JP7744255B2 - Work Management System - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a work management system for compaction work, etc., and relates to a work management system that acquires, for example, the location information of a compaction machine and calculates and records the area compacted by the compaction machine based on the location information.

Technology related to work management systems that manage work performed by work machines is known in the past. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a management system that calculates the position and posture of a compaction roller vehicle using GPS measurement during compaction work, and then, based on the calculated position and posture, detects the number of times each section of the ground has been compacted into a mesh-like pattern, and displays the detected number of times each section has been compacted in a color-coded manner on a display.

Patent No. 3362833

However, because such management systems are made up of various measuring instruments and control devices, the startup and processing times of each device can cause waiting times until the work machine's position information is properly acquired, and waiting times until the management system's controller, etc., properly starts up (startup is complete), etc. Therefore, even if the machine is already in a state where it can be operated, other devices may be in the middle of starting up and still not be able to start operating properly, which can lead to a decrease in work efficiency due to the waiting times.
The present invention has been made in consideration of these problems, and its purpose is to provide a work management system that makes effective use of waiting time before work begins and can improve work efficiency.

To achieve the above objective, the work management system of the present invention is equipped with a control device that acquires work machine location information and executes work record processing that calculates and records the area of work performed by the work machine based on the location information; a display unit that displays an input screen for work-related document data information to an operator; and an input unit into which the operator can input the document data information. If the control device determines that both the acquisition status of the location information and the operating status of the functional unit for performing the work record processing are normal, it permits the start of execution of the work record processing; if it determines that at least one of the acquisition status of the location information and the operating status is abnormal, it does not permit the start of execution of the work record processing, and causes the display unit to display the input screen even before it determines that both the acquisition status of the location information and the operating status are normal, and accepts input of the document data information from the operator via the input unit.

In the work management system of the present invention, during standby periods when either the acquisition status of location information or the operating status of the work record processing unit is abnormal and the start of work record processing is not permitted, the form data input screen is displayed and information input is accepted, allowing the operator to input the necessary information during standby periods. Therefore, the work management system of the present invention makes it possible to make effective use of standby periods and improve work efficiency.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a pneumatic tire roller as a work machine. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the pneumatic tire roller shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from above. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of a work management system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a management block. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a form data input screen. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a standby screen. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a work screen. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for determining the normality of the acquisition state and the operating state of the location information. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a work recording process. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of pre-work start processing.

One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a tire roller as a compaction machine, which is a work machine. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the tire roller shown in Figure 1 viewed from above. The tire roller 1 is a compaction machine (rolling machine) as a work machine that performs compaction work (rolling work) and is managed by a work management system 100 according to an embodiment. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the tire roller 1 comprises a vehicle body 2 and wheels 3.

The vehicle body 2 is a structural frame that houses devices such as an engine, hydraulic pump, and travel motor (not shown). The wheels 3 are compaction rollers for compacting road surfaces and the ground, and include front wheels 3a located at the front of the vehicle body 2 and rear wheels 3b located at the rear of the vehicle body 2. The tire roller 1 travels by controlling the drive of various devices such as the engine, hydraulic pump, and travel motor using a vehicle control device (not shown).

(Work management system)
3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a work management system 100 according to an embodiment. The work management system 100 includes a communication unit 4, an on-board controller 10, and a monitor unit 20. The on-board controller 10, a storage unit 24 (described later) of the monitor unit 20, and a terminal-side control unit 30 constitute a control device 50 of the work management system 100.

(Communication unit)
The communication unit 4 includes an antenna 5 and a communication device 6. The antenna 5 is a pair of GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) antennas that receive positioning signals from positioning satellites based on the GNSS. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the antenna 5 is provided on the roof 2a of the vehicle body 2. As shown in FIG. 2 , the antenna 5 includes a right antenna 5R located on the right side of the center A of the vehicle body 2 in the vehicle width direction, and a left antenna 5L located on the left side of the center A of the vehicle body 2 in the vehicle width direction. The communication device 6 is a device for communicating with the outside. For example, the communication device 6 includes a receiving antenna that is provided on the roof 2a of the vehicle body 2 together with the antenna 5 and is connected to an Internet line via wireless communication. Note that the receiving antenna of the communication device 6 is not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 .

(In-vehicle controller)
The in-vehicle controller 10 is mounted on the vehicle body 2. The in-vehicle controller 10 includes a communication unit 12, a position information acquisition unit 14 serving as a central processing unit (CPU) that performs various types of arithmetic processing, and an in-vehicle control unit 16. The position information acquisition unit 14 and the in-vehicle control unit 16 may be integrated into one central processing unit or may be separate central processing units. The in-vehicle controller 10 also includes a storage unit (not shown) that stores various control programs and various types of data.

(In-vehicle communication unit)
The communication unit 12 communicates with the communication unit 4 via a wired connection. Note that the communication unit 12 may also communicate wirelessly with the communication unit 4. The communication unit 12 receives GNSS positioning signals received by the antenna 5 of the communication unit 4 and outputs the signals to the position information acquisition unit 14. The communication unit 12 is also connected to an Internet line via the communication device 6 of the communication unit 4, acquires information such as GNSS correction information and current time information from the Internet line, and outputs the information to the position information acquisition unit 14 and the in-vehicle control unit 16. The communication unit 12 also communicates with a communication unit 22 of the monitor unit 20 (described later) via wireless communication, and exchanges various data with the monitor unit 20.

(Location information acquisition unit)
The position information acquisition unit 14 includes a position calculation unit 142 and a position information management unit 144. The position calculation unit 142 acquires position information of the tire roller 1 based on the positioning signal from the antenna 5. The position calculation unit 142 has a right position calculation unit 142R and a left position calculation unit 142L. The right position calculation unit 142R processes the GNSS positioning signal received by the right antenna 5R using a well-known signal processing method to calculate a right antenna position PR (see FIG. 2), which is the coordinate of the right antenna 5R in a geographic coordinate system. The left position calculation unit 142L processes the GNSS positioning signal received by the left antenna 5L using a well-known signal processing method to calculate a left antenna position PL (see FIG. 2), which is the coordinate of the left antenna 5L in a geographic coordinate system. In addition, the position calculation unit 142 acquires correction information for calculating the right antenna position PR and the left antenna position PL from the Internet line, and corrects the right antenna position PR and the left antenna position PL based on the acquired correction information.

The position information management unit 144 determines whether the acquisition status of the position information of the tire roller 1 is normal. A normal acquisition status of the position information means that the calculation accuracy of the right antenna position PR and the left antenna position PL by the position calculation unit 142 is sufficient. For example, position calculation may not be performed with sufficient accuracy if the positioning signal received by the antenna 5 is unstable or if it takes time to complete connection to the Internet line to acquire the above correction information. Therefore, a waiting time may occur from when the tire roller 1 is turned on and the work management system 100 begins to start up until the acquisition status of the position information becomes normal (until positioning stabilizes). If the calculation accuracy of the right antenna position PR and the left antenna position PL is sufficient, the position information management unit 144 determines that the acquisition status of the position information is normal. If the calculation accuracy of the right antenna position PR and the left antenna position PL is insufficient, the position information management unit 144 determines that the acquisition status of the position information is abnormal. The position information management unit 144 outputs the determination result to the information processing unit 32 of the monitor unit 20, which will be described later.

(Vehicle-mounted control unit)
The vehicle-mounted control unit 16 includes a work record processing unit 162 and an operation information management unit 164. The work record processing unit 162 executes work record processing in cooperation with the position calculation unit 142 of the position information acquisition unit 14, to calculate and record the area compacted by the tire roller 1 (rolling area) based on the position information of the tire roller 1. The work record processing unit 162 includes a vehicle attitude calculation unit 162A, a rolling position calculation unit 162B, a management block generation unit 162C, a rolling compaction determination unit 162D, and a rolling work management unit 162E.

The vehicle attitude calculation unit 162A obtains the right antenna position PR from the right position calculation unit 142R of the position calculation unit 142 and the left antenna position PL from the left position calculation unit 142L. Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the offset amount DR1 in the vehicle width direction and the offset amount DR2 in the vehicle longitudinal direction of the right antenna 5R relative to the center A of the tire roller 1 are predetermined. Similarly, the offset amount DL1 in the vehicle width direction and the offset amount DL2 in the vehicle longitudinal direction of the left antenna 5L relative to the center A of the tire roller 1 are also predetermined. The vehicle attitude calculation unit 162A calculates the current center position PA, which is the coordinate of the tire roller 1 in the geographic coordinate system, and the current orientation Vf of the tire roller 1 based on the obtained right antenna position PR and left antenna position PL and the offset amounts DR1, DR2, DL1, and DL2. The vehicle attitude calculation unit 162A outputs the calculated center position PA and orientation Vf of the tire roller 1 to the rolling position calculation unit 162B.

The rolling position calculation unit 162B acquires the center position PA and orientation Vf of the tire roller 1 calculated by the vehicle attitude calculation unit 162A. Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the offset amount LF from the center A of the tire roller 1 to the rotation axis of the front wheel 3a and the offset amount LR from the center A of the tire roller 1 to the rotation axis of the rear wheel 3b are predetermined. The rolling width WF of the front wheel 3a and the rolling width WR of the rear wheel 3b are also predetermined. Based on the acquired center position PA and orientation Vf, the offset amount LF, and the rolling width WF, the rolling position calculation unit 162B calculates the ground contact line position GLF (see the thick solid line in FIG. 2), which is the coordinate of the ground contact line of the front wheel 3a in the geographic coordinate system. Similarly, the rolling position calculation unit 162B calculates the ground contact line position GLR (see the thick solid line in Figure 2), which is the coordinate of the ground contact line of the rear wheel 3b in the geographic coordinate system, based on the acquired center position PA and orientation Vf, the offset amount LR, and the rolling width WR. The rolling position calculation unit 162B outputs the calculated ground contact line positions GLR, GLR to the rolling determination unit 162D.

The management block generation unit 162C generates multiple management blocks MB by virtually dividing the work area M (see Figure 7). Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a management block MB. As shown in the figure, the management block generation unit 162C divides the work area M into multiple management blocks MB in a mesh pattern. The work area M is an area on a map, such as the road surface or ground where compaction work will be performed, and may be predetermined and stored in a memory unit (not shown), or may be obtained via an internet line. The management block generation unit 162C outputs the multiple management blocks MB it has generated to the compaction determination unit 162D.

The rolling compaction determination unit 162D acquires the multiple managed blocks MB generated by the managed block generation unit 162C and the ground contact line position GLF of the front wheels 3a and the ground contact line position GLR of the rear wheels 3b calculated by the rolling compaction position calculation unit 162B. When the rolling compaction determination unit 162D determines that either the ground contact line position GLF or GLR has passed through one of the four corner points of each managed block MB, as indicated by the dotted pattern in Figure 4, it determines that the managed block MB has been compressed for one rotation. Figure 4 illustrates only the movement of the ground contact line position GLF of the front wheels 3a, as indicated by the solid arrow. For illustrative purposes, Figure 4 also illustrates the movement of the tire roller 1 diagonally across multiple managed blocks MB. In reality, the tire roller 1 often moves back and forth along the direction in which the managed blocks MB are arranged. The compaction determination unit 162D may also determine that a managed block MB has been compacted one revolution when either the ground contact line position GLF or GLR passes through a position other than the four corners, such as the center point of the managed block MB. Furthermore, in the case of a compaction machine that is designed to compact at two locations, the front wheels 3a and the rear wheels 3b, such as the tire roller 1, a managed block MB that has been passed by either the front wheels 3a or the rear wheels 3b may be considered to have been compacted 0.5 revolutions, and it may be determined that one revolution has been achieved only after compaction by both wheels. The compaction determination unit 162D outputs the determination result to the compaction work management unit 162E.

The compaction work management unit 162E obtains information on managed blocks MB that have been determined to have been compacted from the compaction determination unit 162D, and calculates the number of compactions, which is the number of times each managed block MB has been determined to have been compacted. The compaction work management unit 162E outputs the calculated number of compactions for each managed block MB to the information processing unit 32, which will be described later, and stores it in the memory unit 24.

(Operation Information Management Department)
The operation information management unit 164 determines whether the functional units for performing work record processing, i.e., the position information acquisition unit 14 of the on-board controller 10 and the work record processing unit 162, are in a state in which they can operate normally. A state in which the above-mentioned functional units can operate normally means that the position calculation unit 142 is in a state in which it can process positioning signals, and that the vehicle attitude calculation unit 162A, the compaction position calculation unit 162B, the management block generation unit 162C, the compaction determination unit 162D, and the compaction work management unit 162E are in a state in which they can perform their respective calculations.

Here, the on-board controller 10 may perform additional processing, such as a health check, at the beginning of startup, or may proceed with the startup process in stages based on interactions with other related equipment mounted on the tire roller 1 and the surrounding environment. The on-board controller 10 is also connected to an internet line by the communication device 6 via the communication unit 12, and by obtaining current time information from the internet line, the position calculation unit 142 and work record processing unit 162 can operate normally. In other words, there may be a waiting period between when the tire roller 1 is keyed on and the work management system 100 begins to start up, and when the on-board controller 10 is able to execute (operate) the work record process normally. Furthermore, the on-board controller 10 may be unable to execute the work record process normally due to, for example, a malfunction.

The operation information management unit 164 then acquires information such as whether startup of each functional unit of the on-board controller 10 has been completed, information about the connection status with the Internet line, and information about whether a malfunction has occurred in each functional unit. Based on the acquired information, the operation information management unit 164 then determines whether the operation status of the position calculation unit 142 and the work record processing unit 162 (hereinafter simply referred to as the "operational status of the functional units") is in the middle of startup, in a state where they can operate normally (an operable state), or in an abnormal state due to a malfunction or the like. Note that when the tire roller 1 is keyed on and system startup of the work management system 100 begins, the operation information management unit 164 completes startup and enters an operable state faster than the other functional units of the on-board controller 10. The operation information management unit 164 outputs the determination result to the information processing unit 32, which will be described later.

(Monitor unit)
The monitor unit 20 is an operation terminal used by the operator of the tire roller 1 to perform management work using the work management system 100. The monitor unit 20 is, for example, a tablet computer. The monitor unit 20 is mounted near the driver's seat as shown in Fig. 1, so that it is operated by an operator seated in the driver's seat of the tire roller 1. As shown in Fig. 3, the monitor unit 20 includes a communication unit 22, a storage unit 24, an external input/output unit 26, a monitor (input unit, display unit) 28, and a terminal-side control unit 30.

(Terminal communication unit)
The communication unit 22 communicates with the communication unit 12 via wireless communication and exchanges various data with the in-vehicle controller 10. The communication unit 22 is connected to the terminal-side control unit 30. The wireless communication standard between the communication unit 12 and the communication unit 22 may be a well-known communication standard such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). If the monitor unit 20 is a computer that can be connected via a wired connection, the in-vehicle controller 10 and the monitor unit 20 may communicate via a wired connection.

(Storage part)
The memory unit 24 is a storage area connected to the terminal-side control unit 30 and includes a memory unit (not shown) that stores various control programs and various data. The memory unit 24 may be, for example, a storage device such as a solid-state drive (SSD) or a hard disk drive (HDD), or may be a memory serving as a temporary storage area such as a random-access memory (RAM). The memory unit 24 is connected to the terminal-side control unit 30 and stores various data output from the on-board controller 10 via the communication unit 22 and various data generated by the terminal-side control unit 30. The memory unit 24 stores, for example, work record data generated by the work record processing unit 162 and report data generated by the report generation unit 34 (described later).

(External input/output section)
The external input/output unit 26 is an output unit for outputting data stored in the storage unit 24, such as work record data and form data, to the outside. The external input/output unit 26 can also function as an input unit for inputting information required for form data from the outside. The external input/output unit 26 inputs and outputs data via a storage medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. Note that the external input/output unit 26 may input and output various data via a cloud server provided on the Internet, for example.

(Monitor)
The monitor 28 is a display unit that displays various screens related to the compaction work to the operator of the tire roller 1, and is an input unit that accepts input of necessary information related to the compaction work from the operator. In this embodiment, the monitor 28 is a touch panel monitor. Note that the monitor 28 does not have to be a touch panel monitor, and the monitor unit 20 may be provided with other input units that accept input of information from the operator, such as a keyboard or a mouse.

(Terminal side control unit)
The terminal-side control unit 30 is a central processing unit (CPU) that performs various types of arithmetic processing. The terminal-side control unit 30 is connected to the storage unit 24, the external input/output unit 26, and the monitor 28. The terminal-side control unit 30 also exchanges various types of data with the in-vehicle controller 10 via the communication units 12 and 22. The terminal-side control unit 30 includes an information processing unit 32 and a form generation unit 34.

(Information Processing Department)
The information processing unit 32 is a control unit that controls the entire monitor unit 20. The information processing unit 32 displays various screens related to the compaction work on the monitor 28 according to the stage of the compaction work, and accepts data input and instructions from the operator. Below, with reference to Figures 5 to 7, the screens related to the compaction work and the processing performed in relation to these screens will be described. Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a form data input screen. Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a standby screen. Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a work screen. Each of the screens shown in Figures 5 to 7 is displayed on the monitor 28 by the information processing unit 32 executing a predetermined program stored in the memory unit 24.

(Form data entry screen and related processes)
The report data input screen V1 shown in FIG. 5 is a screen for entering information required for the report data. The report data includes multiple pieces of information related to the compaction work and is generated by the report generation unit 34 based on information entered by the operator. As shown in the figure, the report data includes information on items such as the name of the work site, the name of the company performing the work, the work date, the layer number, the type of fill material, the weather during the work, and the moisture content of the fill material. Note that the layer number indicates which layer of fill material is being compacted in the current work, when the compaction work involves compacting the fill material in multiple steps. The weather may be general weather information such as sunny, cloudy, or rainy. The moisture content of the fill material is measured using a predetermined test method before the compaction work begins.

As shown by the blank fields in Figure 5, the input screen V1 includes multiple input fields 51 for inputting the above items, and the operator can enter data into the input fields 51 via the monitor 28. As shown in the figure, required input fields marked "Required" are pre-set. In Figure 5, the required fields are the work date, layer number, weather, and moisture content. Required fields may be set arbitrarily for each work site, but it is preferable to select items whose content may be lost if entered later. For example, when it comes to weather information for compaction work, it is preferable to ensure that the weather at the start of work is entered.

The input screen V1 also includes an input completion button 52 that allows the operator to indicate that input into the form data is complete. In this embodiment, the input completion button 52 is set so that the operator can press it only when input into required fields marked "required" is complete.

The input screen V1 also includes a system status column 53 that indicates the result of a determination as to whether the system is normal. The information processing unit 32 acquires the results of the determinations made by the location information management unit 144 and the operation information management unit 164, and displays the acquired results in the system status column 53. If the location information acquisition status is abnormal, for example, "FLOAT" is displayed. If the location information acquisition status is normal, for example, "FIX" (see FIG. 7) is displayed. If the location calculation unit 142 and the work record processing unit 162 are in the process of starting up, for example, "Starting up" is displayed. If the location calculation unit 142 and the work record processing unit 162 have started up and are in a state where they can operate normally, for example, "Normal" (see FIG. 7) is displayed. Although not shown, if the location calculation unit 142 and the work record processing unit 162 are in an abnormal state due to a malfunction or the like, for example, "Abnormal" may be displayed. The system status column 53 is also included in the standby screen V2 shown in FIG. 6 and the work screen V3 shown in FIG. 7.

When the operator enters data into each item of the form data via the input screen V1 configured as described above, the information processing unit 32 outputs the entered data to the form generation unit 34. Furthermore, when the operator presses the input completion button 52 via the input screen V1, the information processing unit 32 permits the start of execution of the work record process if the system is normal, and does not permit the start of execution of the work record process if the system is not normal. Details of the determination of permission to start execution of the work record process will be described later.

(Standby screen and related processes)
6 is a screen that is displayed on the monitor 28 when the system is not normal after input of the form data is complete. As shown in the figure, the standby screen V2 includes a message field 54 for conveying a standby instruction to the operator, such as "Recording not possible. Please wait without working."

(Work screen and related processes)
The work screen V3 shown in FIG. 7 is a screen displayed during compaction work. As shown, the work screen V3 includes a display field 55 for the current position of the tire roller 1, the work area M, and multiple managed blocks MB. The information processing unit 32 acquires the work area M and multiple managed blocks MB from the managed block generation unit 162C and acquires information on the number of times each managed block MB has been compacted from the compaction work management unit 162E. The information processing unit 32 generates and displays an image in which each managed block MB is color-coded according to the number of times it has been compacted. Furthermore, the information processing unit 32 displays the number of times each managed block MB has been compacted in the legend field 56. The information processing unit 32 also acquires the current center position PA and orientation Vf of the tire roller 1 from the vehicle attitude calculation unit 162A, and generates and displays a simulated image of the tire roller 1 on the work screen V3 based on the current center position PA and orientation Vf. The simulated image of the tire roller 1 may also be generated based on the ground contact line positions GLF and GLR. In addition, the images of the current position of the tire roller 1, the working range M, and the multiple management blocks MB may be generated on the in-vehicle controller 10 side and acquired and displayed by the information processing unit 32.

The work screen V3 also includes a processing instruction button 57 that allows the operator to input instructions to start and end the work recording process. Figure 7 shows an example in which the processing instruction button 57 displays "Start recording." In this embodiment, the operator can press the processing instruction button 57 to instruct the start of the work recording process only if the start of execution of the work recording process is permitted in the pre-work start processing described below. Note that, although not shown, during or after the work recording process is being executed, the processing instruction button 57 may display, for example, "End recording." This allows the operator to input an instruction to end the work recording process.

When the operator presses the processing instruction button 57 to issue a start or end instruction on the work screen V3 configured as described above, the information processing unit 32 outputs the start or end instruction to the work record processing unit 162. The information processing unit 32 also stores the work record generated by executing the work record processing, i.e., the result of color-coding each management block MB according to the number of compactions, in the memory unit 24. The work record may be stored as a video from the start to the end of the work record processing, or as a still image after compaction of all management blocks MB has been completed. The work record is also stored in association with the corresponding form data.

(Report data generation unit)
The report generation unit 34 creates report data based on the information for each item entered by the operator on the report data input screen. As described above, the report data includes information on items such as the site name, company name, work date, layer number indicating which layer the fill is on, type of fill material, weather, and moisture content of the fill material. The report generation unit 34 links the generated report data to the work record via the information processing unit 32 and stores it in the memory unit 24.

Next, the operation of the work management system 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 10. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for determining the normality of the location information acquisition status and the operating status. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a work recording process. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a pre-work process.

(Normality determination process)
First, the normality determination process shown in Fig. 8 will be described. After the pneumatic tire roller 1 is turned on and system startup of the work management system 100 is initiated, the control device 50 executes the normality determination process shown in Fig. 8 after the position information management unit 144 and the operation information management unit 164 have completed startup.

Next, in step S1, the control device 50 determines whether the acquisition status of the position information is normal using the position information management unit 144, and determines whether the operation status of the functional units is normal using the operation information management unit 164. As described above, the position information management unit 144 determines whether the acquisition status of the position information is normal depending on the calculation accuracy of the right antenna position PR and the left antenna position PL. The operation information management unit 164 also acquires information such as whether startup of each functional unit of the in-vehicle controller 10 has been completed, information about the connection status with the Internet line, and information about whether a malfunction has occurred in each functional unit, and determines based on the acquired information whether the operation status of the functional unit is in the middle of startup, has started up and is able to operate normally, or is in an abnormal state due to a malfunction or the like.

If the location information management unit 144 determines that the acquisition status of location information is normal and the operation information management unit 164 determines that the operation status of the functional units is normal (Yes in step S1), the control device 50 outputs a determination result from the location information management unit 144 and the operation information management unit 164 that the system is normal to the information processing unit 32 in step S2. On the other hand, if the location information management unit 144 determines that the acquisition status of location information is abnormal and the operation information management unit 164 determines that the operation status of the functional units is in the process of starting up or is in an abnormal state due to a malfunction or the like (No in step S1), the control device 50 outputs a determination result from the location information management unit 144 and the operation information management unit 164 that the system is abnormal to the information processing unit 32 (step S3). Note that the determination result here includes information on whether the acquisition status of location information is normal and information on whether the operation status of the functional units is in the process of starting up, has started up and is in a state where it can operate normally, or is in an abnormal state due to a malfunction or the like. The control device 50 repeatedly executes the processes from step S1 onwards while the work management system 100 is operating.

(Work record processing and pre-work processing)
Next, the work recording process shown in Fig. 9 and the pre-work start process shown in Fig. 10 will be described. When the pneumatic tire roller 1 is turned on and system startup of the work management system 100 begins, the control device 50 starts executing the work recording process shown in Fig. 9. As shown in Fig. 9, when starting the work recording process, the control device 50 first executes the pre-work start process shown in Fig. 10 (step S100).

The pre-work start processing in step S100 will now be described. As shown in FIG. 10, the control device 50 determines whether startup of the monitor unit 20 has been completed (step S101). If the control device 50 determines that startup of the monitor unit 20 has not been completed (No in step S101), it waits until startup of the monitor unit 20 is completed.

When the control device 50 determines that startup of the monitor unit 20 is complete (Yes in step S101), it causes the information processing unit 32 to display the form data input screen V1 shown in FIG. 5 on the monitor 28 (step S102). The information processing unit 32 also displays the determination result of the normality determination process in the system status column 53. In the example shown in FIG. 5, at this point, the location information acquisition status is abnormal, displaying "FLOAT," and the function unit is in the process of starting up, displaying "Starting up." In other words, at this point, the work management system 100 is in the waiting period from when startup begins until positioning stabilizes, and also until the function unit completes startup and becomes operational, allowing work recording processing to be performed normally. The operator can enter form data during this waiting period.

Next, the control device 50, using the information processing unit 32, determines whether input of required items has been completed (step S103). That is, the control device 50 determines whether the operator has completed input of data for all required items in the input field 51 shown in FIG. 5 via the monitor 28. If the control device 50 determines that input of required items has not been completed (No in step S103), it waits until input of required items is completed. If the control device 50 determines that input of required items has been completed (Yes in step S103), it determines whether the input completion button 52 has been pressed (step S104). If the input completion button 52 has not been pressed (No in step S104), the control device 50 waits until the input completion button 52 is pressed.

If the control device 50 determines that the input completion button 52 has been pressed (Yes in step S104), the information processing unit 32 determines whether the system has returned to normal (step S105). That is, the control device 50 determines, via the information processing unit 32, whether it has received a determination result from the position information management unit 144 that the acquisition status of the location information is normal and a determination result from the operation information management unit 164 that the operation status of the functional units is normal.

If the control device 50 determines that the system is not operating normally (No in step S105), the information processing unit 32 does not permit the work recording process to be started and causes the monitor 28 to display the standby screen V2 (step S106). At this time, the information processing unit 32 displays the determination result of the normality determination process in the system status column 53. In the example shown in FIG. 6, at this point, the location information acquisition status is abnormal, so "FLOAT" is displayed, and the operating status of the functional unit is in the process of starting up, so "Starting up" is displayed. The control device 50 repeatedly executes the processes of steps S106 and S107 until it determines that the system is operating normally, and maintains the standby screen V2 displayed on the monitor 28. This allows the operator to easily recognize by checking the standby screen V2 that they are currently in a state where they must wait for work.

On the other hand, if the control device 50 determines that the system has returned to normal (Yes in step S105), it allows the information processing unit 32 to start executing the work recording process and causes the monitor 28 to display the work screen V3 (step S107). At this time, the information processing unit 32 displays the determination result of the normality determination process in the system status column 53. In the example shown in FIG. 7, at this point, "FIX" is displayed, indicating that the acquisition status of the location information is normal, and "Normal" is displayed, indicating that the functional unit is in a state where it can operate normally. After step S106, the control device 50 terminates this process.

Returning to the explanation of the work recording process in Figure 9, when the start of execution of the work recording process is permitted, the control device 50 determines, via the information processing unit 32, whether an instruction to start the work recording process has been given (step S110). In other words, it determines whether the operator has pressed the processing instruction button 57 on the work screen V3. If the control device 50 determines that an instruction to start the work recording process has not been given (No in step S110), it waits until an instruction to start is given.

When the control device 50 determines that an instruction to start the work recording process has been issued (Yes in step S110), the information processing unit 32 determines whether the system is operating normally (step S120). That is, even after an instruction to start the work recording process has been issued, the acquisition status of position information may become abnormal, or an abnormality may occur in a functional unit. Therefore, step S120 is executed to monitor whether the system is being maintained in a normal state while the work recording process is being executed. The process of step S120 is similar to the process of step S105 in FIG. 10, and therefore its explanation is omitted. Note that after permission to start the work recording process has been granted, step S110 may be omitted and the process may automatically proceed to step S120; however, it is preferable that the tire roller 1 has at least reached the start point of the work range M as a condition.

If the control device 50 determines that the system is normal (Yes in step S120), the position calculation unit 142 and the work record processing unit 162 execute the work record processing of steps S130 to S160. That is, the control device 50 calculates the right antenna position PR and the left antenna position PL using the position calculation unit 142 (step S130), and calculates the ground line positions GLF and GLR using the vehicle attitude calculation unit 162A and the compaction position calculation unit 162B (step S140). Furthermore, the control device 50 determines whether compaction has been performed for each of the multiple managed blocks MB generated by the managed block generation unit 162C using the compaction determination unit 162D (step S150).

Then, the control device 50 causes the information processing unit 32 to display the number of times each management block MB has been compacted in a different color on the work screen V3 (step S160). At this time, the information processing unit 32 also displays the current position of the tire roller 1 and the legend column 56 on the work screen V3, as shown in FIG. 7.

Next, the control device 50 determines whether an instruction to end the work record process has been given by the information processing unit 32 (step S170). That is, it determines whether the operator has pressed the processing instruction button 57 on the work screen V3. The operator checks the color coding of the management blocks MB on the work screen V3 and determines whether to issue an instruction to end the work record process using the processing instruction button 57. Note that step S170 may be omitted, and the process may automatically proceed to the next step once all management blocks MB have been compacted the predetermined number of times. However, the operator may determine that compaction has not been sufficient, particularly at the ends of the work area M. Therefore, to avoid confusing the operator, it is preferable for the operator to personally issue an instruction to end the work record process using the processing instruction button 57.

If the control device 50 determines that an instruction to end the work recording process has not been given (No in step S170), it repeats the processing from step S120 onwards. On the other hand, if the control device 50 determines that an instruction to end the work recording process has been given (Yes in step S170), the information processing unit 32 determines whether data has been entered into all items of the form data (step S180).

If the control device 50 determines that data has not been entered into all fields of the form data (No in step S180), it causes the information processing unit 32 to display the input screen V1 on the monitor 28 again (step S190) and waits until data has been entered into all fields. This allows the operator to enter data into any fields of the form data that have not yet been entered. On the other hand, if the control device 50 determines that data has been entered into all fields of the form data (Yes in step S180), it causes the form generation unit 34 to generate form data based on the entered data and stores it in the memory unit 24 (step S200). This allows the operator to obtain the generated form data via the external input/output unit 26. Note that the form data may be automatically transmitted to an external device, for example, via an Internet line.

Next, the control device 50 authorizes the work management system 100 to be shut down (step S210). In other words, the work management system 100 is not permitted to be shut down until data is entered into all fields of the form data. Note that the permission to shut down the work management system 100 may be the same as the permission to shut down the operation of the tire roller 1.

If the control device 50 determines in step S120 that the system is not operating normally (No in step S120), it causes the information processing unit 32 to display a standby screen V2 on the monitor 28 (step S220). This allows the operator to check the standby screen V2, as shown in FIG. 6, understand that one of the systems is not operating normally, and recognize that they must wait. After displaying the standby screen V2, the control device 50 proceeds to step S170. In this case, the operator checks the standby screen V2 and determines whether to terminate the work recording process. If the operator determines to wait, a negative determination is made in step S170, and the processing from step S120 onward is repeatedly executed. As a result, the standby screen V2 remains displayed on the monitor 28 until the system returns to normal. If the operator determines to terminate the work recording process, the operator presses the processing instruction button 57. This results in a positive determination in step S170, and the processing from step S180 onward is executed.

For example, if the standby screen V2 continues to be displayed for a predetermined period of time or longer, the work recording process may be automatically terminated. However, since the system may be able to return to a normal state in a relatively short period of time, it is preferable to set the predetermined period of time to a sufficient length so as not to burden the operator with the hassle of re-executing the work recording process. Furthermore, after the work recording process has been terminated via step S220, if the system is able to operate normally, the work recording process may be resumed from where it left off last time.

(Effects of the embodiment)
As described above, the work management system 100 according to the embodiment is a work management system that includes a control device 50 that acquires position information of the tire roller (work machine) 1 and executes a work record process that calculates and records the area compacted by the tire roller 1 (rolling area, area where work has been performed) based on the position information, and a monitor 28 that is a display unit that displays an input screen V1 for work-related document data information to an operator and is an input unit into which the operator can input document data information.In this work management system, if the control device 50 determines that both the acquisition state of the position information and the operating state of the functional unit that performs the work record process are normal (YES in step S105), it allows the work record process to start (step S107).If it determines that at least one of the acquisition state of the position information and the operating state is not normal (NO in step S105), it does not allow the work record process to start (step S106).Even before it is determined that both the acquisition state of the position information and the operating state are normal, it displays the input screen V1 on the monitor 28 and accepts input of document data information from the operator via the monitor 28 (step S102).

With this configuration, during standby time when either the acquisition status of location information or the operating status of the functional unit for performing work record processing is abnormal and the start of work record processing is not permitted, the form data input screen V1 is displayed and information input is accepted, allowing the operator to use the work standby time to input the necessary information. Therefore, with the work management system 100 according to the embodiment, it is possible to effectively use standby time and improve work efficiency. Furthermore, by having the operator perform the work of entering form data, it is possible to prevent the operator from feeling that they are currently in standby time.

Furthermore, even if the control device 50 determines that both the acquisition status of location information and the operating status are normal, if the input of required fields in the form data has not been completed, it will not allow the start of execution of the work recording process (steps S103, S105, S107). However, if the acquisition status of location information and the operating status are both normal and the input of required fields has been completed, it will allow the start of execution of the work recording process (steps S103, S105, step S106). This configuration ensures that information that should be entered into the form data, which may be lost if entered later, is entered before work begins.

In addition, the control device 50 will not allow the system to stop until all items of information in the form data have been entered (steps S180, S210). This configuration more reliably ensures that all information necessary to create the form data has been entered.

(Modification)
Although the description of the embodiment has been completed, aspects of the present invention are not limited to this embodiment. For example, in this embodiment, a tire roller 1 is used as an example of a compaction machine. However, the compaction machine may be any other machine that acquires position information and performs a work recording process that calculates and records the compacted area based on the position information. The compaction machine may be, for example, a vibratory roller, a macadam roller, a tamping roller, or the like. Furthermore, the work management system 100 is not limited to compaction work, but may also be applied to work machines that perform excavation work, snow removal work, and the like. In such cases, work machines such as hydraulic excavators and wheel loaders may be used.

In addition, in this embodiment, the on-board controller 10, the memory unit 24 of the monitor unit 20, and the terminal-side control unit 30 constitute the control device 50 of the work management system 100, but the configuration of the control device 50 is not limited to this. For example, the functions of the memory unit 24 and the terminal-side control unit 30 may be installed on the on-board controller 10, and the monitor unit 20 may also function as a display unit and an input unit.

In addition, in this embodiment, if the input of required fields in the form data information has not been completed, the start of execution of the work recording process is not permitted. However, if it is determined that both the location information acquisition status and the above-mentioned operating status are normal, the start of execution of the work recording process may be permitted. In other words, step S103 in FIG. 10 may be omitted, and the operator may press the input completion button 52 at any time (step S104), and proceed to the processing from step S105 onwards.

Furthermore, the condition for permitting the start of execution of the work recording process may be that input for all items of information in the form data has been completed. That is, in step S103 of FIG. 10, it may be determined that input for all items of information in the form data has been completed.

In addition, in this embodiment, the system is not permitted to stop until all items of information in the report data have been entered, but the system may be permitted to stop even if input into all items of the report data has not been completed. In other words, the report data may be output at the end of the compaction work, and information may be entered into any remaining items later using an external device.

In addition, in this embodiment, the antenna 5 receives a positioning signal from the GNSS, and the position calculation unit 142 processes the positioning signal to obtain position information for the tire roller 1. However, the method of obtaining the original signal is not limited to using the GNSS. For example, an automatic tracking total station may be placed outside the working range M, and a measurement target may be attached to the tire roller 1. The total station may measure the position (distance and angle) of the measurement target, and the measured position signal may be used as the basis. In this case, the position signal from the total station may be processed by the position calculation unit 142 to obtain position information for the tire roller 1, and the position information management unit 144 may determine whether the position information has been obtained reliably.

In addition, for at least some items of information in the report data, data may be stored in advance on an external storage medium such as a USB memory, and input by retrieving the data via the external input/output unit 26. For example, this could be applied to information that is determined before work begins, such as the site name and company name. However, since the content to be input may change due to unexpected circumstances, it is preferable for the operator to check and input the information, as explained in this embodiment.

In addition, in this embodiment, the monitor unit 20 is equipped with the report generation unit 34, but the report generation unit 34 may be provided in an external device. In that case, the report data information input via the monitor unit 20 is output to the external device via communication, and the report generation unit 34 of the external device generates report data based on that information.

(Changes to required fields in form data)
Furthermore, upon system startup, i.e., when system startup begins, the control device 50 may detect the startup time from when the location calculation unit 142 and the work record processing unit 162, which are functional units for performing work record processing, complete startup, and change the content of the required items based on the detected startup time. For example, the operation information management unit 164 detects the startup time of the location calculation unit 142 and the work record processing unit 162 from when the work management system 100 starts up. The startup time may be detected, for example, by detecting the current status of the location calculation unit 142 and the work record processing unit 162 and estimating the time until startup is complete. The operation information management unit 164 may, for example, accumulate information on past startup times and estimate the startup time based on the accumulated information. Furthermore, the startup time here may not include the time until connection to the Internet line is established. However, for example, information on past connection times until connection to the Internet line is accumulated, and the current connection time may be estimated based on the accumulated information, and the estimated connection time may be included in the startup time. The operation information management unit 164 outputs the detected startup time to the information processing unit 32, which will be described later.

The information processing unit 32 acquires the startup time and changes the content of the required fields that must be entered into the report data depending on the acquired startup time. More specifically, the information processing unit 32 sets more required fields as the startup time of the work record processing unit 162 increases, and sets fewer required fields as the startup time of the work record processing unit 162 decreases. For example, if the acquired startup time is longer than a predetermined time, the information processing unit 32 maintains the required fields as preset. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the required fields are maintained in the state where the work date, layer number, weather, and water content of the fill material are set. Furthermore, for example, if the acquired startup time is shorter than a predetermined time, the information processing unit 32 reduces the number of required fields from the preset number. Note that the predetermined time may be set arbitrarily, or multiple times in stages.

In this case, it is preferable to set priorities for required items in advance, with items with higher priorities set as required items. In other words, if items that may be lost if entered later are set as high priority items, those items will be set as required items, making it possible to input those items more reliably. For example, it is preferable to set weather items, which are particularly desirable to input at the start of work, as high priority items. Note that priorities may be set arbitrarily for each work site.

With this configuration, if there is a high possibility that the in-vehicle controller 10 will quickly complete startup to a state where it can execute the work recording process, reducing the number of required items can reduce the time required for the operator to enter information, allowing the system to quickly transition to a state where it is permitted to start executing the work recording process.

In this configuration, at least before displaying input screen V1 on the monitor 28 in step S103 of FIG. 10, the operation information management unit 164 must detect the startup time required for the functional units to return to normal operation, determine the contents of the required items that must be entered into the form data, and the information processing unit 32 must understand the contents of the determined required items. In other words, before displaying input screen V1 on the monitor 28, data must be exchanged between the operation information management unit 164 and the information processing unit 32. Therefore, this configuration can be effectively used in a configuration in which communication between the in-vehicle controller 10 and the monitor unit 20 is quickly established before displaying input screen V1 on the monitor 28.

1 Tire roller (work machine)
4 Communication unit 5 Antenna 6 Communication device 10 In-vehicle controller 12, 22 Communication section 14 Position information acquisition section 142 Position calculation section 144 Position information management section 16 In-vehicle control section 162 Work record processing section 164 Operation information management section 20 Monitor unit 24 Storage section 26 External input/output section 28 Monitor (input section, display section)
30 Terminal side control unit 32 Information processing unit 34 Report generation unit 50 Control device 100 Work management system V1 Input screen V2 Waiting screen V3 Work screen

Claims (4)

a control device that acquires position information of a work machine and executes a work recording process that calculates and records the range of work performed by the work machine based on the position information;
a display unit that displays an input screen for inputting information on work-related document data to an operator;
an input unit into which an operator can input information of the form data ;
In a work management system comprising:
The control device
When the system is in at least one of a standby state from the start of system startup until the positioning of the position information is stabilized and a standby state until the functional unit for performing the work record processing is activated, the system does not permit the start of execution of the work record processing, and when the positioning of the position information is stabilized and the activation of the functional unit for performing the work record processing is completed, the system permits the start of execution of the work record processing;
A work management system that displays the input screen on the display unit and accepts input of information about the report data from an operator via the input unit during a standby state from when the system starts up until the positioning of the location information stabilizes and during a standby state until a functional unit for performing the work recording processing starts up. The control device
Even when the positioning of the location information is stabilized and the activation of the function unit for performing the work record processing is completed, if input of required items of information in the form data is not completed, the start of execution of the work record processing is not permitted,
A work management system as described in claim 1, which allows the start of execution of the work record processing when the positioning of the location information has stabilized, the startup of the functional unit for performing the work record processing has been completed, and the input of the required items has been completed. The work management system described in claim 2 , wherein the control device detects the startup time until the functional unit for performing the work recording processing starts up when the system starts up, and changes the content of the required items according to the detected startup time. The work management system described in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the control device does not allow the system to be stopped until all items of information in the form data have been entered.