System for automatically calling snow removal agent ton bags based on IoT

Abstract

The present invention recognizes the location of a worker in real time via a UWB-based remote control and enables the overhead crane unit to automatically move to that location. As a result, it significantly reduces the burden of repetitive operations on the worker associated with conventional remote control operation and eliminates the need for manual control during position changes, thereby reducing work fatigue. Furthermore, as the repetitive path movement between the call and destination locations is automated, it is possible to improve work speed and overall process efficiency. Additionally, by automatically issuing a warning when a worker is detected along the overhead crane unit's movement path, it is possible to prevent accidents and enhance safety.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an IoT-based automatic snow removal ton bag calling system. Background Technology

[0002] For winter snow removal operations, road management agencies and related departments secure snow removal materials in advance and store them in snow removal warehouses. The materials used are generally large-capacity de-icing agents in the form of ton bags, which must be loaded onto or unloaded from snow removal vehicles; typically, overhead cranes are used to move these ton bags.

[0003] These operations are typically performed by an operator manually controlling the crane's movements (traversing, traveling, and lifting) via a remote control, and require repeated movement along a path between the starting position (snow removal vehicle location) and the arrival position (loading location within the warehouse).

[0004] Since the operator must control the movement of the crane using a remote control, the burden of repetitive operation is heavy, and precise manual control is required every time the crane is moved, resulting in very high work fatigue.

[0005] In addition, the function of detecting or warning of dangerous situations during operation is also inadequate. Since the worker is in the same workspace as the crane, there is a risk of collision, and in particular, if the snow removal ton bag swings due to the crane's pendulum motion, a collision accident with the worker or surrounding structures may occur.

[0006] In addition, the worker must adjust the starting point according to the location of the snowplow and manually set the crane's route every time, which reduces work efficiency. Furthermore, despite being a repetitive task, it is not automated, which consumes a lot of time and results in low productivity.

[0007] These issues pose a significant burden and risk to workers, particularly due to the nature of snow removal work which involves a lot of outdoor work during the winter, and can also lead to equipment breakdowns or increased maintenance costs. Prior art literature

[0008] Korean Registered Patent (10-1618531) The problem to be solved

[0009] The objective of the present invention is to provide an IoT-based automatic snow removal ton bag calling system capable of solving the aforementioned problems. means of solving the problem

[0010] An IoT-based automatic snow removal ton bag calling system for achieving the above purpose is,

[0011] A first UWB remote control carried by a snowplow operator;

[0012] A second UWB remote control carried by a loading site worker;

[0013] A ceiling crane unit that moves between the first UWB remote control and the second UWB remote control by recognizing the positions of the first UWB remote control and the second UWB remote control; and

[0014] It includes a danger warning unit that detects a worker in the movement path of the above-mentioned overhead crane and warns of a dangerous situation,

[0015] The first UWB remote control, the second UWB remote control, and the ceiling crane unit communicate based on UWB (Ultra-Wideband), and

[0016] The above ceiling crane unit is characterized by automatically moving to the position of the first UWB remote control and the position of the second UWB remote control according to the signals of the first UWB remote control and the second UWB remote control.

[0018] In addition, the above objective is,

[0019] Vehicle recognition unit for recognizing the location of a snowplow;

[0020] UWB remote control carried by a loading site worker;

[0021] A ceiling crane unit that receives the location of the snowplow from the vehicle recognition unit and recognizes the location of the UWB remote control to move between the snowplow and the UWB remote control; and

[0022] It includes a danger warning unit that detects a worker in the movement path of the above-mentioned overhead crane and warns of a dangerous situation,

[0023] The above UWB remote control and the above ceiling crane unit communicate based on UWB (Ultra-Wideband), and

[0024] This is achieved by an IoT-based automatic snow removal ton bag calling system characterized by the above-mentioned overhead crane unit automatically moving to the location of the snow removal vehicle or the location of the UWB remote control according to the signal of the above-mentioned UWB remote control. Effects of the invention

[0025] The present invention recognizes the location of a worker in real time via a UWB-based remote control and enables the overhead crane unit to automatically move to that location. As a result, it significantly reduces the burden of repetitive operations on the worker associated with conventional remote control operation and eliminates the need for manual control during position changes, thereby reducing work fatigue. Furthermore, as the repetitive path movement between the call and destination locations is automated, it is possible to improve work speed and overall process efficiency. Additionally, by automatically issuing a warning when a worker is detected along the overhead crane unit's movement path, it is possible to prevent accidents and enhance safety.

[0026] The present invention enables an overhead crane unit to operate through smooth acceleration and deceleration control. As a result, by reducing swaying caused by pendulum motion during the movement of snow removal ton bags, the possibility of collision with surrounding workers or equipment is reduced, and at the same time, the durability of the equipment is improved by mitigating repetitive impacts applied to ropes and connecting parts.

[0027] The present invention applies Ultra-Wideband (UWB) based position tracking technology to recognize the location of a worker wearing a remote control with high precision. Therefore, the overhead crane unit can move accurately to a designated work point without separate manual control.

[0028] This invention automatically designates the starting location without a remote control by detecting the location of a snowplow based on image recognition, enabling automatic recognition and movement regardless of where the snowplow is parked. As a result, work efficiency is improved, and in particular, work time is reduced through the automation of repetitive tasks.

[0029] This invention stores repetitive driving data of an overhead crane and uses AI-based learning to automatically set optimal driving patterns and movement paths. As a result, it offers reduced operating time and energy savings, as well as reduced maintenance costs through efficient equipment operation. This is particularly effective in snow removal ton bag operations environments where standardized routes are frequently traversed. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0030] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an IoT-based snow removal ton bag automatic calling system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an IoT-based snow removal ton bag automatic calling system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of an operation button of a first UWB remote control and a second UWB remote control. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the operation of an IoT-based automatic snow removal ton bag call system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, wherein (a) shows the case where a snow removal vehicle operator holding a first UWB remote control presses the SAND button of the first UWB remote control, and (b) shows the case where a snow removal vehicle operator holding a first UWB remote control presses the CALL button of the first UWB remote control. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an IoT-based snow removal ton bag automatic calling system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0031] Hereinafter, an IoT-based automatic snow removal ton bag calling system according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0032] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the IoT-based automatic snow removal ton bag calling system according to the first embodiment of the present invention is composed of (10), a first UWB remote control (11), a second UWB remote control (12), an overhead crane unit (13), and a danger warning unit (14).

[0033] [First UWB remote control (11) and second UWB remote control (12)]

[0034] The UWB remote control is a remote control that communicates with the overhead crane unit (13) based on Ultra-Wideband (UWB) by incorporating a UWB transmitter. Two UWB remote controls are provided. The first UWB remote control (11) is carried by the snow removal vehicle operator. The second UWB remote control (12) is carried by the loading site operator.

[0035] The first UWB remote control (11) and the second UWB remote control (12) can be various types of wearable remote controls, such as ring type, wristband type, glasses type, or headset type. These wearable remote controls can minimize the risk of loss, free up the worker's hands to improve work efficiency, and always accurately recognize the worker's location.

[0036] The first UWB remote control (11) and the second UWB remote control (12) are equipped with a CALL button for calling the ceiling crane unit (13) and a SAND button for transmitting the ceiling crane unit (13).

[0037] As shown in FIG. 3, the first UWB remote control (11) and the second UWB remote control (12) may be equipped with direction (east, west, north, south, up, down) operation buttons for manual operation in addition to the CALL button and SAND button.

[0039] [Ceiling crane unit (13)]

[0040] The ceiling crane unit (13) recognizes the positions of the first UWB remote control (11) and the second UWB remote control (12) and moves between the first UWB remote control (11) and the second UWB remote control (12).

[0041] The ceiling crane unit (13) is equipped with a UWB receiver and communicates with the first UWB remote control (11) and the second UWB remote control (12) based on Ultra-Wideband (UWB).

[0042] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the ceiling crane unit (13) automatically moves to the position of the first UWB remote control (11) and the position of the second UWB remote control (12) according to the signals of the first UWB remote control (11) and the second UWB remote control (12). That is, the ceiling crane unit (13) can automatically move between the position of the first UWB remote control (11) and the position of the second UWB remote control (12) by operating the first UWB remote control (11) or by operating the second UWB remote control (12).

[0043] The CALL signal and SAND signal of the first UWB remote control (11) and the second UWB remote control (12) are transmitted to the ceiling crane unit (13) via UWB communication. The ceiling crane unit (13) that receives the CALL signal automatically moves to the location of the UWB remote control that sent the signal, and the ceiling crane unit (13) that receives the SAND signal automatically moves to the location of the other UWB remote control.

[0044] The ceiling crane unit (13) estimates the real-time positions of the first UWB remote control (11) and the second UWB remote control (12) through UWB-based distance measurement and trilateration techniques. Position estimation through UWB-based distance measurement and trilateration techniques enables position recognition within an error range of ±10 cm, allowing for accurate positional movement of the ceiling crane unit (13) even within a complex warehouse structure. Therefore, precise loading and unloading operations are possible.

[0045] In the movement between the first UWB remote control (11) and the second UWB remote control (12), the overhead crane unit (13) operates with a smooth acceleration and deceleration pattern during starting and stopping. This smooth acceleration and deceleration control of the overhead crane unit (13) reduces shaking of the snow removal ton bag, thereby improving worker safety, reduces the risk of damage to the connection part, extends the lifespan of the equipment, and enables precise position control.

[0046] In addition, the ceiling crane unit (13) moves by automatically generating a path that avoids a preset danger zone.

[0047] In addition, the ceiling crane unit (13) stores repetitive movement data and optimizes the driving pattern based on AI.

[0048] For example, such a ceiling crane unit (13) may be composed of a crane body that moves snow removal ton bags along the X, Y, and Z axes, a drive unit that drives the crane body, and a control unit that controls the operation of the crane body.

[0050] [Danger Warning Unit (14)]

[0051] The danger warning unit (14) detects a worker in the movement path of the ceiling crane unit (13) and warns of a dangerous situation. The danger warning unit (14) is installed on the ceiling crane unit (13) and moves together with the ceiling crane unit (13).

[0052] The danger warning unit (14) uses image-based object detection technology to detect workers or obstacles on the path of the ceiling crane and emits real-time voice guidance or warning sounds.

[0053] The danger warning unit (14) uses image-based object detection technology to detect when a worker approaches a pre-set danger area and emits real-time voice guidance or a warning sound.

[0054] For example, such a danger warning unit (14) may be composed of an image acquisition unit that acquires images of the work site using a camera, an image processing unit that detects and analyzes workers or obstacles in the images, and a warning output unit that outputs voice guidance or a warning sound when a dangerous situation is detected.

[0056] [Operation Example]

[0057] The movement of the ceiling crane unit (13) can be operated by the first UWB remote control (11) and the second UWB remote control (12), respectively. Hereinafter, reference is made primarily to FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0058] When the overhead crane unit (13) transports the snow removal ton bags of the snow removal vehicle to the loading area

[0059] A snow removal vehicle operator attaches a snow removal ton bag to the overhead crane unit (13). At this time, the position of the snow removal ton bag can be finely adjusted through manual operation of the first UWB remote control (11).

[0060] In order for the overhead crane unit (13) to transport the snow removal ton bag of the snow removal vehicle to the loading area, a snow removal vehicle operator holding the first UWB remote control (11) may press the SAND button of the first UWB remote control (11) (see FIG. 4(a)), or a loading area operator holding the second UWB remote control (12) may press the CALL button of the second UWB remote control (12). Upon receiving the SAND signal of the first UWB remote control (11) or the CALL signal of the second UWB remote control (12), the overhead crane unit (13) recognizes the location of the second UWB remote control (12) and automatically moves to the location of the second UWB remote control (12). For example, the overhead crane unit (13) operates in the process of lifting the snow removal ton bag, traversing and driving, arriving at the destination, and lowering the snow removal ton bag.

[0061] At this time, the danger warning unit (14) detects a worker in the path of the overhead crane and warns of a dangerous situation, thereby guiding safe movement.

[0062] When the overhead crane unit (13) arrives at the location of the second UWB remote control (12), the loading site worker separates or cuts the snow removal ton bag attached to the overhead crane unit (13) and stores it in the storage area of ​​the loading site. At this time, the loading site worker can fine-tune the position of the snow removal ton bag through manual operation of the second UWB remote control (12).

[0063] When the overhead crane unit (13) returns to the position of the snow removal ton bag of the snow removal vehicle

[0064] When the ton bag operation is completed, the overhead crane unit (13) must be returned to the snow removal ton bag position of the snow removal vehicle. To do this, a loading station worker holding the second UWB remote control (12) may press the SAND button of the second UWB remote control (12), or a snow removal vehicle worker holding the first UWB remote control (11) may press the CALL button of the first UWB remote control (11) (see FIG. 4(b)). Upon receiving the SAND signal from the second UWB remote control (12) or the CALL signal from the first UWB remote control (11), the overhead crane unit (13) recognizes the position of the first UWB remote control (11) and automatically moves to the position of the first UWB remote control (11). For example, the overhead crane unit (13) operates in the process of hoisting, traversing and traveling, arriving at the starting point, and lowering the snow removal ton bag.

[0066] Hereinafter, an IoT-based automatic snow removal ton bag calling system according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0067] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the IoT-based snow removal ton bag automatic calling system (20) according to the second embodiment of the present invention is composed of a vehicle recognition unit (21), a UWB remote control (22), an overhead crane unit (23), and a danger warning unit (24). In the second embodiment, the movement of the overhead crane unit (23) is operated by a single UWB remote control (22).

[0068] [Vehicle recognition unit (21)]

[0069] The vehicle recognition unit (21) recognizes the location of the snowplow. When the snowplow moves to the snowplow warehouse and arrives at the location of the overhead crane unit (23), the vehicle recognition unit (21) recognizes the snowplow, recognizes the location of the snowplow, and transmits the location information of the snowplow to the overhead crane unit (23). The overhead crane unit (23) moves to the vehicle's location. As a result, the snowplow operator no longer needs to have the first UWB remote control (11) to call the overhead crane unit (13) the snowplow.

[0070] The vehicle recognition unit (21) can detect the shape and location of the snow removal vehicle that has arrived at the ceiling crane unit (23) using image-based object detection technology.

[0071] Alternatively, the vehicle recognition unit (21) can recognize the location of the snow removal vehicle that has arrived at the overhead crane unit (23) by recognizing a specific mark attached to the snow removal vehicle.

[0072] For example, the vehicle recognition unit (21) may be composed of an image acquisition unit that captures an image of a snowplow vehicle using a camera, an image processing unit that identifies the snowplow vehicle by recognizing external features or specific marks of the snowplow vehicle in the image and extracts location information, and a communication unit that transmits the location information of the snowplow vehicle to a ceiling crane unit (23).

[0074] [UWB remote control (22)]

[0075] The UWB remote control (22) is a remote control that communicates with the ceiling crane unit (23) based on UWB (Ultra-Wideband) by incorporating a UWB transmitter, and is configured in the same way as in the first embodiment.

[0076] However, in this embodiment, one UWB remote control (22) is provided, and the UWB remote control (22) is carried by the loading site worker.

[0078] [Ceiling crane unit (23)]

[0079] The overhead crane unit (23) receives the location of the snowplow from the vehicle recognition unit (21), recognizes the location of the UWB remote control (22), and moves between the snowplow and the UWB remote control (22).

[0080] The overhead crane unit (23) is equipped with a UWB receiver and communicates with the UWB remote control (22) based on UWB. In addition, to communicate with the vehicle recognition unit (21), wireless communication methods such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Zigbee can be used in addition to UWB.

[0081] The overhead crane unit (23) automatically moves to the location of the snowplow or the location of the UWB remote control (22) according to the signal of the UWB remote control (22). The CALL signal and SAND signal of the UWB remote control (22) are transmitted to the overhead crane unit (23) via UWB communication. The overhead crane unit (23) that receives the CALL signal automatically moves to the location of the UWB remote control (22) that sent the signal, and the overhead crane unit (23) that receives the SAND signal automatically moves to the location of the snowplow.

[0082] In addition, the ceiling crane unit (23) is basically the same as the first embodiment.

[0084] [Danger Warning Unit (24)]

[0085] The danger warning unit (24) is the same as in the first embodiment, so a detailed description is omitted.

[0087] [Operation Example]

[0088] The movement of the ceiling crane unit (23) is operated by the UWB remote control (22).

[0089] When the overhead crane unit (23) transports the snow removal ton bags of the snow removal vehicle to the loading area

[0090] The overhead crane unit (23) receives the location of the snow removal vehicle from the vehicle recognition unit (21), moves to the vehicle attachment location, and waits. The snow removal vehicle operator attaches the snow removal ton bag to the overhead crane unit (23). At this time, the position of the snow removal ton bag can be finely adjusted through manual operation of the UWB remote control (22).

[0091] In order for the overhead crane unit (23) to transport the snow removal ton bag of the snow removal vehicle to the loading area, a loading area worker holding a UWB remote control (22) presses the CALL button of the UWB remote control (22). The overhead crane unit (23) receives the CALL signal from the UWB remote control (22), recognizes the location of the UWB remote control (22), and automatically moves to the location of the UWB remote control (22).

[0092] At this time, the danger warning unit (24) detects a worker in the movement path of the overhead crane and warns of a dangerous situation, thereby guiding safe movement.

[0093] When the overhead crane unit (23) arrives at the location of the UWB remote control (22), the loading site worker separates or cuts the snow removal ton bag attached to the overhead crane unit (23) and stores it in the storage area of ​​the loading site. At this time, the loading site worker can fine-tune the position of the snow removal ton bag through manual operation of the UWB remote control (22).

[0094] When the overhead crane unit (23) returns to the position of the snow removal ton bag of the snow removal vehicle

[0095] When the ton bag operation is completed, the overhead crane unit (23) must be returned to the snow removal ton bag location of the snow removal vehicle. To do this, a loading station worker holding a UWB remote control (22) presses the SAND button of the UWB remote control (22). The overhead crane unit (23) receives the SAND signal from the UWB remote control (22), receives the snow removal vehicle location from the vehicle recognition unit (21), and automatically moves to the snow removal vehicle location. Explanation of the symbols

[0096] 10, 20: IoT-based automatic snow removal ton bag calling system 11: 1st UWB remote control 12: 2nd UWB remote control 13: Ceiling crane unit 14: Danger warning unit 21: Vehicle recognition unit 22: UWB remote control 23: Ceiling crane unit 24: Danger warning unit

Claims

Claim 1 An IoT-based automatic snow removal ton bag calling system comprising: a first UWB remote control held by a snow removal vehicle operator; a second UWB remote control held by a loading site operator; an overhead crane unit that moves between the first UWB remote control and the second UWB remote control by recognizing the locations of the first UWB remote control and the second UWB remote control; and a danger warning unit that detects an operator in the movement path of the overhead crane and warns of a dangerous situation, wherein the first UWB remote control, the second UWB remote control, and the overhead crane unit communicate based on UWB (Ultra-Wideband), and the overhead crane unit automatically moves to the location of the first UWB remote control and the location of the second UWB remote control according to the signals of the first UWB remote control and the second UWB remote control, and wherein the overhead crane unit operates with a smooth acceleration and deceleration pattern when starting and stopping, or moves by automatically generating a path that avoids a preset danger area, or wherein the overhead crane unit stores repetitive movement data and optimizes the driving pattern based on AI. Claim 2 A first UWB remote control held by a snow removal vehicle operator; a second UWB remote control held by a loading site operator; and an overhead crane unit that moves between the first UWB remote control and the second UWB remote control by recognizing the positions of the first UWB remote control and the second UWB remote control; An IoT-based automatic snow removal ton bag calling system comprising a danger warning unit that detects a worker in the movement path of the overhead crane and warns of a dangerous situation, wherein the first UWB remote control, the second UWB remote control, and the overhead crane unit communicate based on Ultra-Wideband (UWB), and the overhead crane unit automatically moves to the location of the first UWB remote control and the location of the second UWB remote control according to the signals of the first UWB remote control and the second UWB remote control, and the danger warning unit detects a worker or obstacle on the movement path of the overhead crane using image-based object detection technology and transmits real-time voice guidance or a warning sound, or detects the approach of a worker to a preset danger area using image-based object detection technology and transmits real-time voice guidance or a warning sound. Claim 3 delete Claim 4 delete Claim 5 An IoT-based automatic snow removal ton bag calling system comprising: a vehicle recognition unit that recognizes the location of a snow removal vehicle; a UWB remote control held by a loading site worker; an overhead crane unit that receives the location of the snow removal vehicle from the vehicle recognition unit, recognizes the location of the UWB remote control, and moves between the snow removal vehicle and the UWB remote control; and a danger warning unit that detects a worker in the movement path of the overhead crane and warns of a dangerous situation, wherein the UWB remote control and the overhead crane unit communicate based on UWB (Ultra-Wideband), and the overhead crane unit automatically moves to the location of the snow removal vehicle or the location of the UWB remote control according to the signal of the UWB remote control, and the overhead crane unit operates with a smooth acceleration and deceleration pattern when starting and stopping, or moves by automatically generating a path that avoids a preset danger area, or the overhead crane unit stores repetitive movement data and optimizes the driving pattern based on AI. Claim 6 An IoT-based automatic snow removal ton bag calling system comprising: a vehicle recognition unit that recognizes the location of a snow removal vehicle; a UWB remote control held by a loading site worker; an overhead crane unit that receives the location of the snow removal vehicle from the vehicle recognition unit, recognizes the location of the UWB remote control, and moves between the snow removal vehicle and the UWB remote control; and a danger warning unit that detects a worker in the movement path of the overhead crane and warns of a dangerous situation, wherein the UWB remote control and the overhead crane unit communicate based on UWB (Ultra-Wideband), the overhead crane unit automatically moves to the location of the snow removal vehicle or the location of the UWB remote control according to the signal of the UWB remote control, and the danger warning unit detects a worker or obstacle on the movement path of the overhead crane using image-based object detection technology and transmits real-time voice guidance or a warning sound, or detects the approach of a worker to a preset danger area using image-based object detection technology and transmits real-time voice guidance or a warning sound. Claim 7 delete Claim 8 delete Claim 9 delete Claim 10 delete Claim 11 delete Claim 12 delete Claim 13 delete Claim 14 delete Claim 15 delete

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