Material management system
The material management system with weighing devices and data processing accurately tracks long items at construction sites, preventing theft and ensuring material availability through load signal alerts.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- FUJITA CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-02
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-12
AI Technical Summary
Existing material management systems at civil engineering and construction sites are inadequate for accurately managing large and long items, as they cannot be placed on conventional weight measuring mats, leading to inefficient inventory tracking.
A material management system with a data processing unit and multiple weighing devices that can transmit load signals, allowing for precise inventory management of materials, including long items, by calculating weight information and issuing alerts for theft or excess loads.
Enables accurate and quick management of material quantities, preventing theft and damage by alerting when loads exceed limits or materials run low, ensuring continuous construction operations.
Smart Images

Figure 2026096036000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] This invention relates to a materials management system. [Background technology]
[0002] Temporary materials such as scaffolding, piping, rails, and joints are used at civil engineering and construction sites, and these materials are stored in a material storage area within the site. Pipes and reinforcing bars are also stored in this material storage area. Workers then retrieve these materials from the storage area as needed, and orders are placed when the amount of materials stored in the storage area becomes low, based on visual inspection. In other words, accurate material management was not being carried out at civil engineering and construction sites.
[0003] Therefore, for example, it is conceivable to place materials on a weight measuring mat, such as the one described in Patent Document 1, and manage inventory based on the weight measured by the weight measuring mat. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]
[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6665234 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]
[0005] However, materials used at civil engineering and construction sites often include large items such as long objects weighing over 1 ton, which cannot be placed on the weight measuring mat described in Patent Document 1.
[0006] This invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its objective is to provide a materials management system that can manage storage quantities at civil engineering and construction sites. [Means for solving the problem]
[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a material management system is provided for managing materials at a civil engineering or construction site, comprising: a material weighing unit on which materials are placed, including a plurality of weighing devices capable of transmitting load signals corresponding to the applied load; and a data processing unit capable of communicating with the weighing devices of the material weighing unit, wherein the data processing unit stores an inventory management unit master on which material identifiers that identify the type of material and weight information relating to the weight per unit quantity of the material corresponding to the material identifier are associated, and the data processing unit obtains weight information corresponding to the type of material placed on the material weighing unit by referring to the inventory management unit master, and manages the quantity of materials based on the load signals received from the material weighing unit and the obtained weight information.
[0008] According to the above embodiment, even long items can be placed on weighing devices by arranging multiple weighing devices at intervals, thereby enabling the management of the amount of stored material. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the amount of material received and issued can be managed based on weight, making it possible to manage quantities more accurately and quickly than conventional methods such as visual inspection.
[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, the weighing device has a material receiving section for receiving materials, and the upper surface of the material receiving section has a curved shape that is concave towards the center in the lateral direction.
[0010] According to the above embodiment, even cylindrical or columnar members can be placed on the weighing device.
[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, a suction cup is formed on the upper surface of the material receiving portion.
[0012] At construction sites, materials may shift due to vibrations and other factors. However, according to the above configuration, materials can be securely held on the material support.
[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, the data processing unit calculates the increase or decrease in total weight of multiple types of materials placed on the material weighing unit from load signals received from multiple weighing devices, and calculates the increase or decrease in the quantity of each type of material received or dispensed based on the calculated increase or decrease in total weight.
[0014] According to the above configuration, even if multiple materials are loaded onto the same material weighing unit 400 in a confined construction site, the quantity of materials can be reliably managed.
[0015] According to one aspect of the present invention, the data processing unit uses W1, W2, etc. as the unit weights of material 1, material 2, etc., respectively, and n1, n2, etc. as the quantities of material 1, material 2, etc., respectively, and records the increase or decrease in the total weight measured by the material weighing unit as W A When this is the case, W1×n1+W2×n2+W3×n3···=W A integers n1 to n such that m (m is the number of material types) calculate n1~n m These are estimated as increases or decreases in the quantities of material 1, material 2, ..., material m, respectively.
[0016] According to the above embodiment, the quantities of multiple materials loaded onto the material weighing unit can be reliably estimated.
[0017] According to one aspect of the present invention, the data processing unit is configured to issue an alert via a portable terminal or a stationary terminal device when the load calculated based on load signals received from multiple weighing devices received from the material weighing unit increases or decreases outside of pre-set construction days and construction time periods.
[0018] For example, if the load at a construction site increases or decreases during non-working hours, there is a possibility of material theft. According to the above configuration, an alert can be issued in such cases.
[0019] According to one aspect of the present invention, when the quantity of materials calculated based on the weight of the materials received from the material weighing unit becomes less than or equal to a predetermined number, an alert is configured to be issued by a mobile terminal or a stationary terminal device.
[0020] According to the above aspect, since an alert is issued before the stock of materials runs out, it is possible to prevent the construction from being hindered due to a shortage of materials.
[0021] According to one aspect of the present invention, when the load of the load signal received from the weighing device exceeds a predetermined maximum loading weight, an alert is configured to be issued by a mobile terminal or a stationary terminal device.
[0022] According to the above aspect, since an alert is issued when the maximum loading weight of the weighing device is exceeded, it is possible to prevent the weighing device from being damaged.
[0023] According to one aspect of the present invention, when there is a difference between the quantity of materials calculated based on the load signal received from the material weighing unit and the weight information obtained, and the quantity in the receipt and payment ledger that manages the quantity of materials, an alert is configured to be issued by a mobile terminal or a stationary terminal device.
[0024] According to the above aspect, when there is a difference between the quantity calculated based on the weight and the quantity managed by the receipt and payment ledger, an operator can confirm the quantity, and accurate quantity management can be achieved.
Effects of the Invention
[0025] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a material management system capable of managing the storage quantity at a civil engineering and construction site.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0026] [Figure 1] It is a system diagram showing the configuration of a material management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] It is a front view showing a state where materials are stored by a material weighing unit. [Figure 2B] This is a top view showing how materials are stored using a material weighing unit. [Figure 2C] This is a side view showing how materials are stored using a material weighing unit. [Figure 3] This is a plan view showing the configuration of the weighing device. [Figure 4] This is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the weighing device. [Figure 5] This is a diagram showing the circuit configuration of the weighing device. [Figure 6] This is a plan view showing the processing and display unit. [Figure 7A] This is a front view showing how materials are stored using baskets. [Figure 7B] This is a top view showing how materials are stored using baskets. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing the basket unfolded. [Figure 9A] This is a front view showing how materials are stored using steel plates. [Figure 9B] This is a top view showing how materials are stored using steel plates. [Figure 10] This is a front view showing how materials are stored on multiple levels. [Figure 11] This diagram illustrates the change in the arrangement of material weighing units in the material storage area. [Figure 12] This diagram shows the configuration of the location master. [Figure 13] This diagram shows the structure of the inventory management unit master. [Figure 14] This diagram shows the configuration of the storage combination master. [Figure 15] This diagram shows the configuration of the storage unit master. [Figure 16] This diagram shows the configuration of the weighing device master. [Figure 17] This diagram shows the structure of the unit ledger data. [Figure 18] This is a diagram showing the structure of the weighing history. [Figure 19] This diagram shows the structure of the receipt and payment ledger. [Figure 20] This is a diagram showing the periodic weighing pattern master. [Figure 21] This is a diagram of a periodic weighing calendar. [Figure 22A] This is a flowchart illustrating the first grouping process. [Figure 22B] This is a flowchart illustrating the second grouping process. [Figure 23] This figure shows an example of the screen display that appears on a mobile device when grouping data. [Figure 24] This is a flowchart showing the process when receiving materials for the first time. [Figure 25] This is a flowchart showing the process of receiving or distributing materials. [Figure 26] This flowchart shows the process for regularly calculating the amount of materials stored. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0027] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the material management system of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The material management system of this embodiment stores and manages various materials, including so-called long materials that weigh 1 ton or more and are of long length. In the present invention, materials include materials for civil engineering and building structures such as pipes and reinforcing bars, and temporary materials that are removed upon completion of construction, such as scaffolding.
[0028] <Materials Management System> Figure 1 is a system diagram showing the configuration of a materials management system according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the materials management system 1 of this embodiment includes a data processing unit 200, a mobile terminal 300, an inventory management system 100, and a plurality of materials weighing units 400.
[0029] The inventory management system 100 consists of a server installed, for example, in a civil engineering or construction company. The inventory management system 100 includes, at least, a CPU, ROM, RAM, and an interface as part of its hardware configuration. The inventory management system 100 is connected to a communication network, such as the internet, via an interface.
[0030] The data processing unit 200 consists of a computer installed, for example, in each material storage area of a civil engineering or construction site. The data processing unit 200 is preferably installed in a location where power is easily accessible, it does not interfere with work, and communication conditions (such as carrier signals from 4G / 5G or wireless communication such as Wi-Fi) are good, such as on the wall of the material storage area. The data processing unit 200 includes, at a minimum, a CPU, ROM, RAM, and an interface as its hardware configuration. The data processing unit 200 is connected via an interface to means for connecting to a communication network, such as the Internet, and to means for communicating with wireless communication devices such as Wi-Fi. As the means for connecting to the Internet, a wired LAN or wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) installed at the civil engineering or construction site can be used, and as the means for communicating with wireless communication devices, a wireless LAN or mobile communication network built at the civil engineering or construction site can be used.
[0031] The material weighing unit 400 includes multiple weighing devices 500. Figure 1 illustrates the case where each material weighing unit 400 includes two weighing devices 500, but it is not limited to this, and three or more weighing devices 500 may be used as a single material weighing unit 400. The following provides a detailed description of each device.
[0032] <Material weighing unit> Figures 2A to 2C illustrate how materials are stored using a material weighing unit, with Figure 2A being a front view, Figure 2B a top view, and Figure 2C a side view. As shown in Figures 2A to 2C, the material weighing unit 400 includes a pair of weighing devices 500 placed on the ground in a material storage area at a civil engineering or construction site. The weighing devices 500 are elongated members, and the pair of weighing devices 500 are spaced apart and arranged so that their longitudinal directions are perpendicular to the direction of separation. The ends of the materials 10 are placed on each of the pair of weighing devices 500, and multiple materials 10 are stacked and stored. In this embodiment, the case in which the material weighing unit 400 is equipped with a pair of weighing devices 500 is described, but it is not limited to this, and it is also possible to equip it with three or more weighing devices 500.
[0033] <Measuring device> Figure 3 is a plan view showing the configuration of the weighing device, and Figure 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the weighing device. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the weighing device 500 includes a material receiving section 610, a top plate 620, a plurality of weight sensors 630, a power supply section 640, a processing / display section 650, and a cover member 660. The weighing device measures the weight of materials and also functions as a base for storing materials.
[0034] The material receiving section 610 is made of a shock-absorbing material such as rigid urethane. The material receiving section 610 is rectangular in plan view. As shown in Figure 4, the material receiving section 610 has a curved shape in the longitudinal direction, with the cross section being concave from the outside towards the center in the transverse direction. Suction cups are formed on the surface of the material receiving section 610. A carrying handle 611 is attached to one side of the material receiving section 610 in the longitudinal direction.
[0035] The top plate 620 is positioned below the material receiving section 610 and is made of, for example, a steel plate. The load of the materials placed on the material receiving section 610 is entirely transmitted to the top plate 620.
[0036] The weight sensor 630 is, for example, a digital load cell with a built-in temperature sensor, and transmits a temperature-compensated load. The weight sensors 630 are positioned at the four corners of the rectangular material receiving section 610 and at the center of gravity. The top surface of the weight sensor 630 is connected to the bottom surface of the top plate 620. The weighing device 500 outputs the sum of the weights measured by each weight sensor 630 as a load signal.
[0037] The cover member 660 is formed to cover the top plate 620 and the underside of the weight sensor 630. The cover member 660 is made of a flexible material, so that when the weighing device 500 is installed on the ground, weight does not escape to the ground through the cover member 660. By providing the cover member 660 in this way, it is possible to prevent soil and sand from entering the inside of the weight sensor 630 and the weighing device 500 from being damaged, even at civil engineering and construction sites.
[0038] An opening is provided in the cover member 660 at the position where the weight sensor 630 is located, and the weight sensor 630 is inserted through this opening. With this configuration, the weight of the material placed on the material receiving section 610 is transmitted to the top plate 620, and from the top plate 620 to the ground via the five weight sensors 630.
[0039] A power supply unit 640 is housed in the space between the top plate 620 and the cover member 660. The power supply unit 640 is, for example, a battery and supplies power to the processing and display unit 650.
[0040] Figure 5 shows the circuit configuration of the weighing device. As shown in Figure 5, the weighing device 500 has a CPU 601, ROM 602, RAM 603, communication circuit 604, and interface 605. Each weight sensor (piezoelectric element) 630 is connected to interface 605. Furthermore, the weighing device 500 is equipped with an IC chip, a display, wireless communication devices such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and various modules.
[0041] As shown in Figure 1, the processing and display unit 650 has a software configuration consisting of a processing unit 670 and a communication unit 680 (Figure 1). These processing unit 670 and communication unit 680 are realized through the cooperation of the CPU, ROM, RAM, wireless communication devices such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, various modules and interfaces, by executing application programs stored in ROM. The processing unit 670 receives a load signal from the weight sensor 630 via the interface.
[0042] Figure 6 is a plan view showing the processing and display unit 650. As shown in Figure 6, the processing and display unit 650 further includes a power button 671, a character information display unit 672, a QR code (registered trademark) display unit 673, an NFC module 674, a Wi-Fi module 675 and a Bluetooth module 676 as a communication unit 680, an RFID module 677, and an indicator 678.
[0043] The processing unit 670 is pre-configured with a weighing device code (weighing device identifier) to identify each weighing device 500. The processing unit 670 is also pre-configured with weighing device codes to indicate other weighing devices 500 included in the material weighing unit 400. The processing unit 670 calculates the weight to be borne by each weighing device 500 by summing the weights received from the weight sensors 630.
[0044] The power button 671 can be pressed to switch the power of the weighing device 500 on or off. When the power is turned on, the weight sensor 630 is calibrated.
[0045] The character information display unit 672 displays the weighing device code, operating status such as startup complete, grouping complete, and power off complete, as well as error codes / error messages.
[0046] The QR code (registered trademark) display unit 673 displays information regarding the weighing device code and the operating status of the weighing device 500 as a QR code (registered trademark). The operating status of the weighing device includes the material weighing and storage unit identification code, the codes of other weighing devices in the unit, the current voltage value, and error information.
[0047] The NFC module 674 is a short-range wireless communication device that communicates with the mobile terminal 300 to transmit information regarding the operating status of the weighing device 500. This information includes the material weighing and storage unit identification code, the codes of other weighing devices in the unit, the current voltage value, and error information. It is provided as an auxiliary means in case the QR code (registered trademark) reader cannot read the code.
[0048] The Bluetooth module 676 functions as a communication unit 680 for communicating with the mobile terminal 300 and the weighing device 500. Furthermore, as described later, the Bluetooth module 676 functions as a grouping means for wireless communication with the mobile terminal 300 in order to perform grouping.
[0049] The Wi-Fi module 675 functions as a communication unit 680 for communicating with the data processing unit 200 and the mobile terminal 300.
[0050] The RFID module 677 has information such as weighing device codes pre-programmed into it and is used for inventory management of weighing devices and other equipment.
[0051] While in operation, the weighing device 500 adds up the weights measured by each weight sensor 630 and transmits weight data from the communication unit 680 to the local communication unit 250 of the data processing unit 200 at predetermined intervals, such as every 10 seconds.
[0052] <Material storage methods> Next, we will explain the method of storing materials using the material weighing unit 400.
[0053] (1) Storage methods for long materials First, let's explain how to store long materials. As shown in Figure 2, when storing long materials 10 such as pipes and rails, multiple weighing devices 500 that make up the material weighing unit 400 are arranged at intervals. Each weighing device 500 is positioned so that its long side is perpendicular to the material 10 and they are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the material 10. Then, the material 10 is placed on the material receiving section 610 of each weighing device 500. If the material 10 to be stored is long or heavy and there is a risk of deformation due to its own weight, it is advisable to use three or more weighing devices 500. In this way, the long materials 10 are stacked and stored on top of the weighing devices 500.
[0054] (2) Storage methods for small materials Next, we will explain how to store small materials such as fittings. When storing small materials such as fittings, a basket can be used as a storage container. Figures 7A and 7B show how materials are stored using a basket, with Figure 7A being a front view and Figure 7B being a top view. As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, when storing small materials, a basket 20 is placed on a pair of weighing devices 500 that are spaced apart, and the materials are placed inside the basket 20. If the width of the basket 20 is large, weighing devices 500 may be placed at the four corners, and the number of weighing devices 500 supporting the basket 20 may be multiple. Figure 8 shows the basket unfolded. As shown in Figure 8, the basket 20 can be made flat by unfolding the four side walls 22 connected to the bottom surface 21 and folding the side walls 22 so that they overlap the bottom surface 21. When the basket 20 is not in use, it is best to store it in a flat state. When using the basket 20, the basket 20 is installed on the weighing device 500, and the calibration is performed so that the weight output from the weighing device 500 is 0.
[0055] (3) Storage methods for flexible materials, etc. Next, we will explain how to store flexible materials such as resin pipes.
[0056] When storing flexible materials, the materials are stored using a steel plate 30 on a pair of weighing devices 500. Figures 9A and 9B show how materials are stored using a steel plate, with Figure 9A being a front view and Figure 9B being a top view. As shown in Figures 9A and 9B, when storing flexible materials, a steel plate 30 serving as a storage area is placed on a pair of weighing devices 500 that are spaced apart, and the materials are placed on the steel plate 30. If the width of the steel plate is large, weighing devices may be placed at the four corners, and the number of weighing devices supporting the steel plate may be multiple. When using a steel plate 30, calibration is performed so that the weight output from the weighing device 500 is 0 with the steel plate 30 installed on the weighing device 500. Furthermore, the materials that can be used as storage units are not limited to cages and steel plates; pallets, tanks, folding containers, buckets, and other containers can also be used.
[0057] (4) Storage method for storing materials in multiple layers Figure 10 is a front view showing how materials are stored in multiple layers. As shown in Figure 10, when materials are stored in multiple layers, stacking units 40 are used to store the materials. The stacking unit 40 consists of a steel plate formed in a U-shape in a side view. In the embodiment shown in Figure 10, two stacking units 40 are placed side by side. Below each stacking unit 40, a pair of weighing devices 500 that constitute a material weighing unit 400 are placed on the ground, and the materials 10 are placed on the pair of weighing devices 500.
[0058] Furthermore, a pair of weighing devices 500 constituting the material weighing unit 400 are arranged on the left portion of the stacking unit 40 on the left side of the figure, and short materials 10 are placed on the pair of weighing devices 500. In addition, three weighing devices 500 used as a set constituting the material weighing unit 400 are placed on the right portion of the left stacking unit 40 and on the right stacking unit 40, and long materials 10 are stored on these three weighing devices 500. In this way, the material weighing unit 400 of this embodiment can arrange materials in multiple layers vertically.
[0059] (5) Changes to the arrangement of material weighing units in the material storage area Figure 11 illustrates how to change the arrangement of material weighing units in a material storage area. As shown in Figure 11, when there are many materials to be stored, it is best to arrange the material weighing units 400 without any gaps, as shown in Figure (A). When the amount of materials to be stored decreases, the arrangement of the material weighing units 400 can be freely changed, as shown in Figures (B) to (D).
[0060] <Inventory Management System 100> An inventory management system is, for example, a server installed in a civil engineering or construction company, and its hardware configuration includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, and interfaces.
[0061] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the software configuration of the inventory management system 100 includes a processing unit 110, a database 120, and an external communication unit 130. These processing unit 110, database 120, and external communication unit 130 are realized through the cooperation of the CPU, ROM, RAM, and interface by executing application programs stored in ROM.
[0062] The processing unit 110 performs various processes according to the program. The external communication unit 130 can send and receive data with the data processing unit 200 and the mobile terminal 300 via the communication network 600.
[0063] The external communication unit 130 can communicate with the data processing unit 200 and the mobile terminal 300 via a communication network 600 such as the internet or a wireless communication line.
[0064] Database 120 stores various master data. The master data stored in Database 120 is described below.
[0065] <Configuration of each master> Database 120 stores the following master data: location master 710, inventory management unit master 720, storage combination master 730, storage unit master 740, weighing device master 750, periodic weighing pattern master 790, and periodic weighing calendar 800. Database 120 also stores the following transaction data: unit ledger 760, weighing history data 770, and receipt / disbursement ledger 780.
[0066] Figure 12 shows the configuration of the location master. As shown in Figure 12, the location master 710 is composed of a location name 712 indicating a civil engineering / construction site, and a sub-location name 713 identifying a material storage area at each civil engineering / construction site, combined with a location code (material storage area identifier) 711 that identifies the material storage area. The location name 712 is the name of the construction project or an identifier for the construction site, such as Construction Site A or Construction Site B, to identify the civil engineering / construction site. The sub-location name 713 is a name or identifier that identifies the material storage area, such as Material Storage Area 1 or Material Storage Area 2, if there are multiple material storage areas at the construction site. If there is only one material storage area at the civil engineering / construction site, the sub-location name 713 is "Null".
[0067] Figure 13 shows the structure of the inventory management unit master. As shown in Figure 13, the inventory management unit master 720 is composed of information about various materials combined with the inventory management unit code 721. Specifically, the inventory management unit master 720 stores the material code 722, material classification 723, unit weight (kg) 724, and size (mm) 725, combined with the material identification code (material identifier) 721. The material classification 723 is divided into major classification 723A and minor classification 723B. Major classification 723A is the type of material, such as piping materials and rail equipment, while minor classification 723B is the length of the material, such as short, medium, and long. The unit weight 724 is the weight of one of each material, and the size 725 is the width, depth, and height. Material code 722 is an identifier assigned to correspond to the major material classification 723A, and inventory management unit code 721 is an identifier that identifies materials assigned to the major classification 723A and minor classification 723B of material classification 723, respectively.
[0068] Figure 14 shows the configuration of the storage combination master. For example, piping materials and rail equipment of similar lengths, or piping materials of the same diameter but different lengths, can be placed together on the same material weighing unit 400. In particular, in narrow civil engineering and construction sites, it is necessary to place multiple materials together in this way. The storage combination master 730 contains information on whether two types of materials can be placed together on a single material weighing unit. As shown in Figure 14, the storage combination master 730 stores the inventory management unit code A 732 that identifies the first type of material, the inventory management unit code B 733 for the second type of material, the combination feasibility flag 734, and the least common multiple weight 735, all in combination with the combination code (combination identifier) 731. The combination feasibility flag 734 indicates whether the first and second types of materials can be placed together on a single material weighing unit; it is 01 if possible and 02 if not.
[0069] Figure 15 shows the configuration of the storage unit master. As shown in Figure 15, the storage unit master 740 stores the name (type) 742 of each storage unit and the maximum load capacity 743 of each storage unit, together with the storage unit code (storage unit identifier) 741.
[0070] Figure 16 shows the configuration of the weighing device master. As shown in Figure 16, the weighing device master 750 is a master for the management of each weighing device. The weighing device master stores the weighing device code 751, network identification information 752, usage status 753, location code 754, start date of use 755, end date of use 756, disposal date 757, total number of days of use 758, and maximum load capacity 759 in combination. The network identification information 752 is the NIC ID or MAC address assigned to each weighing device 500. The usage status indicates the specification status of each weighing device 500. In this embodiment, 01: Unused and available, 02: In use, 03: Unused but unusable due to repairs not yet started, 04: Unused but unusable due to repairs, 05: Unused and unusable and needs to be disposed of, 99: Disposed of. The location code 754 stores the location code corresponding to the construction site and material storage area where the device is currently in use. The maximum load capacity of 759 is stored as the maximum weight that each weighing device 500 can measure on its own.
[0071] Figure 17 shows the structure of the unit ledger data. As shown in Figure 17, the unit ledger 760 stores the location code 762, weighing device codes 763, 764, 765, and 766, storage unit code 767, start date of use 768, and end date of use 769, all combined with the unit identification code (unit identifier) 761. The unit identification code 761 is an identifier assigned to each material weighing unit 400. The location code 762 is an identifier that identifies the material storage area, as described above. The weighing device code 763 is an identification code that identifies the weighing device 500 included in the material weighing unit 400. For material weighing units 400 that place materials on a pair of weighing devices, only weighing device code 1 763 and weighing device code 2 764 are entered, and the others are Null. For the material weighing unit 400, which places materials on four weighing devices, weighing device codes 1 763, 2 764, 3 765, and 4 766 are entered. The storage unit code 767 stores the storage unit code corresponding to the type of storage unit being used, if one is in use, and is Null otherwise. The start date of use 768 is the date on which the weighing devices 500 were combined and used as the material weighing unit 400. The end date of use 769 is the date on which the weighing devices 500 were combined and used as the material weighing unit 400. In addition, the unit ledger 760 also stores the data processing unit 200 in the master storage unit 240, but the master storage unit 240 stored in the data processing unit 200 consists only of data from the civil engineering and construction sites where the data processing unit 200 is installed.
[0072] Figure 18 shows the structure of the weighing history data. The weighing history is a record of weighing history. As shown in Figure 18, the weighing history 770 stores the receipt / dispatch date and time 772, location code 773, unit identification code 774, measured weight 775, change in weight (kg) since the last event detection 776, and event detection result 777, all combined with an automatically assigned record ID 771. The receipt / dispatch date and time 772 stores the date and time when the measured weight changed due to receipt or when calibration was performed. The location code 773 is a location code indicating the civil engineering or construction site where the weighing device is installed. The unit identification code 774 is a unit identification code corresponding to the material weighing unit that was received or disposed of. The measured weight 775 is the weight measured by the material weighing unit. The change in weight since the last event detection 776 is the change between the previously measured weight and the newly measured weight. Event detection result 777 indicates the type of event, such as acceptance or disbursement, determined based on the change in weight. Although the weighing history 770 is also stored in the master storage unit 240 by the data processing unit 200, the weighing history 770 stored in the data processing unit 200 consists only of data from civil engineering and construction sites where the data processing unit 200 is installed.
[0073] Figure 19 shows the structure of the receipt and payment ledger. The receipt and payment ledger 780 stores the receipt and payment date and time 782, event 783, data source 784, location code 785, unit identification code 786, inventory management unit code 787, received quantity 788, issued quantity 789, correction quantity 810, inventory quantity 811, and inventory quantity difference 812, all combined with record ID 781. The receipt and payment date and time 782 is the date and time when the materials were received or issued. Event 783 is the type of event, such as receipt, issuance, periodic weighing, reweighing, or difference confirmation of materials. Data source 784 is the type, whether it is automatic weighing, manual weighing, or manual correction. Location code 785 is the location code corresponding to the material storage area where the material weighing unit 400, which performed the receipt or payment, is installed. Unit identification code 786 is a unit identification code that identifies the material weighing unit 400 on which receipts and disbursements were performed. Inventory management unit code 787 is an inventory unit code corresponding to the type of material received or disbursed. Received quantity 788 is the number of materials received when materials are received. Disbursed quantity 789 is the number of materials disbursed when materials are issued. Correction quantity 810 is the increase or decrease when manual correction is performed. Inventory quantity 811 is the inventory quantity placed on the material weighing unit 400. Inventory quantity difference 812 is the difference between the inventory quantity calculated when measured when no receipts or disbursements are performed, such as during periodic weighing, and the inventory quantity at the previous measurement. Although the receipt and payment ledger 780 is also stored in the master storage unit 240 by the data processing unit 200, the receipt and payment ledger 780 stored in the data processing unit 200 consists only of data from the civil engineering and construction sites where the data processing unit 200 is installed.
[0074] Figure 20 shows the periodic weighing pattern master. As shown in Figure 20, the periodic weighing pattern master 790 is configured by combining periodic weighing patterns 792 with periodic weighing pattern codes 791. The periodic weighing pattern 792 specifies the timing of periodic weighing, and is set for monthly (specified day of the week: first Monday, etc.), monthly (specified date: 1st of each month, etc.), weekly (specified day of the week: Friday, etc.), and daily.
[0075] Figure 21 shows a periodic weighing calendar. As shown in Figure 21, the periodic weighing calendar 800 has the periodic weighing pattern code 802, periodic weighing setting time 803, next periodic weighing date 804, and next periodic weighing time 805 registered in combination with location code 801. Location code 801 corresponds to location code 711 of location master 710. Periodic weighing pattern code 802 corresponds to periodic weighing pattern code 791 of periodic weighing pattern master 790. Periodic weighing setting time 803 is the time set by the worker to perform periodic weighing. Next periodic weighing date 804 and next periodic weighing time 805 indicate the date and time of the next periodic weighing to be performed, as determined by periodic weighing pattern code 802 and periodic weighing setting time 803. In addition, the periodic weighing calendar 800 also stores the data processing unit 200 in the master storage unit 240, but the periodic weighing calendar 800 stored in the data processing unit 200 consists only of data from civil engineering and construction sites where the data processing unit 200 is installed.
[0076] Furthermore, database 120 stores ordering thresholds, which are the minimum quantities of each material that should be kept at each construction site.
[0077] <Data Processing Unit> The data processing unit 200 consists of, for example, a computer located in a site office at a civil engineering or construction site. The data processing unit 200 includes, at least, a CPU, ROM, RAM, a display, wireless communication devices such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, and interfaces as part of its hardware configuration. The data processing unit 200 is connected to a communication network, such as the Internet or a wireless communication line, via an interface.
[0078] As shown in Figure 1, the data processing unit 200 has a software configuration comprising a display unit 210, an input unit 220, a processing unit 230, a master storage unit 240, a local communication unit 250, and an external communication unit 260. These display unit 210, input unit 220, processing unit 230, master storage unit 240, local communication unit 250, and external communication unit 260 are realized through the cooperation of the CPU, ROM, RAM, and interface by executing application programs stored in ROM. The data processing unit 200 is configured with a location name corresponding to the civil engineering and construction site where it is installed, and the operating hours of the construction site (construction days, construction hours).
[0079] The display unit 210 is composed of, for example, a display that shows the type of material, the number of materials, the weight of the materials, etc., placed on each material weighing unit 400. The input unit 220 can be, for example, a keyboard or a touch panel, and can be used to input information. The processing unit 230 calculates the number of materials placed on each material weighing unit 400 based on the information received from the material weighing unit 400, and updates various master data.
[0080] The local communication unit 250 can communicate with the weighing device 500 of each material weighing unit. The external communication unit 260 can communicate with the inventory management system 100 and the mobile terminal 300 via a communication network such as the internet or a wireless communication line.
[0081] The master storage unit 240 stores a location master, an inventory management unit master, a storage combination master, a weighing device master, unit ledger data, weighing history data, a periodic weighing pattern master, and a periodic weighing calendar master. The unit ledger data and weighing history data in the master storage unit 240 contain only location code data corresponding to the construction site where the data processing unit 200 is installed.
[0082] <Mobile devices> The mobile terminal 300, for example, is used in civil engineering and construction sites and consists of smartphones, tablets, etc. The mobile terminal 300 includes, at least, a CPU, ROM, RAM, a touch display, an NFC module, wireless communication devices such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and interfaces. The mobile terminal 300 is connected to a communication network, such as the internet, via an interface.
[0083] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the mobile terminal 300 includes an input unit 310, a display unit 320, an external communication unit 330, and a local communication unit 340. These input unit 310, display unit 320, and external communication unit 330 are realized through the cooperation of the CPU, ROM, RAM, and interface by executing application programs stored in ROM.
[0084] The input unit 310 includes a touch display. Workers can perform various inputs by operating the touch display.
[0085] The display unit 320 includes a touch display. Various types of information can be displayed on the touch display.
[0086] The external communication unit 330 includes connection modules to carrier communication networks such as 4G / 5G, NFC modules, and wireless communication devices and interfaces such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
[0087] The local communication unit 340 includes wireless communication networks such as Wi-Fi established within the construction site, as well as short-range wireless communication modules such as NFC modules and Bluetooth. The local communication unit 340 can communicate with the local communication unit 250 of the data processing unit 200 and the communication unit 680 of the weighing device 500. Although a mobile terminal is used in this embodiment, it may also be used in combination with a stationary terminal device.
[0088] <Arrangement and grouping of weighing devices> Next, we will explain the process for grouping new material weighing units. Before storing materials on the weighing devices 500 of the material weighing unit 400, grouping is performed to register the weighing devices 500 to be used as a set in the material weighing unit 400. In the system of this embodiment, grouping can be performed in two ways, as described below. In either method, the registration of multiple weighing devices 500 constituting the material weighing unit 400 in the unit ledger is common, but the timing of creating the unit ledger differs, and the first and second methods can also be used in combination.
[0089] (1) Method 1 In the first method, the weighing device code is registered before the installation of the weighing device 500 (e.g., when purchasing a new weighing device), groups that are likely to be needed at the material storage area are created in advance, combinations of weighing device codes are registered in the unit ledger, the weighing device code is automatically set, and the weighing device 500 is installed and materials are received based on the groups registered in the unit ledger. Figure 22A is a flowchart illustrating the first grouping process. As shown in Figure 22A, first, the mobile terminal 300 accesses the inventory management system 100 and registers the location code (S100). The location code can be registered, for example, by referring to the location master 710, displaying multiple options, and allowing the user to select from them.
[0090] Furthermore, the mobile terminal 300 is used to obtain network identification information for the weighing device 500, which is used as a material weighing unit (S102). To obtain the network identification information for the weighing device 500, for example, communication can be performed between the mobile terminal 300 and the NFC module 674 of the weighing device 500.
[0091] Next, the mobile terminal 300 registers the location code and network identification information to the weighing device master 750 (S104). Next, the mobile terminal 300 registers the combination of the location code and weighing device code to the unit ledger 760 (S106). Next, the mobile terminal 300 sends instructions to the inventory management system 100 to transmit the weighing device master 750 and the unit ledger 760 to the data processing unit 200, and to automatically set the weighing device code to the material weighing unit (S108).
[0092] When the inventory management system 100 receives instructions from the mobile terminal 300, it transmits the weighing device master 750 and the unit ledger 760 to the data processing unit 200 (S110), and the data processing unit 200 receives the weighing device master 750 and the unit ledger 760 (S112).
[0093] Furthermore, the storage locations for materials within the material storage area are determined, and the multiple weighing devices 500 that constitute the material weighing unit 400 are placed in the determined locations (S114).
[0094] Next, if the materials to be stored are joints or the like, and storage members are used to store the materials, storage members such as baskets or steel plates are placed on multiple weighing devices 500 (S116). If storage members are not used, the arrangement of storage members (S116) does not need to be performed.
[0095] Next, each weighing device 500 is calibrated so that the weight output from each weighing device 500 becomes 0 (S118). This ensures that even when storage components such as baskets or iron plates are placed on multiple weighing devices 500, the weight output from each weighing device 500 with the storage components in place becomes 0.
[0096] Then, once the calibration of the weighing device 500 is complete and an instruction for automatic setting of the weighing device code is received, the weighing device 500 automatically sets the weighing device code corresponding to the network identification information based on the weighing device master 750 (S120). The set weighing device code is stored in the unit ledger 760 in correspondence with the network identification information. Through the above process, the grouping of the weighing devices 500 of the material weighing unit 400 is completed.
[0097] (2) Second method The second method involves registering the weighing device code before the weighing device 500 is installed (e.g., when purchasing a new weighing device), automatically setting the weighing device code, installing the weighing device 500 and receiving materials, and then, when using or having used any weighing device 500 at the material storage area (e.g., if the weighing device 500 was installed first and materials were received), registering the combination of weighing device codes in the unit ledger according to the usage status. Figure 22B is a flowchart illustrating the second grouping process. As shown in Figure 22B, first, the mobile terminal 300 accesses the inventory management system 100 and registers the location code (S200). The location code can be registered, for example, by displaying multiple options and allowing the user to select one. Furthermore, the network identification information of the weighing device 500 is obtained using the mobile terminal 300 (S202). The network identification information of the weighing device 500 can be obtained, for example, by communicating between the mobile terminal 300 and the NFC module 674 of the weighing device 500.
[0098] Next, the mobile terminal 300 registers the location code and network identification information to the weighing device master 750 (S204). Then, the mobile terminal 300 sends a message to the inventory management system 100 to the data processing unit 200 to transmit the weighing device master 750, and to the material weighing unit 400 to instruct it to automatically set the weighing device code (S206). When the inventory management system 100 receives instructions from the mobile terminal 300, it transmits the weighing device master 750 to the data processing unit 200 (S208), and the data processing unit 200 receives the weighing device master 750 and the unit ledger 760 (S210).
[0099] Next, the material storage location within the material storage area is determined, and the multiple weighing devices 500 that constitute the material weighing unit 400 are placed in the determined location (S212). Next, if the material to be stored is a joint or the like, and the material is to be stored using storage members, storage members such as baskets or steel plates are placed on the multiple weighing devices 500 (S214). If storage members are not used, the placement of storage members (S214) does not need to be performed.
[0100] Next, each weighing device 500 is calibrated so that the weight output from each weighing device 500 becomes 0 (S216). This ensures that even when storage components such as baskets or iron plates are placed on multiple weighing devices 500, the weight output from each weighing device 500 with the storage components in place becomes 0.
[0101] Then, once the calibration of the weighing device 500 is complete and it receives an instruction for automatic setting of the weighing device code, the weighing device 500 automatically sets the weighing device code corresponding to the network identification information based on the weighing device master 750 (S218).
[0102] Next, the mobile terminal 300 communicates via Bluetooth with the weighing device 500 located near the mobile terminal 300 to identify the weighing device code and network identification information of the weighing device 500 located near the mobile terminal 300 (S220).
[0103] Next, the weighing device codes to be grouped are registered in the unit ledger 760 using the mobile terminal 300. Figure 23 shows an example of the screen display shown on the mobile terminal when grouping. As shown in the figure, the mobile terminal 300 displays the weighing device codes and network identification information of the weighing devices 500 located near the mobile terminal 300. From these displayed weighing device codes, the weighing device 500 to be used as the material weighing unit 400 is selected. Then, based on this input, the combination of weighing device codes is registered in the unit ledger 760 (S222).
[0104] Next, the mobile terminal 300 sends an instruction to the inventory management system 100 to send the unit ledger 760 to the data processing unit 200 (S224). Upon receiving the instruction from the mobile terminal 300, the inventory management system 100 sends the unit ledger 760 to the data processing unit 200 (S226), and the data processing unit 200 receives the weighing device master 750 and the unit ledger 760 (S228). Through the above process, the grouping of the weighing devices 500 of the material weighing unit 400 is completed.
[0105] <The process when materials are first delivered> Next, we will explain the process when materials are first brought in. The weighing device 500 measures the weight at predetermined intervals, such as every 10 seconds, using a weight sensor during the operating hours of the civil engineering and construction site, and transmits the weight data along with network identification information to the data processing unit 200. The data processing unit 200 refers to the weighing device master 750 and, based on the network identification information 752, determines which weighing device 500 the received weight data originated from, and can calculate the total weight of materials loaded into each material weighing unit 400.
[0106] Figure 24 is a flowchart showing the flow when materials are first received. As shown in Figure 24, when a worker receives materials, they place the materials on the weighing device 500 (S300) and input a weighing instruction into the mobile terminal 300 (S302). When the mobile terminal 300 receives the input of the weighing instruction, it transmits the weighing instruction from the mobile terminal 300 to the weighing device 500 via the network. When the weighing device 500 receives the weighing instruction, it detects the weight and transmits the measured value to the data processing unit (S304).
[0107] When the data processing unit 200 receives a measurement value, it stores the measurement value as the measured weight in the weighing history (S306). Specifically, it assigns a new record ID and stores it along with the location code, unit identification code, and measured weight. In addition, upon initial acceptance, it stores the measured weight as the change in receipt since the last event detection, and records the acceptance because the weight has increased as a result of the event detection.
[0108] Next, the data processing unit 200 obtains the maximum load capacity of the weighing device by referring to the weighing device master and determines whether the total weight of the materials and storage unit exceeds the maximum load capacity of the weighing device (S308). If the measured weight exceeds the maximum load capacity of the weighing device, an alert is displayed on the mobile terminal 300 (S310). If the storage unit is not in use, the weight of the materials is used as the total weight.
[0109] If the measured weight does not exceed the maximum load capacity of the weighing device, the data processing unit 200 then refers to the storage unit master to determine whether the measured weight exceeds the maximum load capacity of the storage unit (S312). If the measured weight exceeds the maximum load capacity of the storage unit, an alert is displayed on the portable terminal 300 (S314). This step may be skipped if the storage unit is not being used.
[0110] Next, the worker confirms and confirms the type and quantity of materials received using the mobile terminal 300 (S316). Specifically, the worker selects the materials received based on the delivery slip or the measurement results (weighing slip) from the weighbridge at the time of material acceptance inspection. Then, as described later, the quantity of the received materials is calculated based on the unit weight of the materials and displayed on the mobile terminal 300. If the displayed quantity of materials matches the quantity of materials received, the quantity of materials is confirmed.
[0111] Next, the data processing unit 200 updates the receipt and payment ledger based on the confirmed quantities of materials (S318). Specifically, it assigns a new record ID and stores the receipt and payment date and time, event, data source, location code, unit identification code, inventory management unit code, received quantity, and inventory quantity. The date and time of the weight measurement is used as the receipt and payment date and time, the event is recorded as receipt, and the data source is recorded as automatic weighing. Then, the weighing history and receipt and payment ledger are synchronized between the data processing unit 200 and the inventory management system 100 (S320, S322).
[0112] <Flowchart for receiving or distributing materials> Next, we will explain the flow when receiving or distributing materials. Figure 25 is a flowchart showing the flow when receiving or distributing materials. As shown in Figure 25, the weighing device 500 detects the weight at regular time intervals and transmits the measured value to the data processing unit 200 (S400). When the data processing unit 200 receives the measured value, it stores it in the weighing history (S402). At this time, as the amount of change in weight since the last event detection, it stores the difference between the weight measured by the material weighing unit 400 and the most recent measured weight stored in the weighing history.
[0113] Next, the data processing unit 200 determines whether there is a significant difference in the weight change. Specifically, it determines this by whether the amount of weight change is greater than a predetermined value (S404). If it is determined that there is no significant difference in the weight change, the process is terminated (S406).
[0114] If there is a significant difference in the weight change, it is determined whether the detection date and time falls within the pre-set construction day and time range (S408). If the detection date and time falls outside the pre-set construction day and time range, an alert is displayed on the mobile terminal 300 because there is a possibility that the materials have been stolen or have collapsed (S410).
[0115] If the detection date and time fall within the pre-set construction date and time range, the data processing unit 200 refers to the weighing device master to determine whether the measured weight including the storage unit (the sum of the weight of the storage unit and the materials) exceeds the maximum load capacity of the weighing device (S412). If the measured weight exceeds the maximum load capacity of the weighing device, an alert is displayed on the mobile terminal 300 (S414). If the storage unit is not in use, the weight of the materials is used as the total weight.
[0116] If the measured weight does not exceed the maximum load capacity of the weighing device, the data processing unit 200 then refers to the storage unit master to determine whether the measured weight exceeds the maximum load capacity of the storage unit (S416). If the measured weight exceeds the maximum load capacity of the storage unit, an alert is displayed on the portable terminal 300 (S418). This step may be skipped if the storage unit is not being used.
[0117] Next, the data processing unit 200 identifies the received or issued materials (S420). Material identification is performed by searching for candidate types of received or issued materials based on the inventory management unit code associated with the unit identification code in past records of the receipt and issue ledger.
[0118] Next, the data processing unit 200 calculates the quantity received and paid (S422). The method by which the data processing unit 200 calculates the quantity received and paid will be described in detail later.
[0119] Next, the type and quantity of materials received and issued are confirmed using the mobile terminal 300 (S424). Specifically, the type and quantity of materials received or issued are displayed on the mobile terminal 300. If the displayed type and quantity of materials match the type and quantity of materials actually received or issued, the worker confirms the type and quantity of materials received or issued using the mobile terminal 300.
[0120] Next, the data processing unit 200 updates the weighing history and receipt / disbursement ledger (S426). Then, the updated weighing history and receipt / disbursement ledger from the data processing unit 200 are synchronized with the inventory management system 100 (S428, S430).
[0121] Next, the inventory management system 100 determines whether the inventory quantity has fallen below a preset reorder point (S432). If the inventory quantity has fallen below the preset reorder point, an alert is displayed on the mobile terminal 300 (S434). If the inventory quantity has not fallen below the preset reorder point, the process ends (S436).
[0122] <Process for regularly calculating the amount of materials stored> Figure 26 is a flowchart showing the process for periodically calculating the amount of materials stored. Steps S500 to S518 are the same as steps S400 to S418 during receipt and payment, so their explanation is omitted.
[0123] If the maximum load capacity of the storage unit is not exceeded in S516, the data processing unit 200 determines whether the detection date and time are the same as the periodic weighing timing (S520). The determination of whether it is the same as the periodic weighing timing can be made by referring to the periodic weighing calendar and determining whether the detection date and time match the date and time of the next periodic weighing. If it is not the same as the periodic weighing timing, the process is terminated (S522).
[0124] If the timing is the same as the periodic weighing timing, the data processing unit 200 calculates the quantity received and paid (S524). The method by which the data processing unit 200 calculates the quantity received and paid will be described in detail later. Next, the data processing unit 200 updates the weighing history and receipt / disbursement ledger (S526). Then, the updated weighing history and receipt / disbursement ledger from the data processing unit 200 are synchronized with the inventory management system 100 (S528, S530).
[0125] Next, the inventory management system 100 compares the inventory quantity calculated previously in the receipt and disbursement ledger with the inventory quantity calculated in the periodic weighing (S532). Then, the inventory management system 100 determines whether there is a difference in the compared quantities (S524). If there is a difference in the compared quantities, an alert is displayed on the mobile terminal 300 (S536). When an alert is displayed, the worker counts the inventory quantity and, if necessary, registers the correct quantity in the receipt and disbursement ledger. If there is no difference in the compared quantities, the process is terminated (S538).
[0126] <Method for calculating the quantity of materials> When materials are stored in a material weighing unit, the increase or decrease in the quantity of each material is calculated as follows when materials are received or discharged. The following explanation uses the example of a decrease in weight due to discharge.
[0127] First, the data processing unit 200 detects a decrease in weight based on the load signal received from the material weighing unit.
[0128] Next, by referring to the weighing history data, which contains recorded load signals received from the material weighing units, the system detects material weighing units whose weight has decreased and obtains the unit identification code, weight measurement result, and weight change amount of those units.
[0129] Next, refer to the unit ledger to obtain two or more weighing device codes and storage unit codes corresponding to the unit identification code for which the weight data has decreased. Next, referring to the receipt and payment ledger, obtain one or more inventory management unit codes corresponding to the unit identification code with decreased weight data, and the inventory quantity corresponding to the inventory management unit code. At this time, first obtain the latest receipt and payment date and time for the unit identification code, and then obtain the values of the inventory management unit code having the unit identification code and the receipt and payment date and time, and the inventory quantity corresponding to the inventory management unit code. Then, referring to the inventory management unit master, obtain the unit weight of the inventory management unit code as weight information.
[0130] Next, when there is one inventory management unit code, divide the decreased weight by the unit weight. Thereby, the decreased quantity can be calculated.
[0131] Also, when there are two types of inventory management unit codes, let the unit weight of one material be W1, the unit weight of the other material be W2, and the weight decrease value be W A In the case of W1×n1 + W2×n2 = W A Find all combinations of integers n1 (n1≧0) and integers n2 (n2≧0) such that this holds.
[0132] Then, display all combinations of (n1, n2) on the display unit 320 of the mobile terminal 300. From the combinations of (n1, n2) displayed in this way, the operator selects an appropriate combination on the mobile terminal 300 and records it in the receipt and payment ledger in the data processing unit 200 through the input unit 310.
[0133] The above description is for the case where the weight decreases. However, the increased quantity when the weight increases at the time of material receipt and the quantity of materials stored in the material weighing unit can also be calculated in the same way.
[0134] Also, in the above description, the case where two types of materials are stored in the same material weighing unit is described, but even in the case of three or more types, W1×n1 + W2×n2 + W3×n3···+ W m ×n m =W A For integers n1~n such that this holdsm You just need to calculate (where m is the number of material types).
[0135] <Effects and Effects> According to this embodiment, the following effects are achieved. According to this embodiment, the data processing unit 200 stores an inventory management unit master 720 in which material identifiers that identify the type of material and weight information relating to the weight per unit quantity of the material corresponding to the material identifier are associated. The data processing unit 200 refers to the inventory management unit master 720 to obtain weight information corresponding to the type of material placed on the material weighing unit 400, and manages the quantity of material based on the load signal received from the material weighing unit 400 and the acquired weight information. As a result, even if a material has a long shape, for example, it can be placed on the weighing device 500 by arranging multiple weighing devices 500 at intervals, thereby enabling management of the amount of material stored. Furthermore, if it is desired to prevent material deflection, deflection can be prevented by increasing the number of weighing devices 500. Moreover, according to this embodiment, since the amount of material received and issued can be managed based on weight, accurate and rapid quantity management becomes possible compared to conventional management methods such as visual inspection. Furthermore, since materials were previously stacked on lumber placed at intervals, adopting this system does not require a significant change in the material storage method. Therefore, the workload for on-site workers will not increase significantly, and the storage procedures will remain largely unchanged. This will not only reduce confusion caused by the use of this system on-site, but also enable safe material storage and reduce accidents during material management.
[0136] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the weighing device 500 has a material receiving section 610 for receiving materials, and the upper surface of the material receiving section 610 has a curved shape that is concave towards the center in the lateral direction. As a result, even cylindrical or columnar members can be placed on the weighing device 500, and since they are centered, load collapse can be prevented.
[0137] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, a suction cup is formed on the upper surface of the material receiving portion 610. At construction sites, materials may move due to vibrations and other factors. In contrast, according to this embodiment, materials can be securely held on the material receiving portion 610.
[0138] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, multiple types of materials are placed on the material weighing unit 400, and the data processing unit 200 calculates the increase or decrease in total weight from the load signals received from multiple weighing devices received from the material weighing unit 400, and calculates the increase or decrease in the quantity of each type of material received or dispensed based on the calculated increase or decrease in total weight. This ensures that the quantity of materials can be reliably managed even if multiple types of materials are loaded onto the same material weighing unit 400 in a confined construction site.
[0139] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the data processing unit 200 uses W1, W2... as the unit weight of material 1, material 2, ... material m, respectively, and n1, n2... as the quantity of material 1, material 2, ... material m, respectively, and records the increase or decrease in the total weight measured by the material weighing unit as W A When this is the case, W1×n1+W2×n2+W3×n3···=W A integers n1 to n such that m (m is the number of material types) calculate n1~n m These represent increases or decreases in the quantities of material 1, material 2, ..., material m, respectively. This allows for the estimation of the quantities of multiple materials loaded onto the material weighing unit 400.
[0140] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the data processing unit 200 issues an alert if the load calculated based on load signals received from multiple weighing devices of the material weighing unit 400 increases or decreases within a predetermined time period. For example, if the load increases or decreases during non-working hours at a construction site, there is a possibility of material theft. In response to this, this embodiment can issue an alert in such cases.
[0141] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the data processing unit 200 issues an alert when the quantity of materials calculated based on the weight of the materials received from the material weighing unit 400 falls below a predetermined number. Since the alert is issued before the material inventory runs out, it is possible to prevent delays in construction due to material shortages.
[0142] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, if the load signal received from the weighing device 600 exceeds a predetermined maximum load capacity, the portable terminal 300 issues an alert. In this way, an alert is issued when the maximum load capacity of the weighing device 600 is exceeded, thus preventing damage to the weighing device.
[0143] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, if the quantity of materials calculated based on the load signal received from the material weighing unit 400 and the acquired weight information differs from the quantity in the receipt and payment ledger that manages the quantity of materials, the portable terminal 300 issues an alert. This allows workers to verify the quantity if it differs from the quantity managed in the receipt and payment ledger, enabling accurate quantity management.
[0144] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to determine whether the total weight of the materials and the storage area exceeds the maximum load capacity of the measuring device 500 (S308, S412, S512), and further, whether it exceeds the maximum load capacity of the storage area (S312, S416, S516). This prevents overloading, prevents cargo collapse, and improves safety.
[0145] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since it is determined whether the date and time of detection of weight change falls within a predetermined construction day and time (S408, S508), it becomes possible to detect theft and cargo collapse early, and work outside of the designated construction days and times can be prevented. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, in order to determine whether the inventory quantity has fallen below the reorder point (S432), materials can be replenished at an appropriate time. Furthermore, because the storage and organization methods for materials are standardized, the man-hours involved in the daily receiving, disbursement, storage, and physical inventory counting of materials can be reduced. Furthermore, since the weighing device 500 is rechargeable, it does not require a constant power supply from the site's power source, offering greater flexibility in installation location. Furthermore, compared to using digital platform scales or similar devices, the weighing device 500 is lighter and smaller, making it portable and increasing convenience for workers. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0146] 1: Material Management System 10: Materials 20: Basket 21: Bottom 22: Side wall 30: Iron plate 40: Stackable Unit 100: Inventory Management System 110: Processing Unit 120: Database 130: External Communications Department 200: Data Processing Unit 210: Display section 220: Input section 230: Processing Unit 240: Master Memory Unit 250: Local Communications Department 260: External Communications Department 300: Mobile devices 310: Input section 320:Display section 330: External Communications Department 340: Local Communications Department 400: Material weighing unit 500:Measuring device 510: Material receiving section 600: Communication Network 601: CPU 602 :ROM 603: RAM 604: Communication Circuit 605: Interface 610: Materials Receiving Department 611: Handle 620: Tabletop 630: Weight sensor 640: Power supply section 650:Display section 660: Cover component 670: Processing Unit 671: Power button 672:Character information display section 673: QR Code (Registered Trademark) Display Section 674: NFC module 675: Wi-Fi module 676: Bluetooth module 677: RFID module 678: Indicator 680: Communications Department
Claims
1. A management system for managing materials at civil engineering or construction sites, A material weighing unit includes a plurality of weighing devices capable of transmitting load signals corresponding to the applied load, on which the material is placed across the plurality of weighing devices, The material weighing unit comprises a data processing unit capable of communicating with the weighing device of the material weighing unit, The aforementioned data processing unit is The system stores an inventory management unit master in which a material identifier that identifies the type of material is associated with weight information relating to the weight per unit quantity of the material corresponding to that material identifier. The aforementioned data processing unit is By referring to the aforementioned inventory management unit master, weight information corresponding to the type of material placed on the material weighing unit is obtained. Based on the load signal received from the material weighing unit and the acquired weight information, the quantity of the material is managed. Materials management system.
2. The aforementioned weighing device is It has a material receiving section for receiving the aforementioned material, The upper surface of the material receiving portion has a curved shape that is concave towards the center in the lateral direction. The materials management system according to claim 1.
3. A suction cup is formed on the upper surface of the material receiving portion. The materials management system according to claim 2.
4. The data processing unit calculates the increase or decrease in total weight from load signals received from the multiple weighing devices for multiple types of materials placed on the material weighing unit, and calculates the increase or decrease in the quantity of each type of material received or dispensed based on the calculated increase or decrease in total weight. The materials management system according to claim 1.
5. The aforementioned data processing unit is W 1 , W 2 ...these will be the unit weights of each material 1, material 2, ... material m, n 1 , n 2 ...the quantities of each material are defined as material 1, material 2, ..., material m. The increase or decrease in total weight measured by the material weighing unit is W A In that case, W 1 × n 1 + W 2 × n 2 + W 3 × n 3 ... = W A such that the integer n 1 ~ n m (m is the number of material types) is calculated, and n 1 ~ n m is estimated as the increase or decrease in the quantity of material 1, material 2,..., material m, respectively. The materials management system according to claim 4.
6. The system is configured to issue an alert via a portable terminal or a stationary terminal device if the load calculated based on load signals received from the multiple weighing devices received from the material weighing unit increases or decreases outside of pre-set construction days and times. The materials management system according to claim 1.
7. The system is configured to issue an alert via a portable terminal or a stationary terminal device when the quantity of materials, calculated based on the weight of the materials received from the material weighing unit, falls below a predetermined number. The materials management system according to claim 1.
8. The system is configured to issue an alert via a portable terminal or a stationary terminal device if the load signal received from the weighing device exceeds a predetermined maximum load capacity. The materials management system according to claim 1.
9. Based on the load signal received from the material weighing unit and the acquired weight information, if the calculated quantity of material differs from the quantity in the receipt and payment ledger that manages the quantity of material, an alert is issued via a portable terminal or a stationary terminal device. The materials management system according to claim 1.