Crane work management system and management device

Abstract

To provide a work management system for cranes and a management device that can excellently manage a plurality of cranes located at a work site.SOLUTION: A work management system 100 for cranes 20 is equipped with a timing detection unit 21 and a position detection unit 22 that acquire load handling operation information on load handling operation for each of the plurality of cranes 20, and a management device 10 that collects and integrates load handling operation information for each of the plurality of cranes 20. This allows the management device 10 to collect the load handling operation information from each of the plurality of cranes 20 located at the work site, and to integrate the collected load handling operation information for each of the cranes 20. In addition, the management device 10 can output the load handling operation information in a managed state. This allows the user to refer to the load handling operation information of the plurality of cranes 20 located at the work site in an integrated state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a crane work management system and a management device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a known crane is one such as that described in Patent Document 1. The crane described in Patent Document 1 has a camera mounted on the traveling body, and the camera is used to capture images of blind spots from the driver's cab, thereby improving safety during crane operation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-198630 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Here, as mentioned above, by installing a camera on a crane, it is possible to effectively utilize the photographic information obtained by the camera. For example, by using a camera to photograph the surroundings of the crane, it becomes possible to grasp the work being done around the crane and the movement of people. This allows the operator to grasp the working status of a single crane and the surrounding situation.

[0005] However, at a crane work site, there may be multiple cranes. In this case, the work planner needs to manage the work of each crane at the entire work site. One possible solution is to collect and manage information on the work content of each crane at the work site individually in the form of reports, etc. However, this method places a heavy burden on managing the entire work site, and may not allow for effective management.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and has an object to provide a crane work management system and management device that can effectively manage multiple cranes deployed at a work site. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The crane work management system of the present invention is a crane work management system that manages the work of multiple cranes arranged at a work site, and is equipped with an information acquisition unit that acquires loading and unloading operation information regarding the loading and unloading operations of each of the multiple cranes, and a management unit that collects and integrates the loading and unloading operation information acquired by the information acquisition units of the multiple cranes, and outputs the integrated loading and unloading operation information.

[0008] The crane work management system of the present invention includes an information acquisition unit that acquires cargo handling operation information related to the cargo handling operations of each of a plurality of cranes, and a management unit that collects and integrates the cargo handling operation information of each of the plurality of cranes acquired by the information acquisition unit. This allows the management unit to collect cargo handling operation information related to the cargo handling operations from each of a plurality of cranes deployed at a work site and integrate the collected cargo handling operation information of each crane. The management unit can also output the integrated cargo handling operation information. This allows users to view the integrated cargo handling operation information of a plurality of cranes deployed at a work site. As described above, the plurality of cranes deployed at a work site can be effectively managed.

[0009] The management unit may be capable of embedding information about the loading and unloading operations of each crane in a control chart represented by a global coordinate system set for the work site. In this case, the management unit can output what loading and unloading operations each crane performed in the global coordinate system. This allows the user to easily refer to what loading and unloading operations each crane performed across the entire work site.

[0010] The management unit may determine the position of the hoisting tool as the position of the load from the travel, rotation, and retraction operations of the crane. The travel, rotation, and retraction operations of the crane are information that can be acquired by equipment already installed on the crane. The position of the hoisting tool can also be identified based on these operations. The position of the load can then be identified from the position of the hoisting tool. Therefore, the management unit can determine the position of the load using equipment already installed on the crane.

[0011] The management unit may determine the timing when the crane lifts the load and the timing when the load lands based on the detection results of the load meter installed on the crane. The load meter is a device already installed on the crane. Therefore, the management unit can determine the timing when the load is lifted and the timing when the load lands using the device already installed on the crane.

[0012] The crane may have a photography unit. This allows the management unit to acquire photography information of the surroundings of each crane and link it to the control chart. This allows users to effectively use the photography information of each surrounding area.

[0013] The crane may have legs that extend in the vertical direction, and the imaging unit may be attached to the legs and be capable of capturing images from the horizontal direction. This allows the management unit to acquire imaging information of the surroundings of each crane captured from the horizontal direction. For example, if only an imaging unit that captures the view below the crane from above is installed, the surroundings of the crane can only be grasped in two dimensions. In contrast, if imaging information captured from the horizontal direction is acquired, the surroundings of the crane can be grasped in three dimensions.

[0014] The cargo handling operation information collected and integrated by the management unit may include information about the load involved in the crane's cargo handling. In this case, the management unit can manage the crane's operations by linking information about the load, such as the shape, size, center of gravity, and weight of the load.

[0015] The crane management system may further include a work planning unit that plans work for multiple cranes based on the cargo handling operation information integrated by the management unit, and the work planning unit may plan work using information about the loads lifted by the cranes and spatial information about the cranes. This allows users to use the cargo handling operation information integrated by the management unit to help plan work.

[0016] The work planning unit may display information for planning the work on the output unit, thereby enabling the user to easily plan the work while visually checking the information.

[0017] The work planning unit may be able to modify the created plan. For example, if the planned work differs from the actual work, the plan can be modified.

[0018] The management unit may be capable of outputting cargo handling operation information in real time, allowing the user to quickly grasp the status of the crane.

[0019] The management unit may adjust the display mode according to the status of each crane and display the status of each crane on the output unit. In this case, the user can quickly visually grasp the status of the crane by checking the output unit.

[0020] The work management system may further include an information terminal that outputs cargo handling operation information, and the information terminal may be capable of inputting information regarding at least the work content of the crane and the start and end of the work content. In this case, it is possible to input information based on the work actually performed at the work site of each crane, so that information on actual work performance can be shared at other locations.

[0021] The work management system 100 further includes a work planning unit that plans work for multiple cranes based on the cargo handling operation information integrated by the management unit, and the work planning unit displays work information indicating the work content according to the time of the crane on the output unit, and the output unit may visually display the progress of the work information in real time. In this case, it becomes possible to check the actual progress of the work content planned by the work planning unit at each site in real time.

[0022] The management device of the present invention is a management device that manages the work of multiple cranes arranged at a work site, collects and integrates loading and unloading operation information regarding the loading and unloading operations of each of the multiple cranes, and outputs the integrated loading and unloading operation information.

[0023] According to the management device of the present invention, it is possible to obtain the same functions and effects as the crane work management system described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a crane work management system and management device that can effectively manage a plurality of cranes arranged at a work site. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a block configuration of a crane work management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an example of the arrangement of multiple cranes at a work site. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a side view of a portion of the crane shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an output mode of crane cargo handling operation information. [Figure 5] 3 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the crane work management system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the block configuration of a management device of a crane work management system according to a modified example. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image output to an output unit. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image output to an output unit. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image output to an output unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the photographing range of a photographing unit provided on a crane at a work site. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing how an imaging unit provided on a crane captures images of the surroundings of the crane. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a crane work management system according to a modified example. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an image output to an information terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A preferred embodiment of a crane work management system and a management device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the block configuration of a crane work management system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of the arrangement of multiple cranes 20 at a work site. FIG. 3 is a side view of some of the cranes 20 shown in FIG. 2. The work management system 100 is a system for managing multiple cranes 20 arranged at a work site. As shown in FIG. 1, the work management system 100 includes a management device 10 (management unit), various information acquisition units provided in the crane 20, and an output unit 15.

[0028] First, an example of the arrangement and configuration of the crane 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. In this embodiment, a jib crane is used as the crane 20. As shown in FIG. 2, a global coordinate system having an X-axis and a Y-axis is set for a work site where multiple cranes are arranged. Four cranes, for example, 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D, are arranged at the work site. Near the Y-axis, cranes 20A and 20B are arranged side by side along the Y-axis. Cranes 20A and 20B are capable of traveling in the Y-axis direction along rails 36 provided parallel to the Y-axis. Near the X-axis, cranes 20C and 20D are arranged side by side along the X-axis. Cranes 20C and 20D are capable of traveling in the X-axis direction along rails 36 provided parallel to the X-axis.

[0029] Cranes 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D each include a jib 31 for suspending a load, a main body 32 for supporting the jib 31, a support column 34 for rotatably supporting the main body 32, and a running section 33 for supporting the support column 34 and running along rails 36. A hoisting device 37 is attached to the tip of a wire extending from the jib 31, and this hoisting device 37 suspends a load 38. Therefore, the position of the load 38 coincides with the position of the hoisting device 37. Relative coordinate origins PGA, PGB, PGC, and PGD are set at the rotation centers of cranes 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D. The positions of the hoisting device 37 and the load 38 are defined as coordinate points PCA, PCB, PCC, and PCD.

[0030] The jib 31 rotates in the rotation direction DR together with the hoisting device 37, and the radial position of the hoisting device 37 can be changed depending on the size of the retraction radius relative to the main body 32. Therefore, the positions of the coordinate points PCA, PCB, PCC, and PCD can be moved within the range of the circle indicated by the dashed-dotted line in FIG. 2. Furthermore, the positions of the coordinate points PCA and PCB can be changed to a traveling direction D1 parallel to the Y-axis direction by the cranes 20A and 20B traveling along the rail 36. The positions of the coordinate points PCC and PCD can be changed to a traveling direction D2 parallel to the X-axis direction by the cranes 20C and 20D traveling along the rail 36. The coordinate points PCA, PCB, PCC, and PCD of the cranes 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D can be moved to positions that avoid the factory building BD.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, the crane 20 includes a timing detection unit 21 (information acquisition unit), a position detection unit 22 (information acquisition unit), an imaging unit 23, and an information transmission / reception unit 24.

[0032] The timing detection unit 21 and the position detection unit 22 function as an information acquisition unit that acquires cargo handling operation information regarding each cargo handling operation of the crane 20. The timing detection unit 21 is a device that can acquire information that can detect the lifting timing when the load 38 is lifted by the hoisting tool 37 and the landing timing when the load 38 lands on the floor. For example, the timing detection unit 21 is configured with a load meter that detects the load acting on the hoisting tool 37. That is, the load measured by the load meter rises sharply at the lifting timing and drops sharply at the landing timing. Therefore, the load measured by the load meter is information that can detect the lifting timing and the landing timing.

[0033] The load meter may measure the load when the load stabilizes after lifting (several seconds after lifting). The timing detection unit 21 is not limited to a load meter as long as it can acquire information that enables detection of the lifting timing and the landing timing. For example, the timing detection unit 21 may be a camera that acquires image information that enables detection of the lifting timing and the landing timing by image processing, or may be control information such as motor torque.

[0034] The position detection unit 22 is a device capable of acquiring information capable of detecting the position of the load 38. For example, the position detection unit 22 is configured with position detection devices that detect the traveling position of the crane 20, the swivel position of the jib 31, and the retracted position of the jib 31. In other words, once the traveling position of the crane 20, the swivel position of the jib 31, and the retracted position of the jib 31 are determined, the positions of the hoisting device 37 and the load 38 can be identified. Therefore, the traveling position of the crane 20, the swivel position of the jib 31, and the retracted position of the jib 31 are information that makes it possible to detect the position of the load 38. The position detection unit 22 is not particularly limited as long as it can acquire information capable of detecting the position of the load 38. For example, the position detection unit 22 may be a position measuring device such as a GPS provided on the hoisting device 37, or may alternatively be the distance from the end of the rail measured by a laser rangefinder or the like.

[0035] The photographing unit 23 is composed of a camera that photographs the surroundings of the crane 20. The photographing unit 23 may include, for example, a camera 23a mounted on the top of the main body 32 and a camera 23b mounted on the tip of the jib 31 (see FIG. 3). The camera 23a has a photographing range E1 that can photograph a wide range of the surroundings of the main body 32. The camera 23b has a photographing range E2 that can photograph the surroundings of the suspended load 38. When the photographing unit 23 is mounted on a rotating part, the rotation angle may be detected and correction may be applied so that the image is always in a fixed direction, or a mechanism may be provided to mechanically flip the photographing unit 23. The photographing unit 23 may acquire still images or videos as photographic information.

[0036] By using the photographing information acquired by the photographing unit 23, it is possible to grasp the state of logistics around the crane 20 and the movement of people. The photographing timing of the photographing unit 23 is not particularly limited. For example, the photographing unit 23 may take photographs at the timing of lifting and the timing of landing. The photographing unit 23 may also take photographs while the suspended load 38 is being moved. The photographing unit 23 may also take photographs immediately before the start of a day's work or immediately after the end of a day's work. Alternatively, the photographing unit 23 may take photographs continuously during a day's work.

[0037] The information transmitting / receiving unit 24 transmits the acquired information to the management device 10. The information transmitting / receiving unit 24 also receives information from the management device 10. The information transmitting / receiving unit 24 transmits and receives information by wireless communication.

[0038] The management device 10 collects and integrates the cargo handling operation information of each of the multiple cranes 20 acquired by the timing detection unit 21 and the position detection unit 22. The management device 10 also outputs the integrated cargo handling operation information. The management device 10 transmits the integrated cargo handling operation information to the output unit 15 and outputs it via the output unit 15. The integrated cargo handling operation information indicates which cranes 20 performed what cargo handling operations, linked to each other. The management device 10 can embed the cargo handling operation information of each crane in a control chart expressed in a global coordinate system set for the work site. By embedding the cargo handling operation information of the cranes in the control chart expressed in a global coordinate system, the user can easily understand which cranes, located at which locations, performed what cargo handling operations within the entire work site. The user may be, for example, a work planner who creates work plans for each crane in an office. In this way, the cargo handling operation information embedded in the control chart expressed in a global coordinate system corresponds to the integrated cargo handling operation information.

[0039] Next, a description will be given of a specific configuration of the management device 10. The management device 10 includes an information acquisition unit 11, a calculation unit 12, an output control unit 13, and an information transmission / reception unit .

[0040] The information acquisition unit 11 acquires information acquired by the timing detection unit 21, position detection unit 22, and photographing unit 23 of each crane 20. The calculation unit 12 performs various calculation processes within the management device 10. Specifically, the calculation unit 12 determines the position of the hoisting device 37 from the traveling, swinging, and retracting movements of the crane 20 based on the information acquired by the position detection unit 22. For example, the calculation unit 12 converts encoder information of the traveling unit 33, swing angle information of the jib 31, and retraction radius information of the jib 31 into coordinates in the global coordinate system. The calculation unit 12 also determines the position of the hoisting device 37 as the position of the suspended load 38. Note that the calculation process for determining the positions of the hoisting device 37 and the suspended load 38 from the traveling, swinging, and retracting movements of the crane 20 may be entirely performed by the calculation unit 12, or the position detection unit 22 of the crane 20 may have a calculation unit and perform some or all of the calculation process.

[0041] Furthermore, the calculation unit 12 determines the timing at which the crane 20 lifts the load 38 and the timing at which the load 38 lands on the floor, based on the detection results of the load meter constituting the timing detection unit 21 provided on the crane 20. The calculation unit 12 performs calculations to convert the position of the load 38 at the time of lifting into a coordinate position in the global coordinate system (see FIG. 2). The calculation unit 12 also performs calculations to convert the position of the load 38 at the time of landing on the floor into a coordinate position in the global coordinate system. In this way, the calculation unit 12 determines the position of the hoisting device 37 based on the detection results of the position detection unit 22 as the position of the load 38. The calculation unit 12 can also reflect the position of the load 38 determined in this way in the global coordinate system.

[0042] The calculation processing for determining each timing based on the detection results of the load meter of the crane 20 may be performed entirely by the calculation unit 12, or the timing detection unit 21 of the crane 20 may have a calculation unit and perform part or all of the calculation processing. The calculation unit 12 may link the acquisition location of the photographic information acquired by the photographing unit 23 of each crane 20 to the global coordinate system. This makes it possible to determine which location in the global coordinate system the image or video of the photographic information is showing.

[0043] The output control unit 13 controls the output mode of the cargo handling operation information collected from each crane 20. The output control unit 13 edits the collected cargo handling operation information so that it can be output in an integrated state. The output control unit 13 embeds the cargo handling operation information of each crane 20 in a control chart that represents the entire work site in a global coordinate system, as shown in FIG. 2. The output control unit 13 displays the determined position of the load 38 on the control chart represented in the global coordinate system, and attaches a link to access the photography information at that position. At this time, the output control unit 13 links the position of the load 38 calculated by the calculation unit 12 to the timing when the crane 20 lifted the load 38 and the timing when it landed, and reflects this in the control chart represented in the global coordinate system.

[0044] For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the output control unit 13 can display the state of the work site as an image 50 on the monitor of the output unit 15 or the like. For example, suppose the calculation unit 12 has grasped information that "crane 20C lifted load 38A at time X1 and landed it at time X2," and also grasped information that "load 38A from crane 20C was located at coordinate A1 at time X1 and at coordinate A2 at time X2." In this case, the output control unit 13 reflects in image 50 the state in which load 38A was lifted with coordinate A1 as the lifting position and landed with coordinate A2 as the landing position. Also, suppose the calculation unit 12 has grasped information that "crane 20C lifted load 38B at time Y1 and landed it at time Y2," and also grasped information that "load 38B from crane 20C was located at coordinate B1 at time Y1, moved as crane 20C traveled, and was located at coordinate B2 at time Y2." In this case, the output control unit 13 displays in the image 50 a state in which the load 38B is lifted from the lifting position at the coordinate B1 and landed on the floor at the landing position at the coordinate B2.

[0045] In the example of Figure 4, the coordinates of lifting and landing are indicated by dots, and the direction of movement of the suspended load 38 is indicated by an arrow. Furthermore, the output control unit 13 may be configured to display the grasped cargo handling record information as a table 51. Note that while Figure 4 shows only the information of crane 20C, image 50 may show all control charts expressed in a global coordinate system, and all cranes 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D may be shown. Furthermore, table 51 may show the cargo handling records of all cranes 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D.

[0046] The output control unit 13 may edit the photographic information acquired by the photographing unit 23 into a predetermined output format and enable output from the output unit 15. For example, the output control unit 13 may use images acquired by the photographing unit 23 of each crane 20 to create a composite image showing the overall state of the work site, as shown in FIG. 2. The output control unit 13 may reflect movement information of the suspended load 38, as shown in image 50 in FIG. 4, in the composite image. Note that when combining images, the output control unit 13 may trim overlapping portions. However, the output control unit 13 does not need to use photographs as images showing the state of the work site; simplified illustrations may also be used. For example, when a user specifies a specific time and place at the work site, the output control unit 13 may control the output so that images or videos corresponding to the time and place can be output. For example, the output control unit 13 may store the photographic information from the photographing unit 23 like a drive recorder for later reference.

[0047] The information transmitting / receiving unit 14 transmits the cargo handling operation information in a managed state to the output unit 15. The information transmitting / receiving unit 14 also receives information from the crane 20. The information transmitting / receiving unit 14 transmits and receives information by wireless communication. The information transmitting / receiving unit 14 may transmit the information output from the output control unit 13 to the output unit 15 in real time, or may output the information collectively to the output unit 15 when a certain amount of information has been accumulated (for example, at the end of work for the day).

[0048] The output unit 15 outputs the integrated cargo handling operation information output from the management device 10 to the user. The output unit 15 is configured, for example, by an information terminal such as a personal computer owned by the user. Therefore, the output unit 15 is usually installed in a location away from the crane 20, such as an office. The output unit 15 displays the cargo handling operation information edited by the output control unit 13 on a monitor. The output unit 15 may also output the cargo handling operation information on paper using a printer or the like. The management device 10 can transmit information to multiple output units 15. The output unit 15 may further include a portable information terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal.

[0049] Next, the flow of processing details of the work management system 100 for the crane 20 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing processing details of the work management system 100 for the crane 20 according to this embodiment of the present invention. The processing shown in Fig. 5 is repeatedly executed by the management device 10. Note that the processing shown in Fig. 5 may be executed at regular time intervals, or may be executed whenever information is acquired by any of the cranes 20.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 5, the information acquisition unit 11 acquires information from the timing detection unit 21 of the crane 20 that enables detection of the lifting timing and the landing timing (step S10). The information acquisition unit 11 acquires information from the position detection unit 22 of the crane 20 that enables detection of the position of the load 38 (step S20). The information acquisition unit 11 acquires photographing information from the photographing unit 23 of the crane 20 (step S30). Next, the calculation unit 12 converts the various pieces of information acquired in steps S10, S20, and S30 into a global coordinate system and embeds the converted information in a control chart represented in the global coordinate system (step S40). The output control unit 13 also edits the output information so that the information embedded in the control chart represented in the global coordinate system in step S40 can be output to the output unit 15 (step S50). The information transmission / reception unit 14 then outputs the output information edited in step S50 to the output unit 15 (step S60).

[0051] Next, the operation and effects of the work management system 100 for the crane 20 and the management device 10 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0052] The crane 20 work management system 100 includes a timing detection unit 21 and a position detection unit 22 as information acquisition units that acquire cargo-handling operation information related to the cargo-handling operation of each of the multiple cranes 20, and a management device 10 that collects and integrates the cargo-handling operation information of each of the multiple cranes 20 acquired by the timing detection unit 21 and the position detection unit 22 as information acquisition units. This allows the management device 10 to collect cargo-handling operation information related to the cargo-handling operation from each of the multiple cranes 20 deployed at the work site and integrate the collected cargo-handling operation information of each crane 20. The management device 10 can also output the integrated cargo-handling operation information. This allows the user to view the integrated cargo-handling operation information of the multiple cranes 20 deployed at the work site. As described above, the multiple cranes 20 deployed at the work site can be effectively managed.

[0053] The management device 10 can embed the cargo handling operation information of each crane 20 in a control chart represented by a global coordinate system set for the work site. In this case, the management device 10 can output what cargo handling operation each crane 20 performed in the global coordinate system. This allows the user to easily refer to what cargo handling operation each crane 20 performed within the entire work site.

[0054] The management device 10 determines the position of the hoisting tool 37 as the position of the load 38 from the travel, rotation, and retraction operations of the crane 20. The travel, rotation, and retraction operations of the crane 20 are information that can be acquired by equipment already installed on the crane 20. The position of the hoisting tool 37 can also be identified based on these operations. The position of the load 38 can then be identified from the position of the hoisting tool 37. Therefore, the management device 10 can determine the position of the load 38 using equipment already installed on the crane 20.

[0055] The management device 10 determines the timing when the crane 20 lifts the load 38 and the timing when the load 38 hits the floor based on the detection results of the load meter provided on the crane 20. The load meter is a device that is already installed on the crane 20. Therefore, the management device 10 can determine the timing when the load 38 is lifted and the timing when the load hits the floor using the device that is already installed on the crane 20.

[0056] The crane 20 has a photography unit 23. This allows the management device 10 to acquire photography information of the surroundings of each crane 20 and link it to the management chart. This allows the user to effectively use the photography information of each surrounding area.

[0057] The management device 10 is a management device 10 that manages the work of multiple cranes 20 arranged at a work site, collects and integrates loading and unloading operation information regarding the loading and unloading operations of each of the multiple cranes 20, and outputs the integrated loading and unloading operation information.

[0058] According to the management device 10 of this embodiment, it is possible to obtain the same functions and effects as those of the work management system 100 for the crane 20 described above.

[0059] In the above-described embodiment, the loads 38 handled by the multiple cranes 20 shown in FIG. 3 were managed as points. However, the actual loads 38 have a certain size and occupy a certain spatial range, and the center of gravity and weight of the loads 38 also affect the operation of the cranes. Furthermore, information about the loads 38 is easily acquired because it has already been generated during product design, etc. For example, if the crane 20 transports ship parts, the ship parts are manufactured according to product design drawings. Therefore, information about the loads 38 can be easily acquired from the information about the drawings.

[0060] Therefore, the cargo handling operation information collected and integrated by the management device 10 may include information about the load 38 involved in the cargo handling by the crane 20. In this case, the management device 10 can manage the operation of the crane 20 by linking information about the load 38, such as the shape, size, center of gravity position, and weight of the load 38, for example.

[0061] The timing at which the management device 10 acquires information about the suspended load 38 is not particularly limited. For example, the management device 10 may acquire the information before the crane 20 actually loads or unloads the suspended load 38, or may acquire the information immediately before or during the loading or unloading operation, or may acquire the information when the loading or unloading operation is completed and data is being organized. The management device 10 may effectively utilize the acquired information about the suspended load 38 in any way. For example, while the management device 10 outputs the operating status of each crane 20 as described above, it may also link the operating status to information about the suspended load 38 and manage and output it. For example, while the image 50 in FIG. 4 shows only the coordinates of the suspension positions of the suspended loads 38A and 38B, the outlines of the suspended loads 38A and 38B may also be shown in the image 50.

[0062] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, in the crane management system, the management device 10 may further include a work planning unit 60 that plans work for multiple cranes 20 based on cargo handling operation information integrated by the management device 10. The work planning unit 60 may plan work using spatial information about the crane 20 and a load 38 related to cargo handling by the crane 20. This allows the user to use the cargo handling operation information integrated by the management device 10 to help plan work. The spatial information about the load 38 and the crane 20 is information that indicates the state in which the load 38 and the crane 20 exist in space, such as the outer shape, position, and orientation of the load 38 and the crane 20.

[0063] The work planning unit 60 may also display information for planning work on the output unit 15. This allows the user to easily plan work while visually checking the information. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the management device 10 may plan how to position the load 38 while taking into consideration the positions of large structures 70 and other objects present around the crane 20, and display the plan contents as an image on the output unit 15. Note that in the image, the crane 20, the load 38, and the like may be displayed as photographs or as modeled figures.

[0064] The work planning unit 60 can appropriately plan work using the information about the load 38. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the work planning unit 60 identifies and defines the rail start point S and end point E of the crane 20 on a map based on GPS position information mounted on the crane 20. Next, the work planning unit 60 defines the design dimensions of the building, fixed objects, etc., based on the rail start point S, and defines the yard operation space based on the track in coordinates. The position of the load 38 (center of the hoisting device) is assigned by the dimension from the rail start point S based on the travel, rotation, and retraction position information of the crane 20. By linking the position of the load 38 to information about the load 38 (item name, shape, size, center of gravity, weight, etc.), the work planning unit 60 can display the location, type of item, when, and where it will be transported. The center of gravity of the load 38 is calculated in advance at the time of design as transport information for lifting, and the shape of the load 38 may be stored and positioned with the center of gravity as the hook center. The shape may also be stored by tracing the outline from an image. The shape may also be recognized by an image recognition camera. These processes may be performed not only when the work planning unit 60 creates a work plan, but also when creating an image showing the actual operation of the crane 20.

[0065] The work planning unit 60 can plot the work area of ​​the crane 20 (in the figure, trajectory CL1 indicates the maximum radius of the jib, and trajectory CL2 indicates the minimum radius of the jib) on rail coordinates and display large structures 70 around it. The work planning unit 60 also displays other suspended loads 38. For example, when planning the destination of the load 38D to be moved by the crane 20, the user can consider what rotation angle θ should be used for rotation and what jib radius should be used for transporting the load so as not to interfere with the surrounding large structures 70 or other suspended loads 38.

[0066] The work planning unit 60 may display information necessary for the plan to the user and make a work plan based on the user's input. Alternatively, the work planning unit 60 may automatically create an optimal work plan, taking into consideration the positional relationship with surrounding large structures 70 and other suspended loads 38. Alternatively, the work planning unit 60 may present automatically created work plan candidates to the user and create a plan based on the user's selection or input for fine adjustment.

[0067] The work planning unit 60 may be able to modify the created plan. For example, if the planned work differs from the actual work, the plan can be modified. Specifically, it is assumed that the work planning unit 60 created a work plan for one day on the day before a certain work day. At this time, it is assumed that the work for the morning differs from the work plan. For example, if a specified suspended load 38 is placed in a different position than planned, the actual work will differ from the work plan. In such a case, the work planning unit 60 compares the actual work content with the initially created work plan and modifies the afternoon work plan.

[0068] The management device 10 may be capable of outputting cargo handling operation information in real time. In this case, the user can quickly grasp the status of the crane 20. For example, the management device 10 outputs the output content shown in FIG. 4 to the output unit 15 in real time, while changing it from moment to moment. For example, if work supervisors at each site in a factory carry mobile devices as the output unit 15, the management device 10 outputs the current status of each crane 20 in the factory in real time to each work supervisor's mobile device. This allows the work supervisors at each site to immediately know the status of other sites. At this time, a user with predetermined authority, such as a work supervisor, may check the image displayed on the output unit 15 and modify the work plan created by the work planning unit 60. Note that the time interval at which the management device 10 updates the information on each output unit 15 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, every few seconds or every few minutes. Outputting the latest information at such intervals constitutes real-time output.

[0069] The management device 10 may adjust the display mode according to the state of each crane 20 and display the state of each crane 20 on the output unit 15. In this case, the user can quickly visually grasp the state of the crane 20 by checking the output unit 15.

[0070] For example, the management device 10 may output to the output unit 15 an image displaying the cargo handling operation information of multiple cranes 20, as shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 7 shows the layout of cranes in a yard, with their status updated every few seconds. For example, in the case of a rotating crane, the swing radius and direction change as the jib is retracted (see FIG. 3). As shown in FIG. 7, the radius of each crane 20 is indicated by the size of a circle on the layout image. The direction of the jib of each crane 20 is indicated by the direction of an arrow. Note that in areas where the swing radii overlap and are difficult to see, the circles may be made semi-transparent to make the traveling positions of nearby cranes 20 easier to see. This can visualize the relationship between adjacent cranes 20 that are in blind spots due to the working radius. The overlapping of the circles makes it possible to check for the possibility of a collision depending on the swing direction. The colors and patterns of the circles (distinguished by dots or hatching in the figure) are classified as "operating," "stopped," "abnormal," and "no data (not monitored)." This makes it possible to visualize which crane 20 is in what state, in what direction, at what position, and with what working radius. Also, by coloring the arrow (triangle within a circle), it is possible to determine whether or not a load is being lifted. For example, a hatched arrow indicates that a load is being lifted, and a hollow arrow indicates that no load is being lifted.

[0071] The management device 10 may also output to the output unit 15 an image displaying more detailed cargo handling operation information for a specific crane, as shown in FIG. 8. The specific crane may be a single crane or multiple cranes traveling on the same rail 36. FIG. 8 will also be described using a slewing crane as an example. In FIG. 8, the traveling position of the crane 20 is displayed. That is, the image shows the total length of a pair of parallel rails 36. Furthermore, with one end of the rail 36 as the origin, an arrow AP indicates the crane position, and the text "Travel distance XX m" is displayed. Furthermore, in the image, 360° is expressed as "Slewing angle +XX degrees (-XX degrees)" from a reference point, while the direction of a triangle representing the jib is moved.

[0072] The traveling gear and slewing gear of the crane 20 each require a brake mechanism to prevent runaway due to wind. For example, the braking mechanism for the slewing gear is a hydraulic brake (combination unit). The braking mechanism for the traveling gear is a mechanical locking device that engages with a ground-side bracket. Each brake mechanism is equipped with a limit switch for ON / OFF confirmation. The state of each brake mechanism is indicated by an anchor in the image in Figure 8. In the image, hatched areas indicate that the locking device is in the ON state. An anchor 41 on the upper side of the rail 36 indicates the operating state of the swing brake mechanism. An anchor 42 on the lower side of the rail 36 indicates the operating state of the traveling brake mechanism. In the case of a traveling brake mechanism, ground-side brackets may be installed in one or multiple locations along the entire length of the rail, and the anchors correspond to the positions of each upper-side bracket. In the state in Figure 8, the crane on the left side of the figure is stopped, and the braking mechanisms for the slewing gear and traveling gear are in the ON state. The crane in the center of the figure is in operation, with the brake mechanisms for the slewing and traveling gear in the OFF position. The crane on the right side of the figure is not under management, and its operating status is not being collected.

[0073] The management device 10 may also output an image such as that shown in FIG. 9 to the output unit 15. Here, the hoisting and retracting situations will be described as an example. Specifically, in the image, the text "Lifting height + XX m (-XX °)" is displayed with the hook position moving relative to the ground. Also, in the image, the text "Retraction radius XX m" is displayed with the hook position moving relative to the center of the crane. Also, in the image, the load detected by the load meter is displayed with the text "Load XX t."

[0074] As described above, the management device 10 uses the color, shape, size, direction, and transparency of symbols in an image to represent the status of the crane 20, enabling visual status monitoring. The management device 10 can use cloud communication to enable multiple people to simultaneously grasp operational information in real time. Using this information makes it possible to monitor the status of cranes throughout the factory, enabling rapid response to unforeseen circumstances. Another benefit is that it allows remote confirmation of whether travel and swing safety devices (escape prevention) have been left on.

[0075] By visualizing the status of the crane 20 in real time on the output unit 15, it becomes possible to instantly grasp the status of the cranes throughout the factory. Also, by using text and numbers as an auxiliary tool, it becomes possible to visually grasp the status of the crane based on its shape, color, size, direction, etc. It is also possible to check remotely if safety devices have been forgotten to be fastened.

[0076] The cranes that can be managed by the present invention are not limited to jib cranes. The present invention is applicable to at least all rotating cranes. Some functions can be applied to bridge cranes, etc. For example, the present invention may be used to manage other types of cranes, such as overhead cranes.

[0077] For example, referring to FIGS. 10 and 11 , how the camera unit 23 captures images of the periphery of the crane 20 when a bridge crane is used as the crane 20 will be described. FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the capture range of the camera unit 23 provided on the crane 20 at a work site. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing how the camera unit 23 provided on the crane 20 captures images of the periphery of the crane 20. FIG. 11(a) is a plan view, FIG. 11(b) is a front view, and FIG. 11(c) is a side view. As shown in FIG. 11(b), the bridge crane 20 includes a girder 91 extending horizontally and a pair of legs 92, 92 extending vertically at both ends of the girder 91. The lower ends of the legs 92, 92 are provided with running parts that run along, for example, rails 93, 93 (see FIG. 10 ). This allows the crane 20 to move in the running direction along the rails 93, 93. The crane 20 also includes a trolley unit 94 that moves laterally along the girder 91. The trolley unit 94 moves laterally while suspending a hoisting tool.

[0078] As shown in Figures 11(b) and 11(c), the trolley unit 94 is equipped with a camera unit 23A capable of photographing the area below the girder 91. This allows the camera unit 23A to photograph from any position in the lateral direction by moving the trolley unit 94. For example, in Figure 10, in the lateral direction of the crane 20, the camera unit 23A's photographing range DE1 at photographing position P1, indicated by a solid line, and the camera unit 23A's photographing range DE2 at photographing position P2, indicated by a dashed line, are shown. In addition to the photographing position P1 indicated by a solid line, the camera unit 23A photographs the crane 20 at two other positions (positions indicated by dashed lines) in the travel direction. This allows the camera unit 23A to photograph the crane 20 at a total of six positions by moving in both the travel direction and the lateral direction. Based on this photographing information and the position information of the crane 20, a planar photograph showing the entire work site WE can be synthesized. Such planar photographs can be acquired, for example, at the end (or beginning) of a day's work and can be effectively used by managers when creating work plans or as daily video reports. It can also be managed chronologically.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 11(b), the photographing units 23B, 23B are provided on the legs 92, 92, respectively, and are capable of capturing images from the horizontal direction. The photographing units 23B, 23B are positioned to capture images of the inside of the crane 20. That is, the photographing unit 23B is positioned parallel to the lateral travel direction and facing the opposite leg 92 (see also FIG. 11(a)). The height positions of the photographing units 23B, 23B are not particularly limited, but may be set at intermediate positions (e.g., near the center) in the height direction of the legs 92, 92 so that a wide range of images can be captured of the underside of the girder 91. For example, the photographing units 23B, 23B capture images at three positions in the travel direction shown in FIG. 10, and the captured image information is combined with a planar photograph to provide a three-dimensional understanding of the work site WE.

[0080] As described above, the crane 20 has legs 92, 92 extending in the vertical direction, and the photographing units 23B, 23B are attached to the legs 92, 92 and are capable of capturing images from the horizontal direction. This allows the management device 10 to acquire photographic information of the periphery of each crane 20 captured from the horizontal direction. For example, if only the photographing unit 23A, which photographs the state below the crane 20 from above, is provided, the state around the crane 20 can only be grasped in two dimensions. In contrast, when photographic information captured from the horizontal direction is acquired, the state around the crane 20 can be grasped in three dimensions. Note that a 3D camera capable of acquiring distance information may be used as the photographing unit 23A or the photographing unit 23B. Using a 3D camera allows the state around the crane 20 to be grasped in three dimensions from photographic information captured from one direction.

[0081] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a crane work management system 100 according to a modified example. In the work management system 100 shown in FIG. 12, information can be input from an information terminal 80 at each location based on the shared information. As shown in FIG. 12, the work management system 100 includes a management device 10 and an information terminal 80. The information terminal 80 is a terminal capable of inputting and outputting information. The information terminal 80 can function as the output unit 15 in the above-described embodiment and modified example. Therefore, the information terminal 80 is configured by a personal computer, smartphone, tablet terminal, or the like, similar to the examples of the output unit 15. In the example shown in FIG. 12, each information terminal 80 can present information to and receive information from the site work manager, the crane 20 operator, the office operations manager, and the like.

[0082] After the office operations manager checks the image showing the state of the work site WE, as shown in FIG. 10, he or she inputs operation information using the information terminal 80 and creates a work plan in the work planning unit 60. For example, the information terminal 80 used by the office operations manager can be used to input information such as "operation time," "ship number," "block name," "from where to where (the cargo) is to be transported," "transportation equipment," "cargo weight," "time to perform the work," and "work name" for each work day. The work planning unit 60 displays work information on the information terminal 80 indicating the work content corresponding to the time on the crane 20. The management device 10 can share the work plan in real time among office operators, on-site work managers, drivers, etc., by displaying, for example, a screen such as that shown in FIG. 13 on each information terminal 80.

[0083] The information terminal 80 can be used to input information about the work being performed by the crane 20 and the start and end of that work. That is, the operator or the on-site work manager can input information about the type of work, the start timing of the work (when the load is lifted and the calculated load stabilizes), and the completion timing (when the load is lowered and the work is completed) into the information terminal 80 based on actual work performance. In addition, the management device 10 may feed back the information input into each information terminal 80 to an image displayed on the information terminal 80. This allows the information terminal 80 to visually display the progress of the work information in real time. Furthermore, if the office operator modifies the work plan in accordance with the progress, the modified work plan can be displayed on each information terminal 80, allowing information to be shared in real time.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 13 , the information terminal 80 allows users to visually confirm which equipment (crane) is performing what task at what time. For example, a task bar corresponding to a timetable is displayed for each crane. For example, the time at which the task "Task 1" will be performed for the top crane is indicated. The information terminal 80 can also display the current time and the task currently being performed by each crane 20. For example, in FIG. 13 , a hatched bar indicates the current time. The task bar touching the hatched bar indicates the task currently being performed. The information terminal 80 may visually identify the task bar corresponding to the currently performed task by using a display method such as color coding. For example, in FIG. 13 , the task bars corresponding to the currently performed task (task 3, task 5-1, task 5-2) are grayscaled. The task bars (task 1, task 2) to the left of the current time bar indicate that the task has already been completed. As for completed task bars, both task bars at the time of planning and task bars showing actual results based on input by the operator, etc., may be displayed. Furthermore, task bars (Task 2-2, Task 6) shown to the right of the current time bar indicate work that has not yet been started. For unstarted task bars, if any corrections have been made based on the actual progress, the corrected task bar is displayed. Alternatively, if any corrections have been made, both the pre-correction task bar and the corrected task bar may be displayed. Completed task bars and unstarted task bars may also be visually distinguishable by color coding, etc. This allows the work plan and the execution status of the work plan for each crane 20 to be visually confirmed. Furthermore, in FIG. 13, by displaying "transported weight and power usage" above the column displaying the task bar that shows the progress, it is possible to evaluate the progress of the work together with the evaluation of the work progress.

[0085] The work management system 100 further includes an information terminal 80 that outputs cargo handling operation information, and information regarding at least the work content performed by the crane and the start and end of that work content can be input to the information terminal 80. In this case, it is possible to input information based on the work actually performed at the work site of each crane 20, making it possible to share information about actual work performance at other locations.

[0086] The work management system 100 further includes a work planning unit 60 that plans work for multiple cranes 20 based on the cargo handling operation information integrated by the management device 10. The work planning unit 60 displays work information indicating the work content according to the time of day for the cranes 20 on an information terminal 80 (output unit), and the information terminal 80 visually displays the progress of the work information in real time. In this case, it becomes possible to check the actual progress of the work content planned by the work planning unit 60 at each work site in real time.

[0087] Furthermore, the work management system 100 allows office operators to check the actual results of their planning work through video and manage operations appropriately from a distance, improving work efficiency. Furthermore, by visualizing the planned and actual operations in real time, it becomes possible to efficiently adjust (change) the process while checking progress. It also makes it easier to aggregate the actual results and import them into other systems, and to output daily operation reports. Furthermore, by periodically recording video, it is possible to check progress in chronological order (management of output through daily video reports). Furthermore, the actual results can be used as information for the next plan. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 10...management device (management section), 15...output section, 20...crane, 21...timing detection section (information acquisition section), 22...position detection section (information acquisition section), 23, 23A, 23B...photography section, 37...hoisting equipment, 38...hoisted load, 60...work planning section, 80...information terminal (output section), 100...work management system.

Claims

1. A crane work management system that manages work by a plurality of cranes that are arranged at a work site and can travel along rails, an information acquisition unit that acquires cargo handling operation information regarding the cargo handling operation of each of the plurality of cranes; a management unit that collects and integrates the cargo handling operation information of each of the plurality of cranes acquired by the information acquisition unit, the management unit is capable of embedding the cargo handling operation information of each of the cranes in a control chart represented by a global coordinate system set for the work site using at least one of a color, a pattern, and a transparency effect; outputting to an output unit an image showing the travel positions of a plurality of cranes traveling on the same rail; In the image, the directions of the jibs of the multiple cranes are indicated by arrow directions; A crane work management system that indicates whether a load is being lifted or not by the color or pattern of the arrow.

2. A crane work management system that manages the work of multiple cranes that are arranged at a work site and can travel along rails, comprising: an information acquisition unit that acquires cargo handling operation information regarding the cargo handling operation of each of the plurality of cranes; a management unit that collects and integrates the cargo handling operation information of each of the plurality of cranes acquired by the information acquisition unit, the management unit is capable of embedding the cargo handling operation information of each of the cranes in a control chart represented by a global coordinate system set for the work site using at least one of a color, a pattern, and a transparency effect; outputting to an output unit an image showing the travel positions of a plurality of cranes traveling on the same rail; In the image, the radius of the plurality of cranes is indicated by the size of a circle; A crane work management system that indicates classified states of the plurality of cranes by the color or pattern of the circle.

3. The traveling device of the crane has a brake mechanism, The crane work management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the management unit indicates the state of the brake mechanism in the image.

4. The crane work management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the management unit determines the position of the lifting tool as the position of the load from the travel, rotation, and retraction operations of the crane.

5. 5. The crane work management system according to claim 1, wherein the management unit grasps the timing when the crane lifts the load and the timing when the load lands based on the detection results of a load meter provided on the crane.

6. 6. A crane work management system according to claim 1, wherein the crane has a photography unit, and the management unit is capable of embedding the cargo handling operation information of each of the cranes in a control chart represented by a global coordinate system set for the work site, and links the photography information photographed by the photography unit to the control chart.

7. The crane has legs extending in the vertical direction, The work management system according to claim 6 , wherein the image capturing unit is provided on the leg and is capable of capturing images from a horizontal direction.

8. The crane work management system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the cargo handling operation information collected and integrated by the management unit includes information regarding the loads lifted by the crane.

9. Further provided is a work planning unit that plans work for the plurality of cranes based on the cargo handling operation information integrated by the management unit, The crane work management system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the work planning unit plans the work using information about a load related to loading and unloading by the crane and spatial information about the crane.

10. The crane work management system according to claim 9, wherein the work planning unit displays information for planning the work on an output unit.

11. The crane work management system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the work planning unit is capable of correcting the created plan.

12. The crane work management system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the management unit is capable of outputting the cargo handling operation information in real time.

13. The crane work management system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the management unit adjusts a display mode according to a state of each of the cranes and displays the state of each of the cranes on an output unit.

14. Further provided is an information terminal that outputs the cargo handling operation information, The crane work management system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the information terminal is capable of inputting information regarding at least the work content to be performed by the crane and the start and end of the work content.

15. Further provided is a work planning unit that plans work for the plurality of cranes based on the cargo handling operation information integrated by the management unit, the work planning unit causes an output unit to display work information indicating work content according to time on the crane; The crane work management system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the output unit visually displays the progress of the work information in real time.

16. A management device that manages work by a plurality of cranes that are arranged at a work site and can travel along rails, collecting and integrating cargo handling operation information relating to the cargo handling operation of each of the plurality of cranes, and outputting the cargo handling operation information in a state in which the cargo handling operation information of each of the cranes is embedded in a control chart represented by a global coordinate system set for the work site using at least one of color, pattern, and transparency effect; outputting to an output unit an image showing the travel positions of a plurality of cranes traveling on the same rail; In the image, the directions of the jibs of the multiple cranes are indicated by arrow directions; A management device that indicates whether a load is being suspended or not by the color or pattern of the arrow.

17. A management device for managing the operations of a plurality of cranes that are arranged at a work site and are capable of traveling along rails, comprising: collecting and integrating cargo handling operation information relating to the cargo handling operation of each of the plurality of cranes, and outputting the cargo handling operation information in a state in which the cargo handling operation information of each of the cranes is embedded in a control chart represented by a global coordinate system set for the work site using at least one of color, pattern, and transparency effect; outputting to an output unit an image showing the travel positions of a plurality of cranes traveling on the same rail; In the image, the radius of the plurality of cranes is indicated by the size of a circle; A management device that indicates the classified status of the plurality of cranes by the color or pattern of the circle.

Images