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

Abstract

This construction assistance system comprises: a storage device that stores the work performance of a manned machine and an unmanned machine; and a circuit that is connected to the storage device. The circuit acquires information pertaining to a work environment in a building site, calculates, in accordance with the work environment, a first evaluation value for work performed by the manned machine and a second evaluation value for work performed by the unmanned machine, and outputs, in accordance with the comparison between the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value, a configuration pertaining to the manned machine or the unmanned machine, which is to be used for the work in the building site.

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 construction machine.

[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] Unmanned aircraft can work continuously for long periods of time without operator intervention. Furthermore, by installing cameras and sensors, they can acquire wide-area images and data, allowing for a clear understanding of the situation on site. On the other hand, manned aircraft can be operated flexibly and accurately by the operator. Specifically, they can carry out work while checking the situation on site in real time. Accurate and efficient construction cannot be achieved without considering the advantages and disadvantages of manned and unmanned aircraft.

[0005] In one aspect, a construction support system is provided. The construction support system includes a storage device that stores the work capabilities of manned and unmanned aircraft, and a circuit connected to the storage device. The circuit is configured to acquire information about the work environment of a construction site, calculate a first evaluation value for work by the manned aircraft and a second evaluation value for work by the unmanned aircraft according to the work environment, and output a configuration for the manned or unmanned aircraft to be used for work at the construction site according to a comparison between the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value.

[0006] In another aspect, there is provided a method for providing construction support using a construction support system including a storage device that stores work capabilities of manned and unmanned aircraft and a circuit connected to the storage device, the method including: acquiring information about a work environment of a construction site by the circuit; calculating a first evaluation value for work by a manned aircraft and a second evaluation value for work by an unmanned aircraft according to the work environment by the circuit; and outputting a configuration for the manned or unmanned aircraft to be used for work at the construction site according to a comparison between the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value.

[0007] In yet another aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a program for providing construction support using a construction support system including a storage device that stores work capabilities of manned and unmanned aircraft and circuitry connected to the storage device, wherein the program, when executed by the circuitry, causes the circuitry to acquire information about a work environment of a construction site, calculate a first evaluation value for work by a manned aircraft and a second evaluation value for work by an unmanned aircraft depending on the work environment, and output a configuration for the manned aircraft or the unmanned aircraft to be used for work at the construction site depending on a comparison between the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value.

[0008] It is an explanatory diagram of a system according to an embodiment. It is an explanatory diagram of a hardware configuration of the embodiment in FIG. 1. It is an explanatory diagram of a processing procedure of the embodiment in 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 3. 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 management server 20, a weather information site 30, and a topographical information site 32, all of which are interconnected via a network. The construction support system A1 supports construction work by construction machines 40 (manned machines 40a and unmanned machines 40b).

[0011] The manned vehicle 40a is a construction machine in a manned operation mode that is operated by an operator on board at the construction site. The unmanned vehicle 40b is a construction machine in an autonomous operation mode that is not operated by an operator on the construction site. This unmanned vehicle 40b performs autonomous operation to carry out the instructed construction content by acquiring position information, recognizing the surrounding environment, and other sensing. Note that this 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 the information processing device H10 that functions as the management device 10, management server 20, weather information site 30, and topography information site 32 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 using 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 or the like that displays various information.

[0014] The storage device H14 stores data and various programs for executing various functions of the management device 10, management server 20, weather information site 30, and topography information site 32. The processor H15 is a device (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or microprocessor unit (MPU)) that controls each process in the management device 10, management server 20, weather information site 30, and topography information site 32 using the programs and data stored in the storage device H14. This processor H15 loads programs stored in read-only memory (ROM) or the like into random access memory (RAM) to execute various processes. The processor H15 may also be implemented as a dedicated hardware circuit (e.g., an application-specific integrated circuit).

[0015] 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.

[0016] [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.

[0017] The management server 20 is a computer system that supports the management of construction machinery used at construction sites. The management server 20 includes a control unit 21, a construction plan storage unit 22, a machine information storage unit 23, and an operator information storage unit 24.

[0018] 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, manned operation evaluation steps, unmanned operation evaluation steps, etc. By executing this program, the control unit 21 functions as a management unit 211, a manned operation evaluation unit 212, and an unmanned operation evaluation unit 213.

[0019] The management unit 211 executes processing to manage the manned operation evaluation unit 212 and the unmanned operation evaluation unit 213. This management unit 211 holds model management information for identifying the model of the construction machine 40 to be used depending on the work content.

[0020] The manned operation evaluation unit 212 evaluates the work performed at the construction site using the manned vehicle 40a. The unmanned operation evaluation unit 213 evaluates the work performed at the construction site using the unmanned vehicle 40b.

[0021] 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 related to the site ID, location, and schedule.

[0022] The site ID is information about an identifier for identifying the construction site. The location is information about the location (latitude and longitude range) for identifying this construction site. The size of the construction site can be identified by the latitude and longitude range.

[0023] The work schedule is information about the construction work (construction period, work content, work volume) to be carried out at the construction site. The machine information storage unit 23, which serves as a storage device, stores machine management data about the construction machine 40. This machine management data is stored when the construction machine is registered. This machine management data includes information about the model, operation type, work capacity, available operating time, environmental load basic unit, and procurement cost.

[0024] The model is the type of construction machinery used depending on the construction work content. The operation type is information that identifies the manned vehicle 40a or the unmanned vehicle 40b. The work capacity is the amount of work that this construction machinery can process per unit time depending on the operation type. This work capacity is affected by the work environment (terrain, weather, etc.). In this case, the work capacity is a function with the evaluation value of the work environment as a variable. For the terrain, feature quantities that quantify "presence or absence of undulations," "slope," "area," "soil quality," etc. that affect the work capacity of the manned vehicle 40a or the unmanned vehicle 40b are used.

[0025] The operable time is the operable time per day. The operable time of the manned vehicle 40a depends on the working hours of the operator. The operable time of the unmanned vehicle 40b excludes the time required for maintenance of the unmanned vehicle 40b.

[0026] The environmental load unit is the unit of environmental load (energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, air pollutant emissions, water pollutant emissions, etc.) generated by the work of this construction machinery depending on the type of operation. This environmental load unit is the environmental load amount corresponding to the unit work volume of the construction machinery. This environmental load unit is also affected by the work environment (topography, weather, etc.).

[0027] The procurement cost is information about the cost of using this construction machine depending on the operation type. The procurement cost is a function with the number of manned machines 40a or unmanned machines 40b procured as a variable. The procurement cost of manned machines 40a includes the usage fee per manned machine 40a. The procurement cost of unmanned machines 40b includes the usage fee per unmanned machine 40b and costs related to the monitoring system for the unmanned machine 40b.

[0028] The operator information storage unit 24, which functions as a storage device, stores management data for the operator who operates the manned vehicle 40a. This operator management data is stored when an operator is registered. This operator management data includes information regarding the operator ID, model, skills, and labor costs.

[0029] The operator ID is an identifier that identifies each operator. The model is the type of manned vehicle 40a that the operator can operate. The skill is the skill rank of the operator. The work ability is determined according to the skill.

[0030] The labor cost is the cost of using this operator. 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 includes the construction site. In this embodiment, future weather information for a predetermined period is obtained from the weather information site 30.

[0031] 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).

[0032] [Construction Support Processing] The construction support processing will be described with reference to Figure 3. Here, first, the control unit 21 executes a process for identifying work content (step S11). Specifically, the manager uses the management device 10 to specify the construction plan information stored in the construction plan storage unit 22. In this case, the management unit 211 of the control unit 21 identifies the work content to be performed at the construction site based on the construction plan information. Furthermore, the management unit 211 calculates the total amount of work from the size of the area enclosed by the latitude and longitude ranges. Then, the management unit 211 uses the model management information to identify the construction machine corresponding to the work content.

[0033] Next, the control unit 21 executes a process for acquiring topographical information (step S12). Specifically, the management unit 211 acquires the location information (latitude, longitude) of the construction site in the construction plan information from the construction plan storage unit 22, and acquires mesh data of the area including this location information (latitude, longitude) from the topographical information site 32.

[0034] Next, the control unit 21 executes a process for specifying the construction period (step S13). Specifically, the management unit 211 acquires the construction period (construction period) from the construction plan storage unit 22. This construction period is specified in the construction plan information by the number of days in which work can be performed at the construction site.

[0035] Next, the control unit 21 executes a process of acquiring weather information (step S14). Specifically, the management unit 211 acquires weather information for the region including the location information (latitude, longitude) of the construction site for the construction period from the weather information site 30.

[0036] Next, the control unit 21 executes an evaluation process for the manned operation mode (step S15). Here, the control unit 21 executes an operator identification process (step S15a). Specifically, the manned operation evaluation unit 212 of the control unit 21 uses the operator information storage unit 24 to identify operators who can operate the manned machine 40a in the manned operation mode.

[0037] Next, the control unit 21 executes an efficiency prediction process (step S15b). Specifically, the manned operation evaluation unit 212 uses the machine information storage unit 23 to acquire the work capacity of the manned vehicle 40a according to the terrain and weather.

[0038] Next, the control unit 21 executes a process for calculating the usage amount (step S15c). Specifically, the manned operation evaluation unit 212 calculates the work capacity per machine by integrating the work capacity, available operation time, and the number of days in the construction period. Next, the manned operation evaluation unit 212 calculates the number of manned machines 40a in use by dividing the total work amount by the work capacity per machine.

[0039] Next, the control unit 21 executes a process of calculating costs according to the usage amount (step S15d). Specifically, the manned operation evaluation unit 212 calculates the manned operation cost by multiplying the number of manned machines 40a used by the procurement cost and labor cost in order to complete the work within the construction period.

[0040] Next, the control unit 21 executes an environmental load calculation process (step S15e). Specifically, the manned operation evaluation unit 212 calculates the environmental load by multiplying the environmental load intensity of the manned machine 40a by the number of manned machines 40a in use and the number of days of use (construction period). The manned operation evaluation unit 212 then calculates the manned operation cost and environmental load as evaluation values ​​of the manned machine 40a.

[0041] Next, the control unit 21 executes an evaluation process for the unmanned operation mode (step S16). Here, the control unit 21 executes an efficiency prediction process (step S16a). Specifically, the unmanned operation evaluation unit 213 of the control unit 21 uses the machine information storage unit 23 to acquire the work capacity of the unmanned vehicle 40b according to the terrain and weather.

[0042] Next, the control unit 21 executes a process for calculating the usage amount (step S16b). Specifically, the unmanned driving evaluation unit 213 calculates the work capacity per vehicle by integrating the work capacity, available operation time, and the number of days in the construction period. Next, the unmanned driving evaluation unit 213 calculates the number of unmanned vehicles 40b in use by dividing the total work amount by the work capacity per vehicle.

[0043] Next, the control unit 21 executes a process of calculating costs according to the usage amount (step S16c). Specifically, the unmanned operation evaluation unit 213 calculates the unmanned operation cost by multiplying the number of unmanned vehicles 40b to be used by the procurement cost in order to complete the work within the construction period.

[0044] Next, the control unit 21 executes a process for calculating the environmental load (step S16d). Specifically, the unmanned driving evaluation unit 213 calculates the environmental load by multiplying the environmental load per unit of unmanned vehicle 40b by the number of unmanned vehicle 40b in use and the number of days of use (construction period). The unmanned driving evaluation unit 213 then calculates the unmanned driving cost and environmental load as evaluation values ​​of unmanned vehicle 40b.

[0045] Next, the control unit 21 executes a comparison process (step S17). Specifically, the management unit 211 acquires the manned operation cost and the manned operation environmental load as first evaluation values ​​from the manned operation evaluation unit 212. The management unit 211 also acquires the unmanned operation cost and the unmanned operation environmental load as second evaluation values ​​from the unmanned operation evaluation unit 213. The management unit 211 then compares the two.

[0046] Next, the control unit 21 executes a process for proposing a configuration of the construction machine (step S18). Specifically, the management unit 211 outputs to the management device 10 a construction method (manned machine 40a or unmanned machine 40b) that is low in cost and environmental impact.

[0047] This embodiment has the following advantages: (1) The control unit 21 executes a process for identifying the work content (step S11). This allows the model of the construction machine to be identified according to the work content.

[0048] (2) The control unit 21 executes a process for acquiring topographical information (step S12), thereby acquiring information about the topography of the construction site that affects the work efficiency of the construction machine.

[0049] (3) The control unit 21 executes a process for specifying a construction period (step S13) and a process for acquiring weather information (step S14), thereby obtaining weather information that affects the work efficiency of the construction machine.

[0050] (4) The control unit 21 executes an operator identification process (step S15a). This makes it possible to identify operators who are capable of operating the manned machine 40a at the construction site. (5) The control unit 21 executes an efficiency prediction process (step S15b). This makes it possible to evaluate the work capabilities of operators, which differ depending on the environment.

[0051] (6) The control unit 21 executes a process for calculating the usage amount (step S15c). This allows the number of manned aircraft 40a required to be calculated. (7) The control unit 21 executes a process for calculating the cost according to the usage amount (step S15d). This allows the cost of using the manned aircraft 40a to be calculated.

[0052] (8) The control unit 21 executes an environmental load calculation process (step S15e). This allows the environmental load when using the manned vehicle 40a to be calculated. (9) The control unit 21 executes an efficiency prediction process (step S16a). This allows the efficiency when using the unmanned vehicle 40b to be evaluated based on the environmental information.

[0053] (10) The control unit 21 executes a process for calculating the usage amount (step S16b), thereby determining the number of unmanned vehicles 40b required to complete the work within the construction period.

[0054] (11) The control unit 21 executes a process for calculating costs according to the amount of use (step S16c). This allows the environmental load when using the unmanned aerial vehicle 40b to be calculated. (12) The control unit 21 executes a process for calculating the environmental load (step S16d). This allows the environmental load when using the unmanned aerial vehicle 40b to be calculated.

[0055] (13) The control unit 21 executes a comparison process (step S17) and a process for proposing a configuration of the construction machine (step S18), thereby proposing either operator operation (unmanned vehicle 40a) or autonomous operation (unmanned vehicle 40b) at the construction site.

[0056] 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.

[0057] In the above embodiment, the control unit 21 executes a comparison process (step S17). Here, weather information and topographical information are used, but the information used for the determination is not limited to these. Part of these or other information may also be used.

[0058] In the above embodiment, the control unit 21 executes a comparison process (step S17). Specifically, the management unit 211 acquires the manned operation cost and the manned operation environmental load as the first evaluation value, and the unmanned operation cost and the unmanned operation environmental load as the second evaluation value. The first and second evaluation values ​​are not limited to these. They may include some or other elements. Indicators used for comparison (cost, environmental load, etc.) may also be acquired from the management device 10.

[0059] For example, the construction schedule may be prioritized, taking into account 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 account 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, autonomous operation is possible even at night.

[0060] Furthermore, an upper limit may be set on the number of manned or unmanned aircraft 40a or 40b that can be used depending on the size of the construction site. In this case, information specifying the upper limit on the number of manned or unmanned aircraft 40a or 40b that can be used for the area of ​​the construction site is used, and operation is assumed to be within this upper limit.

[0061] In the above embodiment, the control unit 21 executes the process of calculating the usage amount (steps S15c and S16b). Here, the number of days in the construction period is used to calculate the usage amount. If the construction is completed within the period, the daily usage amount may be increased and a smaller number of days may be set. In this case, too, the first and second evaluation values ​​for the period until the work is completed are compared, and the process of proposing the configuration of the construction machine is performed (step S18).

[0062] In the above embodiment, the control unit 21 executes the process of identifying the work content (step S11). Here, for each work content consisting of multiple steps, the control unit 21 may execute the process of acquiring topographical information (step S12) through the process of proposing a configuration for the construction machine (step S18). In this case, the process of proposing a configuration for the construction machine (step S18) may be executed for each step, or the first and second evaluation values ​​for the multiple steps may be integrated and the process of proposing a configuration for the construction machine (step S18) may be executed.

[0063] In the above embodiment, the control unit 21 executes a process for acquiring topographical information (step S12). Here, mesh data for the area including the construction site is acquired from the topographical information site 32. The method for acquiring topographical information is not limited to this. For example, three-dimensional information may be acquired from an unmanned aerial vehicle.

Claims

1. A construction support system comprising a storage device that stores the work capabilities of manned and unmanned aircraft, and a circuit connected to the storage device, wherein the circuit is configured to: acquire information regarding the work environment of a construction site; calculate a first evaluation value for work by a manned aircraft and a second evaluation value for work by an unmanned aircraft according to the work environment; and output a configuration for the manned aircraft or unmanned aircraft to be used for work at the construction site according to a comparison of the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value.

2. The construction support system of claim 1, wherein the circuitry is further configured to evaluate the work capabilities of unmanned and manned vehicles using topographical information of the construction site.

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 evaluate the work capabilities of the unmanned and manned vehicles using weather information in a construction area.

6. The construction support system of claim 1, wherein the circuitry is further configured to calculate procurement costs of unmanned and manned vehicles according to utilization of manned and unmanned vehicles.

7. The construction support system of claim 1, wherein the circuitry is further configured to suggest a configuration of unmanned and manned vehicles depending on the construction period.

8. A method of providing construction support using a construction support system having a memory device that stores the work capabilities of manned and unmanned aircraft and a circuit connected to the memory device, the method comprising: the circuit acquiring information regarding the work environment of a construction site; the circuit calculating a first evaluation value for work by a manned aircraft and a second evaluation value for work by an unmanned aircraft according to the work environment; and the circuit outputting a configuration for the manned aircraft or unmanned aircraft to be used for work at the construction site according to a comparison between the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value.

9. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a program for providing construction support using a construction support system having a storage device that stores the work capabilities of manned and unmanned aircraft and a circuit connected to the storage device, wherein the program, when executed by the circuit, causes the circuit to: acquire information regarding the work environment of a construction site; calculate a first evaluation value for work by a manned aircraft and a second evaluation value for work by an unmanned aircraft depending on the work environment; and output a configuration for the manned aircraft or unmanned aircraft to be used for work at the construction site depending on a comparison between the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value.

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