Attachment management system, information terminal, and attachment management method

Abstract

This attachment management system comprises: a data acquisition unit that acquires image data of an attachment that can be attached to a work machine, and time data indicating the time when the image data was captured; and an output unit that outputs recording data in which the image data and the time data are linked.

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] Attachments deteriorate as they are used at work sites, so there is a demand for technology that can manage the condition of attachments.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to manage the state of an attachment 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 image data of an attachment that can be attached to a work machine and time data when the image data was captured; and an output unit that outputs recorded data in which the image data and the time data are linked.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, the state of 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 flowchart showing a method for managing attachments according to an embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an information terminal that operates based on a management app according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an information terminal that operates based on a management app according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an information terminal that operates based on a management app 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 with the management tag 7 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.

[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.

[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] In the embodiment, application software for managing attachments 6 is installed in the information terminal 10. The information terminal 10 operates based on the application software. In the following description, the application software installed in the information terminal 10 for managing attachments 6 will be referred to as a management application, as appropriate.

[0037] [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.

[0038] Similarly, each of the terminal computer 15 and the microcomputer 71 includes a computer system 1000 having at least a processor 1001 .

[0039] 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, a processing unit 92, an output unit 93, and a database unit 94.

[0040] The data acquisition unit 91 acquires image data of the attachment 6. The attachment 6 is captured by the camera 18 of the information terminal 10. The image data of the attachment 6 includes image data of the camera 18 that captured the attachment 6. The data acquisition unit 91 acquires the image data of the attachment 6 from the information terminal 10 via the communication system 12. The data acquisition unit 91 acquires image data of each of the multiple attachments 6. The data acquisition unit 91 also acquires identification data of the attachment 6.

[0041] The data acquisition unit 91 acquires time data indicating the time when the image data of the attachment 6 was captured. The time data indicates the date and time when the attachment 6 was photographed. The terminal computer 15 of the information terminal 10 has a timer function. The terminal computer 15 can recognize the date and time when the attachment 6 was photographed by the camera 18. The communication device 20 of the information terminal 10 transmits the image data of the attachment 6 acquired by the camera 18 and the time data when the image data was captured to the management server 9. The data acquisition unit 91 acquires the image data of the attachment 6 and the time data when the image data of the attachment 6 was captured from the information terminal 10 via the communication system 12.

[0042] The data acquisition unit 91 acquires position data of the attachment 6 when the image data of the attachment 6 is captured. The position data indicates the location where the attachment 6 was captured. The information terminal 10 has a position sensor 19. The terminal computer 15 can recognize the location where the attachment 6 was captured by the camera 18. The data acquisition unit 91 acquires the image data of the attachment 6 and the position data when the image data of the attachment 6 was captured from the information terminal 10 via the communication system 12. Note that the location where the attachment 6 was captured may be detected by the position sensor 72 of the management tag 7.

[0043] The data acquisition unit 91 acquires operating time data indicating the operating time of the attachment 6. The operating time of the attachment 6 refers to the time the hydraulic excavator 1 has been operating with the attachment 6 attached to it. The operating time of the attachment 6 may be the cumulative operating time or the continuous operating time. In the embodiment, the operating time of the attachment 6 is detected by the motion sensor 73 of the management tag 7. When the attachment 6 is operating, the attachment 6 moves. The operating time of the attachment 6 is the time the attachment 6 is moving. The motion sensor 73 can detect whether the attachment 6 is moving or not. The operating time data of the attachment 6 includes detection data of the motion sensor 73. The data acquisition unit 91 acquires the detection data of the motion sensor 73 via the communication system 11.

[0044] The data acquisition unit 91 acquires input data from the input device 16 of the information terminal 10. The user can operate the input device 16 to input a comment related to the attachment 6. The input data from the input device 16 includes the comment related to the attachment 6. The data acquisition unit 91 acquires the input data from the input device 16 via the communication system 12.

[0045] The processing unit 92 generates recording data by linking the image data and time data acquired by the data acquisition unit 91. The recording data in which the image data and time data are linked is registered in the database unit 94.

[0046] In the embodiment, identification data of the attachment 6 is acquired and stored in advance in the storage unit 90. The processing unit 92 generates record data by linking the image data of the attachment 6 with the time data and the identification data. The identification data of the attachment 6 is transmitted from the information terminal 10 together with the image data and the time data, and the processing unit 92 can link the image data of the attachment 6 with the time data and the identification data. The record data in which the image data of the attachment 6 with the time data and the identification data are linked is registered in the database unit 94.

[0047] In the embodiment, the processing unit 92 generates record data by linking the image data of the attachment 6, the time data, the identification data, the position data, the operating time data, and the input data from the input device 16. The record data, in which the image data of the attachment 6, the time data, the identification data, the position data, the operating time data, and the input data from the input device 16 are linked, is registered in the database unit 94.

[0048] The processing unit 92 calculates the operating time data of the attachment 6 based on the detection data of the motion sensor 73 acquired by the data acquisition unit 91 .

[0049] The output unit 93 outputs the recording data in which the image data of the attachment 6 and the time data are linked to each other to the information terminal 10. The output unit 93 outputs the recording data registered in the database unit 94 to the information terminal 10.

[0050] In the recorded data, when the image data of the attachment 6, the time data, the identification data, the position data, the operating time data, and the input data from the input device 16 are linked, the output unit 93 can output the recorded data, in which the image data of the attachment 6, the time data, the identification data, the position data, the operating time data, and the input data from the input device 16 are linked, to the information terminal 10.

[0051] [Attachment Management Method] Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing a method for managing attachments 6 according to the embodiment. Fig. 8, Fig. 9, and Fig. 10 are diagrams showing the information terminal 10 that operates based on the management application according to the embodiment.

[0052] The attachment 6 deteriorates as a result of use at a work site. The deterioration of the attachment 6 includes at least one of wear and breakdown of the attachment 6. In the embodiment, image data of the attachment 6 is captured by the camera 18 of the information terminal 10. The deterioration state of the attachment 6 is managed based on the image data of the attachment 6. The image data of the attachment 6 is linked to time data and recorded as record data, thereby allowing the state of the attachment 6 to be managed appropriately.

[0053] The user launches the management app before capturing an image of the attachment 6 with the camera 18. After the management app is launched, the user inputs identification data of the attachment 6 to be captured. As shown in Fig. 8 , after the management app is launched, the information terminal 10 transitions to an input mode for inputting the identification data of the attachment 6. In the input mode, a display screen for inputting the identification data of the attachment 6 is displayed on the display device 17 of the information terminal 10.

[0054] The display device 17 displays a list of a plurality of attachments 6. The plurality of attachments 6 displayed on the display device 17 are attachments 6 managed in the management system 8 and registered in advance. As shown in FIG. 8 , 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, and a name 25 of the type of attachment 6. The user selects an attachment 6 to be imaged from the list of a plurality of attachments 6. The user selects an attachment 6 by operating the input device 16. If the input device 16 is a touch panel, the user taps the symbol 23 of the attachment 6 to be imaged.

[0055] The data acquisition unit 91 acquires the identification data of the attachment 6 selected by the user (step S1).

[0056] 9 , after the attachment 6 to be imaged is selected, the information terminal 10 transitions to an imaging mode for imaging the attachment 6. In the imaging mode, imaging data obtained when the camera 18 captures image data of the attachment 6 is displayed on the display device 17 of the information terminal 10. The display device 17 displays an image area 50 in which a camera image, which is image data acquired by the camera 18, is displayed as the imaging data of the attachment 6, a capture button 51 that is tapped to start imaging, identification data 52 including the name and identification number of the type of the selected attachment 6, a capture date and time 53 indicating the date and time when the attachment 6 was imaged by the camera 18, and a capture location 54 indicating the location where the attachment 6 was imaged by the camera 18.

[0057] The user can take an image of the attachment 6 by tapping the capture button 51 while checking the camera image displayed in the image area 50. The user operates the input device 16 to input a comment related to the attachment 6 as needed. The display device 17 displays the comment related to the attachment 6 generated by operating the input device 16. The user can input, as comments, a first comment related to the deterioration state of the attachment 6 and a second comment related to maintenance of the attachment 6. When the first comment is input, a first comment 55 is displayed on the display device 17. When the second comment is input, a second comment 56 is displayed on the display device 17.

[0058] After capturing an image of the attachment 6 and inputting a comment, the user taps the registration button 57. By tapping the registration button 57, the image data of the attachment 6 together with the identification data of the attachment 6 is transmitted from the communication device 20 of the information terminal 10 to the management server 9. Furthermore, if a comment is input, the comment is also transmitted from the communication device 20 of the information terminal 10 to the management server 9.

[0059] Note that administrator data relating to the administrator may be registered in the management app. When the administrator data is registered in the management app, image data of the attachment 6, time data indicating the date and time of shooting, and location data indicating the location of shooting may be notified to the information terminal 10 carried by the administrator. A request to check the status of the attachment 6 may be notified to the administrator.

[0060] The user can delete the image data of the captured attachment 6 by tapping the delete button 58. The user can cancel the image capture mode by tapping the cancel button 59.

[0061] The data acquisition unit 91 acquires the image data of the attachment 6 and the time data indicating the date and time of the image capture transmitted from the information terminal 10 (step S2). The data acquisition unit 91 also acquires the location data indicating the location where the attachment 6 was captured transmitted from the information terminal 10 (step S3). The data acquisition unit 91 may also acquire the location data indicating the location where the image was captured from the position sensor 72 of the management tag 7.

[0062] The data acquisition unit 91 acquires the detection data of the motion sensor 73. The processing unit 92 calculates the operating time of the attachment 6 based on the detection data of the motion sensor 73 (step S4).

[0063] In addition, if the management tag 7 calculates the operating time of the attachment 6 based on the detection data of the motion sensor 73, the data acquisition unit 91 may acquire operating time data indicating the operating time of the attachment 6 from the management tag 7.

[0064] The processing unit 92 registers in the database unit 94 recorded data that links together image data of the attachment 6, time data, identification data, location data, operating time data, and input data that is a comment related to the attachment 6.

[0065] The output unit 93 outputs the record data registered in the database unit 94 to the information terminal 10 (step S5).

[0066] The output unit 93 may associate the recorded data with the time elapsed since a predetermined time point and output the recorded data to the information terminal 10. An example of the predetermined time point is the time point when the data acquisition unit 91 acquires the image data of the attachment 6.

[0067] 10 , in an embodiment, the output unit 93 displays a list of multiple pieces of recording data with mutually different time data on the display device 17 of the information terminal 10. The communication device 20 of the information terminal 10 receives the list of recording data output from the output unit 93. The recording data received by the communication device 20 includes image data of the attachment 6 and time data when the image data was captured. When a certain attachment 6 is selected by the user via the input device 16, the information terminal 10 transitions to a list display mode in which a list of multiple pieces of recording data with mutually different capture dates and times for one attachment 6 is displayed.

[0068] 10 , in the list display mode, a plurality of image data of attachments 6 having mutually different time data are displayed on the display device 17 of the information terminal 10. In the list display mode, identification data 80 including the name and identification number of the type of the selected attachment 6, and a plurality of record data 81 having mutually different time data (photographed date and time) are displayed on the display device 17 of the information terminal 10. The record data 81 includes first record data 81A, second record data 81B, and third record data 81C. The display device 17 displays the plurality of record data 81 each including image data of the attachment 6 in chronological order. The time data (photographed date and time) of the first record data 81A is the oldest, the time data (photographed date and time) of the second record data 81B is the next oldest after the first record data 81A, and the time data (photographed date and time) of the third record data 81C is the newest. 10 , the recorded data 81 includes image data of the attachment 6, a shooting date and time indicating the date and time when the image data of the attachment 6 was captured by the camera 18 as time data, a shooting location indicating the location where the image data of the attachment 6 was captured by the camera 18, and a first comment. Note that a second comment may also be displayed on the display device 17 as the recorded data 81.

[0069] The information terminal 10 does not have to be a mobile terminal 102 such as a tablet terminal. For images taken with an information terminal 10 other than the mobile terminal 102, recording data such as the date and time of the image taking and the location of the image taking may be input from the input device 16 of the information terminal 10, and may be stored in the terminal computer 15 and displayed on the display device 17.

[0070] The display device 17 may display the identification data 80 and the recorded data 81 in association with the time elapsed since a predetermined time point. An example of the predetermined time point is the time point when the data acquisition unit 91 acquires the image data of the attachment 6.

[0071] [Effect] As described above, in the embodiment, the management system 8 includes a data acquisition unit 91 that acquires image data of the attachment 6 that can be attached to the hydraulic excavator 1 and time data when the image data was captured, and an output unit 93 that outputs recorded data in which the image data and the time data are linked to each other to the information terminal 10.

[0072] According to the embodiment, image data of the attachment 6 is linked to time data and recorded as record data, thereby allowing the condition of the attachment 6 to be properly managed. Furthermore, the image data is displayed together with the time data and operating time data on the display device 17, allowing the user to check from the image whether the degree of deterioration of the attachment 6 is not appropriate for the increase in operating time. Furthermore, by acquiring data related to the work site, such as the date and time of the image capture and the location of the image capture, the user can recognize the relationship between the work site and the degree of deterioration of the attachment 6. For example, since it is possible to recognize which work site the degree of deterioration of the attachment 6 is fastest, the recorded data can also be used for site management.

[0073] In this embodiment, a list of a plurality of record data 81 having mutually different time data is displayed on the display device 17 of the information terminal 10. This makes it easier for the user to recognize the deterioration state of the attachment 6.

[0074] The recorded data 81 can be viewed via the information terminal 10 on which the management application is installed. This allows each of multiple users to view the recorded data 81 at any time. Furthermore, multiple users can view the recorded data 81 simultaneously.

[0075] [Other Embodiments] In the above-described embodiments, the work machine 1 is a hydraulic excavator. 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.

[0076] In the above-described embodiment, the functions of the storage unit 90, the data acquisition unit 91, the processing unit 92, the output unit 93, and the database 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 processing unit 92, the output unit 93, and the database unit 94 may be assigned to, for example, the information terminal 10.

[0077] 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, 23...symbol, 24...identification data, 25...name, 50...image area, 51...photograph button, 52...identification data, 53...photographed date and time, 54...photographed location, 55...first comment, 56...second comment nt, 57...registration button, 58...delete button, 59...cancel button, 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, 80...identification data, 81...recorded data, 81A...first recorded data, 81B...second recorded data, 81C...third recorded data, 90...memory unit, 91...data acquisition unit, 92...processing unit, 93...output unit, 94...database 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 image data of an attachment that can be attached to a work machine and time data when the image data was captured; and an output unit that outputs recorded data in which the image data and the time data are linked.

2. An attachment management system as described in claim 1, further comprising a memory unit that acquires and stores identification data of the attachment, and in the recorded data, the image data, the time data, and the identification data are linked together.

3. An attachment management system as described in claim 2, wherein the data acquisition unit acquires position data of the attachment at the time the image data was captured, and in the recorded data, the image data, the time data, the identification data, and the position data are linked together.

4. An attachment management system as described in claim 3, wherein the data acquisition unit acquires operating time data of the attachment, and in the recorded data, the image data, the time data, the identification data, the position data, and the operating time data are linked together.

5. An attachment management system as described in claim 3 or claim 4, further comprising a management tag attached to the attachment for measuring position data and operating time data of the attachment, and the data acquisition unit acquires the position data or operating time data from the management tag.

6. An attachment management system as described in claim 4, wherein the data acquisition unit acquires input data from an input device associated with the attachment, and in the recorded data, the image data, the time data, the identification data, the position data, the operating time data, and the input data are linked together.

7. The attachment management system according to claim 1, wherein the output unit causes a display device to display a list of a plurality of the recorded data whose time data are different from each other.

8. An information terminal comprising: an imaging device that acquires image data of an attachment that can be attached to a work machine; and a communication device that transmits the image data and time data when the image data was captured.

9. The information terminal according to claim 8, further comprising a display device for displaying the imaging data when the image data is acquired by the imaging device.

10. The information terminal according to claim 9, wherein the display device displays the name of the type of the attachment as the imaging data.

11. The information terminal according to claim 9, wherein the display device displays identification data of the attachment as the imaging data, and the communication device transmits the identification data, the image data, and time data when the image data was captured.

12. The information terminal according to claim 9, wherein the display device displays, as the imaging data, a shooting date and time indicating the date and time when the attachment was imaged by the imaging device, and a shooting location indicating the location where the attachment was imaged by the imaging device.

13. An information terminal according to claim 9, further comprising an input device, wherein the display device displays a comment related to the attachment that is generated by operating the input device.

14. The information terminal according to claim 13, wherein the comments include at least one of a first comment relating to a deterioration state of the attachment and a second comment relating to maintenance of the attachment.

15. An information terminal comprising: a communication device that receives image data of an attachment that can be attached to a work machine and time data when the image data was captured; and a display device that displays the image data and the time data.

16. The information terminal according to claim 15, wherein said display device displays a plurality of said image data whose time data are different from each other.

17. The information terminal according to claim 16, wherein said display device displays a plurality of image data of said attachments in chronological order.

18. The information terminal according to claim 15, wherein the display device displays a shooting location indicating a location where the attachment was imaged by an imaging device.

19. An information terminal according to claim 15, further comprising an input device, wherein the display device displays a comment related to the attachment that is generated by operating the input device.

20. A method for managing attachments, comprising: acquiring image data of an attachment that can be attached to a work machine and time data when the image data was captured; and outputting recorded data in which the image data and the time data are linked to each other.

Images