MOBILE BODY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, PROGRAM, AND MOBILE BODY MANAGEMENT METHOD

Abstract

The aspect of the present invention provides a mobile object management system. The management system comprises an information processing device including an acquisition unit, an instruction generation unit, and a transmission unit. The acquisition unit is configured to acquire remaining level information indicating the remaining level of a battery. The battery is configured to store power that a charging station supplies to a mobile object. The instruction generation unit generates, on the basis of the remaining level information, instruction information for controlling the mobile object. The instruction information is information related to operations by the mobile object. The transmission unit is configured to transmit the instruction information to the mobile object, whereby operations by the mobile object are controlled.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mobile object management system, a program, and a mobile object management method. [Background technology]

[0002] Mobile vehicles such as self-propelled robotic lawnmowers can run even in places where there are no electrical outlets (commercial power sources) by using external batteries.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for using an external battery that stores electricity generated by solar power to operate a control device for a robotic work machine and to move the robotic work machine. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] CN201426049Y publication Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not control the operation of the robotic work machine according to the remaining charge level of the external battery stored by solar power generation, so once the remaining charge in the external battery reaches zero, the position of the robotic work machine cannot be determined, making it difficult to return the robotic work machine to normal operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a management system for a mobile body. The management system includes an information processing device having an acquisition unit, an instruction generation unit, and a transmission unit. The acquisition unit is configured to be able to acquire remaining amount information indicating a remaining amount of a battery. The battery is configured to store power to be supplied by a charging station to the mobile body. The instruction generation unit generates instruction information for controlling the mobile body based on the remaining amount information. The instruction information is information regarding the operation of the mobile body. The transmission unit is configured to transmit the instruction information to the mobile body, thereby controlling the operation of the mobile body.

[0007] Such a mobile object management system can stop a mobile object such as a self-propelled robotic lawnmower in an appropriate position before the remaining charge in the external battery runs out, and can return the object to normal operation after the external battery has resumed charging. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a management system 1 for a mobile object 4 including an information processing device 3. FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a management system 1 including an information processing device 3 and a solar power generation system 7 (renewable energy). [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of a management system 1 including an information processing device 3 and an external server 8. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an information processing device 3. [Diagram 5] 2 is a functional block diagram showing functions performed by a control unit 33 in an information processing device 3. FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a diagram showing an example of instruction information DI and operation information MI used in the management system 1. FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is a diagram showing an example of meteorological information WI and flight information OI used in the management system 1. FIG. [Figure 8] 1 is an activity diagram of a management method for a moving object 4 according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] 1 is an activity diagram of a management method for a moving object 4 according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Various characteristic features shown in the following embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0010] Incidentally, the program for realizing the software appearing in this embodiment may be provided as a non-temporary computer-readable recording medium, or may be provided so as to be downloadable from an external server, or may be provided so that the program is started on an external computer and its functions are realized on a client terminal (so-called cloud computing).

[0011] In the present embodiment, the term "unit" or "means" may include, for example, a combination of hardware resources implemented by a circuit in the broad sense and software information processing that can be specifically realized by these hardware resources. In addition, in the present embodiment, various information is handled, and this information is represented by physical values ​​of signal values ​​such as voltage and current, high and low signal values ​​as a binary bit collection consisting of 0 or 1, or quantum superposition (so-called quantum bits), and communication and calculation can be performed on the circuit in the broad sense.

[0012] In addition, a circuit in the broad sense is a circuit realized by at least appropriately combining a circuit, circuitry, a processor, a memory, etc. In other words, it includes an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA)), etc.

[0013] 1. Overall structure In this chapter, a management system 1 for a mobile object 4 according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the management system 1 for a mobile object 4 including an information processing device 3. The management system 1 includes an information processing device 3, a mobile object 4, a charging station 5, and an external battery 6. The mobile object 4 travels freely within a work area W, and when the battery level decreases, the mobile object 4 is charged by the external battery 6 in the work area W. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the management system 1 including an information processing device 3 and a solar power generation 7 (renewable energy). As shown in FIG. 2, the management system 1 further includes a solar power generation 7. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the management system 1 including an information processing device 3 and an external server 8. As shown in FIG. 3, the management system 1 further includes an external server 8, and these are configured to be able to communicate with each other through an electric communication line.

[0014] 1.1 Information processing device 3 4 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the information processing device 3. The information processing device 3 includes a communication unit 31, a storage unit 32, a control unit 33, a display unit 34, and an input unit 35. These components may be electrically connected to each other within the information processing device 3 via a communication bus 30.

[0015] (Communications Department 31) The communication unit 31 is preferably a wired communication means such as USB, IEEE1394, Thunderbolt, wired LAN network communication, etc., but may also include wireless LAN network communication, mobile communication such as LTE / 5G, Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication, etc. as necessary. In other words, it is more preferable to implement it as a collection of these multiple communication means.

[0016] (Storage unit 32) The storage unit 32 stores various information defined by the above description. This can be implemented as a storage device such as a solid state drive (SSD), or as a memory such as a random access memory (RAM) that stores temporarily required information (arguments, arrays, etc.) related to program operations. It may also be a combination of these.

[0017] (Control unit 33) The control unit 33 performs processing and control of the overall operation related to the information processing device 3. The control unit 33 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) not shown. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing the functions of the control unit 33 in the information processing device 3. The control unit 33 realizes various functions related to the information processing device 3 by reading out a predetermined program stored in the storage unit 32. Although a single control unit 33 is shown in FIG. 5, in reality, this is not limited to this, and multiple control units 33 may be provided for each function. Also, a combination of these may be used. Each of these functions will be described in detail in the next chapter.

[0018] (Display section 34) The display unit 34 may be included in the information processing device 3 or may be externally attached, for example. The display unit 34 is a display device such as a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or a plasma display that is externally attached to or built into the information processing device 3. It is preferable to use different display devices depending on the type of the information processing device 3. The display device generates a display screen in response to a control signal from the control unit 33. Also, the display screen can be selectively displayed in response to a control signal from the control unit 33. The user can grasp the operating status of the management system 1 and the operating status of the mobile object 4 displayed on the display unit 34. Also, these operating statuses may be displayed on the user's information processing terminal 9 via a telecommunications line.

[0019] (Input section 35) The input unit 35 accepts various instructions and information input from the user. The input unit 35 is, for example, a pointing device such as a mouse, a selection device such as a mode changeover switch, a keyboard, or other input device. The input unit 35 may use a graphical user interface (GUI). These input units 35 may be built into the information processing device 3 or may be externally attached. The user may send various instructions and information to the information processing device 3 by emitting voice. For this reason, the input unit 35 may be a microphone. The user inputs setting values ​​of the management system 1 and setting values ​​related to the operation of the mobile object 4, such as travel and work, from the input unit 35. The user may input various setting values ​​from the information processing terminal 9.

[0020] 1.2 Mobile 4 The moving body 4 may be a self-propelled vehicle or a manned vehicle. The moving body 4 has a power source that allows it to run. Therefore, the moving body 4 may run on the ground, on the sea, or in the air. The moving body 4 may be equipped with an internal battery (not shown) as a power source and be electrically capable of running. The moving body 4 may be a movable work device for performing a predetermined task. For example, the moving body 4 is a lawnmower robot 41 or a ball picker robot 42. The lawnmower robot 41 is a robot that mainly mows grass while running on its own. The ball picker robot 42 is a robot that collects balls while running on its own. The balls are spherical objects such as golf balls, tennis balls, and baseball balls. In particular, since the management system 1 is used in a place where it is difficult to obtain commercial power, the moving body 4 is preferably a ball picker robot 42 that collects golf balls.

[0021] 1.3 Charging Station5 The charging station 5 is disposed within the work area W and supplies electricity to the mobile object 4. The charging station 5 is equipped with a connection terminal (not shown), which is connected to a connection terminal equipped in the mobile object 4 to supply power to the mobile object 4. The mobile object 4 stops at the charging station 5 until power is supplied to a battery equipped in the mobile object 4. The battery equipped in the mobile object 4 may be charged in this manner, but a charged battery may also be exchanged for an empty battery at the charging station 5. The charging method at the charging station 5 is not limited.

[0022] 1.4 External battery6 The external battery 6 is a battery (rechargeable battery) that can be repeatedly charged and discharged. The external battery 6 refers to a secondary battery or a storage battery. These batteries are power devices that generate direct current power using energy. The external battery 6 can be of various types, such as a storage battery, an alkaline storage battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, and a lithium-ion battery, but is not limited to these. It is mainly used in places where there is no commercial power source. For example, in large areas such as parks, golf courses, and airports, where it is difficult to secure a commercial power source. In this embodiment, the external battery 6 is configured to store the power that the charging station 5 supplies to the mobile object 4.

[0023] 1.5 Photovoltaic power generation7

[0024] To use the external battery 6, electrical energy must be supplied from an external source. Therefore, if solar power generation 7, wind power generation, biomass power generation, hydroelectric power generation, or geothermal power generation is possible in the place where the mobile object 4 is used, the external battery 6 may be configured to be capable of storing electricity using these renewable energies. Considering the recent popularity of these energy sources and the fact that they are small and capable of generating electricity, it is preferable that the renewable energy be solar energy.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2, the solar power generation system 7 includes a solar panel 71, a charge controller 72, and a converter 73. The solar panel 71 is a panel formed by collecting a number of solar cells that convert small light energy into electrical energy and placing them in a frame or structure of some kind. Solar cells are broadly divided into silicon-based, compound semiconductor-based, and organic-based, but are not limited to these in this embodiment. The charge controller 72 is connected between the solar panel 71 and the external battery 6 to prevent overcharging, overdischarging, and reverse current. The converter 73 has a transforming function that changes the voltage of the external battery 6, and sends power to the charging station 5 at an appropriate voltage value.

[0026] 1.6 Foreign Servers 8 The external server 8 is electrically connected to the information processing device 3 through an electric information line. Therefore, the information processing device 3 is configured to be able to access the external server 8 connected to the electric information line and acquire various pieces of information stored in the external server 8.

[0027] 1.7 Information processing terminal 9 The information processing terminal 9 is a terminal such as a tablet terminal, a PDA (Personal Data Assistant), or a notebook PC (Personal Computer), and is a stand-alone terminal that can be used by itself. Therefore, the information processing terminal 9 may be a portable terminal 91 such as a mobile terminal, or a personal computer 92 such as a fixed terminal. These information processing terminals 9 are electrically connected to the information processing device 3 through an electric information line. Therefore, various information can be transmitted and received in both directions between the information processing terminal 9 and the information processing device 3.

[0028] 1.8 Work Area W The work area W is an area that specifies the range within which the mobile unit 4 travels. The shape of the work area W within which the mobile unit 4 can travel is not limited as long as it is a continuous, closed space. By recognizing the work area W, the mobile unit 4 can travel within the specified work area W. One method of recognition is to bury a wire in the ground on the outer edge of the work area W and pass an electric current through the wire, so that the mobile unit 4 detects the electric current and recognizes the work area W.

[0029] 1.9 Instruction information DI and action information MI Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the instruction information DI and operation information MI used in the management system 1. The instruction information DI is a series of data that causes the information processing device 3 to control the moving object 4. The operation information MI is data related to the running history, running state, and usage state of accessories such as an internal battery, devices, and parts provided in the moving object 4. The instruction information DI and operation information MI shown in Fig. 6 are merely examples, and the data format and data contents are not limited to this example.

[0030] 1.10 Weather Information WI and Flight Information OI Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of meteorological information WI and flight information OI used in the management system 1. The meteorological information WI and flight information OI are one of various types of information stored in the external server 8, and are external data that the information processing device 3 takes into consideration when controlling the mobile object 4. The meteorological information WI and flight information OI shown in Fig. 7 are merely examples, and the data format and data contents are not limited to this example.

[0031] 2. Functional configuration In Chapter 2, the functional configuration of this embodiment will be described. As shown in Fig. 5, the information processing device 3 constituting the management system 1 includes a control unit 33, which further includes an acquisition unit 331, an instruction generation unit 332, a transmission unit 333, and a storage unit 334. That is, the functions of each of these units can be executed by specifically implementing information processing by software (stored in the storage unit 32) with hardware (the control unit 33). Each component will be further described below.

[0032] 2.1 Acquisition part 331 The acquisition unit 331 acquires information on various components (components of the management system 1) capable of communicating with the information processing device 3. Specifically, the acquisition unit 331 is configured to be able to acquire remaining capacity information indicating the remaining capacity of the external battery 6. The acquisition unit 331 is configured to be able to acquire operation information MI regarding the operation of the moving object 4. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 331 is configured to be able to acquire information held by an external server 8 to which the information processing device 3 is electrically connected via a telecommunication line. Therefore, for example, the acquisition unit 331 may be configured to be able to acquire meteorological information WI from the external server 81. Similarly, the acquisition unit 331 may be configured to be able to acquire flight information OI indicating the flight status of an aircraft from the external server 82. Any information other than these pieces of information that is useful for managing the moving object 4 is information to be acquired.

[0033] 2.2 Instruction generation unit 332 The instruction generation unit 332 generates instruction information DI for controlling the moving object 4. The instruction information DI is information related to the operation of the moving object 4. Therefore, the instruction information DI may be data related to operation parameters for controlling the moving object 4, or data related to an operation program. The instruction information DI is not limited as long as it is content for controlling the operation of the moving object 4, such as traveling and work.

[0034] 2.3 Transmitter 333 The transmission unit 333 transmits various information to various components (components of the management system 1) that can communicate with the information processing device 3. As a result, the various components operate. Specifically, the transmission unit 333 is configured to transmit instruction information DI to the mobile object 4, thereby controlling the operation of the mobile object 4. Furthermore, the information processing device 3 is configured to be able to transmit various information to an external server 8 to which the information processing device 3 is electrically connected to a telecommunication line. Therefore, the transmission unit 333 is configured to transmit, among the various information, operation information MI held by the mobile object 4 to the external server 8 that manages the mobile object 4. The timing at which the transmission unit 333 transmits the various information is not limited. The transmission unit 333 may transmit the various information when a certain event occurs or in response to a request from a user or the mobile object 4, or the transmission unit 333 may transmit the various information at a predetermined time.

[0035] 2.4 Storage section 334 The storage unit 334 stores in the memory 32 instruction information DI with which the information processing device 3 controls the moving object 4, or operation information MI acquired by the information processing device 3 from the moving object 4. The storage unit 334 is not limited to these pieces of information, and may store in the memory 32 various types of information such as meteorological information WI and flight information OI acquired by the information processing device 3 from the external server 8.

[0036] 3. Functions of management system 1 In Chapter 3, each function of the management system 1 described in Chapters 1 and 2 will be described.

[0037] 3.1 Function to control the moving object 4 according to the remaining charge of the external battery 6 As shown in FIG. 1, when the moving object 4 is a lawnmower robot 41 or a ball picker robot 42, the main place of use of the moving object 4 is a golf course, an airport, or a park. In the following section, the moving object 4 will be described as a lawnmower robot 41. In many of the outdoor locations described above, commercial power sources are not provided, and the user needs to run the lawnmower robot 41 (moving object 4) using an external battery 6. That is, the external battery 6 supplies power to the charging station 5 that supplies power to the internal battery (not shown) provided in the moving object 4, the information processing device 3 that controls the moving object 4, and the wires laid on the outer edge of the work area W described above.

[0038] In such a place, if the charge level of the external battery 6 drops and power is not supplied to each device properly, the mobile unit 4 will not be able to recognize the location of the charging station 5 or the wires laid on the outer edge of the work area W. Once the lawnmower robot 41 (mobile unit 4) is in such a state, it will stop for safety reasons. Also, if the information processing device 3 stops and communication with the lawnmower robot 41 (mobile unit 4) becomes impossible, it will eventually stop. The lawnmower robot 41 (mobile unit 4) in such a stopped state needs to be restored by the user directly operating it. Therefore, the user must move within the wide work area W. Also, in some cases, the user must directly supply power to the internal battery of the mobile unit 4.

[0039] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the acquisition unit 331 of the information processing device 3 electrically connected to the external battery 6 is configured to be able to acquire remaining amount information indicating the remaining amount of the external battery 6. The timing at which the acquisition unit 331 acquires the remaining amount information may be, for example, at a predetermined interval, or when a sensor (not shown) attached to the external battery 6 detects that the remaining amount falls below a predetermined threshold. Regardless of the timing, the instruction generation unit 332 generates instruction information DI for controlling the lawnmower robot 41 (moving object 4) based on the remaining amount information acquired by the acquisition unit 331. The generated instruction information DI is transmitted to the moving object 4 by the transmission unit 333.

[0040] Here, the instruction information DI for controlling the lawnmower robot 41 (mobile body 4) may be information for the lawnmower robot 41 (mobile body 4) to move to a wire laid on the outer edge of the work area W, or may be information for moving to a predetermined location. As long as the mobile body 4 can move safely, the location of movement is not limited. However, in order to quickly charge the internal battery of the mobile body 4 after charging of the external battery 6 is completed, the lawnmower robot 41 (mobile body 4) is preferably configured to move to the charging station 5 based on the instruction information DI. The content of the instruction information DI may be determined according to the remaining charge of the external battery 6. The instruction information DI may also be information related to a task specific to the lawnmower robot 41 (mobile body 4). For example, when the mobile body 4 is a lawnmower robot 41, the instruction information DI may be information for causing the lawnmower robot 41 to stop mowing the grass.

[0041] In this way, by controlling the lawnmower robot 41 (moving body 4) according to the remaining charge of the external battery 6, even if the remaining charge of the external battery 6 becomes low and the wire surrounding the work area W no longer functions, the lawnmower robot 41 (moving body 4) can return to the charging station 5 in advance. This reduces the need for the user to go to the side of the lawnmower robot 41 (moving body 4) that is stopped in the wide work area W to perform a return operation. Reducing such return operations also increases the work efficiency of the lawnmower robot 41 (moving body 4).

[0042] 3.2 Function to grasp the state of the moving object 4 and control the moving object 4 The information processing device 3 may control the moving object 4 based on various information held by various constituent devices (components of the management system 1) that are electrically connected and capable of communication, as well as the external battery 6. Specifically, the acquisition unit 331 acquires operation information MI related to the operation of the moving object 4, and the instruction generation unit 332 generates instruction information DI for controlling the moving object 4 based on the operation information MI. For example, the instruction generation unit 332 may generate the instruction information DI according to the remaining charge of an internal battery provided in the moving object 4. Before the internal battery of the moving object 4 becomes low and the moving object 4 becomes unable to travel, the instruction generation unit 332 generates instruction information DI to return to the charging station 5, and the transmission unit 333 transmits the instruction information DI to the moving object 4.

[0043] Here, the operation information MI is not only the remaining charge of the internal battery of the moving object 4, but also various information related to the operation of the moving object 4. For example, the various information is operation information such as the distance traveled by the moving object 4 and information on areas that have been worked on. If the moving object 4 is a lawnmower robot 41, the operation information MI may include the condition (density) of the grass or the condition of the cutting tools of the lawnmower robot.

[0044] The instruction information DI is generated according to the contents of the operation information MI. If the operation information MI is the condition (density) of the grass, instruction information DI is generated that relates to the operation of the lawnmower robot 41 (mobile body 4), such as the operating parameters of the blades of the lawnmower robot 41 (mobile body 4), the working range, etc. Also, if the operation information MI is the condition of the blades of the lawnmower robot 41 (mobile body 4), if the condition of the blades is poor, instruction information DI is generated to return to the charging station 5, and the lawnmower robot 41 (mobile body 4) will wait at the charging station 5 until the blades are replaced with new ones.

[0045] By generating the instruction information DI based on the operation information MI possessed by the moving object 4, the moving object 4 is controlled based on the latest state of the moving object 4. As a result, the information processing device 3 can accurately control the moving object 4. If the moving object 4 is a lawnmower robot 41 or a ball picker robot 42, if an abnormality is detected in a part possessed by the moving object 4, the moving object 4 can quickly return to the charging station 5, ensuring safe travel and operation. The instruction information DI is merely an example, and is generated according to the location and conditions of use of the lawnmower robot 41.

[0046] 3.3 Function to control the mobile object 4 based on information from the external server 8 The instruction information DI may be generated by the instruction generating unit 332 of the information processing device 3 according to a predetermined rule, or may be generated based on information transmitted from the external server 8. The transmitting unit 333 transmits the action information MI to the external server 8. The user may check the contents of the action information MI transmitted to the external server 8 and transmit the instruction information DI to the information processing device 3 as necessary. The transmitting unit 333 further transmits the instruction information DI transmitted from the external server 8 to the mobile object 4. In this way, the management system 1, by cooperating with the external server 8, can solve problems that are difficult to solve by information exchange between the information processing device 3 and the mobile object 4, with the intervention of the user.

[0047] The information processing device 3 is configured to be able to communicate with not only the external server 8 owned by the user but also various other external servers 8 through an electric communication line. Therefore, the acquisition unit 331 is configured to be able to acquire meteorological information WI from the external server 81. The instruction generation unit 332 generates instruction information DI for controlling the mobile object 4 based on the meteorological information WI. The acquisition unit 331 is also configured to be able to acquire flight information OI indicating the flight status of the aircraft from the external server 82. The instruction generation unit 332 generates instruction information DI for controlling the mobile object based on the flight information OI. The meteorological information WI and flight information OI are examples, and the acquisition unit 331 is configured to be able to acquire all information held by the external server 8 that is useful for controlling the mobile object 4. The instruction generation unit 332 generates instruction information DI based on this useful information.

[0048] The meteorological information WI includes not only weather information of the area where the mobile object 4 travels, but also disaster prevention information such as earthquake information, tsunami information, volcano information, and typhoon information. Based on these meteorological information WI, the instruction generating unit 332 generates instruction information DI including, for example, a time period during which the mobile object 4 travels and a time period during which the mobile object 4 is to work. By the acquiring unit 331 acquiring the meteorological information WI in advance, the management system 1 can safely control the mobile object 4 to protect the equipment of the mobile object 4 and operate it without failure. This also leads to ensuring the safety of the place where the mobile object 4 is used.

[0049] When the mobile object 4 is a lawnmower robot 41, the mobile object 41 may be used in an airport. In such a case, the travel of the mobile object 4, which travels using radio waves, is restricted for safety reasons by laws such as the Aviation Act. Therefore, based on the flight information OI, the instruction generation unit 332 generates instruction information DI including, for example, the time period during which the mobile object 4 is to travel and the time period during which the mobile object 4 is to work. By the acquisition unit 331 acquiring the flight information OI in advance, the management system 1 can safely control the mobile object 4, thereby ensuring the safety of the place where the mobile object 4 is used, such as an airport.

[0050] 3.4 Function to control the mobile object 4 based on information that communication between the information processing device 3 and the mobile object 4 is not possible When the mobile object 4 is unable to communicate with the information processing device 3, the mobile object 4 is configured to continue operations such as traveling based on the latest instruction information DI previously acquired from the information processing device 3. Therefore, the management system 1 can operate the mobile object 4 normally even when a communication failure occurs between the information processing device 3 and the mobile object 4 due to an unforeseen event. Here, the latest instruction information DI does not specify only the most recent instruction information DI, but includes a series of instruction information DI that can cause the mobile object 4 to operate normally.

[0051] For example, when it is determined that the mobile object 4 has become unable to communicate with the information processing device 3, if instruction information DI to return to the charging station 5 in 10 minutes has already been sent to the mobile object 4, the mobile object 4 will promptly return to the charging station 5 in 10 minutes. Also, if instruction information DI to work in another work area W was last received by the mobile object 4, the mobile object 4 will promptly return to the charging station 5 after working in the other work area W.

[0052] In this way, the information processing device 3 continues the operation such as traveling based on the latest instruction information DI and moves the mobile object 4 to a predetermined location such as a charging station 5, thereby ensuring that the latest instruction information DI is implemented and moving the mobile object 4 to a safe location. Even if communication between the information processing device 3 and the mobile object 4 becomes impossible, operation can be performed based on the instruction information DI up to that point, and therefore the burden of recovery operations is reduced for the user who manages the mobile object 4.

[0053] Because the management system 1 has the above-mentioned functions, it can safely and efficiently operate mobile objects 4 such as the lawnmower robot 41 and ball picker robot 42 even in places where there is no commercial power source. In addition, because the external battery 6 can be charged with renewable energy such as solar power generation 7, the management system 1 for mobile objects such as the lawnmower robot 41 and ball picker robot 42 will also be beneficial for the sustainable society of the future.

[0054] 4. Management method using management system 1 In Chapter 4, we will explain a management method using the management system 1 explained in Chapters 1 to 3. Here, we will explain two methods: a method of managing the moving object 4 according to the remaining charge of the external battery 6, and a method of managing the moving object 4 by grasping the state of the moving object 4.

[0055] 4.1 Method for managing a mobile unit 4 according to the remaining charge of an external battery 6 The management method in this section is a method for managing the moving object 4 according to the remaining charge of the external battery 6. The management method includes an acquisition step, an instruction generation step, and a transmission step. In the acquisition step, remaining charge information indicating the remaining charge of the battery is acquired. The battery is configured to store power to be supplied by the charging station 5 to the moving object 4. In the instruction generation step, instruction information DI for controlling the moving object 4 is generated based on the remaining charge information. The instruction information DI is information related to the operation of the moving object 4. In the transmission step, the instruction information DI is transmitted to the moving object 4, thereby controlling the operation of the moving object 4. The management method for the moving object 4 will be specifically described.

[0056] 8 is an activity diagram of a method for managing a moving object 4 according to the embodiment. The following description will be given with reference to this diagram.

[0057] (Activity A01) The acquisition unit 331 acquires the remaining battery power of the external battery 6 . (Activity A02) It is checked whether the obtained battery remaining capacity is below a threshold. If it is below the threshold, activity A03 is executed. If it is not below the threshold, activity A01 is executed. (Activity A03) The instruction generating unit 332 generates instruction information DI. (Activity A04) The transmission unit 333 transmits the instruction information DI to the moving object 4 . (Activity A05) The moving object 4 receives the motion information MI. (Activity A06) The moving object 4 moves in accordance with the work instruction information. The lawnmower robot 41 (moving object 4) returns to the charging station 5.

[0058] 2.2 Method for grasping the state of the moving object 4 and managing the moving object 4 The management method in this section is a management method for a moving body 4 that grasps the state of the moving body 4. The management method includes an acquisition step, an instruction generation step, and a transmission step. In the acquisition step, operation information MI relating to the operation of the moving body 4 is acquired, in the instruction generation step, instruction information for controlling the moving body 4 is generated based on the operation information MI, and in the transmission step, the instruction information is transmitted to the moving body 4, thereby controlling the operation of the moving body 4. The management method for this moving body 4 will be specifically described.

[0059] 9 is an activity diagram of a method for managing a moving object 4 according to the embodiment. The following description will be given with reference to this diagram.

[0060] (Activity A11) The moving object 4 transmits the motion information MI to the information processing device 3. (Activity A12) The information processing device 3 receives the motion information MI. (Activity A13) The acquisition unit 331 acquires the motion information MI transmitted from the moving object 4 . (Activity A14) The instruction generating unit 332 generates instruction information based on the acquired motion information MI. (Activity A15) The transmitting unit 333 transmits the instruction information to the mobile object 4 . (Activity A16) The mobile unit 4 receives the instruction information. (Activity A17) The moving object 4 moves in accordance with the instruction information, or performs work in accordance with the instruction information.

[0061] 5.Other The above-described embodiment may be implemented in the following manner. (1) The information processing device 3 may include a prediction unit. The prediction unit calculates the degree of consumption per hour of the internal battery of the moving object 4 from the operation information MI of the moving object 4, and predicts the time to return to the charging station 5. By the moving object 4 receiving the predicted return time, even if a communication failure with the information processing device 3 occurs, the moving object 4 can return to the charging station 5 by using up the power of the internal battery sufficiently. (2) The information processing device 3 may include a work planning unit. When the moving object 4 is the lawnmower robot 41 or the ball picker robot 42, the work planning unit creates a work plan so that the moving object 4 will work within a specified distance from the charging station 5 when the remaining charge of the external battery 6 drops to a threshold value. The lawnmower robot 41 and the ball picker robot 42 can improve work efficiency by operating based on the work plan. (3) The information processing device 3 may include an estimation unit, and the acquisition unit 331 may acquire an aerial photograph of the work area W in which the mobile object 4 travels from the external server 8. When the mobile object 4 is a lawnmower robot 41 or a ball picker robot 42, the estimation unit estimates obstacles and areas with high workloads from the acquired aerial photograph, and the work planning unit plans a work plan for the lawnmower robot 41 or the ball picker robot 42 based on this information. The lawnmower robot 41 or the ball picker robot 42 can operate based on the work plan, thereby achieving safety and high work efficiency. (4) A program that causes a computer to function as each unit in the management system 1 may be provided.

[0062] Furthermore, it may be provided in the following aspects: In the management system, the acquisition unit is configured to be able to acquire operation information regarding the operation of the moving object, and the instruction generation unit generates the instruction information for controlling the moving object based on the operation information. In the management system, the transmission unit is configured to transmit the operation information to an external server that manages the mobile object. In the management system, the mobile object is configured to move to the charging station based on the instruction information. In the management system, the battery is configured to be capable of storing electricity using renewable energy. In the management system, the renewable energy is solar energy. In the management system, the acquisition unit is configured to be able to acquire weather information from an external server, and the instruction generation unit generates the instruction information for controlling the mobile object based on the weather information. In the management system, the acquisition unit is configured to acquire operation information indicating the operation status of an aircraft from an external server, and the instruction generation unit generates the instruction information for controlling the mobile body based on the operation information. In the management system, the mobile body is configured such that, when communication with the information processing device is not possible, the mobile body continues traveling based on the latest instruction information previously obtained from the information processing device. In the management system, the mobile object is a lawnmower robot or a ball picker robot. In the management system, the acquisition unit is configured to be able to acquire operation information relating to the operation of the moving object, and the operation information includes the condition of the grass or the condition of a cutting tool of a lawnmower robot. A program that causes a computer to function as each part in the management system. A method for managing a mobile body, comprising an acquisition step, an instruction generation step, and a transmission step, wherein the acquisition step acquires remaining capacity information indicating a remaining battery capacity, the battery being configured to store power to be supplied by a charging station to the mobile body, the instruction generation step generates instruction information for controlling the mobile body based on the remaining capacity information, the instruction information being information regarding the operation of the mobile body, and the transmission step transmits the instruction information to the mobile body, thereby controlling the operation of the mobile body. Of course, this is not the case.

[0063] Finally, although various embodiments of the present invention have been described, these are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 1: Management system 3: Information processing equipment 30: Communication bus 31: Communications Department 32: Storage section 33: Control section 331: Acquisition Department 332: Instruction generation section 333: Transmission unit 334: Preservation Department 34:Display section 35: Input section 4: Moving object 41: Lawnmower robot 42: Ball picker robot 5: Charging station 6: External battery 7: Solar power generation 71: Solar panel 72: Charge controller 73: Converter 8: External server 81: External server 82: External server 9: Information processing terminal 91: Mobile terminals 92: Computer DI: Instruction information MI : Operation information OI: Flight Information W: Work area WI: Weather Information

Claims

1. A mobile object management system, An information processing device including an acquisition unit, an instruction generation unit, and a transmission unit, the acquisition unit is configured to be able to acquire remaining charge information indicating a remaining charge of an external battery located within the work area, the external battery being configured to store power supplied to the mobile body by a charging station located within the work area; the instruction generation unit generates instruction information for controlling the moving object based on the remaining amount information, the instruction information being information regarding an operation of the moving object; The transmission unit is configured to transmit the instruction information to the moving body, thereby controlling the operation of the moving body. thing.

2. 2. The management system according to claim 1, The acquisition unit is configured to be able to acquire motion information related to a motion of the moving object, The instruction generation unit generates the instruction information for controlling the moving object based on the operation information. thing.

3. 3. The management system according to claim 2, The transmission unit is configured to transmit the operation information to an external server that manages the mobile object. thing.

4. In the management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The moving object is configured to move to the charging station based on the instruction information. thing.

5. In the management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The external battery is configured to be capable of storing electricity using renewable energy. thing.

6. 6. The management system according to claim 5, The renewable energy is solar energy. thing.

7. In the management system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The acquisition unit is configured to be able to acquire meteorological information from an external server, The instruction generation unit generates the instruction information for controlling the moving object based on the weather information. thing.

8. In the management system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The acquisition unit is configured to be able to acquire flight information indicating an aircraft operation status from an external server, The instruction generation unit generates the instruction information for controlling the moving object based on the operation information. thing.

9. In the management system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the moving body is configured to continue traveling based on the latest instruction information previously acquired from the information processing device when communication with the information processing device is not possible; thing.

10. In the management system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The moving body is a lawnmower robot or a ball picker robot. thing.

11. 11. The management system according to claim 10, The acquisition unit is configured to be able to acquire motion information related to a motion of the moving object, The operation information includes a state of the grass or a state of a blade of the lawnmower robot. thing.

12. A program, A computer is caused to function as each part in the management system according to any one of claims 1 to 11. thing.

13. A method for managing a moving object, comprising: The method includes an acquisition step, an instruction generation step, and a transmission step, In the acquisition step, remaining charge information indicating a remaining charge of an external battery arranged within the work area is acquired, wherein the external battery is configured to store power supplied to the mobile object by a charging station arranged within the work area; In the instruction generating step, instruction information for controlling the moving object is generated based on the remaining amount information, and the instruction information is information regarding an operation of the moving object; In the transmitting step, the instruction information is transmitted to the moving body, thereby controlling an operation of the moving body. method.

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