Attachment management system, information terminal, and attachment management method

Abstract

This attachment management system comprises: a data acquisition unit that acquires position data of an attachment that can be attached to a work machine; an area setting unit that sets an area; a processing unit that recognizes the position of the attachment with respect to the area on the basis of the position data; and an output unit that outputs the recognition result of the position of the attachment.

Description

Attachment management system, information terminal, and attachment management method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an attachment management system, an information terminal, and an attachment management method.

[0002] As disclosed in Patent Document 1, when a work machine operates at a work site, various attachments are attached to the work machine depending on the type of work to be performed.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-178845

[0004] The attachments are stored in a storage area or at a work site, and are attached to the work machine at the work site when they are used. A technique for managing attachments is therefore desired.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to manage attachments attached to a work machine.

[0006] According to the present disclosure, there is provided an attachment management system comprising: a data acquisition unit that acquires position data of an attachment that can be attached to a work machine; an area setting unit that sets an area; a processing unit that recognizes the position of the attachment relative to the area based on the position data; and an output unit that outputs the recognition result of the attachment position.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, an attachment attached to a work machine is managed.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a work machine according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a management tag according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing an attachment management system according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing an information terminal according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a hardware configuration diagram showing a management computer according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing a management server according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing registered positions and geofences according to an embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the state of an attachment according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the state of an attachment according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an information terminal that outputs the state of an attachment according to an embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a method for managing attachments according to an embodiment.

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described, but the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments. The components of the embodiments described below can be combined as appropriate. In addition, some components may not be used.

[0010] [Working Machine] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a working machine 1 according to an embodiment. The working machine 1 operates at a work site. In the embodiment, the working machine 1 is a hydraulic excavator. In the following description, the working machine 1 will be referred to as the hydraulic excavator 1 as appropriate. The hydraulic excavator 1 includes a traveling body 2, a rotating body 3, a working implement 4, and a hydraulic cylinder 5.

[0011] The running body 2 runs while supporting the rotating body 3. The running body 2 has a pair of tracks 2A. The running body 2 runs by the rotation of the tracks 2A.

[0012] The rotating body 3 is supported by the running body 2. The rotating body 3 is disposed higher than the running body 2. The rotating body 3 rotates while being supported by the running body 2. The rotating body 3 has a cab 3A. The cab 3A is provided at the left front portion of the rotating body 3. A driver's seat is disposed in the cab 3A.

[0013] The work implement 4 is attached to the front of the revolving body 3. The work implement 4 performs work. Examples of work performed by the work implement 4 include an excavation work for excavating an excavation target and an earth removal work for discharging excavated material onto an earth removal target.

[0014] The work implement 4 includes a boom 4A, an arm 4B, and a bucket 61, which is a type of attachment 6 (work tool). A base end of the boom 4A is operably connected to the front of the revolving unit 3. A base end of the arm 4B is operably connected to the tip of the boom 4A. A base end of the bucket 61 is operably connected to the tip of the arm 4B.

[0015] The hydraulic cylinders 5 operate the work implement 4. The hydraulic cylinders 5 include a boom cylinder 5A, an arm cylinder 5B, and a bucket cylinder 5C. The boom cylinder 5A raises and lowers the boom 4A. The arm cylinder 5B causes the arm 4B to perform excavation and dumping operations. The bucket cylinder 5C causes the bucket 61 to perform excavation and dumping operations.

[0016] The attachments 6 are interchangeable. Each of the multiple attachments 6 can be attached to the hydraulic excavator 1. Examples of the attachments 6 include a skeleton bucket 62, a concrete crushing tool 63, a grapple 64, and a hydraulic breaker 65.

[0017] A management tag 7 is attached to each of the attachments 6. The management tag 7 is detachable from the attachment 6.

[0018] 2 is a diagram illustrating a management tag 7 according to an embodiment. The management tag 7 includes a housing 70, a microcomputer 71, a position sensor 72, a motion sensor 73, a communicator 74, and a battery 75.

[0019] The housing 70 accommodates a microcomputer 71, a position sensor 72, a motion sensor 73, a communicator 74, and a battery 75. The microcomputer 71 includes at least one processor.

[0020] The position sensor 72 detects the position of the management tag 7. The position sensor 72 detects the position of the attachment 6 when the management tag 7 is attached to the attachment 6. The position sensor 72 detects the position using a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). The Global Navigation Satellite System includes a Global Positioning System (GPS). The position sensor 72 includes a GNSS receiver. The position sensor 72 detects the position of the attachment 6 in a global coordinate system. The global coordinate system is a coordinate system fixed to the Earth. The position sensor 72 detects the absolute position of the attachment 6. The management tag 7 can acquire position data of the attachment 6 using the position sensor 72.

[0021] The motion sensor 73 detects the movement of the management tag 7. The motion sensor 73 detects the movement of the attachment 6 when the management tag 7 is attached to the attachment 6. The motion sensor 73 detects whether the attachment 6 has moved when the management tag 7 is attached to the attachment 6. Examples of the motion sensor 73 include an inertial measurement unit (IMU), a gyro sensor, and an acceleration sensor.

[0022] The communicator 74 is a wireless communication device that wirelessly transmits the detection data of the position sensor 72 and the detection data of the motion sensor 73. The management tag 7 can transmit the position data of the attachment 6 via the communicator 74.

[0023] The battery 75 functions as a power source for the management tag 7. The microcomputer 71, the position sensor 72, the motion sensor 73, and the communication device 74 each operate using power supplied from the battery 75.

[0024] 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating a management system 8 for the attachment 6 according to the embodiment. The management system 8 includes a management tag 7, a management server 9, and an information terminal 10. The management server 9 includes a management computer 13.

[0025] The management server 9 can communicate with the management tags 7 via the communication system 11. The communication system 11 includes a mobile phone communication network. The communication system 11 may also include an Internet communication network. The communicator 74 transmits the detection data of the position sensor 72 and the detection data of the motion sensor 73 to the management server 9 via the communication system 11. The management server 9 collects the detection data of the position sensor 72 and the detection data of the motion sensor 73 transmitted from each of the multiple management tags 7.

[0026] The management server 9 can communicate with the information terminals 10 via a communication system 12. The communication system 12 includes an Internet communication network. The communication system 12 may also include a mobile phone communication network. The management server 9 collects data from the information terminals 10. A plurality of information terminals 10 are provided. The information terminals 10 include a personal computer 101 and a mobile terminal 102. Examples of the mobile terminal 102 include a smartphone and a tablet terminal.

[0027] 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating an information terminal 10 according to an embodiment. The information terminal 10 includes a housing 14, a terminal computer 15, an input device 16, a display device 17, a camera 18, a position sensor 19, a communication device 20, and a battery 21.

[0028] The housing 14 accommodates a terminal computer 15, an input device 16, a display device 17, a camera 18, a position sensor 19, a communicator 20, and a battery 21. The terminal computer 15 includes at least one processor.

[0029] The input device 16 generates input data when operated by a user. An example of the input device 16 is a touch panel (touch sensor). The input device 16 may include at least one of a computer keyboard and a mouse. The input device 16 may also include a voice input device.

[0030] The display device 17 provides display data to the user. The display device 17 has a display screen on which the display data is displayed. Examples of the display device 17 include a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.

[0031] The camera 18 captures an image of the object to be imaged. The camera 18 acquires image data of the object to be imaged. The image data acquired by the camera 18 may be a still image or a video. In the following description, the image data of the object to be imaged acquired by the camera 18 will be referred to as the image data of the camera 18 as appropriate.

[0032] The position sensor 19 detects the position of the information terminal 10. The position sensor 19 detects the position using a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). The position sensor 19 includes a GNSS receiver. The position sensor 19 detects the position (absolute position) of the information terminal 10 in a global coordinate system. The position sensor 19 may detect the position of the information terminal 10 not only using the GNSS, but also using a wireless local area network (LAN) such as Wifi (registered trademark), a wireless personal area network (PAN) such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), a mobile network, etc.

[0033] The communicator 20 is a wireless communication device. The communicator 20 wirelessly transmits image data from the camera 18 and detection data from the position sensor 19. The communicator 20 transmits the image data from the camera 18 and detection data from the position sensor 19 to the management server 9 via the communication system 12. The management server 9 collects the image data from the camera 18 and the detection data from the position sensor 19 transmitted from each of the multiple information terminals 10. The communicator 20 also transmits and receives various other data.

[0034] The battery 21 functions as a power source for the information terminal 10. The terminal computer 15, the input device 16, the display device 17, the camera 18, the position sensor 19, and the communication device 20 each operate using power supplied from the battery 21.

[0035] The personal computer 101 may not necessarily have the camera 18, the position sensor 19, and the battery 21. The communication device 20 included in the personal computer 101 may be a wired communication device.

[0036] [Computer System] FIG. 5 is a hardware configuration diagram showing a management computer 13 according to an embodiment. The management computer 13 of the management server 9 includes a computer system 1000 having at least a processor 1001. The computer system 1000 includes the processor 1001, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a main memory 1002 including nonvolatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), and volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), a storage device 1003, and an interface 1004 including an input / output circuit. The functions of the management computer 13 are stored as a program in the storage device 1003. The processor 1001 reads the program from the storage device 1003, loads it into the main memory 1002, and executes processing according to the program. The program may be distributed to the computer system 1000 via a network.

[0037] Similarly, each of the terminal computer 15 and the microcomputer 71 includes a computer system 1000 having at least a processor 1001 .

[0038] 6 is a functional block diagram showing the management server 9 according to the embodiment. The management server 9 includes a storage unit 90, a data acquisition unit 91, an area setting unit 92, a processing unit 93, and an output unit 94.

[0039] The data acquisition unit 91 acquires position data of the attachment 6. The position of the attachment 6 is detected by the position sensor 72 of the management tag 7. The position data of the attachment 6 includes detection data of the position sensor 72. The data acquisition unit 91 acquires the detection data of the position sensor 72 via the communication system 11. The data acquisition unit 91 acquires the position data of each of the multiple attachments 6.

[0040] The area setting unit 92 sets an area 40 that includes the registered position 30. The registered position 30 is a position that has been registered in advance. The area setting unit 92 sets an area 40, for example, centered on the registered position 30. The area 40 is set so that the center position of the area 40 coincides with the registered position 30. Note that the center position of the area 40 may be offset from the registered position 30. The area 40 is a geofence. A geofence is an area surrounded by a virtual boundary line. In the following description, the area 40 will be referred to as the geofence 40 as appropriate.

[0041] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a registered position 30 and a geofence 40 according to an embodiment. A user can register multiple registered positions 30 by operating the input device 16 of the information terminal 10. The registered positions 30 are defined in a global coordinate system. The multiple registered positions 30 are separated from each other. The registered positions 30 are registered in the memory unit 90. The registered positions 30 are registered in the memory unit 90 based on input data from the input device 16. As shown in FIG. 7, the display device 17 of the information terminal 10 can display the registered positions 30.

[0042] In the embodiment, the registered locations 30 include a storage site 31 where the attachment 6 is stored, a work site 32 where the hydraulic excavator 1 operates, a work site 33 where the hydraulic excavator 1 operates, and a maintenance site 34 where the attachment 6 is maintained. The storage site 31 includes a storage facility for the attachment 6. The maintenance site 34 includes a maintenance facility for the attachment 6. Examples of maintenance for the attachment 6 include repair, part replacement, and cleaning of the attachment 6. For example, examples of maintenance for the bucket 61 include replacing an adapter into which bucket teeth are inserted or replacing a backing plate attached to the outer surface of the bucket 61.

[0043] The geofence 40 is set to surround the registered position 30. A plurality of geofences 40 are set to surround each of the plurality of registered positions 30. The plurality of geofences 40 are spaced apart from one another. In the embodiment, the geofences 40 include a storage geofence 41 surrounding the storage area 31, a site geofence 42 surrounding the work site 32, a site geofence 43 surrounding the work site 33, and a maintenance geofence 44 surrounding the maintenance area 34.

[0044] A user can set a geofence 40 by operating the input device 16 of the information terminal 10. The geofence 40 is defined in a global coordinate system. The area setting unit 92 sets the geofence 40 based on input data from the input device 16. The user can arbitrarily set the size of the geofence 40 and the position of the geofence 40 relative to the registered position 30. The geofence 40 set by the area setting unit 92 is registered in the memory unit 90. As shown in FIG. 7 , the display device 17 of the information terminal 10 can display the geofence 40.

[0045] The display device 17 can display a map. The display device 17 displays the registered position 30 so as to be superimposed on the map. The display device 17 displays a geofence 40 so as to be superimposed on the map. The geofence 40 is displayed around the registered position 30. The display device 17 displays the registered position 30 and the geofence 40 in a global coordinate system. The display device 17 displays the position of the attachment 6 in the global coordinate system. In the example shown in FIG. 7 , a symbol 22 indicating the position of the attachment 6 is displayed on the display device 17. The display device 17 displays the symbol 22 so as to be superimposed on the map.

[0046] The processing unit 93 recognizes the position of the attachment 6 relative to the geofence 40 based on the position data of the attachment 6 acquired by the data acquisition unit 91. The processing unit 93 calculates the relative position of the geofence 40 and the attachment 6 based on the position data of the attachment 6. The relative position of the geofence 40 and the attachment 6 is a concept that includes the relative distance between the geofence 40 and the attachment 6. Recognizing the position of the attachment 6 relative to the geofence 40 includes determining whether or not the attachment 6 is inside the geofence 40. The processing unit 93 determines whether or not the attachment 6 is inside the geofence 40 based on the position data of the attachment 6.

[0047] The processing unit 93 determines the state of the attachment 6 based on the position data of the attachment 6 acquired by the data acquisition unit 91. The processing unit 93 determines the state of the attachment 6 by recognizing the position of the attachment 6 relative to the geofence 40.

[0048] 8 is a diagram for explaining the state of the attachment 6 according to the embodiment. The processing unit 93 determines the state of the attachment 6 based on the position data of the attachment 6 acquired by the data acquisition unit 91. The processing unit 93 determines the state of the attachment 6 based on the relative position of the geofence 40 and the attachment 6.

[0049] The state of the attachment 6 includes an outgoing state in which the attachment 6 has moved from the inside to the outside of the geofence 40. The state of the attachment 6 includes an incoming state in which the attachment 6 has moved from the outside to the inside of the geofence 40. The state of the attachment 6 includes an in-transit state in which the attachment 6 is located outside the geofence 40. As described above, the position of the attachment 6 and the position of the geofence 40 are each defined in a global coordinate system. The processing unit 93 can determine the state of the attachment 6 based on the position and size of the geofence 40 registered in the memory unit 90 and the position data of the attachment 6 acquired by the data acquisition unit 91.

[0050] FIG. 8 shows an example in which the attachment 6 is transported from the storage site 31 to the work site 32. When the processing unit 93 determines that the attachment 6 has exited from the inside of the storage geofence 41, the processing unit 93 determines that the state of the attachment 6 is an exit state (exited from the storage geofence 41). The processing unit 93 may determine whether the state of the attachment 6 is an exit state based on the position of the attachment 6 at the time when the attachment 6 exited from the inside of the storage geofence 41. The processing unit 93 may determine whether the state of the attachment 6 is an exit state based on the position of the attachment 6 immediately before the attachment 6 exited from the inside of the storage geofence 41. The processing unit 93 may determine whether the state of the attachment 6 is an exit state based on the position of the attachment 6 at a time a predetermined time before the attachment 6 exited from the inside of the storage geofence 41. When the processing unit 93 determines that the attachment 6 is present between the storage geofence 41 and the site geofence 42, it determines that the state of the attachment 6 is in transit from the storage geofence 41 to the site geofence 42. When the processing unit 93 determines that the attachment 6 has entered the site geofence 42 from the outside to the inside, it determines that the state of the attachment 6 is in storage and has entered the site geofence 42.

[0051] In addition, the processing unit 93 may determine that the attachment 6 is in the storage area 31 when the attachment 6 is inside the storage geofence 41, determine that the attachment 6 is in transport when the attachment 6 is outside the storage geofence 41, and determine that the attachment 6 is in the work site 32 when the attachment 6 is inside the work site geofence 42.

[0052] 9 is a diagram illustrating the states of the attachment 6 according to the embodiment. As described above, the geofence 40 includes a storage geofence 41, a site geofence 42, a site geofence 43, and a maintenance geofence 44. The states of the attachment 6 include an available state in which the attachment 6 is present in the storage geofence 41 including the storage site 31. The states of the attachment 6 include an in-use state in which the attachment 6 is present in the site geofence 42 including the work site 32 or the site geofence 43 including the work site 33. The states of the attachment 6 include an under-maintenance state in which the attachment 6 is present in the maintenance geofence 44 including the maintenance site 34. The states of the attachment 6 include an in-transit state in which the attachment 6 is present outside the geofence 40.

[0053] When the attachment 6 is present in the storage yard 31, the attachment 6 is considered to be detached from the hydraulic excavator 1 and unused (not in operation). Note that there is a case where the attachment 6 is present in the storage yard 31 while attached to the hydraulic excavator 1. In the embodiment, when the attachment 6 is present in the storage yard 31, the attachment 6 is considered to be unused (not in operation). Therefore, when the attachment 6 is present in the storage geofence 41, the processing unit 93 determines that the attachment 6 is in a usable state (not in operation).

[0054] When the attachment 6 is present at the work site 32 or 33, the attachment 6 is considered to be attached to the hydraulic excavator 1 and in use (operating). Note that the attachment 6 may be present at the work site 32 or 33 while detached from the hydraulic excavator 1. At the work site 32 or 33, the attachment 6 is attached to or detached from the hydraulic excavator 1 as needed. The work of replacing the attachment 6 with respect to the hydraulic excavator 1 may occur 10 or more times per day. In the embodiment, when the attachment 6 is present at the work site 32 or 33, the attachment 6 is considered to be in use (operating). Therefore, when the attachment 6 is present at the site geofence 42 or 43, the processing unit 93 determines that the attachment 6 is in use (operating).

[0055] Even if the attachment 6 is present at the work site 32 or the work site 33, the state of the attachment 6 may be changed to any state by the worker operating the information terminal 10. For example, the state of the attachment 6 may be changed to another state such as "available" or "out of order" by operating the information terminal 10.

[0056] When the attachment 6 is present in the maintenance site 34, the attachment 6 is considered to be detached from the hydraulic excavator 1 and undergoing maintenance. Therefore, when the attachment 6 is present in the maintenance geofence 44, the processing unit 93 determines that the attachment 6 is in a maintenance state.

[0057] If the attachment 6 is not present within any of the geofences 40, the attachment 6 is considered to be in transit while detached from the hydraulic excavator 1. Therefore, if the attachment 6 is present outside the geofence 40, the processing unit 93 determines that the attachment 6 is in transit.

[0058] The output unit 94 outputs the recognition result of the position of the attachment 6. The recognition result of the position of the attachment 6 includes a recognition result of the relative position of the attachment 6 with respect to the geofence 40. The recognition result of the position of the attachment 6 includes a determination result of whether or not the attachment 6 is inside the geofence 40. The recognition result of the position of the attachment 6 includes a determination result of the state of the attachment 6. The output unit 94 outputs the recognition result of the position of the attachment 6 to the memory unit 90. The output unit 94 outputs the recognition result of the position of the attachment 6 to the information terminal 10.

[0059] The communication device 20 of the information terminal 10 receives the recognition result of the position of the attachment 6 output from the output unit 94. The recognition result of the position of the attachment 6 includes the determination result of the state of the attachment 6.

[0060] The output unit 94 may store the recognition result of the position of the attachment 6 in the storage unit 90 in association with the elapsed time from a predetermined time point, or may output the recognition result to the information terminal 10. An example of the predetermined time point is the time point when the data acquisition unit 91 starts acquiring the position data of the attachment 6.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 8 , when the processing unit 93 determines that the state of the attachment 6 is an outgoing state in which the attachment 6 has left the storage geofence 41, the output unit 94 transmits to the information terminal 10 that the attachment 6 is in an outgoing state from the storage geofence 41. The information terminal 10 outputs an outgoing notification indicating that the attachment 6 is in an outgoing state in which the attachment 6 has left the storage geofence 41. When the processing unit 93 determines that the state of the attachment 6 is in a transporting state in which the attachment 6 is outside the geofence 40, the output unit 94 transmits to the information terminal 10 that the attachment 6 is in a transporting state. The information terminal 10 outputs an in-transit notification indicating that the attachment 6 is in a transporting state. When the processing unit 93 determines that the state of the attachment 6 is in an in-warehouse state in which the attachment 6 has entered the site geofence 42, the output unit 94 transmits to the information terminal 10 that the attachment 6 is in an in-warehouse state in which the attachment 6 has entered the site geofence 42. The information terminal 10 outputs an in-warehouse notification indicating that the attachment 6 is in an in-warehouse state in which the attachment 6 has entered the site geofence 42. The user can recognize the status of the attachment 6 from the notifications (outgoing notification, in-transit notification, incoming notification) output from the information terminal 10.

[0062] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an information terminal 10 that outputs the status of an attachment 6 according to an embodiment. The display device 17 of the information terminal 10 displays a list of the statuses of the multiple attachments 6. The communication device 20 of the information terminal 10 receives the statuses of the attachments 6 output from the output unit 94. As shown in FIG. 10 , the display device 17 of the information terminal 10 displays a symbol 23 indicating the type of attachment 6, identification data 24 including the identification number of the attachment 6, a name 25 of the type of attachment 6, a current location 26 indicating the current location of the attachment 6, a current status 27 of the attachment 6, and maintenance data 28 related to maintenance of the attachment 6. By checking the information terminal 10, the user can recognize the current status of each of the multiple attachments 6.

[0063] The display device 17 may display at least one of a symbol 23 indicating the type of attachment 6, identification data 24 including the identification number of the attachment 6, a name 25 of the type of attachment 6, a current location 26 indicating the current position of the attachment 6, a current state 27 of the attachment 6, and maintenance data 28 related to maintenance of the attachment 6. The display device 17 may display an address as the current location 26, or instead of an address, the name of a pre-registered area 40 (such as a storage yard, work site, or maintenance site).

[0064] The display device 17 may display the state of the attachment 6 in association with the time elapsed since a predetermined point in time. An example of the predetermined point in time is the point in time when the data acquisition unit 91 starts acquiring the position data of the attachment 6. The display device 17 may also display specification data and asset data of the attachment 6.

[0065] 11 is a flowchart showing a method for managing an attachment 6 according to an embodiment. A user operates the input device 16 to set a geofence 40. Input data generated by operating the input device 16 is transmitted to the management server 9 via the communication system 12. The area setting unit 92 of the management server 9 acquires the input data (step S1).

[0066] The area setting unit 92 sets the geofence 40 based on the input data acquired in step S1 (step S2).

[0067] The data acquisition unit 91 acquires the position data of the attachment 6. That is, the data acquisition unit 91 acquires the detection data of the position sensor 72 via the communication system 11 (step S3).

[0068] The processing unit 93 recognizes the position of the attachment 6 relative to the geofence 40 based on the position data of the attachment 6 acquired in step S3 (step S4).

[0069] The processing unit 93 determines the state of the attachment 6 based on the result of the recognition of the position of the attachment 6 recognized in step S3 (step S5). As described above, the state of the attachment 6 includes at least one of the outgoing state, the incoming state, the in-transit state, the available state, the in-use state, and the under-maintenance state.

[0070] The output unit 94 outputs the recognition result of the position of the attachment 6 recognized in step S4 and the determination result of the state of the attachment 6 determined in step S5 to the information terminal 10 (step S6). The states of the multiple attachments 6 are displayed on the display device 17 of the information terminal 10, allowing the user to recognize the current states of the attachments 6.

[0071] [Effects] As described above, in the embodiment, the management system 8 includes a data acquisition unit 91 that acquires position data of the attachment 6 that can be attached to the hydraulic excavator 1, an area setting unit 92 that sets a geofence 40 that includes the registered position 30, a processing unit 93 that recognizes the position of the attachment 6 relative to the geofence 40 based on the position data of the attachment 6, and an output unit 94 that outputs the recognition result of the position of the attachment 6.

[0072] According to the embodiment, the attachment 6 is managed by recognizing the position of the attachment 6 relative to the geofence 40. Recognizing the position of the attachment 6 includes determining the state of the attachment 6. Since the current state of the attachment 6 is recognized, the state of the attachment 6 is managed appropriately.

[0073] Other Embodiments In the above-described embodiment, the area 40 includes the registered position 30. The area 40 does not have to include the registered position 30. The area 40 may be set without being based on the registered position 30.

[0074] In the above-described embodiment, the work machine 1 is a hydraulic excavator. However, the work machine 1 may also be an electric excavator. Furthermore, the work machine 1 may be a work machine other than an excavator (hydraulic excavator or electric excavator) as long as it has a work implement with a replaceable attachment 6. Examples of work machines 1 having a work implement with a replaceable attachment 6 include construction machines such as wheeled hydraulic excavators, wheel loaders, backhoe loaders, and skid steer loaders. Examples of work machines 1 include agricultural machines and loading vehicles such as forklifts.

[0075] In the above-described embodiment, the functions of the storage unit 90, the data acquisition unit 91, the area setting unit 92, the processing unit 93, and the output unit 94 may be assigned to separate hardware (computer systems). At least one function of the storage unit 90, the data acquisition unit 91, the area setting unit 92, the processing unit 93, and the output unit 94 may be assigned to, for example, the information terminal 10.

[0076] 1...hydraulic excavator (work machine), 2...traveling body, 2A...track, 3...rotating body, 3A...cab, 4...working machine, 4A...boom, 4B...arm, 5...hydraulic cylinder, 5A...boom cylinder, 5B...arm cylinder, 5C...bucket cylinder, 6...attachment, 7...management tag, 8...management system, 9...management server, 10...information terminal, 11...communication system, 12...communication system, 13...management computer, 14...housing, 15...terminal computer, 16...input device, 17...display device, 18...camera, 19...position sensor, 20...communication device, 21...battery, 22...symbol, 23...symbol, 24...identification data, 25...name, 26...current location, 27...status, 28...maintenance data, 30...registered location, 31...storage area, 32...work site, 3 3...work site, 34...maintenance site, 40...geofence (area), 41...storage geofence, 42...site geofence, 43...site geofence, 44...maintenance geofence, 61...bucket, 62...skeleton bucket, 63...concrete crushing tool, 64...grabbing tool, 65...hydraulic breaker, 70...housing, 71...microcomputer, 72...position sensor, 73...motion sensor, 74...communication device, 75...battery, 90...memory unit, 91...data acquisition unit, 92...area setting unit, 93...processing unit, 94...output unit, 101...personal computer, 102...mobile terminal, 1000...computer system, 1001...processor, 1002...main memory, 1003...storage, 1004...interface.

Claims

1. An attachment management system comprising: a data acquisition unit that acquires position data of an attachment that can be attached to a work machine; an area setting unit that sets an area; a processing unit that recognizes the position of the attachment relative to the area based on the position data; and an output unit that outputs the recognition result of the attachment position.

2. The attachment management system according to claim 1, wherein the output unit outputs the recognition result to a memory unit.

3. The attachment management system according to claim 1, wherein the output unit outputs the recognition result to an information terminal.

4. The attachment management system according to claim 1, wherein the area setting unit sets the area based on input data from an input device.

5. The attachment management system according to claim 1, wherein the area includes a storage area where the attachments are stored.

6. The attachment management system according to claim 1, wherein the area includes a work site where the work machine operates.

7. The attachment management system according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit determines a state of the attachment based on the position data.

8. The attachment management system according to claim 7, wherein the state of the attachment includes at least one of an outgoing state in which the attachment has left the area, an incoming state in which the attachment has entered the area, and an in-transit state in which the attachment is outside the area.

9. An attachment management system as described in claim 7, wherein the area includes a storage yard in which the attachment is stored, and the state of the attachment includes an available state in which the attachment is present in an area including the storage yard.

10. An attachment management system according to claim 7, wherein the area includes a work site where the work machine operates, and the state of the attachment includes an in-use state in which the attachment is present in an area including the work site.

11. The attachment management system according to claim 8, wherein the area includes a maintenance site where the attachment is maintained, and the state of the attachment includes a "under maintenance" state in which the attachment is present in an area including the maintenance site.

12. The attachment management system of claim 1, comprising: a management tag attached to the attachment, acquiring location data and transmitting the location data; and a management server having the data acquisition unit, the area setting unit, the processing unit, and the output unit.

13. An information terminal comprising: a communication device that receives a recognition result of a position of an attachment relative to an area based on position data of an attachment that can be attached to a work machine; and a display device that displays the recognition result of the position of the attachment.

14. The information terminal according to claim 13, wherein the recognition result of the position of the attachment includes a state of the attachment.

15. The information terminal according to claim 14, wherein the display device displays a list of the states of each of the plurality of attachments.

16. An information terminal according to claim 15, wherein said display device displays at least one of the type of said attachment, identification data of said attachment, the current position of said attachment, the current state of said attachment, and maintenance data relating to maintenance of said attachment.

17. The information terminal according to claim 14, wherein the state of the attachment includes at least one of an outgoing state in which the attachment has left the area, an incoming state in which the attachment has entered the area, and an in-transit state in which the attachment is outside the area.

18. An information terminal according to claim 14, wherein the area includes a storage location in which the attachment is stored, and the state of the attachment includes an available state in which the attachment is present in an area including the storage location.

19. An information terminal according to claim 14, wherein the area includes a work site where the work machine operates, and the state of the attachment includes an in-use state in which the attachment is present in an area including the work site.

20. A method for managing attachments, comprising: acquiring position data of an attachment that can be attached to a work machine; setting an area; recognizing the position of the attachment relative to the area based on the position data; and outputting the recognition result of the attachment position.

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