Construction assistance system, construction assistance method, and construction assistance program

Abstract

A construction assistance system according to the present invention comprises a storage device and a circuit which is connected to the storage device. The circuit: uses the storage device to identify the construction content at a construction site; acquires a site situation of the construction site; determines, on the basis of the construction content and the site situation, a manned machine or an unmanned machine to be used for construction; and outputs a construction instruction to the manned machine or the unmanned machine as determined.

Description

Construction support system, construction support method, and construction support program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a construction support system, a construction support method, and a construction support program for performing construction work using a plurality of construction machines.

[0002] Many construction machines are used in construction work and the like. For this reason, construction management systems for managing construction machines have been considered (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The construction management system disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes multiple construction machines that perform work by autonomous driving at a construction site, a management device that can be operated by an operator, and a platform to which the multiple construction machines and the management device are communicatively connected. Each construction machine transmits its acquired position to the platform. The management device transmits safety priorities for the multiple construction machines to the platform. While each construction machine is working, the platform determines whether an emergency stop is required for each construction machine based on the position and safety priority of each construction machine.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-061093

[0004] In particular, large-scale construction sites require the use of many construction machines. In such cases, because the site conditions and construction content are diverse, it is difficult to use all construction machines as unmanned vehicles and perform construction work using autonomous driving of these unmanned vehicles. For this reason, a single construction site will use both autonomously operating unmanned vehicles and manned vehicles operated by an operator. Here, efficient construction cannot be achieved unless the combined use of unmanned and manned vehicles is properly managed.

[0005] In one aspect, a construction support system is provided, comprising: a storage device and a circuit connected to the storage device; the storage device is configured to use the storage device to identify construction details at a construction site, acquire on-site conditions at the construction site, determine whether a manned vehicle or an unmanned vehicle will be used for construction based on the construction details and the on-site conditions, and output construction instructions to the manned vehicle or the unmanned vehicle in accordance with the determination.

[0006] In another aspect, there is provided a method for providing construction support using a construction support system including a storage device and a circuit connected to the storage device, the method including: the circuit using the storage device to identify construction content at a construction site; the circuit acquiring on-site conditions of the construction site; the circuit determining whether a manned vehicle or an unmanned vehicle will be used for the construction based on the construction content and the on-site conditions; and the circuit outputting construction instructions to the manned vehicle or the unmanned vehicle in accordance with the determination.

[0007] In yet another aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a program for performing construction support using a construction support system including a storage device and a circuit connected to the storage device, wherein the program, when executed by the circuit, causes the circuit to use the storage device to identify construction content at a construction site, acquire a site status of the construction site, determine whether a manned vehicle or an unmanned vehicle will be used for the construction based on the construction content and the site status, and output construction instructions to the manned vehicle or the unmanned vehicle in accordance with the determination.

[0008] It is an explanatory diagram of a system according to one embodiment. It is an explanatory diagram of a hardware configuration of the embodiment of FIG. 1. It is an explanatory diagram of a processing procedure of the embodiment of FIG.

[0009] An embodiment of a construction support system, a construction support method, and a construction support program will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 4. In this embodiment, the construction support system will be described as being used to manage construction machinery used at a construction site for a dam construction project.

[0010] 1, the construction support system A1 uses a management device 10, a monitoring device 15, a management server 20, a weather information site 30, a topographical information site 32, and construction machines 40, all of which are interconnected via a network. The construction machines 40 include a manned machine 40a and an unmanned machine 40b.

[0011] The manned vehicle 40a is a construction machine that is operated by an operator at a construction site. The unmanned vehicle 40b is a construction machine that is not operated by an operator at a construction site. The unmanned vehicle 40b performs autonomous driving to carry out instructed construction work by acquiring position information, recognizing the surrounding environment, and other sensing. The unmanned vehicle 40b may also be operated by an operator in a remote location.

[0012] The construction machinery 40 includes excavators such as backhoes, various cranes such as crawler cranes, and transport machinery such as dump trucks. [Explanation of Hardware Configuration] Using Figure 2, the hardware configuration of an information processing device H10 that functions as the management device 10, monitoring device 15, management server 20, weather information site 30, topography information site 32, and construction machinery 40 will be described. The information processing device H10 includes a communication device H11, an input device H12, a display device H13, a storage device H14, and a processor H15. Note that this hardware configuration is an example, and the information processing device H10 can also be realized by other hardware.

[0013] The communication device H11 is an interface that establishes a communication path with other devices and transmits and receives data. The input device H12 is a device that accepts input of various information, such as a mouse or keyboard. The display device H13 is a display that displays various information.

[0014] The storage device H14 stores data and various programs for executing the various functions of the management device 10, the monitoring device 15, the management server 20, the weather information site 30, the topographical information site 32, and the construction machine 40.

[0015] The processor H15 is a device (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor unit (MPU)) that uses the programs and data stored in the storage device H14 to control each process in the management device 10, the monitoring device 15, the management server 20, the weather information site 30, the topography information site 32, and the construction machine 40. This processor H15 loads programs stored in a read-only memory (ROM) or the like into a random access memory (RAM) to execute various processes. The processor H15 may also be realized by a dedicated hardware circuit (e.g., an application-specific integrated circuit).

[0016] That is, the processor H15 may be configured as: [1] one or more processors that operate according to a computer program (software), [2] one or more dedicated hardware circuits that perform at least some of various processes, or [3] a circuitry including a combination thereof. The processor includes a CPU and memory such as RAM and ROM, and the memory stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to perform processes. Memory, i.e., non-transitory computer-readable medium, includes any available medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or dedicated computer.

[0017] [System Configuration] Next, each function of the construction support system A1 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The management device 10 is a computer terminal used by the manager of the construction site.

[0018] The monitoring device 15 is a computer terminal used to manage the topographical conditions at a construction site. This monitoring device 15 uses a drone, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that flies by remote control or automatic piloting. This monitoring device 15 is equipped with a sensor that measures the shape of an object using laser light, sound waves, etc. to measure the current topography of the construction site in three dimensions. Laser scanning, time-of-flight, and photogrammetry methods can be used. In this embodiment, LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is used, which uses laser light to measure the distance to an object and its shape.

[0019] The management server 20 is a computer system that supports the management of construction machinery used at a construction site. The management server 20 includes a control unit 21, a construction plan storage unit 22, a procurement plan storage unit 23, and a current topography storage unit 24.

[0020] The control unit 21 supports the management of construction machinery at construction sites. To this end, the control unit 21 executes a construction support program to perform management steps, judgment steps, instruction steps, etc. By executing this program, the control unit 21 functions as a management unit 211, a judgment unit 212, and an instruction unit 213.

[0021] The management unit 211 executes processing to manage the determination unit 212 and the instruction unit 213. The determination unit 212 executes processing to determine for each area of ​​the construction site whether it should be a manned area using the manned machine 40a or an unmanned area using the unmanned machine 40b. The determination unit 212 holds manned / unmanned determination information that determines whether "only the manned machine 40a can handle the work" or "either the manned machine 40a or the unmanned machine 40b can handle the work" depending on the construction content. Furthermore, the determination unit 212 holds score information for scoring responses by the manned machine 40a and responses by the unmanned machine 40b depending on the site situation.

[0022] The instruction unit 213 executes a process for issuing construction instructions to the manned vehicle 40a and the unmanned vehicle 40b. The instruction unit 213 stores a route prediction model. This route prediction model is a model that uses machine learning to predict the driving route of each unmanned vehicle 40b by inputting topographical information of the unmanned area to be constructed, the construction content, and the number of unmanned vehicle 40b that can be procured. This route prediction model is generated using past construction records that have been determined to be appropriate as training information. The instruction unit 213 also stores location information of the storage location of each unmanned vehicle 40b.

[0023] The construction plan storage unit 22, which functions as a storage device, stores construction management data. This construction management data is stored when construction plan information related to the construction work process is registered. The construction management data includes information on the site ID, location, area ID, process ID, date, and time period.

[0024] The site ID is information related to an identifier for identifying the construction site. The location is information related to the location (latitude and longitude) for identifying this construction site. The area ID is an identifier for identifying each of the multiple areas into which this construction site is divided.

[0025] The process ID is an identifier for identifying the process to be carried out at this construction site. The date data is information about the date on which this process will be carried out. The time period data is information about the time period on this date when this process will be carried out.

[0026] The procurement plan storage unit 23, which functions as a storage device, stores procurement management data for the construction machines 40 that can be procured. This procurement management data is stored when a procurement plan is registered. This procurement management data includes information on the site ID, date, model, vendor, procurement cost, and number of machines.

[0027] The site ID is an identifier for identifying the construction site. The date is information about the date on which the construction machine will be used. The model is information about the type of construction machine to be used depending on the construction content.

[0028] The vendor is information about the business that provides this construction machine. The procurement cost is information about the cost of using this construction machine. The number is information about the number of units that can be procured.

[0029] The current topography storage unit 24, which functions as a storage device, stores local situation management data on the current topography of the construction site. This local situation management data is stored when information on the topography of the construction site is acquired from the monitoring device 15. This local situation management data includes the date, site ID, area ID, and information on the situation.

[0030] The date is information about the date when the construction machine is scheduled to be used. The site ID is information about an identifier for identifying the construction site. The area ID is information about an identifier for identifying the process to be carried out at this construction site.

[0031] The status is information about the current three-dimensional topography of the area (surface relief, embankment status, cutting status, leveling status, etc.). This current topography makes it possible to grasp the progress of construction (areas that have been completed and areas that have not yet been completed).

[0032] The weather information site 30 is a computer system, such as a server that provides a website, that provides information about the weather in the area that the construction site is in. In this embodiment, future weather information for a predetermined period is obtained from the weather information site 30.

[0033] The topographical information site 32 is a computer system, such as a server that provides a website, that provides mesh data relating to geographical information of the area surrounding the construction site. In this embodiment, the topographical information site 32 uses the website of the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan to obtain three-dimensional digital data such as topography (the undulations and shape of the earth's surface).

[0034] [Construction Support Processing] The construction support processing will be described with reference to Figure 3. Here, first, the control unit 21 executes a processing for acquiring the construction site situation (step S11). Specifically, the management unit 211 of the control unit 21 acquires the location information (latitude, longitude) of the construction site to be managed from the construction plan storage unit 22, and acquires weather information for the area including this latitude and longitude from the weather information site 30. Furthermore, the management unit 211 acquires mesh data for the area including this latitude and longitude from the terrain information site 32. Furthermore, the management unit 211 acquires the current terrain acquired from the monitoring device 15 and stored in the current terrain storage unit 24.

[0035] Next, the control unit 21 executes a manned / unmanned determination process for each area (step S12). Specifically, the management unit 211 acquires the construction details for the day of work for each area from the construction plan storage unit 22. Then, the determination unit 212 of the control unit 21 determines the manned vehicle 40a or the unmanned vehicle 40b according to the construction details. In this case, first, using the manned / unmanned determination information, it determines whether "only the manned vehicle 40a can handle the work" or "either the manned vehicle 40a or the unmanned vehicle 40b can handle the work." Here, an area for which "only the manned vehicle 40a can handle the work" is determined to be a manned area.

[0036] Furthermore, areas where construction work can be done by either the manned vehicle 40a or the unmanned vehicle 40b are determined using weather information obtained from the weather information site 30, terrain information (mesh data, current situation information) obtained from the terrain information site 32, and the current terrain storage unit 24. For example, using score information, scoring is performed to determine whether the manned vehicle 40a or the unmanned vehicle 40b should be used, based on the weather information and terrain information.

[0037] In this case, if the weather information indicates that the weather is bad and the operator's visibility is limited, the score of the unmanned vehicle 40b is increased. Also, if the terrain information indicates that the construction work is difficult based on the terrain, the score of the manned vehicle 40a is increased. In this case, the terrain information may be used to assign scores based on the size of the area, the slope, and the hardness of the ground surface.

[0038] In areas where the work can be done by either the manned or unmanned aircraft 40a or 40b, the area where the score for the unmanned aircraft 40b is higher than the score for the manned aircraft 40a is determined to be an unmanned area. On the other hand, the area where the score for the unmanned aircraft 40b is equal to or lower than the score for the manned aircraft 40a is determined to be an unmanned area.

[0039] Furthermore, the unmanned vehicle 40b that can be procured on the work day is identified and allocated to each area in the procurement plan storage unit 23. Based on this scoring, the manned vehicle 40a or unmanned vehicle 40b that can be procured is allocated to each area.

[0040] Next, for the manned area, the control unit 21 executes instruction processing for the manned area (step S13). Specifically, the instruction unit 213 of the control unit 21 instructs the manned machine 40a operating in the manned area on the construction content.

[0041] On the other hand, for an unmanned area, the control unit 21 executes an unmanned area designation process (step S14). This process will be described later. [Unmanned Area Designation Process] Next, the unmanned area designation process will be described with reference to FIG.

[0042] Here, the control unit 21 executes a process for setting a driving route for each unmanned area (step S21). Specifically, the instruction unit 213 sets a driving route for the unmanned vehicle 40b according to the construction content, based on the current topography stored in the current topography storage unit 24. Here, the route prediction model predicts the optimal driving route for the unmanned vehicle 40b using topography information for the unmanned area to be constructed, the construction content, and the number of unmanned vehicle 40b assigned to this unmanned area.

[0043] Next, the control unit 21 executes a process setting process for each unmanned area (step S22). Specifically, the instruction unit 213 instructs each unmanned vehicle 40b on the driving route and construction content.

[0044] Next, the control unit 21 executes a construction information registration process (step S23). Specifically, the management unit 211 acquires the progress status of the work from the unmanned aerial vehicle 40b. In this case, the management unit 211 acquires terrain information acquired from the unmanned aerial vehicle 40b by sensing, such as acquiring location information and recognizing the surrounding environment. Then, the management unit 211 updates the current terrain in the current terrain memory unit 24.

[0045] Next, the control unit 21 executes a determination process as to whether or not the process is to be ended (step S24). Specifically, the management unit 211 determines whether or not the current topography in the current topography storage unit 24 has the desired topography shape.

[0046] If it is determined that the process is not finished (NO in step S24), the control unit 21 executes a process of setting a driving route for each unmanned area (step S21). In this case, the instruction unit 213 resets a driving route for an area where construction work has not been performed, using the current topography updated in the current topography storage unit 24.

[0047] On the other hand, if it is determined that the process is to be completed (YES in step S24), the control unit 21 executes a process of moving the unmanned aerial vehicles 40b to the storage location (step S25). Specifically, the instruction unit 213 instructs each unmanned aerial vehicle 40b to return to the storage location.

[0048] According to this embodiment, the following advantages can be obtained: (1) The control unit 21 executes a process for acquiring the construction site status (step S11), thereby making it possible to grasp the status of the construction site.

[0049] (2) The control unit 21 executes a manned / unmanned determination process for each area (step S12). This allows the manned vehicle 40a or the unmanned vehicle 40b to be allocated according to the construction content. Furthermore, the manned vehicle 40a or the unmanned vehicle 40b can be allocated according to the on-site conditions of the construction site. For example, the manned vehicle 40a or the unmanned vehicle 40b with the best work efficiency can be identified according to weather information. Furthermore, the manned vehicle 40a or the unmanned vehicle 40b with the best work efficiency can be identified according to topographical information.

[0050] (3) The control unit 21 executes a manned area instruction process (step S13), thereby instructing the operator of the manned machine 40a on the work area and work content.

[0051] (4) The control unit 21 executes a process for setting a driving route for each unmanned area (step S21). This allows the unmanned vehicle 40b to perform construction work efficiently. (5) The control unit 21 executes a process for setting a process execution for each unmanned area (step S22). This allows the unmanned vehicle 40b to be instructed to perform construction work.

[0052] (6) The control unit 21 executes a construction information registration process (step S23). This allows the construction status of the unmanned vehicle 40b to be grasped. (7) If it is determined that the process is not finished (if "NO" in step S24), the control unit 21 executes a driving route setting process for each unmanned area (step S21). This allows the unmanned vehicle 40b to be instructed to take an appropriate driving route depending on the current terrain conditions.

[0053] This embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and the following modifications can be implemented in combination with each other to the extent that no technical contradiction occurs. In the above embodiment, the construction support system is used to manage construction machinery used at a construction site for dam construction work. The construction site is not limited to dam construction work.

[0054] In the above embodiment, the control unit 21 executes the manned / unmanned determination process for each area (step S12). Here, weather information and topographical information (mesh data, current status information) are used, but the information used for the determination is not limited to these. Some of these or other information may also be used.

[0055] For example, the procurement cost of the manned vehicle 40a or the unmanned vehicle 40b may be taken into consideration when making a decision, with cost being given priority. In this case, the procurement costs for using the manned vehicle 40a or the unmanned vehicle 40b are calculated based on the required time for the work content. Then, for areas where the work content can be done by either the manned vehicle 40a or the unmanned vehicle 40b, the vehicle with the lower procurement cost is selected.

[0056] Furthermore, the construction schedule may be prioritized in consideration of the work time of the manned vehicle 40a or the unmanned vehicle 40b. For example, if the construction schedule is behind schedule relative to the construction plan, the earlier end time using the manned vehicle 40a or the unmanned vehicle 40b may be selected. In this case, the end time when using the manned vehicle 40a is determined taking into consideration the working hours of each operator. On the other hand, the unmanned vehicle 40b is less restricted by the working hours of the operator. For example, the unmanned vehicle 40b can be operated autonomously even at night.

[0057] In the above embodiment, the control unit 21 executes a process of setting a driving route for each unmanned area (step S21). Here, a route prediction model is used. The method of setting a driving route is not limited to using machine learning.

[0058] In the above embodiment, the control unit 21 executes a process setting process for each unmanned area (step S22). At this point, the control unit 21 may prompt the manager for confirmation. In this case, the control unit 21 outputs an operation plan to the management device 10 used by the manager to prompt approval. This operation plan includes information regarding the driving route of the unmanned vehicle 40b for each unmanned area.

[0059] In the above embodiment, the control unit 21 executes the registration process of the construction information (step S23). This construction information (topographical information) may be acquired from the monitoring device 15.

Claims

1. A construction support system comprising a storage device and a circuit connected to the storage device, wherein the circuit is configured to: use the storage device to identify the construction content of a construction site; acquire the on-site status of the construction site; determine whether a manned or unmanned vehicle will be used for the construction based on the construction content and the on-site status; and output construction instructions to the manned or unmanned vehicle in accordance with the determination.

2. The construction support system of claim 1, wherein the circuitry is further configured to select either an unmanned vehicle or a manned vehicle using topographical information of a construction area.

3. The construction support system according to claim 2, wherein the circuit is further configured to obtain the topographical information from a topographical information site.

4. The construction support system of claim 2, wherein the circuitry is further configured to obtain the terrain information from an unmanned aerial vehicle.

5. The construction support system of claim 1, wherein the circuit is further configured to select either an unmanned vehicle or a manned vehicle using weather information for a construction area.

6. The construction support system of claim 1, wherein the circuit is further configured to determine a driving path for the unmanned vehicle using topographical information of a construction area.

7. The construction support system of claim 1, wherein the circuitry is further configured to select between an unmanned vehicle and a manned vehicle depending on the number of manned and unmanned vehicles available.

8. The construction support system according to claim 1, wherein the circuit is further configured to select either an unmanned vehicle or a manned vehicle depending on the construction period.

9. A method of providing construction support using a construction support system having a memory device and a circuit connected to the memory device, comprising: the circuit using the memory device to identify construction content at a construction site; the circuit acquiring on-site conditions at the construction site; the circuit determining whether a manned or unmanned aircraft will be used for the construction based on the construction content and the on-site conditions; and the circuit outputting construction instructions to the manned or unmanned aircraft in accordance with the determination.

10. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a program for providing construction support using a construction support system having a storage device and a circuit connected to the storage device, wherein the program, when executed by the circuit, causes the circuit to: use the storage device to identify construction content at a construction site; acquire on-site conditions at the construction site; determine whether a manned or unmanned aircraft will be used for the construction based on the construction content and the on-site conditions; and output construction instructions to the manned or unmanned aircraft in accordance with the determination.

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