Starting system for a working machine, starting method for a working machine, and working machine

Abstract

To omit the display of precautions for an operator who has confirmed the precautions related to an additional function before.SOLUTION: An additional function unit achieves a predetermined additional function. A communication unit receives, from a server device, confirmation history information indicating an operator who has confirmed precautions related to the additional function. A presentation unit presents the precautions. A determination unit determines whether to omit the presentation of the precautions based on the confirmation history information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a starting system for a work machine, a method for starting a work machine, and a work machine.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a technique for monitoring the surroundings of a work machine so that the work machine does not come into contact with an obstacle including a person, and taking a predetermined safety measure when an obstacle exists within a predetermined area. The safety measures include outputting an alarm by a buzzer or the like, locking the work machine, etc. (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When starting a work machine, it may be displayed that it has an additional function such as the above-described safety function. On the other hand, an operator who frequently boards a work machine having a similar function may find it troublesome that such a display is made every time the work machine is started. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a starting system for a work machine, a method for starting a work machine, and a work machine that can omit the display of the precautions related to the additional function for an operator who has confirmed the precautions.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a starting system for a working machine is a starting system for a working machine including a power source and an additional function unit that realizes a predetermined additional function, the starting system including a communication unit that receives confirmation history information indicating an operator who has confirmed precautions related to the additional function from a server device, a presentation unit that presents the precautions, and a determination unit that determines whether to omit the presentation of the precautions based on the confirmation history information.

Advantages of the Invention

[0006] According to the above aspect, it is possible to omit the display of the precautions for an operator who has confirmed the precautions related to the additional function.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] <First Embodiment> Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0009] 《Configuration of Construction Machine 100》 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a construction machine 100 according to the first embodiment. The construction machine 100 operates at a construction site and constructs construction targets such as earth and sand. The construction machine 100 according to the first embodiment is, for example, a hydraulic excavator. The construction machine 100 includes a traveling body 110, a revolving body 120, a working machine 130, and a cab 140. The construction machine 100 according to the first embodiment has a collision prevention function that detects obstacles around the construction machine 100 as a safety function and restricts the operations of the traveling body 110, the revolving body 120, and the working machine 130 based on the detection results.

[0010] The construction machine 100 according to the first embodiment authenticates an operator by communicating with an operator terminal 300 such as a smartphone held by the operator via BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy, Bluetooth is a registered trademark). In other embodiments, the construction machine 100 and the operator terminal 300 may communicate using a short-range wireless communication method other than BLE such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Zigbee (registered trademark). Further, the construction machine 100 receives master data and confirmation history data used for operator authentication from a remote server device 500 via a wide-area communication such as the Internet. Thereby, even if the available operator changes, the construction machine 100 can perform an authentication process using the latest master data.

[0011] The master data stored in the server device 500 is data that associates, for each operator, an operator ID, a password, a display name, information indicating the operation authority of the working machine 100, operation setting data, and the device address of Bluetooth (registered trademark). The operation setting data is data used when controlling the hydraulic circuit. Based on the information indicating the operation authority, it is possible to identify whether the operator has the operation authority of the working machine 100 and the contents that can be set on the monitor. Also, the operation setting data is data representing the relationship between the operation amount and the control amount. The operation setting data may be, for example, a weight value for the control amount or a function indicating the relationship between the operation amount and the control amount. The confirmation history data stored in the server device 500 is data indicating the operator ID of the operator who has confirmed the precautions regarding the additional functions of the working machine 100.

[0012] The traveling body 110 supports the working machine 100 so that it can travel. The traveling body 110 includes two endless tracks 111 provided on the left and right, and two traveling motors 112 for driving each endless track 111. The slewing body 120 is supported by the traveling body 110 so that it can slew around the slewing center. The working machine 130 is driven by hydraulic pressure. The working machine 130 is supported by the front part of the slewing body 120 so that it can be driven in the vertical direction. The driver's cab 140 is a space where the operator boards and operates the working machine 100. The driver's cab 140 is provided at the left front part of the slewing body 120. Here, the part of the slewing body 120 where the working machine 130 is attached is referred to as the front part. Also, for the slewing body 120, based on the front part, the opposite side part is referred to as the rear part, the left side part is referred to as the left part, and the right side part is referred to as the right part.

[0013] 《Configuration of the Slewing Body 120》 The slewing body 120 includes an engine 121, a hydraulic pump 122, a control valve 123, a slewing motor 124, and a fuel injection device 125. The engine 121 is a prime mover that drives the hydraulic pump 122. A cell motor 1211 is provided on the engine 121. The engine 121 is started by the rotation of the cell motor 1211. The hydraulic pump 122 is a variable displacement pump driven by the engine 121. The hydraulic pump 122 supplies hydraulic oil to each actuator (boom cylinder 131C, arm cylinder 132C, bucket cylinder 133C, travel motor 112, and swing motor 124) via the control valve 123. The control valve 123 controls the flow rate of the hydraulic oil supplied from the hydraulic pump 122. The swing motor 124 is driven by the hydraulic oil supplied from the hydraulic pump 122 via the control valve 123, and swings the swing body 120. The fuel injection device 125 injects fuel into the engine 121.

[0014] A plurality of cameras 208 for imaging the periphery of the work machine 100 are provided on the swing body 120. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the imaging ranges of the plurality of cameras 208 provided in the work machine 100 according to the first embodiment. Specifically, on the swing body 120, a left rear camera 208A for imaging the left rear range Ra among the periphery of the swing body 120, a rear camera 208B for imaging the rear range Rb among the periphery of the swing body 120, a right rear camera 208C for imaging the right rear range Rc among the periphery of the swing body 120, and a right front camera 208D for imaging the right front range Rd among the periphery of the swing body 120 are provided. Note that a part of the imaging ranges of the plurality of cameras 208 may overlap with each other. The imaging ranges of the plurality of cameras 208 cover a range excluding the left front range Re visible from the driver's cab 140 among the entire circumference of the work machine 100. Note that the cameras 208 according to the first embodiment image the left rear, rear, right rear, and right front of the swing body 120, but are not limited to this in other embodiments. For example, the number and imaging ranges of the cameras 208 according to other embodiments may be different from the examples shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0015] 《Configuration of the working machine 130》 The working machine 130 includes a boom 131, an arm 132, a bucket 133, a boom cylinder 131C, an arm cylinder 132C, and a bucket cylinder 133C.

[0016] The base end of the boom 131 is attached to the revolving body 120 via a boom pin. The arm 132 connects the boom 131 and the bucket 133. The base end of the arm 132 is attached to the tip end of the boom 131 via an arm pin. The bucket 133 includes a blade for excavating earth and sand and a storage portion for storing the excavated earth and sand. The base end of the bucket 133 is attached to the tip end of the arm 132 via a bucket pin.

[0017] The boom cylinder 131C is a hydraulic cylinder for operating the boom 131. The base end of the boom cylinder 131C is attached to the revolving body 120. The tip end of the boom cylinder 131C is attached to the boom 131. The arm cylinder 132C is a hydraulic cylinder for driving the arm 132. The base end of the arm cylinder 132C is attached to the boom 131. The tip end of the arm cylinder 132C is attached to the arm 132. The bucket cylinder 133C is a hydraulic cylinder for driving the bucket 133. The base end of the bucket cylinder 133C is attached to the arm 132. The tip end of the bucket cylinder 133C is attached to a link member connected to the bucket 133.

[0018] 《Configuration of the driver's cab 140》 On the left side of the driver's cab 140, a door 141 for the operator to board is provided. The door 141 is provided with a lock actuator 1411 for locking the door 141 and a door switch 1412 for unlocking it.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the driver's cab 140 according to the first embodiment. Inside the driver's cab 140, a driver's seat 142, an operating device 143, a rotary switch 144, and a touch panel 145D are provided. The rotary switch 144 is a switch that takes four positions: OFF, ACC (accessory), IG (ignition), and ST (start) when rotated. When the finger is released from the ST position of the rotary switch 144, it automatically returns to the IG position by a spring mechanism (not shown). The rotary switch 144 is an example of a start switch for driving the engine controller 206.

[0020] The operating device 143 is a device for driving the traveling body 110, the slewing body 120, and the working machine 130 by manual operation of the operator. The operating device 143 includes a left operation lever 143LO, a right operation lever 143RO, a left foot pedal 143LF, a right foot pedal 143RF, a left traveling lever 143LT, and a right traveling lever 143RT.

[0021] The left operation lever 143LO is provided on the left side of the driver's seat 142. The right operation lever 143RO is provided on the right side of the driver's seat 142. The left foot pedal 143LF is arranged on the left side of the floor surface in front of the driver's seat 142. The right foot pedal 143RF is arranged on the right side of the floor surface in front of the driver's seat 142. The left traveling lever 143LT is pivotally supported by the left foot pedal 143LF and is configured such that the inclination of the left traveling lever 143LT and the depression of the left foot pedal 143LF are interlocked. The right traveling lever 143RT is pivotally supported by the right foot pedal 143RF and is configured such that the inclination of the right traveling lever 143RT and the depression of the right foot pedal 143RF are interlocked.

[0022] The left foot pedal 143LF and the left traveling lever 143LT correspond to the rotational drive of the left crawler of the traveling body 110. Specifically, when the operator of the work machine 100 tilts the left foot pedal 143LF or the left traveling lever 143LT forward, the left crawler rotates in the forward direction. Also, when the operator of the work machine 100 tilts the left foot pedal 143LF or the left traveling lever 143LT backward, the left crawler rotates in the reverse direction.

[0023] The right foot pedal 143RF and the right travel lever 143RT correspond to the rotational drive of the right crawler belt of the traveling body 110. Specifically, when the operator of the work machine 100 tilts the right foot pedal 143RF or the right travel lever 143RT forward, the right crawler belt rotates in the forward direction. Also, when the operator of the work machine 100 tilts the right foot pedal 143RF or the right travel lever 143RT backward, the right crawler belt rotates in the reverse direction.

[0024] The left operation lever 143LO and the right operation lever 143RO are operating mechanisms for performing the turning operation of the slewing body 120, the raising / lowering operation of the boom 131, the excavation / dumping operation of the arm 132, and the excavation / dumping operation of the bucket 133. In the work machine 100 according to the first embodiment, the operation pattern of each operation lever is individually set for each operator. Examples of the operation pattern include, for example, the following patterns. When the left operation lever 143LO is tilted forward, the dumping operation of the arm 132 is executed. When the left operation lever 143LO is tilted backward, the excavation operation of the arm 132 is executed. When the left operation lever 143LO is tilted to the right, the right turn of the slewing body 120 is executed. When the left operation lever 143LO is tilted to the left, the left turn of the slewing body 120 is executed. When the right operation lever 143RO is tilted forward, the lowering operation of the boom 131 is executed. When the right operation lever 143RO is tilted backward, the raising operation of the boom 131 is executed. When the right operation lever 143RO is tilted to the right, the dumping operation of the bucket 133 is performed. When the right operation lever 143RO is tilted to the left, the excavation operation of the bucket 133 is performed.

[0025] 《Configuration of the control system 145》 FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the control system 145 according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 4, solid lines represent power lines, and broken lines represent signal lines. Also, in FIG. 4, the dashed-dotted line represents wireless communication. The control system 145 includes a power supply unit 201, a starter signal unit 202, a gateway function controller 203, a monitor controller 204, a control controller 205, an engine controller 206, a wide - area communication controller 207, a camera 208, and a peripheral monitoring component 209. The starter signal unit 202, the gateway function controller 203, the monitor controller 204, the control controller 205, and the engine controller 206 are connected to each other via a first internal network N1 of the work machine 100 such as a Controller Area Network (CAN). Also, the gateway function controller 203, the wide - area communication controller 207, the camera 208, and the peripheral monitoring component 209 are connected to each other via a second internal network N2 of the work machine 100 such as Ethernet (registered trademark).

[0026] The power supply unit 201 supplies electrical energy to each device constituting the control system 145. The starter signal unit 202 receives signal inputs from the door switch 1412, the rotary switch 144, the operator terminal 300, and the monitor controller 204. Based on the input signals, the starter signal unit 202 outputs a start signal or a drive signal to the gateway function controller 203, the monitor controller 204, the control controller 205, the engine controller 206, the wide - area communication controller 207, the camera 208, the peripheral monitoring component 209, the lock actuator 1411, or the cell motor 1211. The controller that receives the start signal is started and operates by the electrical energy supplied by the power supply unit 201. Note that the starter signal unit 202 always operates while receiving the supply of electrical energy from the power supply unit 201 even when other controllers are in a stopped state. On the other hand, when the work machine 100 is not started, only the circuit having the BLE communication function of the starter signal unit 202 may be in an activated state, and other components may be in a standby state or may be configured to be intermittently activated.

[0027] The gateway function controller 203 relays communication between the controller connected to the first internal network N1 and the controller connected to the second internal network N2. In particular, the gateway function controller 203 stores the operator authentication master data received by the wide area communication controller 207 from the server device 500 via the wide area communication network, and transmits it to the components connected via the first internal network N1.

[0028] The monitor controller 204 controls the display by the touch panel 145D provided in the control system 145, and notifies the occurrence of a touch operation on the touch panel 145D. Note that the control system 145 according to other embodiments may include a monitor without a touch input function such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and physical buttons instead of the touch panel 145D. In this case, the monitor controller 204 controls the display by the monitor and notifies the pressing of the physical button.

[0029] The control controller 205 acquires various data related to the hydraulic equipment that controls the operation of the work machine 130 by a sensor (not shown), and outputs a control signal for controlling the hydraulic equipment according to the operation of the operation device 143. That is, the control controller 205 controls the driving of the boom cylinder 131C, the arm cylinder 132C, the bucket cylinder 133C, the traveling motor 112, the slewing motor 124, and the like. The control controller 205 is an example of a work machine control device that controls an actuator for driving the work machine 130.

[0030] The engine controller 206 acquires various data related to the engine 121 by a sensor (not shown), and controls the engine 121 by instructing the fuel injection amount to the fuel injection device 125. The engine controller 206 is an example of a power source control unit that controls a power source.

[0031] The wide - area communication controller 207 has a function of performing communication via a wide - area communication network. The wide - area communication controller 207 receives the master data and the confirmation history data received from the server device 500 through communication via the wide - area communication network. The wide - area communication controller 207 is intermittently activated at a predetermined period (for example, a 24 - hour period) to receive data from the server device 500. Note that the wide - area communication controller 207 may receive data by periodic push transmission from the server device 500, or may transmit a data request to the server device 500 at an arbitrary timing and receive data in response to the request.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 2, the camera 208 images the surroundings of the working machine 100.

[0033] The peripheral monitoring component 209 generates an aerial view image based on the image captured by the camera 208 and displays the aerial view image on the touch panel 145D via the monitor controller 204. Also, the peripheral monitoring component 209 detects obstacles existing within a predetermined distance from the working machine 100. That is, the peripheral monitoring component 209 is an example of an additional function unit that realizes a predetermined additional function.

[0034] The control system 145 has a function of performing a login process for an operator boarding the cab 140 by operating the touch panel 145D. For example, the control system 145 may include a controller that performs the login process, or the starter signal unit 202, the gateway function controller 203, and the monitor controller 204 may have a function of performing the login process. Specifically, the control system 145 displays a selection screen for the operator ID on the touch panel 145D via the monitor controller 204 and accepts the selection of the operator ID. The control system 145 authenticates that the operator boarding the cab 140 has the operation authority when the selected operator ID indicates an operator having the operation authority in the vicinity of the working machine 100.

[0035] 《Operator Terminal 300》 When the operator terminal 300 executes the startup program of the machine tool 100 installed in advance, it functions as a BLE peripheral. When the operator terminal 300 executes the startup program, it displays a list of the machine tools 100 and accepts selection of the machine tool 100 to be started up from the operator. When the operator terminal 300 accepts the selection of the machine tool 100, it starts transmitting an advertisement packet including the device address of the operator terminal 300 and the machine ID of the selected machine tool 100.

[0036] 《Operation of Control System 145》 Here, the startup operation of the machine tool 100 when an operator (specific operator) having the operation authority of the machine tool 100 boards the machine tool 100 will be described. The control system 145 is an example of the startup system of the machine tool 100. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram (part 1) showing an example of the startup operation of the machine tool 100 by the control system 145 in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram (part 2) showing an example of the startup operation of the machine tool 100 by the control system 145 in the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is an example of a screen displayed on the touch panel 145D according to the first embodiment. Note that before executing the following processes, the gateway function controller 203 periodically receives master data and confirmation history data from the server device 500 via the wide area communication controller 207 and stores the latest data.

[0037] When the operator operates the operator terminal 300 and executes the startup program, a list of the machine tools 100 is displayed, and selection of the machine tool 100 to be started up is accepted from the operator (step S1). When the operator terminal 300 accepts the selection of the machine tool 100, it transmits an advertisement packet including the device address and the machine ID of the selected machine tool 100 (step S2).

[0038] The starter signal unit 202 receives an advertisement packet and determines that a specific operator is in the vicinity when the operator terminal 300 that is the source of the advertisement packet has been paired. When the starter signal unit 202 determines that a specific operator is in the vicinity, it transmits a startup signal to the gateway function controller 203 (step S3). As a result, the gateway function controller 203 starts up (step S4). Thereafter, the gateway function controller 203 completes the startup (step S5).

[0039] When the operator reaches the work machine 100, the operator presses the door switch 1412 to open the door 141. As a result, the starter signal unit 202 receives a signal indicating ON from the door switch 1412 (step S6). After confirming the proximity state of the specific operator, the starter signal unit 202 drives the lock actuator 1411 to unlock the door 141 (step S7).

[0040] When the operator enters the cab 140 and turns the rotary switch 144 to the ACC position, the starter signal unit 202 receives a signal indicating ACC from the rotary switch 144 (step S8). After confirming the proximity state of the specific operator, the starter signal unit 202 drives the lock actuator 1411 to unlock the door 141. After confirming the proximity state of the specific operator, the starter signal unit 202 transmits a startup signal to the monitor controller 204 (step S9). As a result, the monitor controller 204 starts up (step S10).

[0041] The monitor controller 204 outputs a signal for displaying the operator list screen D11 shown in FIG. 7 to the touch panel 145D (step S11). Thereby, the operator list screen D11 is displayed on the touch panel 145D by the monitor controller 204. When the rotary switch 144 is in the ACC position, the engine 121 is not started. That is, the starter signal unit 202 causes the operator list screen D11 to be displayed while the engine 121 is stopped. The monitor controller 204 accepts the selection of one operator ID from the operator list screen D11 by the operator's operation (step S12). The monitor controller 204 receives the information of the operator terminal 300 connected in step S2 from the starter signal unit 202 via the second internal network N2, and acquires the operator ID associated with the operator terminal 300 from the gateway function controller 203 (step S13). The monitor controller 204 collates the operator ID selected in step S12 with the operator ID acquired in step S13, and authenticates the operator (step S14). That is, the monitor controller 204 is an example of an authentication unit that authenticates the operator who operates the work machine 100. In other embodiments, the monitor controller 204 may send the selected operator ID to the gateway function controller 203, and the gateway function controller 203 may authenticate the operator. When the operator can be authenticated, the monitor controller 204 outputs the authentication result via the first internal network N1 (step S15). If the authentication of the operator fails, the monitor controller 204 returns the process to the acceptance of the operator ID selection in step S12.

[0042] When the starter signal unit 202 acquires the authentication result via the first internal network N1, it transmits a start signal to the control controller 205, the wide - area communication controller 207, the camera 208, and the peripheral monitoring component 209 (step S16). That is, the starter signal unit 202 transmits a start signal to the unactivated components other than the engine controller 206. As a result, the control controller 205, the wide - area communication controller 207, the camera 208, and the peripheral monitoring component 209 are activated (step S17). In other embodiments, the starter signal unit 202 may activate the control controller 205, the wide - area communication controller 207, the camera 208, and the peripheral monitoring component 209 at the same timing as step S9 of the monitor controller 204.

[0043] On the other hand, when the gateway function controller 203 receives the authentication result output in step S15, it reads out the operation setting data associated with the selected operator ID from the stored master data (step S18). Based on the read operation setting data, the gateway function controller 203 generates an operation setting confirmation screen D12 for confirming the operation setting content as shown in FIG. 7, and transmits an instruction to display the operation setting confirmation screen D12 to the monitor controller 204 (step S19). When receiving the display instruction, the monitor controller 204 displays the operation setting confirmation screen D12 on the touch panel 145D (step S20). The operation setting confirmation screen D12 includes information for confirming, such as the speed of the work machine 130 with respect to the operation amount of the operation lever, the correspondence between the operation direction of the operation lever and each part of the work machine 130, and the functions assigned to buttons (not shown) provided on the operation lever. The operation setting confirmation screen D12 is displayed with a change button for changing the setting content and an OK button for not changing.

[0044] When the operator presses the OK button, the monitor controller 204 transmits information indicating not to change the operation setting data to the gateway function controller 203 via the first internal network N1 as the confirmation result of the operation setting confirmation screen D12 (step S21). When the operator presses the change button, the monitor controller 204 accepts the input of the change content of the operation setting from the operator, and transmits the changed operation setting data to the gateway function controller 203 via the first internal network N1 as the confirmation result of the operation setting confirmation screen D12. In this case, the gateway function controller 203 updates the stored operation setting data.

[0045] When the gateway function controller 203 acquires the confirmation result of the operation setting confirmation screen D12 from the monitor controller 204, it transmits the operation setting data to the control controller 205 (step S22). As a result, the control controller 205 reflects the operation setting data (step S23).

[0046] The gateway function controller 203 determines whether the operator ID indicated by the authentication result received from the monitor controller 204 in step S15 is included in the confirmation history data previously received from the server device 500 (step S24). The gateway function controller 203 is an example of a determination unit that determines whether to omit the presentation of precautions based on the confirmation history information. When the authenticated operator ID is not included in the confirmation history data, that is, when the authenticated operator has not confirmed the precautions related to the additional function in the past, the gateway function controller 203 transmits a request for precautions to the components connected via the second internal network N2 (step S25). Each component connected via the second internal network N2 determines whether there are any precautions to be confirmed by the operator before starting the engine 121, and if there are precautions, transmits information indicating the precautions to the gateway function controller 203 (step S26). In the control system 145 according to the first embodiment, since precautions are set in the peripheral monitoring component 209, the peripheral monitoring component 209 transmits information indicating the precautions to the gateway function controller 203 via the second internal network N2.

[0047] When the gateway function controller 203 receives the information indicating the precautions, it generates a precaution confirmation screen D13 for confirming the precautions as shown in FIG. 7, and transmits a display instruction for the precaution confirmation screen D13 to the monitor controller 204 (step S27). When the monitor controller 204 receives the display instruction, it displays the operation setting confirmation screen D13 on the touch panel 145D (step S28). The precaution confirmation screen D13 includes precautions for using the peripheral monitoring component 209. Specifically, it is described on the precaution confirmation screen D13 that the operation of the working machine 100 may be restricted by the peripheral monitoring component 209. A confirmation button for making a statement of intention to confirm the content is displayed on the precaution confirmation screen D13. That is, the monitor controller 204 is an example of a presentation unit that presents precautions related to the additional function.

[0048] When the operator presses the confirmation button, the monitor controller 204 transmits information indicating that the caution confirmation screen D13 has been confirmed via the first internal network N1 (step S29). As a result, the starter signal unit 202 can recognize that the operator has confirmed the cautions. When the gateway function controller 203 receives the information indicating that the caution confirmation screen D13 has been confirmed from the monitor controller 204, it generates confirmation history data indicating that the operator indicated by the operator ID received in step S15 has confirmed the cautions. The gateway function controller 203 transmits the generated confirmation history data to the server device 500 via the wide area communication controller 207 (step S30).

[0049] If the operator ID authenticated in the confirmation history data in step S24 is included, that is, if the authenticated operator has confirmed the cautions related to the additional function in the past, the gateway function controller 203 does not transmit the request for the cautions in step S25 and does not transmit the instruction to generate and display the caution confirmation screen D13 in step S27. Instead, the gateway function controller 203 transmits information indicating that the caution confirmation screen D13 has already been confirmed via the first internal network N1. As a result, the gateway function controller 203 can omit the display of the caution confirmation screen D13.

[0050] After the cautions have been confirmed or after the cautions have been omitted, when the operator turns the rotary switch 144 to the IG position, the starter signal unit 202 receives a signal indicating IG from the rotary switch 144 (step S31). The starter signal unit 202 transmits a start signal to the engine controller 206 (step S32). As a result, the engine controller 206 starts (step S33).

[0051] When the operator puts the rotary switch 144 into the ST position, the starter signal unit 202 receives a signal indicating ST from the rotary switch 144 (step S34). The starter signal unit 202 drives the cell motor 1211 (step S35). As a result, the engine 121 starts, and the work machine 100 becomes operable. Note that in the sequence diagrams shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the control controller 205 is activated in step S17 when authentication is performed by the monitor controller 204 in step S15, but it is not limited to this. For example, in other embodiments, the control controller 205 may be activated after the operator confirms the precautions in step S29.

[0052] 《Operation of the Gateway Function Controller 203》 Here, a determination procedure for whether to omit the display of precautions by the gateway function controller 203 described in the processing from step S24 to step S30 described above will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the gateway function controller 203 according to the first embodiment.

[0053] The gateway function controller 203 determines whether the operator ID indicated by the authentication result received from the monitor controller 204 is included in the confirmation history data previously received from the server device 500 (step S101). If the operator ID indicated by the authentication result is not included in the confirmation history data (step S101: NO), the gateway function controller 203 transmits a request for precautions to the components connected via the second internal network N2 (step S102). As a result, the gateway function controller 203 receives information indicating the precautions from the component having the precautions (step S103). Next, the gateway function controller 203 generates a precautions confirmation screen D13 and transmits a display instruction for the precautions confirmation screen D13 to the monitor controller 204 (step S104).

[0054] After that, when the gateway function controller 203 receives information indicating that the caution confirmation screen D13 has been confirmed from the monitor controller 204 (step S105), it generates confirmation history data including the operator ID indicated by the authentication result. Then, the gateway function controller 203 transmits the generated confirmation history data to the server device 500 via the wide area communication controller 207 (step S106). The wide area communication controller 207 may transmit the confirmation history data to the server device 500 as soon as it receives it, or buffer it in the internal memory and transmit it to the server device 500 at a predetermined timing.

[0055] On the other hand, when the operator ID authenticated in the confirmation history data is included in step S101 (step S101: YES), the gateway function controller 203 transmits a notification indicating that the caution confirmation screen D13 has already been confirmed to the starter signal unit 202 via the first internal network N1 (step S107).

[0056] 《Operation and Effect》 As described above, according to the first embodiment, the control system 145 receives confirmation history information indicating an operator who has confirmed the cautions related to the additional function from the server device 500, and determines whether to omit presenting the cautions to the operator based on the confirmation history information. Thereby, it is possible to omit the display of the cautions for an operator who has already confirmed the cautions related to the additional function.

[0057] 〈Other Embodiments〉 As described above, one embodiment has been described in detail with reference to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to the above, and various design changes and the like are possible. That is, in other embodiments, the order of the above-described processes may be appropriately changed. Also, some processes may be executed in parallel. The starter signal unit 202 according to the above-described embodiment may be configured by a single computer, or the configuration of the starter signal unit 202 may be divided and arranged among a plurality of computers, and the plurality of computers may function as the starter signal unit 202 by cooperating with each other. For example, among the starter signal unit 202, the function of outputting a start signal and the function of authenticating an operator may be implemented on separate computers. Some of the computers constituting the starter signal unit 202 may be installed inside the working machine 100, and other computers may be provided outside the working machine 100.

[0058] Regarding the control system 145 according to the above-described embodiment, some of the components constituting the control system 145 may be installed inside the working machine 100, and other components may be provided outside the working machine 100.

[0059] The operator terminal 300 according to the above-described embodiment is a terminal capable of executing an application program such as a smartphone, but is not limited thereto. For example, the operator terminal 300 according to other embodiments may be a key fob having only the function of outputting a predetermined advertisement packet. When the operator terminal 300 is a key fob, it is not possible to receive a selection of the working machine 100 to be started by an application program. In this case, among the working machines 100 that have received the advertisement packet, all the working machines 100 that are paired with the operator terminal 300 that is the transmission source of the advertisement packet may be started.

[0060] The work machine 100 according to the above-described embodiment has, as an additional function, a collision prevention function that detects obstacles around the work machine 100 and restricts the operations of the traveling body 110, the slewing body 120, and the working machine 130 based on the detection result, but is not limited thereto. For example, the additional function according to another embodiment may be another safety function that displays the detection result of an obstacle on the touch panel 145D and outputs a voice as an alarm. Further, for example, the additional function according to another embodiment may be a function that automatically controls the working machine 130 so that the bucket 133 does not enter below a preset construction surface.

[0061] The work machine 100 according to the above-described embodiment recognizes that the settings of the operation lever and the precautions have been confirmed by the input to the touch panel 145D, but is not limited thereto. For example, the work machine 100 according to another embodiment has a voice recognition function, and instead of the display on the touch panel 145D, outputs the settings of the operation lever and the precautions by voice, and determines whether the settings of the operation lever and the precautions have been confirmed by voice recognition.

[0062] The gateway function controller 203 according to the above-described embodiment determines whether to omit the caution screen D13 for additional functions, but is not limited thereto. For example, the gateway function controller 203 according to another embodiment may further determine whether to omit the operation setting confirmation screen D12 for confirming the operation setting content. In this case, the confirmation history data of the server device 500 stores, in association with the operator ID, a caution flag indicating whether the operator has confirmed the cautions related to the additional function and a setting flag indicating whether the operator has confirmed the operation setting. In this case, the gateway function controller 203 determines whether to omit the caution screen D13 based on the True / False of the caution flag associated with the operator ID, and determines whether to omit the operation setting confirmation screen D12 based on the True / False of the setting flag. As a result, for example, when an operator who has previously boarded a working machine without an additional function and confirmed the operation setting confirmation screen D12 boards a working machine with an additional function, the display of the operation setting confirmation screen D12 is omitted, and the caution screen D13 for additional functions is displayed without being omitted. As a result, the operator can omit the confirmation not only for the cautions of the additional function but also for the operation setting.

[0063] The gateway function controller 203 according to the above-described embodiment omits the caution screen D13 for additional functions if the operator has confirmed the cautions for the additional functions even once, but is not limited thereto. For example, the gateway function controller 203 according to another embodiment may present the cautions again when a certain period has elapsed since the operator last confirmed the cautions. The confirmation history data according to another embodiment is data associating the operator ID and the confirmation date and time, and the gateway function controller 203 may determine to omit the caution screen D13 when the current time is within a certain period from the date and time associated with the operator ID in the confirmation history data. For example, the gateway function controller 203 according to another embodiment may present the precautions again when the display is omitted a certain number of times (e.g., 5 times) since the operator last checked the precautions. The confirmation history data according to another embodiment is data associating the operator ID with the number of omissions. Each time the gateway function controller 203 determines to omit the precaution confirmation screen D13, it may transmit the confirmation history data with the added number of omissions to the server device 500, and when the number of omissions becomes a multiple of the certain number, it may display the precaution confirmation screen D13. For example, the gateway function controller 203 according to another embodiment may display the precaution confirmation screen D13 when an additional function is added by software update, when an additional function is updated, or when an additional function becomes available due to the addition of a new component, since the operator last checked the precautions.

[0064] The gateway function controller 203 according to the above-described embodiment omits the precaution confirmation screen D13 if the operator has checked the precautions for the additional function on any of the working machines 100, regardless of the model of the working machine 100, but is not limited thereto. For example, the gateway function controller 203 according to another embodiment may determine whether to omit the display of the precaution confirmation screen D13 for each model of the working machine 100. The confirmation history data according to another embodiment may be data associating the model of the working machine 100 with the operator ID who has checked the precautions on the working machine 100 corresponding to that model. The gateway function controller 203 may determine whether the confirmation history data includes a combination of the authenticated operator ID and the model of the working machine 100, and may determine to omit the precaution confirmation screen D13 when the precautions have been checked on the working machine 100 of the same model. For example, even if the operator boards a hydraulic excavator after checking the precaution confirmation screen D13 on a bulldozer, the precaution confirmation screen D13 is displayed without being omitted.

[0065] Although the work machine 100 according to the above-described embodiment is a hydraulic excavator, it is not limited to this in other embodiments. For example, the work machine 100 according to other embodiments may be other work machines such as dump trucks, wheel loaders, and motor graders.

[0066] 〈Computer Configuration〉 FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a computer according to at least one embodiment. Each device (such as the starter signal unit 202, the gateway function controller 203, the monitor controller 204, the control controller 205, etc.) included in the above-described control system 145 is implemented in the computer 900. The computer 900 includes a processor 910, a main memory 930, a storage 950, and an interface 970. The operations of the above-described respective processing units are stored in the storage 950 in the form of a program. The processor 910 reads the program from the storage 950, expands it in the main memory 930, and executes the above processing according to the program. Further, the processor 910 secures a storage area corresponding to each of the above-described storage units in the main memory 930 according to the program. Examples of the processor 910 include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphic Processing Unit), and a microprocessor.

[0067] The program may be for realizing a part of the functions to be exerted on the computer 900. For example, the program may exert functions by combining with other programs already stored in the storage or with other programs implemented in other devices. In other embodiments, in addition to or instead of the above configuration, the computer 900 may include a custom LSI (Large Scale Integrated Circuit) such as a PLD (Programmable Logic Device). Examples of PLDs include PAL (Programmable Array Logic), GAL (Generic Array Logic), CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device), and FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). In this case, part or all of the functions realized by the processor 910 may be realized by the integrated circuit. Such an integrated circuit is also included as an example of a processor.

[0068] Examples of the storage 950 include a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, a semiconductor memory, etc. The storage 950 may be an internal medium directly connected to the bus of the computer 900, or may be an external medium connected to the computer 900 via the interface 970 or a communication line. Also, when the program is distributed to the computer 900 via a communication line, the computer 900 that has received the distribution may expand the program in the main memory 930 and execute the above processing. In at least one embodiment, the storage 950 is a non-transitory tangible storage medium.

[0069] Also, the program may be for realizing a part of the functions described above. Furthermore, the program may be a so-called difference file (difference program) that realizes the functions described above in combination with other programs already stored in the storage 950.

Explanation of Signs

[0070] 100…Work machine 110…Traveling body 111…Endless track 112…Travel motor 120…Slewing body 121…Engine 1211…Cell motor 122…Hydraulic pump 123…Control valve 124…Slewing motor 125…Fuel injection device 130…Work implement 131…Boom 131C…Boom cylinder 132…Arm 132C…Arm cylinder 133…Bucket 133C…Bucket cylinder 140…Driver's cab 141…Door 1411…Lock actuator 1412…Door switch 142…Driver's seat 143…Operating device 143LF…Left foot pedal 143LO…Left operation lever 143LT…Left travel lever 143RF…Right foot pedal 143RO…Right operation lever 143RT…Right travel lever 144…Rotary switch 145…Control system 145D…Touch panel 201…Power supply unit 202…Starter signal unit 203…Gateway function controller 204…Monitor controller 205…Control controller 206…Engine controller 207…Wide area communication controller 300…Operator terminal 500…Server device 900…Computer 910…Processor 930…Main memory 950…Storage 970…Interface

Claims

1. An activation system for a working machine, comprising a power source and an additional function unit for realizing a predetermined additional function, a communication unit that receives confirmation history information indicating an operator who has confirmed precautions related to the additional function from a server device, a presentation unit that presents the precautions when the operator operating the working machine is not included in the confirmation history information, and does not present the precautions when the operator is included in the confirmation history information, An activation system for a working machine comprising the above.

2. The additional function includes a function of detecting obstacles around the working machine using an imaging device provided in the working machine The activation system for a working machine according to Claim 1.

3. The additional function includes a function of controlling the output of an actuator driven by the power source based on the detection result of the obstacle The activation system for a working machine according to Claim 2.

4. Comprising an authentication unit for authenticating an operator who operates the working machine, The presentation unit does not present the precautions when the authenticated operator is included in the confirmation history information The activation system for a working machine according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.

5. When the authenticated operator is not included in the confirmation history information, the communication unit transmits confirmation history information indicating the authenticated operator to the server device after the precautions have been confirmed by the authenticated operator The activation system for a working machine according to Claim 4.

6. The communication unit receives the confirmation history information from the server device before authentication of the operator, and transmits the confirmation history information indicating the operator to the server device after authentication of the operator The activation system for a working machine according to Claim 5.

7. The working machine is equipped with a working tool, When the operator operating the working machine is not included in the confirmation history information, the presentation unit presents the setting information of the operation of the working tool in addition to the precautions, and does not present the precautions and the setting information when the operator is included in the confirmation history information The activation system for a working machine according to any one of Claims 1 to 6.

8. The presentation unit displays the precautions on a monitor and determines whether the precautions have been confirmed by an input to the monitor The activation system for a working machine according to any one of Claims 1 to 7.

9. The prompting unit outputs the precautions as audio and determines whether the precautions have been confirmed by voice recognition. The starting system for a working machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. A method for starting a working machine including a power source and an additional function unit that realizes a predetermined additional function, receiving, from a server device, confirmation history information indicating an operator who has confirmed precautions related to the additional function; prompting the precautions when the operator operating the working machine is not included in the confirmation history information, and not prompting the precautions when the operator is included in the confirmation history information; A method for starting a working machine comprising the steps of:

11. A power source, a working machine driven by the power source, an operation lever for operating the working machine, an additional function unit that realizes a predetermined additional function, a communication unit that receives, from a server device, confirmation history information indicating an operator who has confirmed precautions related to the additional function, a monitor, and comprising: when the operator operating the working machine is not included in the confirmation history information, the precautions are presented on the monitor, and when the operator is included in the confirmation history information, the precautions are not presented on the monitor Working machine.

Images