Location management device, location management method and location management program

Abstract

This invention provides a location management device, a location management method, and a location management program for managing the location of objects under management. [Solution] The location management device A1 includes a location information storage unit 32 that records location information of equipment R1, a tag sensor 22 that reads tags provided on the carrier C1, a floor sensor 23 that identifies the floor to which the carrier has stopped, and a control unit 21 connected to the floor sensor 23. The control unit 21 acquires identification tag information of wireless tags 10 attached to equipment R1 inside the carrier C1 from the tag sensor 22, and in response to the detection of new wireless tags 10 and the disappearance of wireless tags 10, it performs processing to associate the floor information acquired from the floor sensor 23 and record it in the location information storage unit 32.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a location management device, a location management method, and a location management program for managing the transportation status of loaded goods.

Background Art

[0002] At a construction site, capital goods such as construction materials and construction machinery are used. And when these capital goods are brought into the construction site, it is necessary to transport them to the place where they are used. For example, at a construction site consisting of multiple floors, by using a temporary elevator installed at the construction site, the capital goods are hoisted to the floor where they are used. Technologies for managing the status of such capital goods have been studied (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). In the technology described in this Patent Document 1, the IC tag reader receives the floor number information from the floor number IC tag corresponding to the stop floor. Then, the recording device records the floor number information as the hoisting start floor performance information. The hoisting target object identification information for identifying the capital goods carried into the car is recorded in association with the hoisting start floor performance information. By moving the car to the hoisting target floor of the capital goods, the capital goods are transported to the hoisting target floor. When the IC tag reader receives the floor number information from the floor number IC tag corresponding to the stop floor at the stop floor where the car has stopped as the hoisting target floor, the recording device records the floor number information as the hoisting end floor performance information.

[0003] Also, in the technology described in Patent Document 2, floor information indicating the position of the elevator car is acquired from the elevator control device. And identification information is acquired from an IC tag attached to the management target accommodated in the elevator car. The floor information obtained by the information input unit and the identification information obtained by the RFID reader are associated and written into the storage unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

[0005] When managing equipment and materials using technologies described in prior art documents, it is necessary to install floor number IC tags on each floor and to obtain floor information indicating the location of the elevator car from the elevator control device. In particular, temporary elevators at construction sites are facilities that are installed temporarily in order to carry out construction work. Preparing equipment to obtain floor information for such temporary elevators is time-consuming. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The location management device that solves the above problems manages objects to be moved by a carrier that moves up and down. For this purpose, it comprises a location information storage unit that records the location information of the objects to be managed, a tag sensor that reads identification tags provided on the carrier, and a control unit connected to a floor sensor that identifies the floor to which the carrier has stopped. The control unit then obtains identification tag information attached to the objects to be managed inside the carrier from the tag sensor, and in response to the detection of new identification tags and the disappearance of tags, it performs processing to associate the floor information obtained from the floor sensor and record it in the location information storage unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, the location of the managed object can be efficiently determined. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram of a location management device in an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is an explanatory diagram of the hardware configuration of the location management device in the embodiment. [Figure 3] This is an explanatory diagram of the functional part in the embodiment. [Figure 4]This is an explanatory diagram of the processing procedure in the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Below, an embodiment of a location management device, location management method, and location management program for managing the location of managed objects will be described using Figures 1 to 4. As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, the materials and equipment R1 transported by the carrier C1 of a temporary elevator E1 installed at a construction site consisting of multiple floors are managed as the objects to be managed. In this case, the materials and equipment R1 transported include LGS (lightweight steel frame), PB (gypsum board), glass, wood, metal panels, control panels, piping materials, glass wool, concrete, aerial work platforms, etc.

[0010] This carrier C1 consists of a cage for carrying cargo. This carrier C1 is, for example, a steel mesh box with an opening for loading and unloading cargo. Furthermore, a shutter (door) is provided at this opening. This carrier C1 is raised and lowered by a lifting drive mechanism consisting of an electric motor and an elevator shaft controlled by a lifting control device. When lifting equipment R1, the carrier C1 is moved to the lifting start floor (transportation start location) where the equipment R1 is temporarily placed using the operation panel installed on each floor. Then, the equipment R1 is loaded into carrier C1. Next, the floor button for the lifting target floor (transportation end location) to which the equipment R1 will be transported is selected on the operation panel inside carrier C1. Then, when the lifting control device detects that the shutter of carrier C1 has closed, it lifts carrier C1 from the lifting start floor to the lifting target floor.

[0011] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, a location management device A1 is used to manage the location of the equipment R1. This location management device A1 consists of a management terminal 20 and a management server 30 connected via a network. The management terminal 20 is installed on the ceiling inside the carrier C1.

[0012] (Description of hardware configuration) Figure 2 illustrates the hardware configuration of the information processing device H10, which constitutes the management terminal 20 and the management server 30. The information processing device H10 includes a communication device H11, an input device H12, a display device H13, a storage device H14, and a processor H15. Note that this hardware configuration is just one example, and it can be implemented using other hardware.

[0013] Communication device H11 is an interface that performs data transmission and reception by establishing a communication path with other devices. The input device H12 is a device that accepts input of various types of information (for example, a mouse or keyboard). The display device H13 is a device that displays various types of information (for example, a display).

[0014] The storage device H14 is a storage device that stores data and various programs for executing various functions of the management terminal 20 and the management server 30. The processor H15 controls the various processes in the management terminal 20 and the management server 30 by using programs and data stored in the memory device H14. Examples of processor H15 include CPUs and MPUs. This processor H15 executes various processes for each operation by loading programs stored in ROM, etc., into RAM.

[0015] The H15 processor is not limited to performing all of its operations through software processing. For example, the H15 processor may include dedicated hardware circuits (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits: ASICs) that perform hardware processing for at least some of the operations it performs.

[0016] (Explanation of the location management device's functions) Next, the location management device A1 of this embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the capital equipment R1 transported by the temporary elevator E1 is attached with a wireless tag 10 (identification tag). An identification code (identification tag information) for identifying each capital equipment is recorded in this wireless tag 10. And when the wireless tag 10 receives an RF signal from the management terminal 20, it transmits the identification code by radio wave.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 3, the management terminal 20 of the location management device A1 reads the identification code of the wireless tag 10. And the management terminal 20 transmits conveyance information (loading information, unloading information) including information regarding the read identification code to the management server 30.

[0018] The management terminal 20 is an integrated and independent hardware, and identifies the capital equipment R1 and the floor. This management terminal 20 includes a battery-driven control unit 21, a tag sensor 22, and a floor sensor 23.

[0019] The control unit 21 controls the tag sensor 22 and the floor sensor 23 by executing a conveyance management program, and transmits information regarding the capital equipment R1 loaded on the carrier C1 to the management server 30. The control unit 21 includes a memory for temporarily storing the identification code of the capital equipment R1 loaded on the carrier C1 where the management terminal 20 is installed. When the control unit 21 first acquires the identification code of the wireless tag 10, it temporarily stores it in the memory, and when it becomes unable to acquire the identification code of the wireless tag 10, it erases the identification code temporarily stored in the memory.

[0020] The tag sensor 22 is a tag information acquisition unit that executes a process of reading the wireless tag 10 attached to the capital equipment R1. The RF signal sent from this tag sensor 22 is short-range and stays inside the carrier C1 shielded by a wire mesh.

[0021] The floor sensor 23 is a floor information acquisition unit that performs the process of identifying the floor to which the carrier C1 of the temporary elevator E1 has stopped. In this embodiment, the floor sensor 23 includes a floor table that converts altitude information into a floor. The floor sensor 23 then acquires the altitude (elevation) of the carrier C1 using a satellite positioning system (for example, high-precision positioning technology such as RTK-GNSS or multi-GNSS compatible equipment), and then uses the floor table to identify the floor from the altitude.

[0022] The management server 30 is a computer system for managing the transport status. The management server 30 is installed in a control room or similar location where the managed items are kept. This management server 30 is equipped with a management unit 31 and a location information storage unit 32. The management unit 31 executes a location management program to manage the location of equipment R1.

[0023] The location information storage unit 32 stores location management data for the managed equipment R1. This location management data is recorded when the managed item is registered and is updated when the location management processing described later is performed. This location management data consists of information including an identification code, the managed item, loading date and time, loading level, unloading date and time, and unloading level.

[0024] An identification code is an identifier used to identify the object being managed. The managed object information is information about the content being managed. This managed object information includes, for example, the types of materials used at the construction site, as well as the models and serial numbers of the equipment.

[0025] The loading date and time information is information regarding the date and time when the managed item assigned this identification code was loaded into carrier C1 of temporary elevator E1. The loading level information is information about the loading level to which the managed object, assigned this identification code, is loaded.

[0026] The removal date and time information refers to the date and time when the managed object, which is assigned this identification code, was removed from the temporary elevator E1's carrier C1. The removal hierarchy information is information about the hierarchy to which the managed item, assigned this identification code, was removed.

[0027] (Location management processing) Next, using Figure 4, we will explain the location management process performed in location management device A1.

[0028] First, the control unit 21 of the management terminal 20 performs a tag reading process (step S11). Specifically, the control unit 21 uses the tag sensor 22 to detect wireless tags present within a predetermined range (carrier C1). If multiple pieces of equipment R1 are present within carrier C1, the control unit 21 reads the information of all wireless tags 10 present within carrier C1.

[0029] Next, the control unit 21 of the management terminal 20 performs a determination process to determine whether it is a new detection (step S12). Specifically, the control unit 21 compares the identification code of the newly read wireless tag 10 with the identification codes temporarily stored in memory. If there is an identification code among the newly read identification codes that is not temporarily stored in memory, it determines that it is a new detection.

[0030] If a new detection is determined (if the answer is "YES" in step S12), the control unit 21 of the management terminal 20 performs a hierarchical identification process (step S13). Specifically, the hierarchical sensor 23 uses a satellite positioning system to determine the height (altitude) of the carrier C1. Next, the hierarchical sensor 23 uses a hierarchical table to determine the hierarchical level to which the carrier C1 is located, based on the altitude of the carrier C1. Then, the control unit 21 obtains information about the identified hierarchical level (hierarchical information) from the hierarchical sensor 23.

[0031] Next, the control unit 21 of the management terminal 20 executes the loading registration process (step S14). Specifically, the control unit 21 transmits the loading information to the management server 30. This loading information includes the newly read identification code and information regarding the loading tier. In this case, the management unit 31 of the management server 30 adds the loading date and time (current date and time) and the loading tier to the location management data in the location information storage unit 32 where the identification code is recorded. Here, the tier information identified in step S13 is recorded as the loading tier.

[0032] On the other hand, if no new identification code exists and it is determined that this is not a new detection (i.e., "NO" in step S12), the control unit 21 of the management terminal 20 skips the hierarchical identification process (step S13) and the loading registration process (step S14).

[0033] Next, the control unit 21 of the management terminal 20 performs a determination process to determine whether the tag has been lost (step S15). Specifically, the control unit 21 checks the identification codes temporarily stored in memory for any identification codes that can no longer be detected. If there are any identification codes that can no longer be detected, it determines that the tag has been lost.

[0034] If it is determined that the tag has been lost (if the answer is "YES" in step S15), the control unit 21 of the management terminal 20 performs hierarchical identification processing in the same manner as in step S13 (step S16).

[0035] Next, the control unit 21 of the management terminal 20 executes the export registration process (step S17). Specifically, the control unit 21 transmits the export information to the management server 30. This export information includes the identification code that has become unreadable and information regarding the export hierarchy. In this case, the management unit 31 of the management server 30 adds the export date and time (current date and time) and the export hierarchy to the location management data in the location information storage unit 32 where the identification code is recorded. Here, the hierarchy information identified in step S16 is recorded as the export hierarchy.

[0036] On the other hand, if it is determined that there are no unreadable identification codes and the tag is not lost (i.e., "NO" in step S15), the control unit 21 of the management terminal 20 skips the hierarchical identification process (step S16) and the export registration process (step S17). The control unit 21 of the management terminal 20 then repeats the processes from the tag reading process (step S11) onward.

[0037] (Effect of the embodiment) Since the management terminal 20 is equipped with a hierarchical sensor 23, the hierarchical level on which the carrier C1 is located can be identified without obtaining information from other devices.

[0038] (Effects of the embodiment) (1) In this embodiment, the control unit 21 of the management terminal 20 performs a tag reading process (step S11). This makes it possible to identify the equipment R1 present inside the carrier C1.

[0039] (2) In this embodiment, the control unit 21 of the management terminal 20 performs a determination process to determine whether it is a new detection (step S12). This makes it possible to identify the equipment R1 that has been newly loaded onto the carrier C1.

[0040] (3) In this embodiment, if a new detection is determined (if the answer is "YES" in step S12), the control unit 21 of the management terminal 20 performs a floor identification process (step S13). This makes it possible to identify the floor on which the equipment R1 is loaded in the carrier C1. In particular, since the temporary elevator E1 is often installed in an open area near the outdoors, it is easy to acquire signals from the satellite positioning system. Furthermore, since the floor sensor 23 is used, coordination with other devices is not required for floor identification, and the workload can be reduced by simply installing the management terminal 20.

[0041] (4) In this embodiment, the control unit 21 of the management terminal 20 executes the loading registration process (step S14). This allows the management server 30 to confirm the floor level in which the equipment R1 is located.

[0042] (5) In this embodiment, the control unit 21 of the management terminal 20 performs a determination process to determine whether the tag has been lost (step S15). This makes it possible to identify the equipment R1 that has been unloaded from the carrier C1.

[0043] (6) In this embodiment, if it is determined that the tag has been lost (if the answer is "YES" in step S15), the control unit 21 of the management terminal 20 performs a hierarchical identification process in the same manner as in step S13 (step S16). This makes it possible to identify the hierarchical level from which the equipment R1 was unloaded from the carrier C1.

[0044] (7) In this embodiment, the control unit 21 of the management terminal 20 executes the removal registration process (step S17). As a result, the management server 30 records the floor to which the equipment R1 was most recently brought, so that the location of the equipment R1 can be determined.

[0045] This embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically. In the above embodiment, the hierarchical sensor 23 obtains the altitude of carrier C1 using a satellite positioning system, and then uses a hierarchical table to determine the hierarchical level from the altitude. The method of determining the hierarchical level is not limited to using a satellite positioning system.

[0046] For example, a camera may be used as the hierarchical sensor 23 to capture external images of the conditions of each hierarchical level outside the carrier C1, thereby identifying the level. In this case, the level is identified by the feature quantities of the external image recognition. For example, character recognition of the display indicating the level may be performed on the external image. Alternatively, the feature quantities of each level may be recorded in a hierarchical table. Furthermore, if there is a panel inside carrier C1 that displays the hierarchy, the hierarchy may be determined by image recognition or character recognition of an image taken of this panel.

[0047] Alternatively, the hierarchical level may be identified using acceleration information detected by an acceleration sensor as the hierarchical level sensor 23. In this case, the hierarchical level is identified using a hierarchical level table by determining the altitude corresponding to the elevation distance from the double integral of the elevation acceleration.

[0048] Alternatively, the floor level may be identified using atmospheric pressure information detected by a pressure sensor as the floor level sensor 23. In this case, the floor level is identified using a floor level table by determining the altitude from the atmospheric pressure. In particular, since the temporary elevator E1 is often installed in an open area near the outdoors, atmospheric pressure is easily reflected.

[0049] In the above embodiment, the detection of new tags (steps S12-S14) and the detection of tags disappearing (steps S15-S17) were performed in a series of processes. Each process may be performed individually and independently. In the above embodiment, a tag reading process is performed (step S11). This process may be performed depending on the operating status of the carrier C1 (lifting / lowering, stopped).

[0050] For example, this can be done while carrier C1 is stopped. The stopping of carrier C1 is detected by its vertical acceleration, with a lifting speed of "0". Loading and unloading of equipment R1 is performed while carrier C1 is lifting or unloading, so loading and unloading can be determined quickly.

[0051] Alternatively, this may be done while the carrier C1 is moving. In this case as well, the control unit 21 of the management terminal 20 detects that the carrier C1 is moving based on its vertical acceleration and lifting speed. While the carrier C1 is lifting or lowering, the opening of the carrier C1 is closed, and the shielding effect of the steel mesh is enhanced, thereby suppressing misrecognition of wireless tags 10 in the surrounding area. Also, since there is no loading or unloading of equipment R1 while the carrier is lifting or lowering, the wireless tags 10 of equipment R1 present in the carrier C1 can be continuously detected. In this case, the tier sensor 23 identifies the tier while the carrier is stopped.

[0052] Here, the control unit 21 of the management terminal 20 determines that the identification codes of newly detected wireless tags 10, and the identification codes of wireless tags 10 that can no longer be detected, indicate that loading or unloading took place at the previous stopping floor. It then transmits loading and unloading information, including the floor information of the previous stopping floor, to the management server 30.

[0053] Furthermore, by using both tag reading processes during movement and while stationary, it is possible to identify the loaded equipment R1 while in motion, and to identify equipment that has undergone changes (such as being loaded or unloaded) while stationary.

[0054] Alternatively, the system may detect the closing of the opening of the carrier C1 and read the wireless tag 10 of the equipment R1. In this case, for example, the management terminal 20 uses a camera to detect the closing of the shutter of the opening through image recognition.

[0055] In the above embodiment, a tag reading process is performed (step S11). Here, the wireless tag 10 attached to the equipment R1 is read. In addition, the wireless tag 10 carried by a worker who boarded the carrier C1 at the same time as the equipment R1 may also be read. In this case, the management server 30 is provided with a worker information storage unit that records worker information (name, affiliation, etc.) for the identification code of the wireless tag 10 carried by the worker. The management terminal 20 then identifies the identification code of the worker's wireless tag 10 along with the wireless tag 10 of the equipment R1. Next, the management terminal 20 includes the worker's identification code along with the identification code of the equipment R1 in the loading and unloading information transmitted to the management server 30. The management server 30 then uses the worker's identification code to identify the worker information in the worker information storage unit. Furthermore, the management server 30 records the worker information of workers who were newly detected or lost at the same time as the wireless tag 10 of the equipment R1 in association with the worker information in the location information storage unit 32. This makes it possible to identify the worker moving the equipment R1 by using the location information storage unit 32.

[0056] In the above embodiment, the management terminal 20 is installed on the ceiling inside the carrier C1. The installation location of the management terminal 20 should be such that it does not interfere with work and that the tag sensor 22 can read all of the wireless tags 10 without fail.

[0057] For example, the management terminal 20 may be installed on the top of the carrier C1. In this case, only the tag sensor 22, which is connected to the management terminal 20 by a cable or the like, may be installed on the ceiling inside the carrier C1. This ensures that the workspace of the carrier C1 is secured and does not get in the way when transporting tall equipment.

[0058] Alternatively, the management terminal 20 may be installed on the wall of the carrier C1. In this case, the transmission angle of the tag sensor 22's radio waves may be adjusted. By utilizing the reflection of radio waves inside the carrier C1, all wireless tags 10 can be read without fail. Furthermore, since installation is easy on the wall of the carrier C1, the time required for installation can be reduced.

[0059] Here, the tag sensor 22 may be placed in multiple locations within the carrier C1, rather than just one. By placing it in multiple locations, it is possible to suppress the possibility of missing wireless tags 10 within the carrier C1.

[0060] Next, the technical concepts that can be understood from the above embodiments and alternative examples are described below. (a) The location management device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit detects the movement of the object to be managed by reading the identification tag while the carrier is stopped.

[0061] (b) The location management device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit detects the movement of the managed object at the immediately preceding stopping floor by reading the identification tag of the managed object located inside the carrier while the carrier is moving.

[0062] (c) The location management device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit detects the closing of the opening of the carrier and reads the identification tag. (d) The location management device according to claim 1, characterized in that the tag sensor reads the worker's identification tag and records it in association with the identification tag of the managed object that was detected and lost at the same time. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] A1...Location management device, C1...Carrier, E1...Temporary elevator, R1...Equipment and materials, 10...Wireless tag, 20...Management terminal, 21...Control unit, 22...Tag sensor, 23...Floor sensor, 30...Management server, 31...Management department, 32...Location information storage unit.

Claims

1. A location management device for managing objects to be moved by a lifting carrier, The system comprises a location information storage unit that records location information of the managed object, a tag sensor that reads an identification tag provided on the carrier, and a control unit connected to a floor sensor that identifies the floor on which the carrier has stopped. The control unit, From the tag sensor, information on the identification tag attached to the object being managed inside the carrier is obtained. A location management device characterized by performing a process to record in the location information storage unit the hierarchical information acquired from the hierarchical sensor in response to the detection of a new identification tag or the disappearance of the aforementioned identification tag.

2. The location management device according to claim 1, characterized in that the hierarchical sensor identifies the altitude information of the carrier and identifies the hierarchical level based on the altitude information.

3. The location management device according to claim 1, characterized in that the hierarchical sensor acquires acceleration information of the carrier and identifies the hierarchical level based on the acceleration information.

4. The location management device according to claim 1, characterized in that the hierarchical sensor acquires an external image of the carrier and identifies the hierarchical level by recognizing the external image.

5. The location management device according to claim 1, characterized in that it determines the detection and disappearance of the identification tag according to the operating status of the carrier.

6. A location management method for managing the location of an object to be moved by a carrier that moves up and down, using a location management device for managing the object to be moved, The location management device comprises a location information storage unit for recording location information of the managed object, a tag sensor for reading identification tags provided on the carrier, and a control unit connected to a floor sensor for identifying the floor on which the carrier has stopped. The control unit, From the tag sensor, information on the identification tag attached to the object being managed inside the carrier is obtained. A location management method characterized by performing a process to record in the location information storage unit the hierarchical information acquired from the hierarchical sensor in response to the detection of a new identification tag or the disappearance of the aforementioned identification tag.

7. A location management program for managing the location of objects to be moved by a lifting carrier, using a location management device for managing objects to be moved by a lifting carrier, The location management device comprises a location information storage unit for recording location information of the managed object, a tag sensor for reading identification tags provided on the carrier, and a control unit connected to a floor sensor for identifying the floor on which the carrier has stopped. The control unit, From the tag sensor, information on the identification tag attached to the object being managed inside the carrier is obtained. A location management program characterized by functioning as a means for performing processing to record in the location information storage unit the hierarchical information acquired from the hierarchical sensor in response to the detection and disappearance of the aforementioned identification tag.

Images