Inspection assistance system and inspection assistance method for work machine

Abstract

This inspection assistance system for a work machine includes: a template storage unit for storing a template related to inspection of a work machine; a display control unit for causing a display device to display the template stored in the template storage unit; and an inspection table creation unit for creating an inspection table of the work machine from the template displayed on the display device on the basis of first input data for selecting an inspection item.

Description

Work machine inspection support system and inspection support method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an inspection support system and an inspection support method for a work machine.

[0002] BACKGROUND ART In the technical field relating to inspection support systems for work machines, an inspection support system such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-164024

[0004] Inspection sheets are sometimes used when inspecting work machines. There is a demand for technology that allows inspectors to easily create inspection sheets.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to assist in creating a checklist.

[0006] According to the present disclosure, there is provided a work machine inspection support system including a template storage unit that stores templates related to work machine inspection, a display control unit that displays the templates stored in the template storage unit on a display device, and an inspection sheet creation unit that creates a work machine inspection sheet from the template displayed on the display device based on first input data for selecting inspection items.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to assist in creating a checklist.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an inspection support system for a work machine according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an information terminal according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram illustrating a management computer according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram illustrating a server and an information terminal according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a method of using an information terminal according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a method of using an information terminal according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a method of using an information terminal according to an embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a method of using an information terminal according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a method of using an information terminal according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a method of using an information terminal according to an embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a method of using an information terminal according to an embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a method of using an information terminal according to an embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a method of using an information terminal according to an embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a method of using an information terminal according to an embodiment. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a method of creating an inspection sheet 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] [Inspection support system] Figure 1 is a diagram that schematically shows an inspection support system 1 for a work machine 2 according to an embodiment. The inspection support system 1 supports the inspection of the work machine 2. The work machine 2 operates at a work site. The work machine 2 has a traveling device that travels on the ground, a vehicle body supported by the traveling device, and a work implement attached to the vehicle body. Examples of the work machine 2 include a wheel loader 2A, a shovel 2B, and a bulldozer 2C. Note that the work machine 2 may also be another work machine such as a dump truck or a motor grader. The inspection support system 1 has a server 3 and an information terminal 4.

[0011] The server 3 includes a management computer 5. The server 3 can communicate with the information terminal 4 via a communication system 6. In the embodiment, the communication system 6 includes a mobile phone communication line. Note that the communication system 6 may also include an internet communication line or a communication satellite line.

[0012] The information terminal 4 is carried by a user 7 of the work machine 2. The users 7 include an operator 7A of the work machine 2 and a work site manager 7B. The information terminal 4 is a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet terminal. The information terminal 4 may also be a personal computer.

[0013] 2 is a block diagram showing an information terminal 4 according to an embodiment. The information terminal 4 includes a terminal computer 9, an input device 10, a display device 11, a camera 12, a position sensor 13, a communication device 14, and a battery 15.

[0014] The terminal computer 9 includes a computer system. In this embodiment, application software 8 for supporting inspection of the work machine 2 is installed in the terminal computer 9.

[0015] The input device 10 generates input data when operated by the user 7. An example of the input device 10 is a touch panel (touch sensor). The input device 10 may include at least one of a computer keyboard and a mouse. The input device 10 may also include a voice input device.

[0016] The display device 11 provides display data to the user 7. The display device 11 has a display screen on which the display data is displayed. Examples of the display device 11 include a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.

[0017] The camera 12 captures an image of an object to be imaged and acquires image data of the object to be imaged. The object to be imaged includes an inspection object of the work machine 2. The inspection object of the work machine 2 includes an inspection point of the work machine 2.

[0018] The position sensor 13 detects the position of the information terminal 4. The detection data of the position sensor 13 indicates the position data of the information terminal 4. The position sensor 13 detects the position using a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). The Global Navigation Satellite System includes a Global Positioning System (GPS). The position sensor 13 includes a GNSS receiver. The position sensor 13 detects the position of the information terminal 4 in a global coordinate system. The global coordinate system is a coordinate system fixed to the Earth.

[0019] The communicator 14 is a wireless communication device. The communicator 14 transmits image data of the object captured by the camera 12 and position data of the information terminal 4 detected by the position sensor 13 to the server 3 via the communication system 6. The server 3 collects the image data and position data transmitted from each of the multiple information terminals 4.

[0020] The battery 15 functions as a power source for the information terminal 4. The terminal computer 9, the input device 10, the display device 11, the camera 12, the position sensor 13, and the communication device 14 each operate using power supplied from the battery 15.

[0021] [Computer System] FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram showing a management computer 5 according to an embodiment. The management computer 5 of the server 3 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 a nonvolatile memory, such as a read-only memory (ROM), and a volatile memory, such as a random access memory (RAM), a storage device 1003, and an interface 1004 including an input / output circuit. The functions of the management computer 5 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.

[0022] Similarly, the terminal computer 9 also includes a computer system 1000 having at least a processor 1001. The functions of the terminal computer 9 are realized by the application software 8 described above.

[0023] 4 is a functional block diagram showing the server 3 and the information terminal 4 according to the embodiment. The information terminal 4 has a communicator 14. The server 3 has a communicator 16. The communicator 14 and the communicator 16 communicate wirelessly via the communication system 6.

[0024] The terminal computer 9 has a temporary storage unit 20, a selection unit 21, a checklist creation unit 22, an editing unit 23, a template creation unit 24, a display control unit 25, and a communication unit 26. The management computer 5 has a template storage unit 27, a checklist storage unit 28, and a processing unit 29.

[0025] The template storage unit 27 stores templates related to the inspection of work machines 2. The templates include a plurality of predetermined inspection items. The template storage unit 27 stores a plurality of templates related to the respective inspections of a plurality of work machines 2. The template storage unit 27 may store a plurality of templates related to the respective inspections of a plurality of mutually different types of work machines 2, or may store a plurality of templates related to the respective inspections of a plurality of mutually different models of work machines 2 of the same type.

[0026] A wheel loader 2A, a shovel 2B, and a bulldozer 2C are exemplified as multiple mutually different types of work machines 2. A hydraulic shovel and an electric shovel are exemplified as multiple mutually different models of work machines 2 of the same type. The template storage unit 27 stores, for example, a wheel loader template including multiple inspection items for the wheel loader 2A, an shovel template including multiple inspection items for the shovel 2B, and a bulldozer template including multiple inspection items for the bulldozer 2C. The template storage unit 27 stores, for example, a hydraulic shovel template including multiple inspection items for the hydraulic shovel, and an electric shovel template including multiple inspection items for the electric shovel.

[0027] The temporary storage unit 20 stores predetermined data temporarily or long-term.

[0028] The display control unit 25 causes predetermined display data to be displayed on the display device 11. The display control unit 25 causes the display device 11 to display, for example, a template stored in the template storage unit 27.

[0029] The selection unit 21 selects one template from a plurality of templates stored in the template storage unit 27 based on input data (second input data) from the input device 10 .

[0030] The checklist creation unit 22 creates an inspection list for the work machine 2 from a template displayed on the display device 11, based on input data for selecting inspection items (first input data). The input data for selecting inspection items is input to the terminal computer 9 from the input device 10. The checklist creation unit 22 creates an inspection list from the template selected by the selection unit 21.

[0031] The checklist includes at least one check item selected from one template based on input data (first input data) from the input device 10 .

[0032] The inspection sheet creation unit 22 creates an inspection sheet to which additional items related to inspection have been added, based on input data (fifth input data) from the input device 10. The additional items include the inspection results of the work machine 2. The additional items include image data of the inspection target of the work machine 2 captured by the camera 12. The additional items include the inspector.

[0033] The checklist created by the checklist creation unit 22 is stored in the checklist storage unit 28. The processing unit 29 stores the checklist transmitted from the terminal computer 9 in the checklist storage unit 28.

[0034] The editing unit 23 edits the template stored in the template storage unit 27 based on input data (third input data) from the input device 10. The processing unit 29 stores the edited template transmitted from the terminal computer 9 in the template storage unit 27.

[0035] The template creation unit 24 creates a template based on input data (fourth input data) from the input device 10. The processing unit 29 stores the new template sent from the terminal computer 9 in the template storage unit 27.

[0036] The communication unit 26 transmits the inspection table created by the inspection table creation unit 22 to the server 3 using a predetermined communication method (communication protocol). The communication system 6 communicates using a predetermined communication method. The information terminal 4 transmits the inspection table created by the inspection table creation unit 22 to the server 3 using the predetermined communication method. In an embodiment, the communication system 6 includes a mobile phone line. In an embodiment, the predetermined communication method is a communication method that uses a mobile phone line.

[0037] [How to use the information terminal] The inspection support system 1 supports the inspector in inspecting the work machine 2. Application software 8 installed on the terminal computer 9 of the information terminal 4 supports the inspector in inspecting the work machine 2. The inspection support system 1 supports the inspector in creating an inspection sheet. The inspection of the work machine 2 includes daily inspection of the work machine 2. The inspector includes an operator 7A of the work machine 2.

[0038] The following describes how to use the information terminal 4 when inspecting the work machine 2. Each of Figures 5 to 14 is a diagram for explaining how to use the information terminal 4 according to the embodiment.

[0039] In order to use the application software 8, the inspector registers an account for the application software 8 in advance. In order to start the application software 8, the inspector operates the input device 10 to input a login name and password into the information terminal 4. When the login name and password are input into the information terminal 4 and the application software 8 is started, an inspection top screen 30 is displayed on the display device 11 of the information terminal 4, as shown in FIG. 5 . The inspection top screen 30 includes a start inspection button 31 and a create / edit button 32.

[0040] In the embodiment, the display device 11 includes a touch panel. The touch panel is the input device 10. Tapping on the display screen of the display device 11 means operating the input device 10.

[0041] When the inspection start button 31 is tapped, the display control unit 25 transitions the display screen displayed on the display device 11 from the inspection top screen 30 to an inspection table selection screen 47 as shown in Fig. 10. When the create / edit button 32 is tapped, the display control unit 25 transitions the display screen displayed on the display device 11 from the inspection top screen 30 to an inspection table creation / edit screen 33 as shown in Fig. 6.

[0042] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the inspection table creation and editing screen 33. The inspection table creation and editing screen 33 is a display screen that supports the creation or editing of an inspection table. The inspection table storage unit 28 stores a plurality of existing inspection tables, which are inspection tables that have already been created. The inspection table creation and editing screen 33 displays a list of existing inspection tables. The inspection table creation and editing screen 33 includes a plurality of existing inspection table buttons 34 and a new creation button 35. One existing inspection table button 34 corresponds to one existing inspection table. There is a one-to-one correspondence between the existing inspection table buttons 34 and existing inspection tables.

[0043] 6, there are five patterns of existing inspection sheets. The existing inspection sheets include a first existing inspection sheet for the shovel 2B, a second existing inspection sheet for the shovel 2B, a third existing inspection sheet for the shovel 2B, an existing inspection sheet for the bulldozer 2C, and an existing inspection sheet for the wheel loader 2A. The existing inspection sheet buttons 34 include a first existing inspection sheet button 34A corresponding to the first existing inspection sheet for the shovel 2B, a second existing inspection sheet button 34B corresponding to the second existing inspection sheet for the shovel 2B, a third existing inspection sheet button 34C corresponding to the third existing inspection sheet for the shovel 2B, a fourth existing inspection sheet button 34D corresponding to the existing inspection sheet for the bulldozer 2C, and a fifth existing inspection sheet button 34E corresponding to the existing inspection sheet for the wheel loader 2A.

[0044] When the existing inspection table button 34 is tapped, the display control unit 25 transitions the display screen displayed on the display device 11 from the inspection table creation and editing screen 33 to an inspection table editing screen. The inspection table editing screen is a display screen that supports editing of existing inspection tables. When the new creation button 35 is tapped, the display control unit 25 transitions the display screen displayed on the display device 11 from the inspection table creation and editing screen 33 to a new inspection table creation screen 36 as shown in FIG. 7.

[0045] 7 is a diagram showing the new inspection table creation screen 36. The new inspection table creation screen 36 is a display screen that supports the creation of a new inspection table. A plurality of templates related to the inspection of the work machine 2 are stored in the template storage unit 27. The new inspection table creation screen 36 displays a list of templates. The new inspection table creation screen 36 includes a plurality of use template buttons 37 and a non-use template button 38. One use template button 37 corresponds to one template. There is a one-to-one correspondence between the use template buttons 37 and the templates.

[0046] 7 , there are three patterns of templates. The templates include an excavator template including multiple inspection items for an excavator, a bulldozer template including multiple inspection items for a bulldozer, and a wheel loader template including multiple inspection items for a wheel loader. The template use buttons 37 include a first template use button 37A corresponding to the excavator template, a second template use button 37B corresponding to the bulldozer template, and a third template use button 37C corresponding to the wheel loader template.

[0047] When one of the three template use buttons 37 (37A, 37B, 37C) is tapped, the selection unit 21 selects one template from the plurality of templates stored in the template storage unit 27, based on input data (second input data) from the input device 10. The display control unit 25 transitions the display screen displayed on the display device 11 from the new checklist creation screen 36 to a template use screen 39 as shown in FIG. 8, based on the template selected by the selection unit 21. When the non-template use button 38 is tapped, the display control unit 25 transitions the display screen displayed on the display device 11 from the new checklist creation screen 36 to a non-template use screen 42 as shown in FIG. 9.

[0048] For example, when the Use First Template button 37A is tapped on the New Inspection Sheet Creation screen 36, the selection unit 21 selects a shovel template from three patterns of templates based on the input data (second input data) generated by tapping the Use First Template button 37A.

[0049] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a template use screen 39. When, for example, the first template use button 37A is tapped on the new inspection table creation screen 36, the display control unit 25 causes the display device 11 to display the template use screen 39 shown in FIG. 8. The template use screen 39 is a display screen that supports the creation of a new inspection table using a template. A template includes multiple predetermined inspection items. The template use screen 39 displays a list of the inspection items included in one template. The template use screen 39 includes multiple inspection item buttons 40 and an inspection table name input form 41. One inspection item button 40 corresponds to one inspection item. There is a one-to-one correspondence between the inspection item button 40 and the inspection item.

[0050] In the example shown in Fig. 8, there are 10 patterns of inspection items. In the example shown in Fig. 8, the inspection items include "drainage of water and sediment mixed in the fuel tank," "inspection and replenishment of oil level in the hydraulic oil tank," "inspection and replenishment of cooling water level," "inspection and replenishment of oil level in the engine oil pan," "inspection of electrical wiring," "inspection and replenishment of fuel level," "inspection of work light," "inspection of horn function," "inspection of dust indicator," and "inspection of machine monitor." The inspection item buttons 40 include a first inspection item button 40A corresponding to "Drain water and sediment from the fuel tank," a second inspection item button 40B corresponding to "Check and replenish the hydraulic oil tank oil level," a third inspection item button 40C corresponding to "Check and replenish the cooling water level," a fourth inspection item button 40D corresponding to "Check and replenish the engine oil pan oil level," a fifth inspection item button 40E corresponding to "Check the electrical wiring," a sixth inspection item button 40F corresponding to "Check and replenish the fuel level," a seventh inspection item button 40G corresponding to "Check the work light," an eighth inspection item button 40H corresponding to "Check the horn function," a ninth inspection item button 40I corresponding to "Check the dust indicator," and a tenth inspection item button 40J corresponding to "Check the machine monitor." Note that the inspection items are not limited to the example shown in FIG.

[0051] The inspector selects inspection items to be included in the newly created inspection sheet from the multiple inspection items of the template displayed on the template use screen 39. The inspector can select the inspection items to be included in the newly created inspection sheet by tapping any inspection item button 40 from the multiple inspection item buttons 40 displayed on the template use screen 39.

[0052] When at least one inspection item button 40 out of the plurality of inspection item buttons 40 (40A, 40B, 40C, 40D, 40E, 40F, 40G, 40H, 40I, 40J) is tapped, the inspection sheet creation unit 22 creates an inspection sheet for the work machine 2 from the template displayed on the template use screen 39, based on the input data (first input data) from the input device 10. The inspection sheet creation unit 22 creates a new inspection sheet that includes the inspection items selected by the inspector, based on the input data (first input data) from the input device 10 operated by the inspector.

[0053] The inspector can give a name to a newly created inspection form by inputting letters or numbers into the inspection form name input form 41. The new inspection form with the name is stored in the template storage unit 27.

[0054] 9 is a diagram showing a no-template screen 42. When the no-template button 38 is tapped on the new inspection sheet creation screen 36 shown in FIG. 7, the no-template screen 42 shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the display device 11. The no-template screen 42 is a display screen that supports the creation of a new inspection sheet without using a template. The no-template screen 42 includes an inspection sheet name input form 43, an inspection item input form 44, a detailed description input form 45, and an add inspection item button 46.

[0055] The inspector can input any inspection item into the inspection item input form 44. The inspector can input, for example, an inspection item that is not included in the template into the inspection item input form 44. The inspector can input a detailed explanation of the inspection item that was input into the inspection sheet name input form 43 into the detailed explanation input form 45. To add an inspection item, the inspector taps the add inspection item button 46. By tapping the add inspection item button 46, a new inspection item input form 44 is displayed on the non-template screen 42. The inspector can input additional inspection items into the newly displayed inspection item input form 44.

[0056] The inspector can give a name to a newly created inspection form by inputting letters or numbers into the inspection form name input form 43. The new inspection form with the name is stored in the template storage unit 27.

[0057] Figure 10 is a diagram showing an inspection table selection screen 47. When the inspection start button 31 is tapped on the inspection top screen 30 shown in Figure 5, the display control unit 25 causes the display device 11 to display an inspection table selection screen 47 as shown in Figure 10. A plurality of existing inspection tables that have already been created are stored in the inspection table storage unit 28. The inspection table selection screen 47 is a display screen for selecting an inspection table to be used for inspecting the work machine 2 from the plurality of existing inspection tables stored in the inspection table storage unit 28. The inspection table selection screen 47 includes a plurality of vehicle selection buttons 49 and an account name 48. The account name 48 is the account name of the inspector who launched the application software 8.

[0058] 10, there are three vehicles. The vehicles include shovel No. 1, shovel No. 2, and shovel No. 3. The vehicle selection buttons 49 include a first vehicle selection button 49A corresponding to shovel No. 1, a second vehicle selection button 49B corresponding to shovel No. 2, and a third vehicle selection button 49C corresponding to shovel No. 3.

[0059] When the vehicle selection button 49 is tapped, the display control unit 25 displays a display screen (not shown) for selecting an inspection sheet to be used for inspecting the work machine 2 from a plurality of existing inspection sheets stored in the inspection sheet storage unit 28. When the inspection sheet to be used for inspecting the work machine 2 is tapped, the display control unit 25 transitions the display screen displayed on the display device 11 from the inspection sheet selection screen 47 to a machine top screen 50 as shown in FIG.

[0060] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a machine top screen 50. When, for example, the first vehicle selection button 49A is tapped on the inspection sheet selection screen 47 shown in Fig. 10 and the inspection sheet to be used for inspecting the first vehicle is tapped, the display control unit 25 causes the display device 11 to display a machine top screen 50 as shown in Fig. 11. The machine top screen 50 is a start screen when inspecting the first machine. The machine top screen 50 includes an inspection target symbol 51 and an inspection start button 52. The inspection target symbol 51 is a symbol indicating the work machine 2 to be inspected. When the inspection start button 52 is tapped, the display control unit 25 causes the display screen displayed on the display device 11 to transition from the machine top screen 50 to an inspection sheet screen 53 as shown in Fig. 12.

[0061] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an inspection table screen 53. The inspection table screen 53 is a display screen that supports the inspection of Unit 1. The inspection table screen 53 includes an account name 48, an inspection target symbol 51, multiple inspection item data 54, a report button 55, a normal button 56, guidance text 57, a guidance image 58, and a register button 59. The inspection table screen 53 displays a list of inspection items included in one inspection table. The inspection item data 54 indicates the inspection items included in the inspection table. One piece of inspection item data 54 corresponds to one inspection item. There is a one-to-one correspondence between the inspection item data 54 and the inspection item.

[0062] In the example shown in Fig. 12, there are three patterns of inspection items. In the example shown in Fig. 12, the inspection items include "preparation," "fuel tank," and "water separator." The inspection item data 54 includes first inspection item data 54A corresponding to "preparation," second inspection item data 54B corresponding to "fuel tank," and third inspection item data 54C corresponding to "water separator." Note that the inspection items are not limited to the example shown in Fig. 12.

[0063] If an abnormality is found in the inspection target during the inspection of the inspection item, the inspector taps the report button 55. When the report button 55 is tapped, the display control unit 25 transitions the display screen displayed on the display device 11 from the inspection sheet screen 53 to an inspection sheet input screen 60 as shown in Fig. 13. If no abnormality is found in the inspection target during the inspection of the inspection item, the inspector taps the normal button 56.

[0064] The guidance text 57 and the guidance image 58 each provide guidance for inspecting an inspection item. The guidance text 57 indicates, for example, the procedure and precautions for inspecting the inspection item. The guidance image 58 indicates, for example, an image of the inspection target. By checking the guidance text 57 and the guidance image 58, the inspector can smoothly carry out the inspection.

[0065] When the inspection of the inspection items shown on the inspection sheet is completed, the inspector taps the registration button 59. By tapping the registration button 59, the display screen displayed on the display device 11 transitions from the inspection sheet screen 53 to a post-inspection screen 65 shown in FIG.

[0066] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an inspection sheet input screen 60. When an abnormality is found in an inspection target during inspection and an item that should be reported to a third party arises, the report button 55 shown in Fig. 12 is tapped, and the inspection sheet input screen 60 is displayed on the display device 11. The inspection sheet input screen 60 is a display screen for inputting an item that should be reported to a third party.

[0067] The inspection form input screen 60 includes an inspection target symbol 51, an account name 48, inspection item data 54, a registration button 59, a status input button 61, a start image capture button 62, a comment input form 63, and a camera image area 64. The status input buttons 61 include an emergency button 61A, a warning button 61B, and an information share button 61C. The inspector can tap any of the status input buttons 61 from the emergency button 61A, the warning button 61B, and the information share button 61C depending on the urgency of the abnormality of the inspection target. The inspection form creation unit 22 creates an inspection form to which input data (fifth input data) generated by tapping the status input button 61 is added. As shown in FIG. 14 , the display control unit 25 causes the display device 11 to display a post-inspection screen 65 reflecting the input data generated by tapping the status input button 61. On the post-inspection screen 65, input data generated by tapping the status input button 61 is reflected in, for example, inspection history data 67 shown in FIG.

[0068] When capturing image data of the inspection target with the camera 12, the inspector taps the image capture start button 62. Tapping the image capture start button 62 causes the application software 8 to transition to an image capture mode, after which the image data of the inspection target is captured by the camera 12. The inspection sheet creation unit 22 creates an inspection sheet to which the image data of the inspection target captured by the camera 12 is added. The display control unit 25 displays the image data of the inspection target captured by the camera 12 in the camera image area 64.

[0069] When entering comments about an inspection target, the inspector can enter the comments in a comment input form 63. The inspection sheet creation unit 22 creates an inspection sheet to which the comments (fifth input data) entered in the comment input form 63 are added. As shown in FIG. 14 , the display control unit 25 causes the display device 11 to display a post-inspection screen 65 reflecting the comments entered in the comment input form 63. In the post-inspection screen 65, the comments entered in the comment input form 63 are reflected in, for example, inspection history data 67 shown in FIG. 14 .

[0070] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a post-inspection screen 65. The post-inspection screen 65 is a display screen to which additional items related to the inspection items have been added. The post-inspection screen 65 includes an inspection target symbol 51, an inspection start button 52, an account name 48, post-inspection data 66, and inspection history data 67. The post-inspection data 66 includes inspection results for the inspection items. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the post-inspection data 66 includes first post-inspection data 66A for the engine oil pan and second post-inspection data 66B for the hydraulic oil tank. The inspection history data 67 indicates the inspection history. For example, input data generated by tapping the status input button 61 shown in FIG. 13 is reflected in the inspection history data 67 together with the date and time of the tap. Furthermore, comments entered in the comment input form 63 shown in FIG. 13 are reflected in the inspection history data 67 together with the date and time the comments were entered.

[0071] [Editing and Creating Templates] In the embodiment, a template editing screen for editing a template stored in the template storage unit 27 is displayed on the display device 11. An inspector can edit a template by tapping on the template editing screen. The editing unit 23 edits the template stored in the template storage unit 27 based on input data (third input data) generated by tapping on the template editing screen.

[0072] In the embodiment, a template creation screen for creating a new template is displayed on the display device 11. An inspector can create a new template by tapping on the template creation screen. The template creation unit 24 creates a new template based on input data (fourth input data) generated by tapping on the template creation screen.

[0073] [Transmission of Inspection Table] As described above, the communication unit 26 transmits the inspection table created by the inspection table creation unit 22 to the server 3 using a predetermined communication method (communication protocol). In the embodiment, the predetermined communication method is a communication method that uses a mobile phone line.

[0074] The temporary storage unit 20 can store the inspection table created by the inspection table creation unit 22. When the communication unit 26 cannot transmit the inspection table to the server 3 using a predetermined communication method, it stores the inspection table created by the inspection table creation unit 22 in the temporary storage unit 20. When the communication unit 26 becomes able to transmit the inspection table to the server 3 using the predetermined communication method, it transmits the inspection table stored in the temporary storage unit 20 to the server 3.

[0075] The work machine 2 may be operating at a work site where the communication system 6 cannot be used. The information terminal 4 carried by the operator 7A may be transported to a work site where the communication system 6 cannot be used. If the work site is outside the communication range of the communication system 6, such as in a mountainous region, the information terminal 4 carried by the operator 7A may not be able to use the communication system 6. Furthermore, if the work site is indoors or in a tunnel, or if there are communication obstacles around the work site, a communication failure may occur in the communication system 6, and therefore the information terminal 4 may not be able to use the communication system 6.

[0076] In an embodiment, if the information terminal 4 cannot use the communication system 6, i.e., if the communication unit 26 cannot send the inspection form to the server 3 via the communication system 6, the inspection form created by the inspection form creation unit 22 is stored in the temporary memory unit 20 of the information terminal 4.

[0077] After the inspection form is stored in the temporary storage unit 20 of the information terminal 4, the information terminal 4 is transported to a location where the communication system 6 can be used. For example, if the work site is outside the communication range of the communication system 6, the information terminal 4 storing the inspection form is transported into the communication range of the communication system 6. The information terminal 4 may be transported by the operator 7A. For example, after work at the work site is completed, the operator 7A carrying the information terminal 4 moves into the communication range of the communication system 6, thereby transporting the information terminal 4 into the communication range of the communication system 6. After the information terminal 4 is transported into the communication range of the communication system 6, it transmits the inspection form to the server 3 via the communication system 6. This allows the server 3 to collect the inspection forms.

[0078] [Method of Creating an Inspection Sheet] Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing a method of creating an inspection sheet according to an embodiment. As described with reference to Fig. 7, the display control unit 25 causes the display device 11 to display a new inspection sheet creation screen 36 including a list of templates (step S1).

[0079] The inspector taps one use template button 37 to select one template from the list of templates displayed on the new checklist creation screen 36. The selection unit 21 selects one template from the plurality of templates stored in the template storage unit 27 based on the input data (second input data) from the input device 10 (step S2).

[0080] As described with reference to FIG. 8 , the display control unit 25 causes the display device 11 to display the template use screen 39 including a list of the plurality of inspection items included in the template selected in step S2 (step S3).

[0081] The inspector selects inspection items to be included in the newly created inspection sheet from the multiple inspection items of the template displayed on the template use screen 39 (step S4). The inspector can select the inspection items to be included in the newly created inspection sheet by tapping any inspection item button 40 from the multiple inspection item buttons 40 displayed on the template use screen 39.

[0082] When at least one inspection item button 40 out of the plurality of inspection item buttons 40 (40A, 40B, 40C, 40D, 40E, 40F, 40G, 40H, 40I, 40J) is tapped, the inspection sheet creation unit 22 creates an inspection sheet for the work machine 2 from the template displayed on the template use screen 39, based on the input data (first input data) from the input device 10. The inspection sheet creation unit 22 creates a new inspection sheet including the inspection item selected by the inspector, based on the input data (first input data) from the input device 10 operated by the inspector (step S5).

[0083] The inspector can give a name to the newly created inspection form by inputting letters or numbers into the inspection form name input form 41. The new inspection form with the name is stored in the template storage unit 27 (step S6).

[0084] [Effects] As described above, in the embodiment, the inspection support system 1 comprises a template storage unit 27 that stores templates related to the inspection of the work machine 2, a display control unit 25 that displays the templates stored in the template storage unit 27 on the display device 11, and an inspection sheet creation unit 22 that creates an inspection sheet for the work machine 2 from the template displayed on the display device 11 based on first input data for selecting inspection items.

[0085] According to the embodiment, an inspection sheet is created from a template, so that an inspector can easily create an inspection sheet.

[0086] For example, as described with reference to Fig. 8, the template includes a plurality of predetermined inspection items. The inspection sheet includes at least one inspection item selected from one template based on the first input data. The inspector can easily create the inspection sheet by selecting any inspection item from the plurality of inspection items of the template displayed on the display device 11.

[0087] For example, as described with reference to Figure 7, the template storage unit 27 stores a plurality of templates relating to inspections of a plurality of work machines 2. The selection unit 21 selects one template from the plurality of templates stored in the template storage unit 27 based on second input data from the input device 10. The checklist creation unit 22 creates an inspection list from the template selected by the selection unit 21. An inspector can easily create an inspection list by selecting a template that is suitable for the work machine 2 from a plurality of templates that have been created in advance.

[0088] The editing unit 23 edits the template stored in the template storage unit 27 based on the third input data from the input device 10. By operating the input device 10, an inspector can add a new inspection item to an existing template or delete an unnecessary inspection item from an existing template.

[0089] The template creation unit 24 creates a template based on the fourth input data from the input device 10. The inspector can create a new template by operating the input device 10.

[0090] The checklist creation unit 22 creates an inspection list in which additional items related to the inspection are registered, based on the fifth input data from the input device 10. For example, as described with reference to FIG. 12 , if the inspection target is normal, the inspector taps the normal button 56. Based on the fifth input data generated by tapping the normal button 56, an inspection result indicating that the inspection target is normal is registered in the inspection list as an additional item. If the inspection target is abnormal, the inspector taps the report button 55. Based on the fifth input data generated by tapping the report button 55, an inspection result indicating that the inspection target is abnormal is registered in the inspection list as an additional item. This allows the inspector and a third party to share the inspection results of the inspection target.

[0091] 13 , when the report button 55 is tapped and the inspection sheet input screen 60 is displayed on the display device 11, the inspector can tap any of the status input buttons 61 from among the emergency button 61A, the attention button 61B, and the information share button 61C depending on the urgency of the abnormality of the inspection target. Based on the fifth input data generated by tapping the status input button 61, the urgency of the inspection target is registered in the inspection sheet as an additional item.

[0092] 13 , the inspector can tap the imaging start button 62 to take an image of the inspection target with the camera 12. Based on the fifth input data generated by tapping the imaging start button 62, an image of the inspection target of the work machine 2 taken by the camera 12 is registered in the inspection table as an additional item. Furthermore, an inspector who has previously registered an account operates the input device 10 to enter a login name and password in order to start the application software 8. Based on the fifth input data representing the login name and password, the inspector is registered in the inspection table as an additional item.

[0093] Other Embodiments In the above-described embodiments, at least some of the functions of the terminal computer 9 may be assigned to the management computer 5, or at least some of the functions of the management computer 5 may be assigned to the terminal computer 9. For example, some or all of the functions of the temporary storage unit 20, selection unit 21, checklist creation unit 22, editing unit 23, template creation unit 24, display control unit 25, and communication unit 26 may be assigned to the management computer 5. Some or all of the functions of the template storage unit 27, checklist storage unit 28, and processing unit 29 may be assigned to the terminal computer 9.

[0094] In the above-described embodiment, the functions of the temporary storage unit 20, the selection unit 21, the checklist creation unit 22, the editing unit 23, the template creation unit 24, the display control unit 25, the communication unit 26, the template storage unit 27, the checklist storage unit 28, and the processing unit 29 may be assigned to separate hardware (computers).

[0095] 1...inspection support system, 2...work machine, 2A...wheel loader, 2B...shovel, 2C...bulldozer, 3...server, 4...information terminal, 5...management computer, 6...communication system, 7...user, 7A...operator, 7B...administrator, 8...application software, 9...terminal computer, 10...input device, 11...display device, 12...camera, 13...position sensor, 14...communication device, 15...battery, 16...communication device, 20...temporary storage unit, 21...selection unit, 22...inspection sheet creation unit, 23...editing unit, 24...template creation unit, 25...display control unit, 26...communication unit, 27 ...Template storage unit, 28...Inspection table storage unit, 29...Processing unit, 30...Inspection top screen, 31...Start inspection button, 32...Create / edit button, 33...Inspection table creation / edit screen, 34...Existing inspection table button, 34A...First existing inspection table button, 34B...Second existing inspection table button, 34C...Third existing inspection table button, 34D...Fourth existing inspection table button, 34E...Fifth existing inspection table button, 35...New creation button, 36...New inspection table creation screen, 37...Use template button, 37A...First template use button, 37B...Second template use button, 37C...Third template Use button, 38...non-use template button, 39...template use screen, 40...inspection item button, 40A...first inspection item button, 40B...second inspection item button, 40C...third inspection item button, 40D...fourth inspection item button, 40E...fifth inspection item button, 40F...sixth inspection item button, 40G...seventh inspection item button, 40H...eighth inspection item button, 40I...ninth inspection item button, 40J...tenth inspection item button, 41...inspection table name input form, 42...non-use template screen, 43...inspection table name input form, 44...inspection item input form, 45...Detailed description input form, 46...Add inspection item button, 47...Inspection table selection screen, 48...Account name, 49...Vehicle selection button, 49A...First vehicle selection button, 49B...Second vehicle selection button, 49C...Third vehicle selection button, 50...Machine top screen, 51...Inspection target symbol, 52...Start inspection button, 53...Inspection table screen, 54...Inspection item data, 54A...First inspection item data, 54B...Second inspection item data, 54C...Third inspection item data, 55...Report button, 56...Normal button, 57...Guidance text, 58...Guidance image, 59...Register button,60...Inspection sheet input screen, 61...Status input button, 61A...Emergency button, 61B...Warning button, 61C...Information sharing button, 62...Image capture start button, 63...Comment input form, 64...Camera image area, 65...Post-inspection screen, 66...Post-inspection data, 66A...First post-inspection data, 66B...Second post-inspection data, 67...Inspection history data, 1000...Computer system, 1001...Processor, 1002...Main memory, 1003...Storage, 1004...Interface.

Claims

1. A work machine inspection support system comprising: a template storage unit that stores templates related to work machine inspection; a display control unit that displays the templates stored in the template storage unit on a display device; and an inspection sheet creation unit that creates an inspection sheet for the work machine from the templates displayed on the display device, based on first input data for selecting inspection items.

2. The inspection support system for a work machine according to claim 1, wherein the template includes a plurality of predetermined inspection items, and the inspection table includes at least one inspection item selected from one of the templates based on the first input data from an input device.

3. A work machine inspection support system as described in claim 1, wherein the template storage unit stores a plurality of templates relating to the inspection of each of the plurality of work machines, and includes a selection unit that selects one template from the plurality of templates stored in the template storage unit based on second input data from an input device, and the inspection sheet creation unit creates the inspection sheet from the template selected by the selection unit.

4. The work machine inspection support system according to claim 1, further comprising an editing unit that edits the template stored in the template storage unit based on third input data from an input device.

5. The work machine inspection support system according to claim 1, further comprising a template creation unit that creates the template based on fourth input data from an input device.

6. An inspection support system for a work machine as described in claim 1, wherein the inspection sheet creation unit creates the inspection sheet to which additional items related to the inspection have been added based on fifth input data from an input device.

7. The inspection support system for a work machine according to claim 6, wherein the additional items include inspection results.

8. The inspection support system for a work machine according to claim 6, wherein the additional items include an image of the inspection target of the work machine captured by a camera.

9. The work machine inspection support system according to claim 6, wherein the additional items include an inspector.

10. The inspection support system for a work machine according to claim 6, further comprising a communication unit that transmits the inspection sheet with the additional items added thereto using a predetermined communication method.

11. An inspection support system for a work machine as described in claim 10, further comprising a temporary storage unit that stores the inspection form with the additional items added, wherein the communication unit stores the inspection form in the temporary storage unit when the inspection form cannot be transmitted using the communication method, and transmits the inspection form stored in the temporary storage unit when transmission using the communication method becomes possible.

12. A work machine inspection assistance method, wherein a computer executes the following steps: storing a template related to work machine inspection; displaying the template on a display device; and creating an inspection sheet for the work machine from the template displayed on the display device, based on first input data for selecting inspection items.

Images