Future topographic estimation methods

Abstract

To accurately estimate a future landform.SOLUTION: A future landform estimation method includes the steps of: acquiring information on a soil conveyance amount in respective regions in a predetermined construction section; calculating required man-hours necessary for conveying soil in the respective regions, on the basis of information on usable heavy machines; acquiring soil conveyance plan information formulated on the basis of the required man-hours necessary for conveying the soil in the respective regions, and period information indicating a period in which construction can be started in the respective regions in the construction section; and calculating ground heights of the respective regions in the construction section at a predetermined date, on the basis of the soil conveyance plan information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a future terrain estimation method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a method for creating a delivery plan for goods and the like, a method of creating a delivery plan by performing an optimization calculation using linear programming is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). It is considered that such a method of creating a delivery plan by optimization calculation can also be used in creating an earthwork distribution plan at a construction site.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the road surface conditions at a construction site are various, and the construction machines owned are also various. Since the construction machines that can be used differ depending on the road surface conditions, even if an earthwork distribution plan is created by an optimization calculation using linear programming, the construction often does not proceed as planned. In addition, when the construction is carried out according to the earthwork distribution plan, there is also a desire to confirm how the terrain will change until the completion of the construction.

[0005] In one aspect, an object of the present invention is to provide a future terrain estimation method capable of accurately estimating a future terrain.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The future terrain estimation method includes a step of acquiring information on the amount of soil transported between regions within a predetermined construction area, and the use do of a construction machine Regarding the amount of soil transported information And, the amount of soil transported by the heavy machine according to the transport distance of the heavy machine,Based on this, the process of calculating the required man-hours for transporting soil between each of the aforementioned areas, The amount of soil transported was calculated based on the information regarding the amount of soil transported and the amount of soil transported by the heavy machine according to the transport distance of the heavy machine. The required man-hours for transporting soil between each of the aforementioned regions. Based , period during which construction can commence in each area within the aforementioned construction area The required man-hours for transporting soil between each of the aforementioned areas were allocated to this. The process includes obtaining soil transport plan information, and calculating the ground elevation of each area within the construction area at a predetermined date and time based on the soil transport plan information. The computer executes . [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] It is possible to accurately estimate future topography. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This diagram schematically shows the hardware configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 2] This is a functional block diagram of an information processing device. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart showing the processing steps of the soil volume allocation planning department. [Figure 4] Figure 4(a) shows the planned area divided into numerous meshes, and Figure 4(b) shows each mesh divided into cut meshes and fill meshes. [Figure 5] Figure 5(a) shows the planned area divided into cut and fill blocks, while Figure 5(b) shows the cut and fill blocks combined to create a cut area and a fill area. [Figure 6] Figure 6(a) shows the state in which the embankment block with the largest embankment height has been identified, and Figure 6(b) shows the state in which the cut block with the largest cut height has been extracted from each of the adjacent cut areas. [Figure 7] This is a diagram illustrating the process in step S18 of Figure 3. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of a heavy equipment table stored in the heavy equipment database. [Figure 9]It is a diagram for explaining the processing of step S20 in FIG. 3. [Figure 10] FIG. 10(a) is a graph showing the relationship between the transport distance (m) of a heavy machine and the amount of transported soil per hour (m3 / h) stored in the heavy machine DB, and FIG. 10(b) is a graph showing the relationship between the transport distance (m) of the heavy machine and the transport cost (yen / m3). [Figure 11] It is a flowchart showing the processing of the future terrain estimation unit. [Figure 12] It is a diagram (part 1) showing the construction plan creation table. [Figure 13] It is a diagram (part 2) showing the construction plan creation table. [Figure 14] It is a diagram showing the construction quantity management table.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment will be described in detail based on FIGS. 1 to 14.

[0010] In FIG. 1, the hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus 100 according to an embodiment is schematically shown. The information processing apparatus 100 in FIG. 1 is a terminal such as a PC (Personal Computer) used by a person (operator) who formulates a construction plan at a stage before performing land reclamation work or the like.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing apparatus 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 90, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 92, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 94, a storage unit (SSD (Solid State Drive) or HDD (Hard Disk Drive)) 96, a network interface 97, a display unit 93, an input unit 95, and a drive 99 for a portable storage medium, etc. Each component of the information processing apparatus 100 is connected to a bus 98. The display unit 93 includes a liquid crystal display, etc., and the input unit 95 includes a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, etc. In the information processing apparatus 100, the CPU 90 executes a program stored in the ROM 92 or the storage unit 96, or a program read by the drive 99 for a portable storage medium from the portable storage medium 91, whereby the functions of each unit shown in FIG. 2 are realized. Note that the functions of each unit in FIG. 2 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0012] FIG. 2 shows a functional block diagram of the information processing apparatus 100. In the information processing apparatus 100, by the CPU 90 executing a program, functions as an earthwork distribution plan creation unit 50 and a future terrain estimation unit 52 are realized. Note that FIG. 2 also shows various DBs (three-dimensional terrain data DB 60, three-dimensional design data DB 62, heavy equipment DB 64) stored in the storage unit 96, etc.

[0013] The earthwork distribution plan creation unit 50 identifies locations for cutting and filling earth based on three-dimensional terrain data and three-dimensional design data of a construction work area (planned area) at a stage before construction of a land reclamation project or the like. Further, the earthwork distribution plan creation unit 50 identifies where to transport how much earth to where and which heavy equipment to use during transportation, etc., and calculates the construction cost.

[0014] The future topography estimation unit 52 assists in creating a construction schedule for land development work, and based on the created schedule, generates and outputs (displays) three-dimensional topographic data for a predetermined period of time after the start of construction.

[0015] (Regarding the processing of the earthwork volume allocation plan creation section 50) First, the process of creating an earthwork volume allocation plan, which is carried out by the earthwork volume allocation plan creation unit 50 in the pre-construction stage of land development work, will be explained in detail according to the flowchart in Figure 3, with reference to other drawings as appropriate. The process in Figure 3 begins when the worker inputs information on the construction work area (referred to as the planning area 2) into the information processing device 100 via the input unit 95.

[0016] When the process shown in Figure 3 begins, in step S10, the earthworks distribution plan creation unit 50 first reads the three-dimensional terrain data of the planning area 2 from the three-dimensional terrain data DB 60 and the three-dimensional design data of the planning area 2 from the three-dimensional design data DB 62. The earthworks distribution plan creation unit 50 also divides the planning area 2 into a large number of meshes.

[0017] For example, if the three-dimensional topographic data of the planned area 2 is as shown in Figure 4(a), the earthwork volume distribution planning unit 50 divides it into multiple meshes 3. Here, the earthwork volume distribution planning unit 50 divides the planned area 2 into, for example, square meshes or irregularly shaped meshes. In the case of square meshes, the sides are assumed to be approximately 5m to 50m, but it is not limited to this.

[0018] Furthermore, in step S10, the earthworks distribution plan creation unit 50 compares the three-dimensional terrain data with the three-dimensional design data to determine whether each mesh 3 is a cut mesh (a mesh requiring excavation) or an embankment mesh (a mesh requiring embankment with soil transported from elsewhere). Specifically, it compares the elevation of the center of each mesh 3 shown in the three-dimensional terrain data with the elevation of the center of each mesh 3 shown in the three-dimensional design data, designating meshes with higher elevations in the three-dimensional terrain data as cut meshes and meshes with higher elevations in the three-dimensional design data as embankment meshes. In Figure 4(b), cut meshes are assigned the symbol C, and embankment meshes are assigned the symbol B.

[0019] In step S10, the volume distribution plan creation unit 50 generates cut slope blocks and embankment blocks by combining multiple meshes. In the example in Figure 5(a), the volume distribution plan creation unit 50 divides the planning area 2 into blocks (in Figure 5(a), one block is a 2x2 mesh or a 2x1 mesh), and designates each as either a cut slope block 4C or an embankment block 4B. In Figure 5(a), if a block consisting of four meshes has three cut slope meshes and one embankment mesh, that block is designated as a cut slope block 4C. Also, if a block has one cut slope mesh and three embankment meshes, that block is designated as an embankment block 4B. The volume distribution plan creation unit 50 generates cut slope blocks 4C and embankment blocks 4B based on other predetermined rules.

[0020] Next, in step S12, the earthwork volume distribution plan creation unit 50 generates an excavation area and an embankment area from the continuous excavation blocks 4C and embankment blocks 4B. Specifically, as shown in Figure 5(b), the earthwork volume distribution plan creation unit 50 generates an excavation area by grouping the continuous excavation blocks 4C together, and an embankment area by grouping the continuous embankment blocks 4B together. In addition, it can be said that the planned area 2 is divided into an excavation area and an embankment area according to Figure 5(b).

[0021] Next, in step S14, the earthwork volume distribution plan creation unit 50 extracts the embankment block (embankment target area) 4B' that has the largest embankment height and is constructible from among the embankment blocks 4B generated in step S10. For example, the earthwork volume distribution plan creation unit 50 calculates the difference between the elevation in the three-dimensional terrain data and the elevation in the three-dimensional design data at the center of all embankment blocks 4B, and extracts the embankment block 4B' with the largest calculated difference. Here, as an example, it is assumed that the embankment block 4B' shown in Figure 6(a) has been identified.

[0022] Next, in step S16, the earthwork volume distribution planning unit 50 extracts the cut slope block (cutting area) with the largest possible cut height for each cut slope area adjacent to the embankment area containing the extracted embankment block 4B'. For example, in each of the three cut slope areas adjacent to the embankment area shown in Figure 6(b), the earthwork volume distribution planning unit 50 calculates the difference between the elevation in the three-dimensional terrain data and the elevation in the three-dimensional design data at the center of each cut slope block, and extracts the cut slope blocks 4C1, 4C2, and 4C3 with the largest calculated difference.

[0023] Next, in step S18, the soil volume distribution planning unit 50 determines the transport distance between each of the extracted embankment blocks (4B') and the extracted cut slope blocks (4C1, 4C2, 4C3), based on the conditions of the steepest gradient i of the transport route, the minimum radius of curvature R, and the heavy machinery that can be used. The soil volume distribution planning unit 50 also sets the cut slope block with the shortest transport distance among the cut slope blocks 4C1, 4C2, and 4C3 as the source of soil transport to the extracted embankment block 4B'.

[0024] More specifically, the soil volume distribution planning unit 50 calculates the transport distance of the transport route R1 from cut block 4C1 to embankment block 4B', the transport distance of the transport route R2 from cut block 4C2 to embankment block 4B', and the transport distance of the transport route R3 from cut block 4C3 to embankment block 4B', as shown in Figure 7.

[0025] Here, there may be multiple candidates for each of the transport routes R1 to R3, and the transport routes may not be straight but may have gradients. Also, the heavy machinery that can travel on each transport route will differ. Therefore, the earthworks distribution planning unit 50 will designate the shortest routes among the transport routes that can be traveled by the available heavy machinery as transport routes R1 to R3.

[0026] For example, when determining the transport distance of transport route R1, the earthwork volume distribution planning unit 50 identifies one or more candidate routes between the cut slope block 4C1 and the embankment block 4B' from the three-dimensional terrain data. The earthwork volume distribution planning unit 50 then determines whether there are any heavy machines (construction machinery) that can travel along the identified candidate routes by referring to the heavy machine DB 64 shown in Figure 2. Here, it is assumed that the heavy machine DB 64 stores a heavy machine table as shown in Figure 8. The heavy machine table stores the names of usable heavy machines, the financial costs required when using the heavy machines, the steepest gradient on which the heavy machines can travel, the minimum radius of curvature, and the maximum speed, all associated with each other. The earthwork volume distribution planning unit 50 refers to the heavy machine information stored in the heavy machine DB 64 to identify candidate routes with traversable heavy machines from among the candidate routes between the cut slope block 4C1 and the embankment block 4B', and identifies the shortest candidate route among them as transport route R1.

[0027] Furthermore, the soil volume distribution planning unit 50 identifies transport routes R2 and R3 in the same manner as described above. The soil volume distribution planning unit 50 then calculates the distance (route) of transport routes R1 to R3 and identifies the cut slope block corresponding to the transport route with the shortest calculated distance as the source of soil to the embankment block 4B. In Figure 7, it is assumed that the cut slope block 4C1 has been identified as the source of soil.

[0028] The above describes the case where the shortest candidate route among the candidate routes that exist between the cut and fill blocks and are passable by heavy machinery is identified as the transport route R1 to R3. Furthermore, the above describes the case where the cut block corresponding to the shortest route among transport routes R1 to R3 is identified as the transport source. However, this is not the only case. For example, among the candidate routes that exist between the cut and fill blocks and are passable by heavy machinery, the route with the lowest cost or the shortest transport time may be identified as the transport route R1 to R3. Alternatively, for example, the cut block corresponding to the route with the lowest cost or the shortest transport time among transport routes R1 to R3 may be identified as the transport source.

[0029] Next, in step S20, the earthwork volume distribution planning unit 50 calculates the amount of earthwork required to bring the extracted embankment block 4B' to the same height as the embankment block with the largest embankment height among the adjacent embankment blocks, and uses this as the amount of earthwork to be cut from the source cut block 4C1. For example, as shown in Figure 9, suppose there is three-dimensional terrain data and three-dimensional design data, and there are five adjacent embankment blocks around the embankment block 4B'. In this case, the soil volume distribution planning unit 50 determines the embankment height (the difference between the elevation in the three-dimensional terrain data and the elevation in the three-dimensional design data at the center of the block) for each of the five embankment blocks adjacent to embankment block 4B', and identifies the embankment block 4B'' with the largest embankment height. Then, based on the elevation difference between the identified embankment block 4B'' and embankment block 4B', the soil volume distribution planning unit 50 calculates the embankment volume for embankment block 4B' (the amount of soil needed to bring embankment block 4B'' and embankment block 4B' to the same height), and uses this as the excavation volume for the excavation block 4C1 from which the material is transported.

[0030] Next, in step S22, the volume distribution plan creation unit 50 updates the three-dimensional terrain data. More specifically, the volume distribution plan creation unit 50 assumes that the amount of excavated soil from the source cut block 4C1 has been transported to the embankment block 4B', and updates the three-dimensional terrain data.

[0031] Next, in step S24, the earthwork volume distribution plan creation unit 50 determines whether the three-dimensional terrain data matches the three-dimensional design data. If the determination in step S24 is affirmative, it means that all earthwork volume distribution plans have been formulated. If the determination in step S24 is negative, the process returns to step S14. Then, the processing and determination in steps S14 to S24 are repeated until the determination in step S24 is affirmative. After that, if the determination in step S24 is affirmative, the process moves to step S26. At the stage of moving to step S26, it has been determined how much soil to transport from which cut block to which fill block.

[0032] When the process moves to step S26, the soil volume distribution planning unit 50 identifies the heavy machinery to be used for transporting soil along each of the previously established transport routes from the source cut block to the destination embankment block. The soil volume distribution planning unit 50 may also refer to the heavy machinery DB 64 and select the heavy machinery with the lowest monetary cost or the shortest transport time among the heavy machinery available for each transport route. In this case, the soil volume distribution planning unit 50 can refer to information stored in the heavy machinery DB 64, such as that shown in Figures 10(a) and 10(b). Figure 10(a) shows the transport distance (m) and the amount of soil transported per hour (m) for heavy machinery 1 to 3. 3 Figure 10(b) shows the relationship between the transport distance (m) and transport cost (yen / m) of heavy machinery 1-3. 3 This shows the relationship between cost and transportation distance. For example, if a worker inputs a request prioritizing cost, the volume distribution planning unit 50 refers to Figure 10(b) and selects the heavy machine with the lowest cost relative to the transportation distance. Also, if a worker inputs a request prioritizing time, the volume distribution planning unit 50 refers to Figure 10(a) and selects the heavy machine with the highest volume of soil transported per hour relative to the transportation distance.

[0033] Next, in step S28, the earthwork volume allocation plan creation unit 50 calculates the construction price based on the cost of the heavy machinery, transportation distance, and other expenses selected in step S26. When calculating the construction price, the earthwork volume allocation plan creation unit 50 can use information such as that shown in Figure 10(b). The earthwork volume allocation plan creation unit 50 then generates a screen that displays the formulated earthwork volume allocation plan and the calculated construction price, and displays it on the display unit 93. After that, all processing shown in Figure 3 is completed.

[0034] (Regarding the processing of the future topography estimation unit 52) Next, the processing of the future terrain estimation unit 52 will be explained in detail, following the flowchart in Figure 11 and referring to other diagrams as appropriate. This processing supports the formulation of a process plan in the planning area 2, and generates and outputs (displays) terrain data for a predetermined period based on the process plan.

[0035] When the process shown in Figure 11 begins, in step S50, the future terrain estimation unit 52 first obtains three-dimensional terrain data of the planned area 2 from the three-dimensional terrain data DB 60 and three-dimensional design data of the planned area 2 from the three-dimensional design data DB 62. The future terrain estimation unit 52 also obtains information on the earthworks distribution plan (information indicating where, which heavy machinery, and how much soil to transport) obtained in the process shown in Figure 3 from the earthworks distribution plan creation unit 50. The future terrain estimation unit 52 also obtains information on the capabilities of heavy machinery from the heavy machinery DB 64, as shown in Figure 10(a). If the process shown in Figure 3 has not been performed in advance, in step S50, the same process as in Figure 3 may be performed using three-dimensional terrain data and three-dimensional design data to obtain the earthworks distribution plan information.

[0036] Next, in step S52, the future terrain estimation unit 52 calculates the construction quantity for each combination of cut and fill blocks. The construction quantity refers to the man-hours required to transport the soil. At this time, the future terrain estimation unit 52 calculates the construction quantity for each heavy machine used. For example, as shown in the process plan creation table in Figure 12, suppose that when transporting soil from cut block C1 to fill block B1, the construction quantity for work type "b" (e.g., transport within the block) is calculated as "3585", and the construction quantity for work type "c" (e.g., rough leveling) is calculated as "3921". Also, suppose that the construction quantity for work type "d" (e.g., transport from cut block to fill block using the first heavy machine) is calculated as "18472", and the construction quantity for work type "e" (e.g., transport from cut block to fill block using the second heavy machine) is calculated as "46549". Construction quantities are similarly calculated for other combinations of cut and fill blocks.

[0037] Next, in step S54, the future terrain estimation unit 52 calculates the total number of days required (construction days) for each construction quantity based on the construction quantity calculated in step S52 and the capacity information of the heavy machinery (Figure 10(a)). The future terrain estimation unit 52 stores the calculated construction days in the process plan creation table in Figure 12.

[0038] Next, in step S56, the future terrain estimation unit 52 receives input from the worker regarding the start conditions for each combination of cut and fill blocks. For example, the worker selects a period during which construction cannot be carried out for each combination of cut and fill blocks in the process plan creation table in Figure 12. In Figure 12, periods during which construction cannot be carried out are shown in gray. A period during which construction cannot be carried out refers to, for example, a period during which land acquisition has not been completed or a period during which construction must be completed. In the process plan creation table in Figure 12, it is possible to set periods during which construction cannot be carried out for the period from the start month (month 1) to month 18.

[0039] Next, in step S58, the future terrain estimation unit 52 receives input of the process plan from the worker. The worker refers to the process plan creation table in Figure 12 to consider which tasks to perform and when, and enters the work period for each task into the process plan creation table as shown in Figure 13. When creating the process plan, the worker shall consider the placement order and introduction order of the heavy machinery. Note that the process plan may be created automatically using, for example, machine learning or optimization calculations. In this case, the worker should check the created process plan and make any necessary corrections.

[0040] Next, in step S60, the future terrain estimation unit 52 calculates the construction quantities that are scheduled to be completed each month after the start of construction, based on the received construction plan. Figure 14 shows a table (construction quantity management table) showing the construction quantities scheduled to be completed each month. The construction quantity management table in Figure 14 shows the construction quantities, construction days, and daily construction volume for each type of work in combination of cut and fill blocks. The table in Figure 14 also shows the construction quantities that are scheduled to be completed each month. The construction quantities that are scheduled to be completed each month are the product of the construction days and the daily construction volume (construction days × daily construction volume), and represent the cumulative total since the start of construction. The construction days can be obtained from the construction plan (work period for each task) in the construction plan creation table in Figure 13.

[0041] Next, in step S62, the future terrain estimation unit 52 calculates the construction progress rate (hereinafter simply referred to as the progress rate) for each cut slope block and each embankment block after a predetermined period (predetermined month) from the start of construction. The predetermined month is to be selected in advance by the worker.

[0042] For example, if we focus on a certain cut slope block (hereinafter referred to as the "specified cut slope block"), we can extract the construction quantities from the rows in the process plan creation table in Figure 13 where the specified cut slope block is the source of transport, and sum them up to determine the planned construction quantities related to the specified cut slope block. Furthermore, we can extract the construction quantities completed by the specified month from all rows in the construction quantity management table in Figure 14 where the specified cut slope block is the source, and sum them up to determine the completed construction quantities related to the specified cut slope block. Therefore, the future terrain estimation unit 52 can calculate the progress rate of the specified cut slope block in the specified month by determining the ratio of completed construction quantities to planned construction quantities. The same method can be used to calculate the progress rate for embankment blocks in the specified month.

[0043] Next, in step S64, the future terrain estimation unit 52 takes the progress rate of each block as the progress rate of each mesh included in each block, and calculates the amount of terrain deformation for each mesh by multiplying the cut or fill height of each mesh by the progress rate. The future terrain estimation unit 52 also edits the data by reflecting the amount of terrain deformation for each mesh in the three-dimensional terrain data to create three-dimensional terrain data for a predetermined month. Then, the future terrain estimation unit 52 displays the three-dimensional terrain data for the predetermined month on the display unit 93.

[0044] As a result, the display unit 93 can display the three-dimensional terrain data for a predetermined month in a way that can be viewed by the operator. Furthermore, the operator can check how the three-dimensional terrain data changes by changing the predetermined month. The future terrain estimation unit 52 may also pre-create three-dimensional terrain data for each month. In this case, the future terrain estimation unit 52 may display the changes in the three-dimensional terrain data month by month in sequence.

[0045] As described in detail above, according to this embodiment, the earthwork volume distribution plan creation unit 50 generates cut areas and fill areas from the three-dimensional terrain data and three-dimensional design data of the planning area 2 (S12), and extracts the fill block 4B' with the largest possible fill height from the fill area (S14). The earthwork volume distribution plan creation unit 50 also extracts the cut blocks 4C1 to 4C3 with the largest possible cut height from each of the multiple cut areas adjacent to the fill area containing the fill block 4B' (S16). Then, based on the transportation conditions (e.g., transportation distance), the earthwork volume distribution plan creation unit 50 sets the cut block from which the cut will be transported from the extracted cut blocks 4C1 to 4C3 (S18). In this way, in this embodiment, an appropriate cut block can be set as the source of the cut for the fill block with the largest fill height, taking into account the actual construction procedure and transportation conditions. For example, when creating a plan for the distribution of earthwork volume between blocks, pursuing the minimum amount of work may result in a plan that is far removed from actual construction. However, by adopting a method like that of this embodiment, it is possible to create an appropriate earthwork volume distribution plan that can actually be constructed.

[0046] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the soil volume distribution plan creation unit 50 selects the cut slope block with the shortest transport distance from the cut slope blocks extracted in step S16 and sets it as the source of the cut slope, thus enabling the setting of an appropriate cut slope block as the source of transport. The soil volume distribution plan creation unit 50 may also select the cut slope block with the shortest transport time or the lowest transport cost (expense) from the cut slope blocks extracted in step S16, and in this case as well, an appropriate cut slope block can be set as the source of transport. The soil volume distribution plan creation unit 50 may also select the cut slope block to be transported from the cut slope blocks extracted in step S16 by considering two or all of the transport conditions of transport time, transport cost, and transport distance. For example, the transport conditions of two or all of the cut slope blocks extracted in step S16 may be scored, and the cut slope block with the best total score may be set as the source of transport.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the earthworks distribution planning unit 50 determines the transport distance between the embankment block with the largest embankment height and the cut slope block, it takes into account the available heavy machinery, the steepest gradient i of the transport route, and the minimum radius of curvature R. Therefore, it can determine the transport distance between the embankment block with the largest embankment height and the cut slope block by excluding transport routes that the available heavy machinery cannot travel on.

[0048] In this embodiment, the soil volume distribution planning unit 50 calculates the amount of soil to fill the area adjacent to the embankment block 4B' with the highest embankment height until it reaches the same height as the embankment block 4B'' with the highest embankment height (S20), and updates the three-dimensional terrain data based on the calculated amount of soil to fill the area (S22). This makes it possible to obtain three-dimensional terrain data after the embankment block 4B' with the highest embankment height has been filled. In addition, in this embodiment, while updating the three-dimensional terrain data, the processing and judgment in steps S14 to S24 are repeatedly executed until the three-dimensional terrain data and the three-dimensional design data match, so that the soil transportation procedure until the planned area 2 matches the three-dimensional design data can be appropriately determined in order.

[0049] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the future terrain estimation unit 52 acquires information on the amount of soil to be transported between each block within the planned area 2 (S50), and calculates the construction quantity between each block based on information on the heavy machinery that can be used (S52). The future terrain estimation unit 52 also accepts input of a construction plan created based on the construction quantity between each block and the commencement conditions for each block (S58). Then, based on the construction plan, the future terrain estimation unit 52 calculates the ground elevation of each mesh included in each block in a predetermined month (S60, S64). In this way, in this embodiment, the ground elevation of each mesh in a predetermined month is calculated from the construction plan between each block, so the ground elevation of each mesh in a predetermined month when construction is carried out according to the construction plan can be calculated with high accuracy. As a result, the future terrain can be estimated with high accuracy.

[0050] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the future terrain estimation unit 52 generates and outputs three-dimensional terrain data within the planned area 2 based on the ground elevation of each mesh in a predetermined month, so that the operator can check what the terrain will be like in a predetermined month.

[0051] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the future terrain estimation unit 52 calculates the progress rate of construction in each block and each mesh in a predetermined month based on the process plan, and calculates the ground elevation of each mesh from the calculated progress rate, so that the ground elevation of each mesh can be calculated accurately and simply.

[0052] In the above embodiment, the case in which the information processing device 100 has both the functions of the earthwork volume allocation plan creation unit 50 and the future terrain estimation unit 52 was described, but it is not limited to this. For example, the information processing device 100 may have only at least one of the functions of the earthwork volume allocation plan creation unit 50 and the future terrain estimation unit 52. Alternatively, at least one of the functions of the earthwork volume allocation plan creation unit 50 and the future terrain estimation unit 52 may be provided to a server, and the server and the client terminal used by the worker may be connected by a network.

[0053] The embodiments described above are preferred examples of the present invention. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0054] 2. Planning Area 50. Department for Creating Soil Volume Allocation Plans 52 Future Topography Estimation Section 60 Three-dimensional terrain data database 62 Three-dimensional design data database 64 Heavy machinery DB 100 Information Processing Devices

Claims

1. A process to acquire information on the amount of soil transported between each area within a designated construction area, A process for calculating the required man-hours for transporting soil between each of the aforementioned areas, based on information regarding the amount of soil transported by the heavy machinery used and the amount of soil transported by the heavy machinery according to the transport distance of the heavy machinery, A process to acquire soil transport plan information, which allocates the required man-hours for transporting soil between each area to the period during which construction can commence in each area within the construction area, based on the information regarding the amount of soil transported and the amount of soil transported by the heavy machinery according to the transport distance of the heavy machinery, A future topography estimation method in which a computer performs the steps of calculating the ground elevation of each area within the construction area at a predetermined date and time based on the soil transportation plan information.

2. The future topography estimation method according to claim 1, wherein the computer performs the step of generating and outputting three-dimensional topographic data within the construction area based on the ground elevation of each area within the construction area at the predetermined date and time.

3. The future topography estimation method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the computer performs the step of formulating soil transport plan information by assigning the required man-hours for transporting soil between each of the aforementioned areas and commencement information indicating whether or not construction can be commenced in each area within the construction area.

4. The method for estimating future topography according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the step of calculating the ground elevation involves calculating the construction progress rate of each area within the construction area at a predetermined date and time based on the soil transport plan information, and then calculating the ground elevation of each area within the construction area from the calculated construction progress rate of each area within the construction area.

5. The future topography estimation method according to Claim 1, wherein the information relating to the amount of soil transported by the heavy machine includes information relating to the transport cost of the heavy machine.

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