component of the work machine 35 that does not communicate with the controller 18. For example, the equipment 22 may be a component of the work device 5, or a component of the travel device 6, etc. In this case, the equipment 22 may be equipped with a wireless tag 33 that emits radio waves containing identification information of the equipment 22. A reader 34 is connected to the controller 18 via the in-vehicle network 21. The reader 34 reads the identification information of the equipment 22 from the radio waves emitted by the wireless tag 33 and transmits it to the controller 18. The wireless tag 33 is, for example, an RFID tag. The reader 34 is, for example, an RFID reader.

[0023] The wireless tag 33 may also be provided on the user ID card of the work machine 35. The user ID card consists of a card or the like with the wireless tag 33 embedded in it. The wireless tag 33 emits radio waves containing the identification information of the user ID card. The reader 34 reads the identification information of the user ID card from the radio waves emitted by the wireless tag 33 provided on the user ID card and transmits it to the controller 18.

[0024] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the controller 18 shown in Figure 2. Figure 4 is a table 24 showing the activation conditions stored in the storage unit 181 shown in Figure 3.

[0025] The controller 18 comprises a processor and memory, and the processor executes programs to realize each function of the controller 18. These functions include a storage unit 181, an acquisition unit 182, a creation unit 183, a management unit 184, and an authentication unit 185.

[0026] The memory unit 181 stores a table 24 that shows activation conditions, which define the combinations of equipment 22 necessary to activate an application. The vertical column items of the table 24 are set with the names 25 of equipment that may be attached to the work machine 35. The horizontal row items of the table 24 are set with the names 26 of applications that may be executed by the controller 18. The circles in the table 24 indicate the combinations of equipment 22 necessary to activate an application. That is, if the current equipment 22 attached to the work machine 35 satisfies the conditions for the combination of equipment 22 necessary to activate an application (i.e., if it includes the equipment 22 with circles in the table 24), then the application can be activated. For example, in Figure 4, activating the 3D machine guidance application requires a GNSS receiver, a guidance monitor, and an accelerometer as equipment 22.

[0027] Furthermore, the memory unit 181 stores the equipment list created by the creation unit 183. The memory unit 181 also stores the list of enableable applications created by the management unit 184.

[0028] The acquisition unit 182 acquires identification information of the equipment 22 attached to the work machine 35. Specifically, the acquisition unit 182 acquires the identification information of the equipment 22 that has been output to the in-vehicle network 21 from the equipment 22 attached to the work machine 35. In addition, the acquisition unit 182 acquires the identification information of the equipment 22 that has been read by the reader 34 and output to the in-vehicle network 21 from the in-vehicle network 21.

[0029] The creation unit 183 creates an equipment list representing the equipment 22 currently attached to the work machine 35, based on the identification information of the equipment 22 acquired by the acquisition unit 182. The creation unit 183 then outputs the created current equipment list to the management unit 184.

[0030] The management unit 184 determines which applications can be activated based on the identification information of the equipment 22 acquired by the acquisition unit 182 and the activation conditions stored in the storage unit 181, and creates a list of applications that have been determined to be activatable.

[0031] Specifically, the management unit 184 determines which applications can be activated by comparing the current equipment list created by the creation unit 183 with the table 24 indicating the activation conditions stored in the storage unit 181.

[0032] The management unit 184 compares the current equipment list created by the creation unit 183 with the previous equipment list created by the creation unit 183 to determine which applications have changed to meet the activation conditions due to the installation of equipment 22 (i.e., applications that have changed from non-activatable applications to activateatable applications). The management unit 184 then creates an enableable message 32 to prompt the activation of applications that have changed to meet the activation conditions.

[0033] The management unit 184 compares the current equipment list created by the creation unit 183 with the previous equipment list created by the creation unit 183 to determine which applications have changed so that they no longer meet the activation conditions due to the attachment or detachment of equipment 22 (i.e., applications that have changed from applications that can be activated to applications that cannot be activated). The management unit 184 disables the applications that have changed so that they no longer meet the activation conditions and creates a disabling message 31 to notify the disabled applications.

[0034] The management unit 184 then creates a list of apps that can be enabled. In this case, the management unit 184 may create a list of apps that can be enabled by displaying them as active and apps that cannot be enabled by displaying them as inactive.

[0035] Subsequently, the management unit 184 stores the processing result regarding whether or not the application can be activated in the storage unit 181 and transmits it to the monitor 19 and the communication device 20. That is, the management unit 184 stores a list of the created activateable applications and the current equipment list in the storage unit 181. At this time, the management unit 184 may update the previous equipment list stored in the storage unit 181 with the current equipment list. Furthermore, the management unit 184 transmits the list of activateable applications, the activation message 32 and the deactivation message 31 to the monitor 19 and the communication device 20. Furthermore, the management unit 184 transmits the current equipment list to the communication device 20.

[0036] Monitor 19 displays a list of enableable applications, enablement messages 32, and deactivation messages 31. When Monitor 19 receives a user operation to enable or disable an application, it sends a setting signal corresponding to the user's operation to the management unit 184 of Controller 18. The management unit 184 sets the application to enable or disable according to the setting signal. Communication device 20 sends the list of enableable applications, enablement messages 32, and deactivation messages 31, as well as the current equipment list, to Server 23. Server 23 sends the list of enableable applications, enablement messages 32, and deactivation messages 31 sent from the work machine 35 to the administrator terminal 36 for display. Server 23 stores the current equipment list sent from the work machine 35.

[0037] The authentication unit 185 authenticates that a legitimate user has accessed the controller 18 based on the identification information of the user ID card read by the reader 34. Specifically, the authentication unit 185 has pre-stored the identification information of legitimate user ID cards for the work machine 35. The authentication unit 185 obtains the identification information of the user ID card read by the reader 34 from the in-vehicle network 21. The authentication unit 185 compares the identification information of the user ID card obtained from the in-vehicle network 21 with the identification information of legitimate user ID cards that it has pre-stored, and if the identification information of the two matches, it authenticates that a legitimate user has accessed the controller 18. The authentication unit 185 transmits the authentication result to the monitor 19. The monitor 19 displays the authentication result.

[0038] Furthermore, the authentication unit 185 may output the authentication result to the management unit 184. When the authentication unit 185 authenticates that a legitimate user has accessed the controller 18, the management unit 184 makes a determination regarding whether or not to enable the application.

[0039] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the list of enableable applications displayed on the monitor 19 shown in Figure 2. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the deactivation message 31 and enablement message 32 displayed on the monitor 19 shown in Figure 2.

[0040] As shown in Figure 5, the left column of the monitor 19 screen displays a list of app names 26 that can be activated on the current work machine 35, determined using the table 24 showing the activation conditions in Figure 4. The right column of the monitor 19 screen displays buttons 27 to 30 corresponding to each of the activatable app names 26, which are used to activate or deactivate the app. If a usage fee is incurred during the period the app is activated, buttons 27 to 30 will display "Contract" or "Terminate Contract" instead of "Activate" or "Deactivate". Specifically, for apps that are currently disabled and will incur a usage fee during the period they are activated, the Contract button 27 is displayed. For apps that are currently activated and will incur a usage fee during the period they are activated, the Terminate Contract button 28 is displayed, indicating that they can be changed to a disabled state. For apps that are currently disabled and will not incur a usage fee during the period they are activated, the Activate button 29 is displayed, indicating that they can be changed to a disabled state. For apps that are currently activated and will not incur a usage fee during the period they are activated, the Deactivate button 30 is displayed, indicating that they can be changed to a disabled state. In other words, in this embodiment, enabling or disabling the app includes setting up or terminating an agreement.

[0041] When buttons 27 and 29 are operated and the application is activated, the controller 18 starts controlling the input and output of the equipment 22. Since it is assumed that the attachment or detachment of the equipment 22 is performed when the power to the work machine 35 is OFF, the controller 18 performs the process of determining whether the application can be activated or not each time the power to the work machine 35 is turned ON.

[0042] If the results of the previous processing differ from the results of the current processing, messages 31 and 32 will be displayed as a pop-up on the monitor 19. As shown in Figure 6, for applications that have changed to no longer meet the activation conditions due to the attachment / detachment (removal) of equipment 22, a deactivation message 31 will be displayed on the monitor 19. Furthermore, applications that have changed to no longer meet the activation conditions will be automatically deactivated by the controller 18, and the usage fee contract will also be terminated. For applications that have changed to meet the activation conditions due to the attachment (installation) of equipment 22, an activation-ready message 32 will be displayed on the monitor 19.

[0043] The deactivation message 31 shown in Figure 6 indicates that, as shown in Figure 4, the 3D machine guidance application, remote navigation application, and remote monitoring application no longer meet the activation conditions due to the removal and reinstallation of the GNSS receiver. The activation message 32 shown in Figure 6 indicates that, as the acceleration sensor has been installed, the 3D machine guidance application, 2D machine guidance application, and crane application now meet the activation conditions. In this case, the GNSS receiver and guidance monitor are already installed.

[0044] Furthermore, the list of activatable applications shown in Figure 5, and the deactivation message 31 and enablement message 32 shown in Figure 6, are also displayed on the administrator terminal 36, just as they are on the monitor 19.

[0045] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the process related to whether or not to enable an application in the controller 18 shown in Figure 3.

[0046] In step S1, the controller 18 determines whether the power to the work machine 35 has been turned ON or OFF. If the power to the work machine 35 is OFF, the controller 18 remains in standby mode. If the power to the work machine 35 is ON, the controller 18 proceeds to step S2.

[0047] In step S2, the controller 18 obtains identification information of the equipment 22 from the in-vehicle network 21 and creates a current equipment list.

[0048] In step S3, the controller 18 compares the current equipment list with the table 24 which shows the activation conditions, and determines which applications can be activated.

[0049] In step S4, the controller 18 compares the current equipment list with the previous equipment list.

[0050] In step S5, the controller 18 determines whether the current equipment list matches the previous equipment list. If the current equipment list matches the previous equipment list, the controller 18 proceeds to step S11. If the current equipment list does not match the previous equipment list, the controller 18 proceeds to step S6.

[0051] In step S6, the controller 18 determines whether there are any apps that have changed in a way that they no longer meet the activation conditions. If there are apps that have changed in a way that they no longer meet the activation conditions, the controller 18 proceeds to step S7. If there are no apps that have changed in a way that they no longer meet the activation conditions, the controller 18 proceeds to step S9.

[0052] In step S7, the controller 18 disables the app that has changed to no longer meet the activation conditions and proceeds to step S8.

[0053] In step S8, the controller 18 creates a disable message 31 and displays it on the monitor 19 and the administrator terminal 36.

[0054] In step S9, the controller 18 determines whether there are any apps that have changed to meet the activation conditions. If there are apps that have changed to meet the activation conditions, the controller 18 proceeds to step S10. If there are no apps that have changed to meet the activation conditions, the controller 18 proceeds to step S11.

[0055] In step S10, the controller 18 creates an enableable message 32 and displays it on the monitor 19 and the administrator terminal 36.

[0056] In step S11, the controller 18 creates a list of apps that can be enabled.

[0057] In step S12, the controller 18 displays a list of enableable applications on the monitor 19 and the administrator terminal 36. The controller 18 enables or disables an application (including setting up an agreement or contract termination) in response to a setting signal corresponding to a user's operation to enable or disable an application.

[0058] In step S13, the controller 18 determines whether the power to the work machine 35 has been turned off. If the power to the work machine 35 is not turned off, the controller 18 remains in standby mode. If the power to the work machine 35 is turned off, the controller 18 proceeds to step S14.

[0059] In step S14, the controller 18 updates the previous equipment list with the current equipment list.

[0060] In step S15, the controller 18 shuts down the power supply to the work machine 35. After that, the controller 18 terminates the process shown in Figure 7.

[0061] As described above, the function management system 100 of this embodiment is a function management system for a work machine 35 that manages the functions available in accordance with the equipment 22 attached to the work machine 35. The work machine 35 includes a controller 18 that executes an application that realizes a predetermined function of the work machine 35 in cooperation with a plurality of equipment 22, and a monitor 19 that displays the processing results of the controller 18. The controller 18 has a storage unit 181 that stores a table 24 showing activation conditions that define the combination of equipment 22 necessary to activate the application, an acquisition unit 182 that acquires identification information of the equipment 22 attached to the work machine 35, and a management unit 184 that determines the applications that can be activated and creates a list of the applications that can be activated based on the identification information acquired by the acquisition unit 182 and the table 24 showing activation conditions stored in the storage unit 181. The monitor 19 displays the list of applications that can be activated created by the management unit 184.

[0062] As a result, the function management system 100 can automatically determine which applications can be activated on the work machine 35 according to the combination of equipment 22 attached to the work machine 35, and present a list of the activated applications to the user. By viewing the list of activated applications, the user can easily understand which applications should be activated and executed to use which functions, given the current equipment 22 setup. Therefore, the function management system 100 can easily allow the user to understand the functions available to the work machine 35 according to the equipment 22 setup.

[0063] Furthermore, in the function management system 100 of this embodiment, the controller 18 has a creation unit 183 that creates an equipment list representing the equipment 22 currently attached to the work machine 35 based on the identification information of the equipment 22 acquired by the acquisition unit 182. The storage unit 181 stores the equipment list created by the creation unit 183. The management unit 184 compares the current equipment list created by the creation unit 183 with the previous equipment list created by the creation unit 183 to determine which applications have changed to satisfy the activation conditions due to the attachment of the equipment 22. The management unit 184 creates an enableable message 32 that prompts the activation of the applications that have changed to satisfy the activation conditions. The monitor 19 displays the enableable message 32 created by the management unit 184.

[0064] As a result, the function management system 100 can automatically determine which applications have become available for activation due to the installation of the equipment 22, notify the user of the existence of such applications, and encourage the user to activate them. Therefore, if, for example, the application that has become available for activation is an application that incurs usage fees, the function management system 100 can immediately propose a usage agreement for that application to the user. Thus, the function management system 100 can easily and quickly allow the user to understand the available functions according to the installation status of the equipment 22 on the work machine 35.

[0065] Furthermore, in the function management system 100 of this embodiment, the management unit 184 compares the current equipment list created by the creation unit 183 with the previous equipment list created by the creation unit 183 to determine which applications have changed so that they no longer meet the activation conditions due to the attachment or detachment of equipment 22. The management unit 184 disables the applications that have changed so that they no longer meet the activation conditions and creates a disabling message 31 to notify the disabled applications. The monitor 19 displays the disabling message 31 created by the management unit 184.

[0066] As a result, the function management system 100 can automatically determine and disable any applications that have become unusable due to the attachment or detachment of the equipment 22, and can also notify the user of the existence of such disabled applications. Therefore, if, for example, the application that has become unusable is an application that incurs usage fees, the function management system 100 can prevent a period during which the user would unnecessarily pay usage fees even though the application is unusable, and can notify the user of this. Thus, the function management system 100 can prevent the user from incurring any disadvantages while allowing the user to easily understand the available functions according to the attachment status of the equipment 22 of the work machine 35.

[0067] Furthermore, in the function management system 100 of this embodiment, the equipment 22 is equipped with a wireless tag 33 that emits radio waves containing identification information of the equipment 22. A reader 34 is connected to the controller 18, which reads the identification information of the equipment 22 from the radio waves emitted by the wireless tag 33 and transmits it to the controller 18. The acquisition unit 182 acquires the identification information of the equipment 22 read by the reader 34.

[0068] As a result, even if the equipment 22 is a component that is not connected to the in-vehicle network 21, the function management system 100 can automatically determine which applications can be activated on the work machine 35 according to the combination of equipment 22 installed on the work machine 35, and present a list of the activated applications to the user. Therefore, the function management system 100 can improve its versatility while allowing the user to easily understand the functions available according to the installation status of the equipment 22 on the work machine 35.

[0069] Furthermore, in the function management system 100 of this embodiment, the reader 34 reads the identification information of the user ID card from the radio waves transmitted by the wireless tag 33 provided on the user ID card of the work machine 35 and transmits it to the controller 18. The controller 18 has an authentication unit 185 that authenticates that a legitimate user has accessed the controller 18 based on the identification information of the user ID card read by the reader 34. When the authentication unit 185 authenticates that a legitimate user has accessed the controller 18, the management unit 184 makes a determination regarding whether or not to enable the application.

[0070] As a result, the function management system 100 can display a list of applications that can only be enabled when a legitimate user accesses the controller 18, thus preventing unauthorized users from enabling or disabling applications without authorization. Therefore, the function management system 100 can ensure the security of the work machine 35 while allowing users to easily understand the functions available depending on the installation status of the equipment 22 on the work machine 35.

[0071] Figure 8 illustrates the configuration of server 23, which processes whether or not to enable the application.

[0072] In Figures 1 to 7, the process of enabling or disabling the application was performed by the controller 18 mounted on the work machine 35. The process of enabling or disabling the application may be performed not only by the controller 18 but also by the server 23. In this case, the functions of the storage unit 181 and the management unit 184 shown in Figure 3 may be provided in both the controller 18 and the server 23, or they may be provided only in the server 23.

[0073] Specifically, as shown in Figure 8, the server 23 includes a communication device 231 that communicates with the work machine 35 and the administrator terminal 36, a storage device 232 that stores a table 24 indicating activation conditions and an equipment list transmitted from the work machine 35, and a management device 233 that determines which applications can be activated based on the table 24 indicating activation conditions and the equipment list stored in the storage device 232, and creates a list of applications that can be activated.

[0074] The communication device 231 receives the equipment list transmitted from the work machine 35 and stores it in the storage device 232. The storage device 232 stores a list of work machines 35 managed by the server 23. The storage device 232 stores at least the current equipment list and the previous equipment list. The management device 233 creates a list of enableable applications, a deactivation message 31, and an enableable message 32. The management device 233 stores the created list of enableable applications, the deactivation message 31, and the enableable message 32 in the storage device 232 and also transmits them to the administrator terminal 36 via the communication device 231.

[0075] The administrator terminal 36 displays a list of enableable applications, a deactivation message 31, and an enableable message 32, which have been sent from the server 23. When the administrator terminal 36 receives an operation from the administrator to enable or disable an application, it sends a setting signal corresponding to the administrator's operation to the management device 233 of the server 23. The management device 233 sets the application to enable or disable (including contract or contract termination) in accordance with the setting signal sent from the administrator terminal 36. That is, the management device 233 sends the setting signal sent from the administrator terminal 36 to the controller 18 of the work machine 35, causing the controller 18 to set the application to enable or disable (including contract or contract termination).

[0076] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the process related to whether or not to enable the application on server 23, as shown in Figure 8.

[0077] In step S21, the server 23 sends a list of work machines 35 stored in the storage device 232 to the administrator terminal 36 for display. The administrator terminal 36 accepts an operation from the administrator to select any work machine 35 and sends a selection signal to the server 23 according to the operation.

[0078] In step S22, the server 23 reads the equipment list for the selected work machine 35 and the table 24 showing the activation conditions from the storage device 232.

[0079] In steps S23 to S32, the server 23 performs the same processing as in steps S3 to S12 shown in Figure 7. However, in step S28, the server 23 displays the created deactivation message 31 on the administrator terminal 36. In step S30, the server 23 displays the created enableable message 32 on the administrator terminal 36. In step S32, the server 23 sends the created list of enableable applications to the administrator terminal 36 and displays it on the administrator terminal 36.

[0080] In step S33, the server 23 determines whether the administrator terminal 36 has received an operation from the administrator to enable or disable the application (including contracting or terminating a contract). The server 23 can determine whether the administrator terminal 36 has received a setting signal from the administrator terminal 36 corresponding to the content of the administrator's operation, thereby determining whether the administrator terminal 36 has received the operation. If the administrator terminal 36 has not received the operation, the server 23 waits. If the administrator terminal 36 has received the operation, the server 23 proceeds to step S34.

[0081] In step S34, the server 23 sends a setting signal corresponding to the administrator's operation to the controller 18 of the work machine 35, causing the controller 18 to set the application to be enabled or disabled (including contract or contract termination). After that, the server 23 terminates the process shown in Figure 9.

[0082] As described above, the function management system 100 of this embodiment includes a server 23 that is communicatively connected to the work machine 35, and an administrator terminal 36 that is communicatively connected to the server 23. The controller 18 has a creation unit 183 that creates an equipment list representing the equipment 22 currently attached to the work machine 35 based on the identification information of the equipment 22 acquired by the acquisition unit 182. The work machine 35 transmits the equipment list created by the creation unit 183 to the server 23. The server 23 has a storage device 232 that stores a table 24 indicating activation conditions and the equipment list transmitted from the work machine 35, and a management device 233 that determines which applications can be activated based on the table 24 indicating activation conditions and the equipment list stored in the storage device 232, and creates a list of applications that can be activated. The administrator terminal 36 displays the list of applications that can be activated transmitted from the server 23.

[0083] As a result, the function management system 100 can automatically determine which applications can be enabled on the work machine 35, not only on the work machine 35 but also on the server 23, and present a list of the enabled applications to an administrator who is not on-site. Therefore, the function management system 100 can easily make available functions to various users depending on the installation status of the equipment 22 on the work machine 35.

[0084] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to each embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The present invention can be modified by adding components of one embodiment to components of another embodiment, replacing components of one embodiment with components of another embodiment, or deleting parts of components of one embodiment. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0085] 1...Engine, 2...Main pump, 3...Lower traveling body, 4...Upper slewing body, 5...Working equipment, 6...Traveling equipment, 7...Travel hydraulic motor, 8...Slewing device, 9...Boom, 10...Boom cylinder, 11...Arm, 12...Arm cylinder, 13...Bucket, 14...Bucket cylinder, 15...Rotating shaft, 16...Rotating shaft, 17...Rotating shaft, 18...Controller, 19...Monitor, 20...Communication device, 21...On-board network, 22...Equipment, 23...Server, 24...Table 25... Equipment name, 26... App name, 27... Contract button, 28... Contract cancellation button, 29... Activate button, 30... Deactivate button, 31... Deactivation message, 32... Activation possible message, 33... Wireless tag, 34... Reader, 35... Work machine, 36... Administrator terminal, 100... Function management system, 181... Storage unit, 182... Acquisition unit, 183... Creation unit, 184... Management unit, 185... Authentication unit, 231... Communication device, 232... Memory device, 233... Management device

Claims

1. A function management system for work machines that manages the functions available according to the equipment attached to the work machine, The aforementioned work machine comprises a controller that executes application software to realize a predetermined function of the work machine in cooperation with a plurality of the aforementioned equipment, and a monitor that displays the processing results of the controller, The aforementioned controller, A storage unit that stores activation conditions that define the combination of equipment necessary to activate the application software, An acquisition unit that acquires identification information of the equipment attached to the aforementioned work machine, The system includes a management unit that determines which application software can be activated based on the identification information of the equipment acquired by the acquisition unit and the activation conditions stored in the storage unit, and creates a list of the activationable application software. The Monitor displays a list of the application software created by the management unit. A functional management system for work machines characterized by the following features.

2. The controller has a creation unit that creates an equipment list representing the equipment currently attached to the work machine based on the identification information of the equipment acquired by the acquisition unit, The storage unit stores the equipment list created by the creation unit. The aforementioned management department, The current equipment list created by the creation unit is compared with the previous equipment list created by the creation unit to determine the application software that has been modified to satisfy the activation conditions by installing the equipment. Create an enableable message that prompts the activation of the application software that has been modified to satisfy the activation conditions, The Monitor displays the enablement message created by the management unit. The functional management system for a work machine according to feature 1.

3. The aforementioned management department, The current equipment list created by the creation unit is compared with the previous equipment list created by the creation unit to determine which application software has changed so that the activation conditions are no longer met due to the attachment or detachment of the equipment. The application software that has been modified to no longer meet the activation conditions is disabled, and a disabling message is created to notify the disabled application software. The Monitor displays the invalidation message created by the management unit. The functional management system for a work machine according to feature 2.

4. The equipment is provided with a wireless tag that emits radio waves containing the identification information of the equipment. The controller is connected to a reader that reads the identification information of the equipment from the radio waves transmitted by the wireless tag and transmits it to the controller. The acquisition unit acquires the identification information of the equipment read by the reader. The functional management system for a work machine according to feature 1.

5. The reader reads the identification information of the user ID card from the radio waves transmitted by the wireless tag attached to the user ID card of the work machine and transmits it to the controller. The controller has an authentication unit that authenticates that a legitimate user has accessed the controller based on the identification information of the user certificate read by the reader. The management unit, upon authentication by the authentication unit, determines whether or not the application software can be enabled, in which case it makes a determination regarding whether or not the application software can be enabled. The functional management system for a work machine according to feature 4.

6. The aforementioned function management system comprises a server that is communicatively connected to the work machine, and an administrator terminal that is communicatively connected to the server. The controller has a creation unit that creates an equipment list representing the equipment currently attached to the work machine based on the identification information of the equipment acquired by the acquisition unit, The aforementioned work machine transmits the equipment list created by the creation unit to the server. The aforementioned server, A storage device that stores the activation conditions and the equipment list transmitted from the work machine, The system includes a management device that determines which application software can be activated based on the activation conditions and equipment list stored in the storage device, and creates a list of the activationable application software, The administrator terminal displays a list of application software sent from the server. The functional management system for a work machine according to feature 1.

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