Attachment management system, information terminal, and attachment management method

Abstract

This attachment management system comprises: a storage unit that stores identification data of a first owner who owns an attachment attachable to a work machine and rents out the attachment to a third party; a data acquisition unit that acquires input data, from the first owner, for providing the third party with the use authority of application software for managing the attachment; a processing unit that sets, on the basis of the identification data and the input data, the use authority to be provided to the third party; and an output unit that outputs the use authority set by the processing unit to an information terminal of the third party.

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] In the rental business of attachments, attachments are rented from owners to third parties. The management items for attachments may differ between the owner and the third party. If the management items provided to the third party are insufficient or excessive, the attachments may not be managed properly.

[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 memory unit that stores identification data of a first owner who owns an attachment that can be attached to a work machine; a data acquisition unit that acquires input data from the first owner to grant usage rights to application software that manages the attachment to a third party that rents the attachment from the first owner; a processing unit that sets usage rights to be granted to the third party based on the identification data and the input data; and an output unit that outputs the usage rights set by the processing unit to an information terminal of the third party.

[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 a registered position and a geofence 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 diagram for explaining an attachment rental business according to an embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an attachment rental format according to an embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining usage authority of a management app according to an embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a specific example of usage authority of a management app according to an embodiment. FIG. 15 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 contains 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, an area setting unit 92, a processing unit 93, and an output unit 94.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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 the storage geofence 41 from the inside to the outside, the processing unit 93 determines that the state of the attachment 6 is an outgoing state in which the attachment 6 has exited 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, the processing unit 93 determines that the state of the attachment 6 is in a state of being transported 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, the processing unit 93 determines that the state of the attachment 6 is an incoming state in which the attachment 6 has entered the 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] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] The display device 17 may also 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, the name 25 of the type of attachment 6, a current location 26 indicating the current position of the attachment 6, a current status 27 of the attachment 6, and maintenance data 28 related to maintenance of the attachment 6.

[0063] 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.

[0064] [Renting of Attachments] The attachments 6 are rented. In a rental business for renting the attachments 6, the attachments 6 are rented from the owner to a third party. Fig. 11 is a diagram for explaining the rental business of the attachments 6 according to the embodiment.

[0065] The attachment 6 manufactured by the manufacturer is sold to a first rental company via a seller. The first rental company corresponds to the first owner of the attachment 6. The first owner is the owner of the attachment 6. The first rental company can rent the attachment 6 that it owns to a second rental company. When the attachment 6 is rented from the first rental company to the second rental company, the first rental company is the lessor and the second rental company is the lessee.

[0066] The second rental company can rent the attachment 6 rented from the first rental company to the first contractor. The second rental company double-rents the attachment 6 to the first contractor. The second rental company corresponds to the second owner of the attachment 6, and the first contractor corresponds to the first user of the attachment 6. When the attachment 6 is rented from the second rental company to the first contractor, the second rental company is the lessor and the first contractor is the lessee.

[0067] The first contractor can rent the attachment 6 rented from the second rental company to the second contractor. The second contractor corresponds to a second user of the attachment 6. When the attachment 6 is rented from the first contractor to the second contractor, the first contractor is the lessor and the second contractor is the lessee.

[0068] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a rental format for an attachment 6 according to an embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 12 , a first owner owns attachments 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, and 6F. The first owner rents attachment 6C to a second owner. The second owner owns attachment 6G. The second owner double-rents attachment 6C, rented from the first owner, to the first user. The first owner rents attachment 6E to the second user. The second owner rents attachment 6G to the second user. The second user rents attachment 6E from the first owner and also rents attachment 6G from the second owner. Note that the first owner may, for example, rent attachment 6A to the first user.

[0069] [Setting Management App Usage Permission] The first owner, second owner, first user, and second user each own an information terminal 10 on which a management app is installed. The management app is installed on the terminal computer 15 of the information terminal 10. The first owner, second owner, first user, and second user may have different management items for the attachment 6. In the embodiment, the first owner, second owner, first user, and second user each have different usage permissions for the management app. The usage permissions for the management app include viewing and editing permissions for the management items. The attachment 6 is managed appropriately by granting the first owner, second owner, first user, and second user appropriate usage permissions for the management app.

[0070] 12 , the first owner grants the second owner permission to use the management app related to the management item of attachment 6C. The second owner grants the first user permission to use the management app related to the management item of attachment 6C. The first owner grants the second user permission to use the management app related to the management item of attachment 6E. The second owner grants the second user permission to use the management app related to the management item of attachment 6G.

[0071] For example, when a first owner grants a second owner permission to use a management app related to attachment 6C, the first owner operates input device 16 of information terminal 10 to input input data for granting permission to use the management app related to attachment 6C to the second owner. Input device 16 of information terminal 10 held by the first owner is operated by the first owner to grant permission to use the management app to the second owner. Communication device 20 of information terminal 10 held by the first owner transmits the permission to use the management app input from input device 16 to management server 9. Data acquisition unit 91 acquires input data from the first owner for granting permission to use the management app related to attachment 6C to the second owner. The input data includes identification data of the first owner.

[0072] The storage unit 90 pre-stores identification data of a first owner who rents the attachment 6 to a third party. The processing unit 93 sets usage authority for the management app for the attachment 6C to be given to a second owner, who is a third party, based on the identification data of the first owner stored in the storage unit 90 and input data from the first owner acquired by the data acquisition unit 91. That is, the processing unit 93 compares the identification data included in the input data acquired by the data acquisition unit 91 with the identification data of the first owner stored in the storage unit 90 to determine whether the input data acquired by the data acquisition unit 91 is input data from the first owner. If it is determined that the input data acquired by the data acquisition unit 91 is input data from the first owner, the processing unit 93 sets usage authority for the management app for the attachment 6C to be given to the second owner, based on the input data acquired by the data acquisition unit 91.

[0073] The output unit 94 outputs the usage authority for the attachment 6C set by the processing unit 93 to the information terminal 10 held by the second owner. Outputting the usage authority to the information terminal 10 of the third party (second owner) includes one or both of providing the management app for which the usage authority has been set to the information terminal 10 held by the third party and providing the usage authority to the management app installed in the information terminal 10 held by the third party.

[0074] In the embodiment, the output unit 94 provides the management application for which the usage authority related to the attachment 6C is set to the information terminal 10 possessed by the second owner.

[0075] For example, when the second owner grants the first user permission to use the management app related to attachment 6C, the second owner operates input device 16 of information terminal 10 to input input data for granting the first user permission to use the management app related to attachment 6C. The input data includes identification data of the second owner. Input device 16 of information terminal 10 held by the second owner is operated by the second owner to grant the first user permission to use the management app. Communication device 20 of information terminal 10 held by the second owner transmits the permission to use the management app input from input device 16 to management server 9.

[0076] The storage unit 90 pre-stores identification data of a second owner who rents the attachment 6 to a third party. The processing unit 93 sets usage authority for a management app related to the attachment 6C to be given to a first user, who is a third party, based on the identification data of the second owner stored in the storage unit 90 and input data from the second owner acquired by the data acquisition unit 91. That is, the processing unit 93 compares the identification data included in the input data acquired by the data acquisition unit 91 with the identification data of the second owner stored in the storage unit 90 to determine whether the input data acquired by the data acquisition unit 91 is input data from the second owner. If it is determined that the input data acquired by the data acquisition unit 91 is input data from the second owner, the processing unit 93 sets usage authority for the management app related to the attachment 6C to be given to the first user, based on the input data acquired by the data acquisition unit 91. The output unit 94 provides the management app, for which usage authority for the attachment 6C has been set, to the information terminal 10 owned by the first user. The output unit 94 may provide the usage authority to a management app installed on the information terminal 10 owned by the first user.

[0077] For example, when a first owner grants a second user permission to use a management app related to attachment 6E, the first owner operates input device 16 of information terminal 10 to input input data for granting the second user permission to use the management app related to attachment 6E. Input device 16 of information terminal 10 possessed by the first owner is operated by the first owner to grant the second user permission to use the management app. Communicator 20 of information terminal 10 possessed by the first owner transmits the permission to use the management app input from input device 16 to management server 9.

[0078] The storage unit 90 pre-stores identification data of a first owner who rents the attachment 6 to a third party. The processing unit 93 sets usage authority for a management app related to the attachment 6E to be given to a second user, who is a third party, based on the identification data of the first owner stored in the storage unit 90 and input data from the first owner acquired by the data acquisition unit 91. When it is determined that the input data acquired by the data acquisition unit 91 is input data from the first owner, the processing unit 93 sets usage authority for the management app related to the attachment 6E to be given to the second user based on the input data acquired by the data acquisition unit 91. The output unit 94 provides the management app, for which usage authority for the attachment 6E has been set, to the information terminal 10 owned by the second user. Note that the output unit 94 may provide usage authority to a management app installed on the information terminal 10 owned by the second user.

[0079] For example, when the second owner grants the second user permission to use the management app related to the attachment 6G, the second owner operates the input device 16 of the information terminal 10 to input input data for granting the second user permission to use the management app related to the attachment 6G. The input device 16 of the information terminal 10 held by the second owner is operated by the second owner to grant the second user permission to use the management app. The communicator 20 of the information terminal 10 held by the second owner transmits the permission to use the management app input from the input device 16 to the management server 9.

[0080] The storage unit 90 pre-stores identification data of a second owner who rents the attachment 6 to a third party. The processing unit 93 sets usage authority for a management app related to the attachment 6G to be given to a second user, who is a third party, based on the identification data of the second owner stored in the storage unit 90 and input data from the second owner acquired by the data acquisition unit 91. When it is determined that the input data acquired by the data acquisition unit 91 is input data from the second owner, the processing unit 93 sets usage authority for the management app related to the attachment 6G to be given to the second user, based on the input data acquired by the data acquisition unit 91. The output unit 94 provides the management app, for which usage authority for the attachment 6G has been set, to the information terminal 10 owned by the second user. Note that the output unit 94 may provide usage authority to a management app installed on the information terminal 10 owned by the second user.

[0081] 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating the usage authority of the management app according to the embodiment. The processing unit 93 sets the usage authority of the management app based on the rental period for which the attachment 6 is rented to a third party.

[0082] The first owner who owns the attachment 6 has the authority to use the management app for the entire rental period. If the attachment 6C is rented from the first owner to the second owner, the second owner has the authority to use the attachment 6C of the management app for the rental period of the attachment 6C. If the attachment 6C is rented from the second owner to the first user, the first user has the authority to use the attachment 6C of the management app for the rental period of the attachment 6C. If the attachment 6E is rented from the first owner to the second user, the second user has the authority to use the attachment 6E of the management app for the rental period of the attachment 6E. If the attachment 6G is rented from the second owner to the second user, the second user has the authority to use the attachment 6G of the management app for the rental period of the attachment 6G.

[0083] If the first owner is the lessor, the rental period may be determined by the first owner. The first owner operates the input device 16 of the information terminal 10 to input input data for determining the rental period of the attachment 6. The input device 16 of the information terminal 10 possessed by the first owner is operated by the first owner to determine the rental period of the attachment 6. The communication device 20 of the information terminal 10 possessed by the first owner transmits the rental period of the attachment 6 input from the input device 16 to the management server 9. Note that if the second owner is the lessor, the rental period may be determined by the second owner.

[0084] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a specific example of usage authority for a management app according to an embodiment. The communication device 20 of an information terminal 10 possessed by a third party receives usage authority for the management app from the management server 9. The display device 17 of the information terminal 10 displays a management screen for the management app. The display device 17 displays the management screen based on the usage authority. The display device 17 restricts the display of the management screen based on the usage authority. The display device 17 restricts the display of the management screen based on the rental period of the attachment 6. The terminal computer 15 displays the management screen on the display device 17 only during the rental period. When the rental period ends, the terminal computer 15 does not display the management screen on the display device 17.

[0085] A third party can operate the input device 16 of the information terminal 10 to edit the management screen. The input device 16 is operated to edit the management screen. The terminal computer 15 restricts editing of the management screen based on the usage authority. The terminal computer 15 restricts editing of the management screen based on the rental period of the attachment 6. The terminal computer 15 accepts editing of the management screen only during the rental period. When the rental period ends, the terminal computer 15 does not accept editing of the management screen.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 14 , an example of a management item is the setting of a geofence 40. As described above, the geofence 40 is set to include the registered location 30 to which the attachment 6 is transported. When the management item is the setting of the geofence 40, the first owner and the second owner can view but cannot edit the management screen of the management app related to the setting of the geofence 40. The first user can view but cannot edit the management screen of the management app related to the setting of the geofence 40. The second user can edit and view the management screen of the management app related to the setting of the geofence 40. Note that each of the first user and the second user may be able to edit and view the management screen of the management app related to the setting of the geofence 40.

[0087] [Attachment Management Method] Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing a method for managing an attachment 6 according to an embodiment. A third party operates the input device 16 of the information terminal 10 on which a management application is installed to apply for rental of the attachment 6 owned by the first owner. The input device 16 is operated by the third party to apply for rental of the attachment 6. The management application installed on the information terminal 10 applies for rental of the attachment 6 based on input data from the third party. The communication device 20 of the information terminal 10 transmits the rental application for the attachment 6 input from the input device 16 to the management server 9. The data acquisition unit 91 acquires the rental application for the attachment 6 from the third party (step S1).

[0088] The output unit 94 notifies the information terminal 10 possessed by the first owner that a rental application for the attachment 6 has been received from a third party (step S2).

[0089] If the first owner accepts the rental request, the first owner operates the input device 16 of the information terminal 10 to input input data for granting the third party permission to use the management app. The first owner also operates the input device 16 of the information terminal 10 to input input data for determining the rental period. The input data is transmitted from the communication device 20 of the information terminal 10 to the management server 9. The data acquisition unit 91 acquires the input data from the first owner for granting the third party permission to use the management app and the input data for determining the rental period of the attachment 6 (step S3).

[0090] The third party may also apply for a rental period together with the application for rental of the attachment 6. The rental period requested by the third party is notified to the information terminal 10 possessed by the first owner via the management server 9. When the first owner is notified of the rental period, the first owner may operate the input device 16 of the information terminal 10 to input input data for granting the third party permission to use the management app for the requested rental period.

[0091] The processing unit 93 sets the usage rights of the management app to be given to a third party and the rental period of the attachment 6 based on the identification data of the first owner stored in the memory unit 90 and the input data from the first owner acquired by the data acquisition unit 91 (step S4).

[0092] That is, the processing unit 93 compares the identification data included in the input data acquired by the data acquisition unit 91 with the identification data of the first owner stored in the storage unit 90 to determine whether the input data acquired by the data acquisition unit 91 is input data from the first owner. If it is determined that the input data acquired by the data acquisition unit 91 is input data from the first owner, the processing unit 93 sets the usage authority of the management app to be given to a third party and the rental period of the attachment 6, based on the input data acquired by the data acquisition unit 91.

[0093] The output unit 94 outputs the usage authority for the management app to the information terminal 10 owned by the third party. The output unit 94 may provide the management app for which the usage authority has been set to the information terminal 10 owned by the third party, or may provide the usage authority to the management app installed in the information terminal 10 owned by the third party.

[0094] 12, the first owner can rent the attachment 6 to at least one of the second owner, the first user, and the second user. The first owner grants the third party permission to use the attachment 6 for a rental period determined by the first owner (step S5).

[0095] When a first owner rents an attachment 6 to a second owner, the first owner grants the second owner the necessary usage rights for the rental period determined by the first owner. The second owner can double-rent the attachment 6 rented from the first owner to at least one of the first user and the second user. The second owner can grant at least one of the first user and the second user the necessary usage rights for the rental period determined by the second owner.

[0096] When the first owner rents the attachment 6 to the first or second user, the first owner grants the first or second user the necessary usage rights for a rental period determined by the first owner.

[0097] 14, the management apps of the information terminals 10 owned by the second owner, the first user, and the second user restrict the display of the management screen based on the viewing restrictions and the rental period. Also, the management apps of the information terminals 10 owned by the second owner, the first user, and the second user restrict the editing of the management screen based on the editing authority and the rental period.

[0098] When the rental period ends, the second owner, the first user, and the second user lose their authorization to use the management app on the information terminal 10. The authorization to use the management app also loses when the third user requests the return of the attachment 6. The second owner, the first user, and the second user are no longer able to view or edit the management screen (step S6).

[0099] A third party can use the management app to request the return of the rented attachment 6. When returning the attachment 6 to the first owner, the third party operates the input device 16 of the information terminal 10 on which the management app is installed to request the return of the attachment 6. The input device 16 is operated by the third party to request the return of the attachment 6. The management app installed on the information terminal 10 requests the return of the attachment 6 based on input data from the third party. The communication device 20 of the information terminal 10 transmits the request for return of the attachment 6 input from the input device 16 to the management server 9. The data acquisition unit 91 acquires the request for return of the attachment 6 from the third party. The output unit 94 notifies the information terminal 10 owned by the first owner that the third party has requested the return of the attachment 6. Upon completion of the return request, the third party's authority to use the management app is terminated.

[0100] In addition, when an attachment 6 is rented from a first owner to a second owner, if the first or second user requests the second owner to rent the first owner's attachment 6, the management app of the information terminal 10 possessed by the first owner may notify the first owner that a rental request for the attachment 6 has been made to the second owner. In other words, when the first or second user requests the second owner to double-rent the attachment 6, the information terminal 10 possessed by the first owner may notify the first owner that a double-rental request has been made to the second owner. The information terminal 10 possessed by the first owner may display on the display device 17 that a double-rental request has been made. If the information terminal 10 has an audio output device, the audio output device may output that a double-rental request has been made. The display device 17 or the audio output device is an example of a notification device that notifies the first owner that a double-rental request for the attachment 6 has been made to the second owner.

[0101] In addition, when an attachment 6 rented from a first owner to a second owner is rented to a first or second user, if the first or second user requests the second owner to return the attachment 6, the management app of the information terminal 10 possessed by the first owner may notify the first owner that the second owner has requested the return of the attachment 6. In other words, when the first or second user requests the second owner to return a double-rented attachment 6, the information terminal 10 possessed by the first owner may notify the first owner that the second owner has requested the return of the double-rented attachment 6. The information terminal 10 possessed by the first owner may display on the display device 17 that the second owner has requested the return of the double-rented attachment 6. If the information terminal 10 has an audio output device, it may output from the audio output device that the second owner has requested the return of the double-rented attachment 6. The display device 17 or the audio output device is an example of a notification device that notifies the first owner that the second owner has requested the return of the double-rented attachment 6 .

[0102] [Effects] As described above, in the embodiment, the management system 8 includes a memory unit 90 that stores identification data of a first owner who owns an attachment 6 that can be attached to the hydraulic excavator 1 and rents the attachment 6 to a third party; a data acquisition unit 91 that acquires input data from the first owner to grant the third party permission to use a management app that manages the attachment 6; a processing unit 93 that sets the permission to use the management app to be granted to the third party based on the identification data stored in the memory unit 90 and the input data acquired by the data acquisition unit 91; and an output unit 94 that provides the management app for which permission to use has been set to the information terminal 10 of the third party.

[0103] According to the embodiment, the third party is granted the right to use the management app appropriate for the third party, and appropriate management items are provided to the third party. This allows each of the first owner and the third owner to appropriately manage the attachment 6.

[0104] [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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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, 6A...attachment, 6B...attachment, 6C...attachment, 6D...attachment, 6E...attachment, 6F...attachment, 6G...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 state, 28...maintenance data, 30...registered location, 31...storage site, 32...work site, 33...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...grabber, 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 memory unit that stores identification data of a first owner who owns an attachment that can be attached to a work machine and rents said attachment to a third party; a data acquisition unit that acquires input data from the first owner for granting usage rights to application software that manages the attachment to the third party; a processing unit that sets the usage rights to be granted to the third party based on the identification data and the input data; and an output unit that outputs the usage rights set by the processing unit to an information terminal of the third party.

2. The attachment management system according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit sets the usage authority based on a rental period.

3. The attachment management system of claim 2, wherein the third party includes a second owner who rents the attachment rented from the first owner to a user, and the processing unit sets the usage rights to be granted to the user based on the input data from the second owner.

4. The attachment management system according to claim 3, wherein the user rents the attachment from the first owner, and the processing unit sets the usage rights to be given to the user based on the input data from the first owner.

5. An attachment management system as described in claim 4, wherein the application software is capable of setting an area including a registered location to which the attachment is transported, the first owner and the second owner are capable of viewing a management screen of the application software related to the setting of the area, and the user is capable of editing the management screen.

6. The attachment management system according to claim 1, wherein said application software applies for rental of said attachment based on input data from said third party.

7. The attachment management system according to claim 1, wherein said application software requests the return of said attachment based on input data from said third party.

8. The attachment management system of claim 1, wherein the third party includes a second owner who rents the attachment rented from the first owner to a user, and the application software notifies the first owner that a request to rent the attachment has been made by the second owner.

9. The attachment management system of claim 1, wherein the third party includes a second owner who rents the attachment rented from the first owner to a user, and the application software notifies the first owner that the second owner has requested the return of the attachment.

10. An information terminal comprising: an input device that can be attached to a work machine and is operated to grant, to a third party, usage authority for application software that manages an attachment rented from a first owner to the third party; and a communication device that transmits the usage authority input from the input device.

11. The information terminal according to claim 10, wherein the input device is operated to determine a rental period for the attachment, and the communication device transmits the rental period inputted from the input device.

12. The information terminal according to claim 10, wherein the third party includes a second owner who rents the attachment rented from the first owner to a user, and the information terminal is provided with a notification device that notifies the user that an application for rental of the attachment has been made to the second owner.

13. The information terminal according to claim 10, wherein the third party includes a second owner who rents the attachment rented from the first owner to a user, and the information terminal is provided with a notification device that notifies the user that a request to return the attachment has been made to the second owner.

14. An information terminal comprising: a terminal computer having installed thereon application software that can be attached to a work machine and that manages attachments rented from a first owner to a third party; a communication device that receives usage authority for the application software; and a display device that displays a management screen for the application software based on the usage authority.

15. The information terminal according to claim 14, wherein the display device limits the display of the management screen based on a rental period of the attachment.

16. An information terminal according to claim 14, further comprising an input device that is operated to edit said management screen, said terminal computer restricting editing of said management screen based on said usage authority.

17. An information terminal according to claim 14, further comprising an input device that is operated to apply for rental of the attachment, and the communication device transmits the application for rental of the attachment inputted from the input device.

18. An information terminal according to claim 14, further comprising an input device that is operated to request the return of the attachment, and wherein the communication device transmits the request to return the attachment inputted from the input device.

19. A method for managing attachments, comprising: storing identification data of a first owner who owns an attachment that can be attached to a work machine; acquiring input data from the first owner for granting usage authority of application software that manages the attachment to a third party to whom the attachment is rented from the first owner; setting the usage authority to be granted to the third party based on the identification data and the input data; and outputting the usage authority to an information terminal of the third party.

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