Automatic transport system and program

Abstract

To increase the operating ratio of automatic conveyance in a construction site.SOLUTION: Use equipment and material information acquisition means (101) of an automatic conveyance system (S) acquires use equipment and material information on equipment and materials used in a construction site. Unmanned conveyance vehicle information acquisition means (102) acquires unmanned conveyance vehicle information on an unmanned conveyance vehicle for automatically conveying the equipment and materials in the construction site. Providing means (103) provides, based on the use equipment and material information and unmanned conveyance vehicle information, target equipment and material information on equipment and materials to be automatically conveyed to a company in charge of carrying in equipment and materials to the construction site.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an automatic transport system, an information providing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the construction industry has been considering using automated guided vehicles to automatically transport materials and equipment at construction sites in order to solve problems such as labor shortages and rising labor costs. For example, Patent Document 1 describes an automatic transport system in which a two-dimensional code is attached to the floor of a construction site, etc., as a guide for the automated guided vehicle when it travels, and the automated guided vehicle automatically transports materials and equipment while photographing the two-dimensional code with a camera. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-123357 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Tasks such as ordering and delivering materials and equipment may be handled by a partner company other than the construction company. In order to increase the operating rate of an automated guided vehicle such as that in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to provide the partner company with information on the materials and equipment to be automatically transported. For example, when materials and equipment are delivered in a form that the automated guided vehicle cannot hold, the operating rate drops by the time required to repackage them, so it is necessary to inform the partner company of the appropriate form of packaging. This is also true when another company is in charge of delivering materials and equipment, and it is necessary to provide information to increase the operating rate of the automated transport.

[0005] One of the objectives of the present disclosure is to increase the operating rate of automated transportation at construction sites. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, an automatic transport system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is characterized in that it includes: a used equipment information acquisition means for acquiring used equipment information regarding materials and equipment used at a construction site; an automatic transport vehicle information acquisition means for acquiring automatic transport vehicle information regarding automatic transport vehicles for automatically transporting the materials and equipment at the construction site; and a provision means for providing target equipment information regarding the materials and equipment to be automatically transported to a company in charge of transporting the materials and equipment to the construction site based on the used equipment information and the automatic transport vehicle information.

[0007] An information providing method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is characterized in that it includes a used equipment information acquisition step of acquiring used equipment information regarding materials and equipment used at a construction site, an automated guided vehicle information acquisition step of acquiring automated guided vehicle information regarding an automated guided vehicle for automatically transporting the materials and equipment at the construction site, and a providing step of providing target equipment information regarding the materials and equipment to be automatically transported to a company in charge of transporting the materials and equipment to the construction site based on the used equipment information and the automated guided vehicle information.

[0008] A program according to one embodiment of the present disclosure causes a computer to function as: equipment used information acquisition means for acquiring equipment used information regarding equipment and materials used at a construction site; automated guided vehicle information acquisition means for acquiring automated guided vehicle information regarding automated guided vehicles for automatically transporting the equipment and materials at the construction site; and provision means for providing target equipment information regarding the equipment and materials to be automatically transported to a company in charge of transporting the equipment and materials to the construction site based on the equipment used information and the automated guided vehicle information.

[0009] In one aspect of the present invention, the automated guided vehicle information indicates a packaging form of the equipment that can be automatically transported by the automated guided vehicle, and the providing means provides the company with information as the target equipment information encouraging the company to bring in the equipment that is to be automatically transported in the packaging form.

[0010] In one aspect of the present invention, a plurality of types of unmanned guided vehicles are used at the construction site, and the packaging style that can be automatically transported is determined for each type, the unmanned guided vehicle information indicates the packaging style corresponding to the type, and the providing means provides the company with information as the target equipment information urging the company to bring in the equipment and materials to be subject to automatic delivery in the packaging style corresponding to the type of unmanned guided vehicle.

[0011] In one aspect of the present invention, the equipment information indicates characteristics of the equipment to be automatically transported, and the automated guided vehicle information indicates characteristics of the equipment that can be automatically transported by the automated guided vehicle, and the providing means determines whether or not automatic transport is possible based on the characteristics of the equipment to be automatically transported and the characteristics of the equipment that can be automatically transported by the automated guided vehicle, and provides the company with the determination result of whether or not automatic transport is possible as the target equipment information.

[0012] In one aspect of the present invention, the equipment information indicates at least one of the weight, size, and balance of the equipment as characteristics of the equipment to be automatically transported, and the automated guided vehicle information indicates at least one of the weight, size, and balance of the equipment as characteristics of the equipment that can be automatically transported by the automated guided vehicle, and the providing means determines whether or not automatic transport is possible based on at least one of the weight, size, and balance of the equipment to be automatically transported and at least one of the weight, size, and balance of the equipment that can be automatically transported by the automated guided vehicle.

[0013] In one aspect of the present invention, the equipment information indicates at least one of the weight, size, and balance of the equipment as characteristics of the equipment to be automatically transported, and the automated guided vehicle information indicates at least one of the weight, size, and balance corresponding to the transport route of the automated guided vehicle as characteristics of the equipment that can be automatically transported by the automated guided vehicle, and the providing means determines whether or not automatic transport is possible based on at least one of the weight, size, and balance of the equipment to be automatically transported and at least one of the weight, size, and balance corresponding to the transport route.

[0014] In one aspect of the present invention, the automated guided vehicle information indicates the space at the construction site where the equipment and materials to be automatically transported are to be placed, and the providing means determines whether the equipment and materials to be automatically transported can be placed at the location, and provides the company with the determination result of whether or not the equipment and materials can be placed as the target equipment and materials information.

[0015] In one aspect of the present invention, the equipment and materials used information indicates the delivery time of the equipment and materials to be automatically transported, and the unmanned guided vehicle information indicates the usage status of the unmanned guided vehicle at the construction site, and the providing means determines whether or not automatic transport is possible based on the delivery time of the equipment and materials to be automatically transported and the usage status of the unmanned guided vehicle, and provides the company with the determination result of whether or not automatic transport is possible as the target equipment and materials information. Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to increase the operating rate of automated transportation at construction sites. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overall configuration of an automatic transport system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a construction site. [Diagram 3]FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of information required for each task at a construction site. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a materials and equipment management screen. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of functions realized by the automatic transport system. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of data storage in a materials and equipment database. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of data storage in an automated guided vehicle database. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing a process executed in the automatic transport system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] [1. Overall configuration of the automated transport system] An example of an embodiment of the automatic transport system according to the present disclosure will be described below. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the automatic transport system. As shown in Fig. 1, the automatic transport system S includes a server 10, a construction company terminal 20, a cooperating company terminal 30, and an automatic transport company terminal 40, which can be connected to a network N such as the Internet. Note that the automatic transport system S only needs to include at least one computer, and the configuration of the automatic transport system S is not limited to the example of Fig. 1.

[0019] The server 10 is a server computer. For example, the server 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 13. The control unit 11 includes at least one processor. The storage unit 12 includes a volatile memory such as a RAM, and a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk or a flash memory. The communication unit 13 includes a communication interface for wired communication or wireless communication.

[0020] The construction company terminal 20 is a computer operated by an employee of the construction company. The construction company is a company that manages construction sites. The construction site itself may be various sites, for example, a site where a building such as an office building, a commercial facility, a factory, or an apartment building is constructed, or a site where demolition work of such a building is carried out. Furthermore, for example, the construction site may be a site where a dam, a tunnel, a bridge, etc. is constructed.

[0021] For example, the construction company terminal 20 is a personal computer, a tablet terminal, or a smartphone. The construction company terminal 20 includes a control unit 21, a memory unit 22, a communication unit 23, an operation unit 24, and a display unit 25. The control unit 21, the memory unit 22, and the communication unit 23 have the same hardware configuration as the control unit 11, the memory unit 12, and the communication unit 13, respectively. The operation unit 24 is an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse. The display unit 25 is, for example, a liquid crystal display unit or an organic EL display unit.

[0022] The cooperating company terminal 30 is a computer operated by an employee of the cooperating company. A cooperating company is a company that cooperates with a construction company, and includes subcontractors, sub-subcontractors, and transportation companies. For example, the cooperating company terminal 30 is a personal computer, a tablet terminal, or a smartphone. The cooperating company terminal 30 includes a control unit 31, a memory unit 32, a communication unit 33, an operation unit 34, and a display unit 35. The control unit 31, the memory unit 32, the communication unit 33, the operation unit 34, and the display unit 35 have the same hardware configuration as the control unit 11, the memory unit 12, the communication unit 13, the operation unit 24, and the display unit 25, respectively.

[0023] The automatic transport company terminal 40 is a computer operated by an employee of the automatic transport company. The automatic transport company is a company that provides automatic transport services using automatic transport vehicles. For example, the automatic transport company terminal 40 is a personal computer, a tablet terminal, or a smartphone. The automatic transport company terminal 40 includes a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, a communication unit 43, an operation unit 44, and a display unit 45. The control unit 41, the storage unit 42, the communication unit 43, the operation unit 44, and the display unit 45 have the same hardware configuration as the control unit 11, the storage unit 12, the communication unit 13, the operation unit 24, and the display unit 25, respectively.

[0024] The programs and data described as being stored in the storage units 12, 22, 32, 42 may be supplied via the network N. The hardware configurations of the server 10, the construction company terminal 20, the cooperating company terminal 30, and the automated transport company terminal 40 are not limited to the above examples, and various hardware configurations may be applied. For example, a reading unit (e.g., an optical disk drive or a memory card slot) that reads a computer-readable information storage medium and an input / output unit (e.g., a USB terminal) for direct connection to an external device may be included. In this case, the programs and data stored in the information storage medium may be supplied via the reading unit or the input / output unit.

[0025] [2. Overview of the automated transport system] In this embodiment, the processing of the automatic guided vehicle S will be described using as an example a scene in which an automatic guided vehicle automatically transports materials and equipment at a construction site where an office building is being constructed. The automatic guided vehicle is a vehicle that includes a holding member for holding materials and equipment, tires or caterpillar tracks, a motor, a power source, etc., and automatically transports materials and equipment. The automatic guided vehicle may be operable by a worker using a remote control. Various types of automatic guided vehicles can be used.

[0026] For example, the automated guided vehicle may be a type that uses a two-dimensional code guide technology described in the prior art document, or may be another type that uses image processing technology used in SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) or the like. The automated guided vehicle can be connected to a network N, and receives information such as an automatic transport schedule and travel routes from a computer (not shown). Based on the received information, the automated guided vehicle autonomously transports materials and equipment at a construction site.

[0027] Materials and equipment are objects used at a construction site, such as gypsum boards, OA floor panels, electrical equipment, facility piping, or paint. Materials and equipment are sometimes simply called materials or equipment. Various materials and equipment can be used, and may be any materials and equipment defined in a general construction materials and equipment code, for example. Materials and equipment are transported by an unmanned transport vehicle or workers, and therefore can also be called objects to be transported. In this embodiment, automatic transport by an unmanned transport vehicle is performed at night, but automatic transport may also be performed during the day.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a construction site. As shown in FIG. 2, a three-story building is being constructed at the construction site of this embodiment. For example, a cooperating company decides on the necessary materials and equipment through a meeting with the construction company, and places an order for the materials and equipment from a materials and equipment manufacturer. The cooperating company delivers the materials and equipment to the construction site in time for the date and time when the materials and equipment are to be used, and places the materials and equipment in a temporary storage area prepared on the first floor or outdoors, for example. Note that, in this embodiment, a case will be described in which the materials and equipment are loaded onto a dolly after being delivered to the construction site, but the materials and equipment may be delivered on the dolly. The materials and equipment may be placed in the temporary storage area on a pallet, a thick block, or a wooden block.

[0029] In the example of FIG. 2, the automated guided vehicle 50 is a gate type and has a space for holding materials and equipment 51 inside. Although only one automated guided vehicle 50 is shown in FIG. 2, multiple automated guided vehicles 50 may be present. The automated guided vehicle 50 holds materials and equipment 51 placed on a cart inside and moves to a predetermined destination using a two-dimensional code guide technology or the like. A construction elevator EV and an electric outer door D are installed at the construction site of this embodiment. The automated guided vehicle 50 can move between each floor by riding on the construction elevator EV. The construction elevator EV is a temporary facility installed only during construction, but the automated guided vehicle 50 may be operated using a permanent elevator that is used even after construction is completed.

[0030] For example, when materials and equipment are automatically transported from a temporary storage area on the first floor to a destination on the third floor, the automated guided vehicle 50 holds a specific material and equipment 51 among a plurality of materials and equipment 51 arranged at the temporary storage area, and then gets on the construction elevator EV and moves to the third floor. The destination of the construction elevator EV may be instructed by a worker or may be instructed by the automated guided vehicle 50. When the automated guided vehicle 50 arrives at the third floor, the electric outer door D opens, and the automated guided vehicle 50 descends to the third floor and moves to the destination. When the automated guided vehicle 50 arrives at the destination, it places the material and equipment 51 and uses the construction elevator EV to return to the first floor. The automated guided vehicle 50 repeats the automatic transport of the material and equipment 51 from the temporary storage area to the destination until the automatic transport of all the materials and equipment is completed according to the schedule of the materials and equipment to be automatically transported that day. In the following description, the reference numerals of the materials and equipment will be omitted.

[0031] In order to realize the automatic transport as in this embodiment, it is necessary to properly arrange the materials and equipment on the cart. For example, if the materials and equipment are not properly packed (the size, shape, or stacking method) when they are brought in, they will protrude from the cart and the automatic transport vehicle 50 will not be able to hold them. Therefore, if the cooperating company does not bring in the materials and equipment in the proper packing, it will be necessary to fix the packing, which will reduce the operation rate of the automatic transport.

[0032] Therefore, in the automatic transport system S, various information regarding the materials and equipment to be automatically transported is shared among the construction company, the cooperating company, and the automatic transport company. In this embodiment, as an example of that information, the appropriate packing style at the time of delivery will be described. Information on the appropriate packing style for each automatic transport vehicle 50 is determined by the automatic transport company. The information on the packing style determined by the automatic transport company is provided to the construction company and the cooperating company. In the automatic transport system S, various information other than the packing style can be shared.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of information required for each task at a construction site. The example in FIG. 3 shows the flow from when a construction company receives an order for a job to when the transportation of materials and equipment is completed, and the information required for each task. As shown in FIG. 3, in the past, in the process from the first stage to the eighth stage, each implementer would make their own considerations and then pass on information to the implementer of the next stage to make adjustments. However, in this system, all processes from the first stage to the eighth stage are managed by the automatic transport system S, so that all implementers, including the construction company, the partner company, and the automatic transport company, can share information in real time. Each stage will be described in detail below.

[0034] When a construction company receives an order for a construction project, the first step is for the construction company and its partner companies to create a schedule for the construction site and keep track of the progress. This requires information such as the construction plan, construction schedule, quantity list, and progress tracking, and this information is shared by the automated transport system S.

[0035] The second and third stages of work involve the ordering of materials and equipment by the cooperating companies, and the delivery and unloading of the materials and equipment at the construction site. The necessary materials and equipment and the delivery schedule may be determined independently by the cooperating companies, or may be determined through discussion between the construction company and the cooperating companies. These tasks require information such as the materials and equipment to be ordered, the order quantity, packaging information, delivery date and time, and unloading conditions, and this information is shared by the automatic transport system S.

[0036] In the fourth to seventh stages, the construction company or automated transport company sets the transport plan, sets the transport route, simulates the transport, and transports the materials and equipment. These operations require information such as the contents of the materials and equipment, the quantity of materials and equipment, the packaging style of the materials and equipment, the destination of the materials and equipment, the transport order, the transport route, the cord installation location, the number of cords installed, the transport time required, the number of units required, the materials and equipment already transported, and the transport time, and this information is shared in the automated transport system S. In the eighth stage, the cooperating company performs an inspection. In the inspection, information such as the inspection results is required, and the inspection results are shared in the automated transport system S.

[0037] If information is not shared between the companies, the cooperating companies may decide the packing style of the materials and equipment on their own, which may result in a decrease in the operation rate of the automatic transport system. Therefore, in this embodiment, the automatic transport company provides the cooperating companies with information on appropriate packing styles. For example, when an employee of a cooperating company operates the cooperating company terminal 30 to access the server 10, a materials and equipment management screen for managing the delivery of materials and equipment is displayed on the display unit 35.

[0038] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the equipment management screen. In FIG. 3, as shown in FIG. 4 corresponding to the second stage, various information regarding the equipment to be delivered is displayed on the equipment management screen G. For example, the scheduled delivery date and time of the ordered equipment, the equipment ID that uniquely identifies the equipment, the equipment name, the quantity, the presence or absence of automatic transport, the number of packing styles (the number of transport devices such as carts), and the packing size at the time of delivery are displayed. In this embodiment, the packing style at the time of delivery is displayed only for the equipment that is the target of automatic transport. For the equipment that is not the target of automatic transport (equipment that is manually transported by workers), the packing style at the time of delivery is not displayed. Note that the number of carts required changes depending on the packing style, so the number of carts that has changed when the packing style is changed may be displayed. In this case, the cooperating company, etc. may be inquired about whether to proceed with the automatic transport with the changed number of carts or to cancel the automatic transport itself. The proceeding with or canceling of the automatic transport may be discussed between the construction company, the cooperating company, and the automatic transport company.

[0039] Once the cooperating company has confirmed the details displayed on the equipment and materials management screen G, they will consider whether they match the number of packages and package sizes planned by their company, and will make adjustments with the construction company if necessary. After confirming with the construction company, the cooperating company packs the equipment and materials in the specified format and loads them onto a truck so that they arrive in time for the scheduled delivery date and time. The cooperating company will transport the equipment and materials in the format specified on the equipment and materials management screen G to the construction site and place them on a cart in the temporary storage area. Note that even if the cooperating company delivers equipment and materials on a cart, the equipment and materials loaded onto the cart will be in the format specified on the equipment and materials management screen G.

[0040] As described above, in the automatic transport system S of this embodiment, information on the appropriate packing style of the materials and equipment to be automatically transported by the automatic transport vehicle 50 is provided to the cooperating company in charge of carrying in the materials and equipment from the materials and equipment management screen G. This prevents the trouble of correcting the packing style after carrying in, and increases the operation rate of the automatic transport. Details of this technology will be described below.

[0041] [3. Functions realized in this embodiment] Fig. 5 is a functional block diagram showing an example of functions realized by the automatic transport system S. As shown in Fig. 5, the automatic transport system S realizes a data storage unit 100, a used equipment and material information acquisition unit 101, an automatic transport vehicle information acquisition unit 102, and a provision unit 103. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which each of these functions is realized by the server 10, but each function may be realized by another computer such as a construction company terminal 20.

[0042] [Data storage section] The data storage unit 100 is mainly realized by the storage unit 12. The data storage unit 100 stores various information that can be shared in the automatic transport system S. In this embodiment, a case where the data storage unit 100 stores information on one construction site will be described, but the data storage unit 100 may store information on each of a plurality of construction sites.

[0043] For example, the data storage unit 100 stores an equipment database DB1 and an automated guided vehicle database DB2. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the construction company, the partner company, and the automated guided vehicle company can freely edit the equipment database DB1 and the automated guided vehicle database DB2, but each company may be provided with access rights to each database.

[0044] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of data storage in the equipment and materials database DB1. As shown in Fig. 6, the equipment and materials database DB1 is a database that stores information about the equipment and materials used at a construction site. For example, the equipment and materials database DB1 stores the equipment and materials ID, equipment and materials name, quantity, scheduled delivery date and time, cooperating company ID, presence or absence of automatic transport, automatic guided vehicle ID, and placement location of the equipment and materials.

[0045] The equipment and materials ID is information that uniquely identifies the equipment and materials to be brought in. The equipment and materials name is the name of the equipment and materials to be brought in. The quantity is the quantity of the equipment and materials to be brought in. The cooperating company ID is information that uniquely identifies the cooperating company. In this embodiment, a case where there is one cooperating company is described, but there may be multiple cooperating companies. In this case, each of the multiple cooperating companies brings in equipment and materials to the construction site, and information on the equipment and materials to be brought in by each cooperating company is stored in the equipment and materials database DB1. When the construction company itself brings in the equipment and materials, information on the equipment and materials to be brought in by the construction company is stored in the equipment and materials database DB1. Note that the equipment and materials ID may not only be assigned to each individual equipment and materials, but may also be assigned to each unit of equipment and materials that is transported together (for example, each pallet).

[0046] The presence or absence of automatic transport is information for identifying whether or not an item is subject to automatic transport. In the example of FIG. 6, equipment and materials for which automatic transport is "yes" are subject to automatic transport. Equipment and materials for which automatic transport is "no" are not subject to automatic transport and are transported by workers. In this embodiment, the case where the presence or absence of automatic transport is registered by the construction company will be described, but it may also be registered by other parties such as a partner company or an automatic transport company. As another example, the presence or absence of automatic transport may also be automatically registered depending on the availability of the automatic transport vehicle 50.

[0047] The automated guided vehicle ID is information that uniquely identifies the automated guided vehicle 50 that automatically transports materials and equipment. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the construction company registers which automated guided vehicle 50 automatically transports which materials and equipment, but registration may also be performed by another party such as a cooperating company or an automated guided vehicle company. The automated guided vehicle 50 that automatically transports materials and equipment may be automatically registered according to the availability of the automated guided vehicles 50. The placement location is a specific location where the delivered materials and equipment should be placed. In this embodiment, the cooperating company places materials and equipment on a cart in the temporary storage area, so information that uniquely identifies the cart in the temporary storage area is stored as the placement location. Note that the cart does not need to be uniquely identified.

[0048] The information stored in the materials and equipment database DB1 is not limited to the above example. Various information related to materials and equipment may be stored in the materials and equipment database DB1, for example, information related to the packing style at the time of delivery may be stored, or the scheduled date and time of transportation from the temporary storage site may be stored. The materials and equipment database DB1 may also store information related to materials and equipment for which the scheduled delivery date and time has not yet been determined. The materials and equipment database DB1 may also store only information related to materials and equipment that are the subject of automatic transportation.

[0049] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of data storage in the automated guided vehicle database DB2. As shown in Fig. 7, the automated guided vehicle database DB2 is a database that stores information about the automated guided vehicle 50 used at a construction site. For example, the automated guided vehicle database DB2 stores the automated guided vehicle ID, type, vehicle weight, vehicle size, transportable packaging form, and transportable weight of the automated guided vehicle 50. For example, when a construction company applies to use the automated guided vehicle service of an automated guided vehicle company, information about the automated guided vehicle 50 rented to the construction site is registered in the automated guided vehicle database DB2.

[0050] The automated guided vehicle ID is information that uniquely identifies the automated guided vehicle 50 at the construction site. The type is the model number or type of the automated guided vehicle 50. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which multiple types of automated guided vehicles 50 are used at a construction site, but there may be only one type of automated guided vehicle 50. The vehicle body weight and vehicle body size are the weight and size of the automated guided vehicle 50 itself. The transportable packing form and transportable weight are the packing form and weight of materials and equipment that can be transported by the automated guided vehicle 50. In this embodiment, the transportable packing form and transportable weight are determined for each type of automated guided vehicle 50. The transportable packing form can also be referred to as the size, shape, or loading method of materials and equipment that can be transported by the automated guided vehicle 50.

[0051] The information stored in the automated guided vehicle database DB2 is not limited to the above example. The automated guided vehicle database DB2 may store various information related to the automated guided vehicle 50, such as the usage status, schedule, and travel route of the automated guided vehicle 50. For example, information such as the type of equipment and materials that the automated guided vehicle 50 can automatically transport may also be stored. The data stored in the data storage unit 100 is not limited to the above example. The data storage unit 100 can store various information shared between the construction company, the partner company, and the automated guided vehicle company. For example, the data storage unit 100 may store each piece of information shown in FIG. 3.

[0052] [Equipment and Materials Information Acquisition Department] The equipment and materials used information acquisition unit 101 is realized mainly by the control unit 11. The equipment and materials used information acquisition unit 101 acquires equipment and materials used information related to the equipment and materials used at the construction site. Equipment and materials used at the construction site are equipment and materials that are scheduled to be delivered to the construction site, or equipment and materials that have already been delivered to the construction site. These equipment and materials include not only those that are subject to automatic transport, but also those that are not subject to automatic transport. Equipment and materials before being ordered are also included in the equipment and materials used at the construction site.

[0053] The equipment and materials used information may be any information related to the equipment and materials, for example, information that affects how the equipment and materials are delivered. In this embodiment, each piece of information stored in the equipment and materials database DB1 corresponds to the equipment and materials used information. For example, the equipment and materials ID, equipment and materials name, quantity, scheduled delivery date and time, presence or absence of automatic transport, automatic guided vehicle ID, and placement location shown in FIG. 6 correspond to the equipment and materials used information. Note that the equipment and materials used information may also be other information such as the type, material, size, weight, or special transport method of the equipment and materials.

[0054] In this embodiment, the case will be described where the equipment and materials used information acquisition unit 101 acquires the equipment and materials used information by referring to the equipment and materials database DB1, but the equipment and materials used information may be stored in another database. The equipment and materials used information may also be input from the construction company terminal 20, the cooperating company terminal 30, or the automated transport company terminal 40. In this case, the equipment and materials used information acquisition unit 101 only needs to acquire the equipment and materials used information input from these terminals.

[0055] In addition, in this embodiment, the case will be described where the equipment and materials used information acquisition unit 101 acquires the equipment and materials used information of the equipment and materials selected by the cooperating company (i.e., the equipment and materials to be displayed on the equipment and materials management screen G), but the equipment and materials used information acquisition unit 101 can acquire the equipment and materials used information of any equipment and materials. For example, the equipment and materials used information acquisition unit 101 may acquire the equipment and materials used information of the equipment and materials selected by a construction company or an automated transport company.

[0056] [Automated Guided Vehicle Information Acquisition Department] The automated guided vehicle information acquisition unit 102 is realized mainly by the control unit 11. The automated guided vehicle information acquisition unit 102 acquires automated guided vehicle information related to the automated guided vehicle 50 for automatically transporting materials and equipment at a construction site.

[0057] The unmanned guided vehicle information may be any information related to the unmanned guided vehicle 50, such as the conditions of materials and equipment that can be transported by the unmanned guided vehicle 50, or the functions of the unmanned guided vehicle 50. In this embodiment, each piece of information stored in the unmanned guided vehicle database DB2 corresponds to the unmanned guided vehicle information. For example, the unmanned guided vehicle ID, type, vehicle weight, vehicle size, transportable packaging form, and transportable weight shown in FIG. 7 each correspond to the unmanned guided vehicle information. Note that the unmanned guided vehicle information may be conditions other than the packaging form, and may be other information such as the type, material, or special transportation method of materials and equipment that can be automatically transported.

[0058] For example, the automated guided vehicle information indicates the packaging style of materials and equipment that can be automatically transported by the automated guided vehicle 50. That is, the transportable packaging style stored in the automated guided vehicle database DB2 is an example of automated guided vehicle information. In this embodiment, since the automatically transportable packaging style is defined for each type of automated guided vehicle 50, the automated guided vehicle information indicates the packaging style according to the type. That is, in the automated guided vehicle database DB2, the transportable packaging style associated with the type of automated guided vehicle 50 indicates the packaging style according to that type.

[0059] In this embodiment, the case where the automated guided vehicle information acquisition unit 102 acquires automated guided vehicle information by referring to the automated guided vehicle database DB2 will be described, but the automated guided vehicle information may be stored in another database. Furthermore, the automated guided vehicle information may be input from the construction company terminal 20, the cooperating company terminal 30, or the automated guided vehicle company terminal 40. In this case, the automated guided vehicle information acquisition unit 102 may acquire the automated guided vehicle information input from these terminals.

[0060] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a case will be described in which the automated guided vehicle information acquisition unit 102 acquires automated guided vehicle information of the automated guided vehicle 50 that automatically transports materials and equipment selected by a cooperating company (i.e., materials and equipment to be displayed on the materials and equipment management screen G), but the automated guided vehicle information acquisition unit 102 can acquire automated guided vehicle information of the automated guided vehicle 50 that automatically transports any materials and equipment. For example, the automated guided vehicle information acquisition unit 102 may acquire automated guided vehicle information of the automated guided vehicle 50 that automatically transports materials and equipment selected by a construction company or an automated guided vehicle company.

[0061] [Provider] The providing unit 103 is mainly realized by the control unit 11. The providing unit 103 provides target equipment information related to the equipment to be automatically transported to a company in charge of transporting equipment to a construction site, based on the equipment information and the automated guided vehicle information. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the company that transports the equipment is a cooperating company, but the company that transports the equipment may be another company. For example, the construction company or the automated guided vehicle company may transport the equipment, or another company may transport the equipment. The target equipment information can be provided to any company.

[0062] The equipment or materials to be automatically transported are those scheduled to be automatically transported by the automated guided vehicle 50. In this embodiment, the equipment or materials for which the automatic transport status in the equipment or materials database DB1 is set to "Yes" correspond to the equipment or materials to be automatically transported. The equipment or materials to be automatically transported may be automatically determined based on conditions such as the availability of the automated guided vehicle 50 and the transportable packaging style.

[0063] The target equipment information may be any information related to equipment that is the target of automatic transportation, such as the condition of the equipment at the time of delivery, the method of delivery of the equipment, whether automatic transportation is possible, or the location at the time of delivery. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which information related to the packing style at the time of delivery corresponds to the target equipment information, but the target equipment information may be other information. For example, any information displayed on the equipment management screen G in FIG. 4 may correspond to the target equipment information. Other examples of the target equipment information will be described in the modified examples.

[0064] For example, the providing unit 103 provides the cooperating company with information urging the materials and equipment to be automatically transported to be delivered in a specified packing style as the target materials and equipment information. In this embodiment, the information on the packing style displayed on the materials and equipment management screen G corresponds to the target materials and equipment information. In other words, the materials and equipment management screen G corresponds to the target materials and equipment information. The information urging the cooperating company to deliver in a specified packing style is not limited to character string information as shown in FIG. 4 as long as it includes information that can identify the type of packing style. For example, it may be an image or icon indicating the packing style. This information may be information that can identify the packing style at the time of delivery. The target materials and equipment information may be provided by other means such as email, SNS, a messaging app, or voice.

[0065] The providing unit 103 identifies the AGV ID of the AGV 50 that automatically transports the equipment indicated by the equipment ID (an example of equipment information used) specified by the cooperating company, and displays the equipment management screen G on the cooperating company terminal 30 based on the transportable packaging style (an example of AGV information) corresponding to the AGV ID. Since the optimal packaging style differs depending on the type of AGV 50, the providing unit 103 provides the cooperating company with information, as target equipment information, that urges the cooperating company to bring in the equipment to be automatically delivered in a packaging style appropriate to the type of AGV 50.

[0066] [4. Processing Executed in This Embodiment] Fig. 8 is a flow diagram showing the processing executed by the automatic transport system S. The processing shown in Fig. 8 is executed by the control units 11, 21, 31, and 41 operating in accordance with the programs stored in the storage units 12, 22, 32, and 42, respectively. The processing described below is an example of the processing executed by the functional blocks shown in Fig. 5.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 8, when a contract for use of an automatic transport service is concluded between a construction company or a cooperating company and an automatic transport company, the construction company terminal 20 registers the entire process in the server 10 (S1). The process of S1 corresponds to the first stage of FIG. 3. The automatic transport company terminal 40 registers automatic transport vehicle information related to an automatic transport vehicle 50 used at a construction site in an automatic transport vehicle database DB2 of the server 10 (S2). The automatic transport company refers to the contents of the usage contract and specifies an automatic transport vehicle 50 to be rented to the construction site. Basic information on the automatic transport vehicle 50 is stored in a database (not shown) in the automatic transport company terminal 40, and the automatic transport company operates the automatic transport company terminal 40 to register the automatic transport vehicle ID, type, vehicle weight, vehicle size, transportable packing form, and transportable weight of the specified automatic transport vehicle 50 in the automatic transport vehicle database DB2.

[0068] When the construction company and the cooperating company discuss the necessary materials and equipment, the cooperating company terminal 30 registers the information on the materials and equipment used at the construction site in the materials and equipment database DB1 of the server 10 (S3). The cooperating company orders the materials and equipment determined in the discussion with the construction company from the materials and equipment manufacturer, and adjusts with the construction company and other cooperating companies to determine the scheduled delivery date and time so that the materials and equipment will be delivered in time for the date of use. The scheduled delivery date and time may be set as an initial value based on the process created in the first stage of FIG. 3, or may be automatically set in the automatic transport system S. If the amount of materials and equipment to be delivered is too large to be transported automatically, information indicating that the materials and equipment will be transported manually instead of automatically may be output. The cooperating company operates the cooperating company terminal 30 to register the materials and equipment ID, the scheduled delivery date and time, the materials and equipment name, and the quantity in the materials and equipment database DB1. It is assumed that basic information on the materials and equipment is stored in a database (not shown) in the server 10. At least one of the above information registered in the equipment and materials database DB1 may be acquired from this database. When the construction company determines the equipment and materials, the process of S3 is executed from the construction company terminal 20.

[0069] The automated transport company refers to the information stored in the automated transport vehicle database DB2 and makes a transport plan using the automated transport vehicles 50. If the automated transport company determines that the amount of materials and equipment is so large that it exceeds the number of the prepared automated transport vehicles 50, it may display a message to the construction company or the cooperating company, such as "There is material and equipment that cannot be transported automatically. Arrangements for workers for transport are required" on the construction company terminal 20 or the cooperating company terminal 30. The automated transport company determines the material and equipment to be transported automatically and the location, and selects the automated transport vehicle 50 that will transport the material and equipment automatically. The automated transport company operates the automated transport company terminal 40 to register the presence or absence of automatic transport, the automated transport vehicle ID, and the location in the material and equipment database DB1 (S4). If the construction company or the cooperating company determines the presence or absence of automatic transport, the process of S4 is executed from the construction company terminal 20 or the cooperating company terminal 30.

[0070] This completes the registration of the information to be provided to the cooperating company. Thereafter, the cooperating company will be able to view information on any equipment or materials. When the cooperating company terminal 30 receives the selection of the equipment or materials to be displayed on the equipment or materials management screen G, it transmits a display request for the equipment or materials management screen G to the server 10 (S5). This display request includes the equipment or materials ID of the equipment or materials to be displayed. The equipment or materials may be selected by any method, such as by inputting the equipment or materials ID from the cooperating company terminal 30.

[0071] The server 10 acquires the equipment and materials information of the equipment to be displayed from the equipment and materials database DB1 (S6). In S6, the server 10 acquires the equipment and materials information such as the scheduled delivery date and time associated with the equipment and materials ID included in the display request. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which all the information of the record including this equipment and materials ID is acquired, but only a part of the information of this record may be acquired.

[0072] The server 10 acquires AGV information including the packing style of the material or equipment to be automatically transported from the AGV database DB2 (S7). In S7, the server 10 acquires the AGV ID of the AGV 50 that automatically transports the material or equipment with the material or equipment ID included in the display request. The server 10 acquires the transportable packing style associated with this AGV ID from the AGV database DB2 as AGV information. The server 10 may acquire other information such as the type of AGV 50 as AGV information.

[0073] The server 10 generates display data for the equipment management screen G including the target equipment information based on the equipment information acquired in S6 and the automated guided vehicle information acquired in S7, and transmits the display data to the cooperating company terminal 30 (S8). The display data is data for displaying the equipment management screen G, and may be in any data format. For example, if the equipment management screen G is to be displayed on a browser, the display data may be HTML data.

[0074] When the cooperating company terminal 30 receives the display data of the equipment management screen G, it displays the equipment management screen G on the display unit 35 (S9), and this process ends. In S9, the equipment management screen G as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed as the target equipment information.

[0075] According to the automatic transport system S of this embodiment, the target equipment information on the equipment to be transported automatically is provided to the cooperating company based on the equipment information on the equipment used at the construction site and the automatic transport vehicle information on the automatic transport vehicle 50 for automatically transporting the equipment, thereby increasing the operation rate of the automatic transport at the construction site. For example, the cooperating company can be made to consider a method of transporting the equipment so that the equipment can be transported smoothly automatically after being brought in, and the automatic transport vehicle 50 can be fully operated. Also, for example, the automatic transport of the equipment during the day can be reduced by using the automatic transport vehicle 50 to transport the equipment automatically at night. As a result, the waiting time for the use of the construction elevator EV can be reduced, and the efficiency of the construction during the day can be improved.

[0076] In addition, the automatic transport system S provides cooperating companies with information encouraging them to bring in the materials and equipment to be transported automatically in a specified packaging form, thereby eliminating the need to adjust the packaging form after the materials and equipment have been delivered, and effectively increasing the operating rate of automatic transport at construction sites.

[0077] In addition, the automatic transport system S provides cooperating companies with information encouraging them to bring in the materials and equipment to be automatically delivered in a package appropriate to the type of automatic transport vehicle 50, thereby allowing the materials and equipment to be brought in in the most optimal package even when various types of automatic transport vehicles 50 are in operation, thereby effectively increasing the operating rate of automatic transport at construction sites.

[0078] [5. Modifications] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0079] (1) For example, when a cooperating company registers equipment and materials to be delivered, a determination may be made as to whether or not the equipment and materials can be automatically transported by the automated guided vehicles 50, and the determination result may be provided to the cooperating company. If the equipment and materials are of a size that does not meet the transportable packing form of any of the automated guided vehicles 50, a message such as "automatic transport is not possible" may be displayed, and if the equipment and materials are of a size that meets the transportable packing form of any of the automated guided vehicles 50, a message such as "automatic transport is possible" may be displayed. In response to the message, the cooperating company may contact the construction company and specify whether or not automatic transport is to be performed, or if the cooperating company is responsible for automatic transport itself, may specify whether or not automatic transport is to be performed.

[0080] In this modified example, the equipment information to be used indicates the characteristics of the equipment to be automatically transported, and the automated guided vehicle information indicates the characteristics of the equipment that can be automatically transported by the automated guided vehicle 50. The characteristics of the equipment may be any characteristics, such as size, shape, hardness, type, use, or material. In this modified example, size is described as an example of a characteristic. For this reason, the size of the equipment to be automatically transported corresponds to the equipment information to be used, and the transportable packaging form corresponds to the automated guided vehicle information. It is assumed that the size of the equipment is stored in advance in the equipment database DB1 or another database.

[0081] The providing unit 103 determines whether automatic transportation is possible based on the characteristics (e.g., size) of the equipment to be automatically transported and the characteristics (e.g., size) of the equipment that can be automatically transported by the automated guided vehicle 50, and provides the determination result of whether automatic transportation is possible to the cooperating company as the target equipment information. For example, if the characteristics of the equipment to be automatically transported satisfy the characteristics of the equipment that can be automatically transported by the automated guided vehicle 50 (if they match), it is determined that automatic transportation is possible, and if the characteristics are not satisfied (if they do not match), it is determined that automatic transportation is not possible.

[0082] For example, the providing unit 103 determines whether or not the size of the equipment and materials to be automatically transported satisfies the transportable packing style that allows automatic transport by the automated guided vehicle 50, thereby determining whether or not the equipment and materials can be automatically transported. If the size of the equipment and materials to be automatically transported is within the size specified for the transportable packing style, it is determined that automatic transport is possible, and if it is larger than this size, it is determined that automatic transport is not possible.

[0083] The providing unit 103 may present the determination result in any identifiable manner. The determination result is information indicating whether automatic transport is possible or not. For example, the providing unit 103 may provide the determination result by displaying a message indicating the determination result on the equipment and materials management screen G, or may provide the determination result through another screen. Alternatively, the determination result may be presented using other means such as e-mail, SNS, or a messaging app.

[0084] Also, for example, the presence or absence of automatic transport may be automatically set according to the determination result, or the determination result may be displayed on a screen for registering materials and equipment to be brought in. As another example, when a cooperating company registers the presence or absence of automatic transport of a certain material and equipment, the providing unit 103 may prevent the material and equipment from being set as a target for automatic transport. That is, the providing unit 103 may display an error message when a material and equipment that cannot be automatically transported is specified as a target for automatic transport.

[0085] According to the modified example (1), the feasibility of automatic transportation is judged based on the characteristics of the materials and equipment to be automatically transported and the characteristics of the materials and equipment that can be automatically transported by the automated guided vehicle 50, and the judgment result of the feasibility of automatic transportation is provided to the cooperating company as the target materials and equipment information, thereby effectively increasing the operation rate of automatic transportation at the construction site. For example, it is possible to prevent materials and equipment that cannot be automatically transported from being placed in a temporary storage area, and to effectively utilize the space in the temporary storage area to increase the operation rate of automatic transportation. In addition, it is also possible to eliminate waste, such as bringing in materials and equipment that cannot be automatically transported in packaging for automatic transportation.

[0086] (2) In addition, for example, in the modification (1), the case where the feasibility of automatic transportation is determined based on the size of the equipment has been described, but the equipment information to be used may indicate the weight of the equipment as a characteristic of the equipment to be automatically transported, and the automated guided vehicle information may indicate the weight of the equipment as a characteristic of the equipment that can be automatically transported by the automated guided vehicle 50. In this case, the feasibility of automatic transportation may be determined based on these weights.

[0087] The providing unit 103 judges whether automatic transportation is possible based on the weight of the equipment and materials to be automatically transported and the weight of the equipment and materials that can be automatically transported by the automated guided vehicle 50. For example, the providing unit 103 judges whether automatic transportation is possible by judging whether the weight of the equipment and materials to be automatically transported satisfies the transportable weight that allows automatic transportation by the automated guided vehicle 50. If the weight of the equipment and materials to be automatically transported is within the weight specified for the transportable weight, it is judged that automatic transportation is possible, and if it is this weight or more, it is judged that automatic transportation is not possible. The judgment result can be presented in various forms, as in the modified example (1).

[0088] According to the modified example (2), the availability of automatic transportation at the construction site can be effectively increased by determining whether automatic transportation is possible based on the weight of the materials and equipment to be automatically transported and the weight of the materials and equipment that can be automatically transported by the automated guided vehicle 50. For example, it is possible to prevent the delivery of materials and equipment that are too heavy to be automatically transported, thereby increasing the availability of automatic transportation.

[0089] In addition to weight and size, the balance of the packaging can also be used as a judgment item. If there is information on whether the materials and equipment on the pallet are packed in an even balance or whether there is a bias left and right or front and back, this can be used as a basis for judging whether they can be stably transported automatically (for example, if they are evenly balanced, automatic transport is possible, and if there is a bias in the balance, automatic transport is not possible and manual transport is encouraged). The information on the equipment and equipment used may indicate at least one of the weight, size, and balance of the equipment and equipment as characteristics of the equipment and equipment that can be transported automatically by an automatic transport vehicle. The information on the automated transport vehicle may indicate at least one of the weight, size, and balance of the equipment and equipment as characteristics of the equipment and equipment that can be transported automatically by an automatic transport vehicle. The providing unit 103 may determine whether automatic transport is possible based on at least one of the weight, size, and balance of the equipment and equipment that can be transported automatically by an automatic transport vehicle and at least one of the weight, size, and balance of the equipment and equipment that can be transported automatically by an automatic transport vehicle.

[0090] (3) For example, a construction elevator EV or a main elevator for the automated guided vehicle 50 is arranged on the transport route of the automated guided vehicle 50, and the weight and size of the cargo that can be loaded are specified. Any materials or equipment exceeding these limits cannot be carried by the automated guided vehicle 50 on the construction elevator EV. For this reason, the availability of the construction elevator EV or the main elevator may be a condition for determining whether automatic transport is possible. For example, the width of the passageway or steps on the transport route of the automated guided vehicle 50 may also be a condition for determining whether automatic transport is possible.

[0091] The equipment information in this modified example indicates at least one of the weight, size, and balance of the equipment as characteristics of the equipment to be automatically transported, and the unmanned guided vehicle information indicates at least one of the weight, size, and balance as characteristics of the equipment that can be automatically transported by the unmanned guided vehicle 50, depending on the transport route of the unmanned guided vehicle 50.

[0092] Each of the weight, size, and balance according to the transport route may be determined based on at least one of the construction elevator EV, the main elevator, and the passage on the transport route. For example, the weight according to the transport route may be a weight that can be loaded on the construction elevator EV or the main elevator, and may be a value according to the specifications of these. The size according to the transport route may be a value according to the internal size of the construction elevator EV or the main elevator, or may be a size according to the width or step of the passage. Note that since the construction elevator EV or the main elevator also loads items other than materials and equipment, these weights or sizes may be general values. The balance according to the transport route is a balance according to the step of the passage. Each of the weight, size, and balance according to the transport route is input by a construction company, a partner company, an automated transport company, or another company.

[0093] The providing unit 103 determines whether automatic transportation is possible based on at least one of the weight, size, and balance of the equipment and materials to be automatically transported and at least one of the weight, size, and balance according to the transport route. For example, the providing unit 103 determines whether automatic transportation is possible by determining whether at least one of the weight, size, and balance of the equipment and materials to be automatically transported satisfies at least one of the weight, size, and balance according to the transport route.

[0094] For example, if the weight or size of the equipment and materials to be automatically transported is within the weight or size that can be loaded onto the construction elevator EV or the permanent elevator, it is determined that automatic transport is possible, and if it is greater than this weight or size, it is determined that automatic transport is impossible. Also, for example, if the size of the equipment and materials to be automatically transported fits within the width of the passage, it is determined that automatic transport is possible, and if it is greater than the width of the passage, it is determined that automatic transport is impossible. Also, for example, if it is determined that the balance of the equipment and materials to be automatically transported will not be disturbed when it goes over a step in the passage, it is determined that automatic transport is possible, and if it is determined that the balance will be disturbed, it is determined that automatic transport is impossible. The determination result can be presented in various ways, as in the modified example (1).

[0095] In addition to at least one of the weight, size, and balance of the equipment and materials, at least one of the weight, size, and balance of the automated guided vehicle 50 may be considered. If a worker rides in the construction elevator EV together with the automated guided vehicle 50, the weight or size of the worker may also be considered. For example, the providing unit 103 may determine whether automatic transportation is possible by determining whether the total value of the weight or size of the equipment and materials, the weight or size of the automated guided vehicle 50, and the weight or size of the worker satisfies the weight or size that can be loaded onto the construction elevator EV or the permanent elevator.

[0096] According to the modified example (3), the availability of automatic transportation is judged based on at least one of the weight, size, and balance of the materials and equipment to be transported automatically and at least one of the weight, size, and balance according to the transport route, thereby effectively increasing the operation rate of automatic transportation at the construction site. For example, it is possible to prevent the transport of materials and equipment of a weight or size that cannot be loaded onto the construction elevator EV or the main elevator, thereby increasing the operation rate of automatic transportation.

[0097] (4) Also, for example, depending on the size of the temporary storage area or the number of items placed therein, a cooperating company may not be able to bring in materials and equipment. For this reason, the space in the temporary storage area may be taken into consideration to determine whether materials and equipment can be placed therein, and information on the determination result may be provided to the cooperating company. For example, if there is no space to place materials and equipment that are the subject of automatic transport, a message such as "Automatic transport is not possible" may be displayed, and if there is space, a message such as "Automatic transport is possible" may be displayed.

[0098] The automated guided vehicle information of this modification indicates a space at a construction site where materials and equipment to be automatically transported are placed. The temporary storage area shown in FIG. 2 is an example of this location. This location may be called by a name other than the temporary storage area. Since this space is a location where materials and equipment to be automatically transported by the automated guided vehicle 50 are placed, it can refer to some information related to the automated guided vehicle 50. For example, information such as the size, shape, and location of the temporary storage area, the number of vacant carts, or the degree of congestion is used as the automated guided vehicle information.

[0099] The providing unit 103 determines whether the equipment to be transported automatically can be placed at a location, and provides the cooperating company with the determination result of whether the equipment can be placed as the target equipment information. For example, the providing unit 103 determines whether there is an empty space in which the equipment to be transported automatically can be placed. The space occupied by the equipment may be calculated according to the size of the equipment. If there is an empty space, it is determined that the equipment can be placed, and if there is no empty space, it is determined that the equipment cannot be placed. For example, the providing unit 103 determines whether there is an empty cart in which the equipment to be transported automatically can be placed. If there is an empty cart, it is determined that the equipment can be placed, and if there is no empty cart, it is determined that the equipment cannot be placed. The determination result can be presented in various forms, as in the modified example (1).

[0100] According to the modification (4), the providing unit 103 determines whether or not the equipment and materials to be automatically transported can be placed at a location, and provides the determination result of whether or not the equipment and materials can be placed to the cooperating company as the target equipment and materials information, thereby effectively increasing the operation rate of the automatic transport at the construction site. For example, it is possible to prevent the delivery of equipment and materials that cannot be placed at the temporary storage area, and to effectively utilize the space at the temporary storage area.

[0101] (5) For example, depending on the usage status of the automated guided vehicle 50, even if materials and equipment are brought in, they may not be able to be transported automatically. For this reason, the availability of automatic transport may be determined in consideration of the usage status of the automated guided vehicle 50, and information on the determination result may be provided to the cooperating company. For example, if the automated guided vehicle 50 is fully booked, a message such as "Automatic transport is not possible" may be displayed, and if the automated guided vehicle 50 is available, a message such as "Automatic transport is possible" may be displayed.

[0102] The equipment and materials used information in this modified example indicates the delivery time of the equipment and materials to be automatically transported, and the automated guided vehicle information indicates the usage status of the automated guided vehicle 50 at the construction site. The planned delivery date and time stored in the equipment and materials database DB1 corresponds to the delivery time. Although not shown in FIG. 7, the usage status is the date and time when the automated guided vehicle 50 is scheduled to be used. In other words, the usage status is the availability status of the automated guided vehicle 50. The usage status may be determined based on the schedule of the automated guided vehicle 50.

[0103] The providing unit 103 determines whether automatic transportation is possible based on the delivery time of the equipment and materials to be automatically transported and the usage status of the automatic transport vehicle 50, and provides the determination result of whether automatic transportation is possible to the cooperating company as the target equipment and materials information. For example, when the equipment and materials are delivered at the scheduled delivery date and time, the providing unit 103 determines whether the equipment and materials can be automatically transported by the automatic transport vehicle 50. That is, when the equipment and materials are delivered at the scheduled delivery date and time, the providing unit 103 determines whether the automatic transport vehicle 50 is available. If the automatic transport vehicle 50 is available, it is determined that automatic transportation is possible, and if the automatic transport vehicle 50 is not available, it is determined that automatic transportation is not possible. The determination result can be presented in various forms, as in the modified example (1). For example, the providing unit 103 may encourage the delivery of the equipment and materials at the date and time when the automatic transport vehicle 50 is available, or may determine the date and time when the automatic transport vehicle 50 is available as the scheduled delivery date and time.

[0104] According to the modified example (5), the availability of automatic transportation is judged based on the delivery time of the materials and equipment to be transported automatically and the usage status of the automated guided vehicle 50, and the result of the judgment on the availability of automatic transportation is provided to the cooperating company as the target materials and equipment information, thereby effectively increasing the operation rate of automatic transportation at the construction site. For example, it is possible to prevent the materials and equipment to be transported automatically from being delivered on a day when the automated guided vehicle 50 is fully booked.

[0105] (6) For example, the above modifications may be combined.

[0106] As another example, since materials and equipment that are the subject of automatic transport are automatically transported at night in principle, if the materials and equipment are used during the day on the day of delivery, they may not be transported at night. In this case, the providing unit 103 may provide the cooperating company with a delivery schedule to the construction site as the target materials and equipment information according to the planned use of the materials and equipment that are the subject of automatic transport. As another example, the cooperating company may arrange for a company to be in charge of unloading, but by providing the cooperating company with information on whether the materials and equipment are subject to automatic transport, the arrangement of a company to be in charge of unloading may be omitted. As another example, materials and equipment that are difficult to transport automatically or materials and equipment that are used during the day may be transported during the day by remote control operation of the unmanned transport vehicle 50.

[0107] Also, for example, in the embodiment, the case where each function is realized by the server 10 has been described, but when the automated conveying system S includes multiple computers, the functions may be shared among the computers. For example, the data storage unit 100 may be realized by a database server different from the server 10. Also, for example, each function may be realized by the construction company terminal 20, the cooperating company terminal 30, or the automated conveying company terminal 40. Also, for example, the functions may be shared among multiple computers. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] S automatic transport system, G equipment and materials management screen, N network, 10 server, 11, 21, 31, 41 control unit, 12, 22, 32, 42 memory unit, 13, 23, 33, 43 communication unit, 24, 34, 43 operation unit, 25, 35, 45 display unit, 20 construction company terminal, 30 partner company terminal, 40 automatic transport company terminal, 50 automatic transport vehicle, 100 data memory unit, 101 equipment and materials used information acquisition unit, 102 automatic transport vehicle information acquisition unit, 103 provision unit, DB1 equipment and materials database, DB2 automatic transport vehicle database.

Claims

1. a means for acquiring information on materials and equipment used at a construction site; an automated guided vehicle information acquisition means for acquiring automated guided vehicle information relating to an automated guided vehicle for automatically transporting the materials and equipment at the construction site, the automated guided vehicle information indicating a packing form of the materials and equipment that can be automatically transported by the automated guided vehicle; Including, At the construction site, multiple types of automated guided vehicles are used, The packaging style that can be automatically conveyed is determined for each type, The automated guided vehicle information indicates the packaging style according to the type, a provision means for providing information to a company in charge of delivering the materials and equipment to the construction site, based on the information on the materials and equipment used and the information on the automated guided vehicle, to prompt the company to deliver the materials and equipment to be automatically transported in the packaging form corresponding to the type of the automated guided vehicle; Automatic transport system.

2. A means for acquiring information on materials and equipment used at a construction site, the information indicating at least one of the weight, size, and balance of the materials and equipment as characteristics of the materials and equipment to be automatically transported; an automated guided vehicle information acquisition means for acquiring automated guided vehicle information related to an automated guided vehicle for automatically transporting the materials and equipment at the construction site, the automated guided vehicle information indicating at least one of weight, size, and balance according to a transport route of the automated guided vehicle as a characteristic of the materials and equipment that can be automatically transported by the automated guided vehicle; a providing means for determining whether automatic transportation is possible based on the equipment and material information and the automated guided vehicle information, and providing a determination result of whether automatic transportation is possible to a company in charge of carrying the equipment and materials to the construction site; An automatic transport system comprising:

3. A means for acquiring information on materials and equipment used at a construction site, the information indicating the time when the materials and equipment to be automatically transported will be delivered; an automated guided vehicle information acquisition means for acquiring automated guided vehicle information relating to an automated guided vehicle for automatically transporting the materials and equipment at the construction site, the automated guided vehicle information indicating the size, shape, position, number of vacant carts, or congestion of the area in which the materials and equipment to be automatically transported are placed at the construction site, and the availability of the automated guided vehicle at the construction site; a provision means for determining whether the equipment and materials to be automatically transported can be placed at the location according to the size of the equipment and materials based on the equipment information and the automated transport vehicle information, and providing the company in charge of delivering the equipment and materials to the construction site with the determination result of whether the equipment and materials can be placed and the determination result of whether the automatic transport can be performed; An automatic transport system comprising:

4. The automated guided vehicle information indicates at least one of the weight, size, and balance of the equipment as characteristics of the equipment that can be automatically transported by the automated guided vehicle, the providing means determines whether or not automatic transportation is possible based on at least one of weight, size, and balance of the equipment / material to be automatically transported and at least one of weight, size, and balance of the equipment / material that can be automatically transported by the automated guided vehicle; 3. The automatic transport system according to claim 2.

5. a means for acquiring information on materials and equipment used at a construction site; an automated guided vehicle information acquisition means for acquiring automated guided vehicle information relating to an automated guided vehicle for automatically transporting the materials and equipment at the construction site, the automated guided vehicle information indicating a packing form of the materials and equipment that can be automatically transported by the automated guided vehicle; to make the computer function, At the construction site, multiple types of automated guided vehicles are used, The packaging style that can be automatically conveyed is determined for each type, The automated guided vehicle information indicates the packaging style according to the type, A program for causing the computer to further function as a provision means for providing information to a company in charge of transporting materials and equipment to the construction site, based on the information on materials and equipment used and the information on automated guided vehicle, encouraging the company to transport the materials and equipment to be automatically transported in the packaging appropriate to the type of automated guided vehicle.

6. A means for acquiring information on materials and equipment used at a construction site, the information indicating at least one of weight, size, and balance of the materials and equipment as characteristics of the materials and equipment to be automatically transported; an automated guided vehicle information acquisition means for acquiring automated guided vehicle information relating to an automated guided vehicle for automatically transporting the materials and equipment at the construction site, the automated guided vehicle information indicating at least one of weight, size, and balance according to a transport route of the automated guided vehicle as characteristics of the materials and equipment that can be automatically transported by the automated guided vehicle; a provision means for determining whether automatic transportation is possible based on the equipment and material information and the automated guided vehicle information, and providing a determination result of whether automatic transportation is possible to a company in charge of carrying in the equipment and materials to the construction site; A program that makes a computer function as a

7. A means for acquiring information on materials and equipment used at a construction site, the information indicating the time when the materials and equipment to be automatically transported will be delivered; an automated guided vehicle information acquisition means for acquiring automated guided vehicle information relating to an automated guided vehicle for automatically transporting the materials and equipment at the construction site, the automated guided vehicle information indicating the size, shape, position, number of vacant carts, or congestion of an area at the construction site where the materials and equipment to be automatically transported are to be placed, and the availability of the automated guided vehicle at the construction site; a provision means for determining whether the equipment and materials to be automatically transported can be placed at the location according to the size of the equipment and materials based on the equipment and materials used information and the automatic transport vehicle information, and providing the company in charge of carrying the equipment and materials to the construction site with the determination result of whether the equipment and materials can be placed and the determination result of whether the automatic transport can be performed; A program that makes a computer function as a

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