Patent Description:
The patent document <NUM> discloses an anti-theft device characterized by including a position detection means for detecting the position of a moving object on the earth, a theft detection means for detecting the theft of the moving object, and a transmission means, and being configured to detect the position of the moving object by the position detection means and transmit the position to a predetermined location by the transmission means after the theft is detected by the theft detection means, the anti-theft device is provided with a position storage means configured to periodically stores the position of the moving object detected by the position detection means when the theft is not detected by the theft detection means, and, the transmission means is configured to transmit the latest position information stored in the position storage means when the theft of the moving object is detected by the theft detection means.

In the anti-theft device of the patent document <NUM>, after the theft is detected by the theft detection means, the position of the moving object is detected by the position detection means and transmitted to a predetermined location by the transmission means. However, there existed a problem of unprotected conditions in which no monitoring was performed even though there were no passengers on the moving body, or a problem of futility in performing the monitoring even though there were passengers on the moving body.

The present invention is made in order to solve the problems of the conventional technology, and intends to provide a monitoring system for a working machine configured to easily monitor the working machine. The present invention is defined by independent claim <NUM>. Further aspects are defined in the dependent claims.

A monitoring system for a working machine, includes a boarding detector to detect boarding and alighting of an operator, the boarding detector being provided in the working machine, a position detector to detect a position of the working machine based on a signal sent from a positioning satellite when the boarding detector detects the alighting of the operator, the position detector being provided in a mobile terminal belonging to the operator; a transmitter to transmit, to a management machine, positional information representing the position detected by the position detector, the transmitter being provided in the mobile terminal; and a controller to move the management machine to the position represented by the positional information, the controller being provided in the management machine.

The monitoring system for the working machine includes a detection sensor to detect movement of at least one of the following: a prime mover included in the working machine, a working device included in the working machine, and a traveling device included in the working machine. The boarding detector judges the alighting based on a signal output from the detection sensor.

The boarding detector includes a sensor to detect whether the operator sits on and judges the alighting based on the signal output from the sensor.

The monitoring system for the working machine includes a communicator to transmit an alighting signal indicating the alighting detected by the boarding detector, the communicator being provided in the working machine; and a receiver to receive the alighting signal from the communicator, the receiver being provided in the mobile terminal. The transmitter transmits, to the management machine, the positional information detected by the position detector and the alighting signal received by the receiver.

The monitoring system for the working machine includes a server to receive the positional information and the alighting signal from the transmitter and to transmit the positional information and the alighting signal to the management machine. The transmitter of the mobile terminal transmits the positional information detected by the position detector and the alighting signal received by the receiver to the management machine through the server.

The controller moves the management machine based on the positional information at either a predetermined time interval or an arbitrary time interval.

The management machine is a multicopter to fly over the agricultural field.

According to the monitoring system for the working machine mentioned above, the working machine can be easily monitored.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with appropriate reference to the drawings.

<FIG> is an overall view of a monitoring system for a working machine <NUM>. The monitoring system for the working machine <NUM> is a system for monitoring the working machine <NUM>. The monitoring system for the working machine <NUM> can reduce the possibility of the theft of the working machine <NUM>, intrusion of suspicious persons, and the like, by periodically or randomly dispatching a surveillance drone or other management machine <NUM> to the vicinity of the working machine <NUM>.

The working machine <NUM> means agricultural machinery and the like which performs work including plowing and harvesting of crops in the field, and the agricultural machinery includes a tractor, a combine, a rice transplanter, and the like. The tractor <NUM>, which is one of the agricultural machinery, will be used as an example for the following description. The tractor <NUM> can be provided with a working device <NUM> such as, for example, a cultivator, a mower, a tedder, a rake, and the like.

First, the overall configuration of the tractor <NUM> will be described below.

As shown in <FIG>, the tractor <NUM> is provided with a traveling vehicle (traveling vehicle body) <NUM> having a traveling device <NUM>, and a prime mover (driving portion) <NUM>, such as a diesel engine.

The tractor <NUM> is provided with a vehicle controller (vehicle controller device) <NUM> and a communicator (communicator device) <NUM>. The tractor <NUM> is also provided with a speed detector (speed detector portion) 3a, a working detector (working detector portion) 4a, a traveling detector (traveling detector portion) 5a, a starter switch <NUM>, and a starter relay <NUM>. The prime mover <NUM>, the working device <NUM>, the traveling device <NUM>, the vehicle controller <NUM>, the communicator <NUM>, the boarding detector (boarding detector device) <NUM>, the rotating-speed detector 3a, the working detector 4a, the traveling detector 5a, the starter switch <NUM>, and the starter relay <NUM> are connected by an on-board network N such as CAN. In other words, the devices connected by the on-board network N, including the prime mover <NUM>, the working device <NUM>, and the traveling device <NUM>, can output and acquire information among the devices on the on-board network N. For example, the vehicle controller <NUM> can obtain the number of revolutions of the prime mover <NUM> from the rotating-speed detector 3a. The vehicle control device <NUM> can also obtain the vehicle speed of the traveling device <NUM> from the traveling detector 5a. The vehicle controller <NUM> can also acquire information such as the operating state of the working device <NUM> from the working detector 4a. In particular, the rotating-speed detector 3a is a device that detects the number of revolutions of the prime mover <NUM>. In other words, the rotating-speed detector 3a can detect whether the prime mover <NUM> is starting or not. The rotating-speed detector 3a is provided in the prime mover <NUM> and includes a sensor or the like that detects the number of revolutions of the prime mover <NUM>. The rotating-speed detector 3a can be any type of sensor as long as it is capable of detecting whether the prime mover <NUM> is starting or not. The rotating-speed detector 3a can output a signal based on the number of revolutions detected by the rotating-speed detector 3a to the vehicle controller <NUM> via the on-board network N. In other words, the vehicle controller <NUM> can obtain the number of revolutions of the prime mover <NUM> from the rotating-speed detector 3a.

The working detector 4a is a device for detecting a state of an actuator and the like provided in the working device <NUM>. In detail, the working detector 4a detects, for example, the number of rotations of the actuator provided in the working device <NUM>, the rotational speed of the actuator, and the like. In other words, the working detector 4a can detect whether the working device <NUM> is operating or not. The working detector 4a is provided in the working device <NUM> and includes a sensor or the like that detects the number of rotations of the actuator, the rotational speed of the actuator, and the like. The working detector 4a can be any type of working detector 4a that can detect whether the working device <NUM> is operating or not. The working detector 4a can output a signal based on the information detected by the working detector 4a to the vehicle controller <NUM> via the on-board network N. The working detector 4a can also output a signal based on the information detected by the working detector 4a to the vehicle controller <NUM>. In other words, the vehicle controller <NUM> can obtain the status of the working device <NUM> from the working detector 4a.

The traveling detector 5a is a device that detects the traveling speed (ground speed) of the working machine <NUM>, that is, the speed of the traveling device <NUM>. In other words, the traveling detector 5a can detect whether the traveling device <NUM> is operating or not. The traveling detector 5a is provided in the traveling device <NUM> and includes a speed sensor or the like that detects the vehicle speed of the working machine <NUM>. The traveling detector 5a can be any type of device that is capable of detecting whether the traveling device <NUM> is operating or not.

The vehicle controller <NUM> includes a CPU or the like and performs various controls relating to the working machine <NUM>.

The communicator <NUM> is a device that communicates, for example, with the transmitter <NUM> and receiver <NUM> provided in the mobile terminal <NUM>. The communicator <NUM> is a device that communicates over a short or long distance. For example, the communicator <NUM> performs the wireless communication with the receiver <NUM> in a wireless fidelity (wireless fidelity, a registered trademark) in the IEEE802. <NUM> series of communication standards, Bluetooth (a registered trademark) Low Energy in the specifications of the Bluetooth (registered trademark) in the IEEE802. <NUM> series of communication standards, and the like.

The starter switch <NUM> is a switch for starting the prime mover <NUM>. When an operator inserts an engine key into a key cylinder provided around the operator seat and turns the engine key, the starter switch <NUM> outputs a signal to the starter relay <NUM> to start the prime mover.

The starter relay <NUM> is a component for starting the prime mover <NUM>. When a signal for starting the prime mover is input from the starter switch <NUM> to the starter relay <NUM>, the starter relay <NUM> starts the prime mover <NUM>. The starting of the prime mover, which is one of the prime mover drives, is not limited to a mechanical type (key cylinder type) where the engine key is inserted into the key cylinder and the starter relay <NUM> is turned on, but may be a smart entry type where the starting of the prime mover is permitted or prohibited by radio communication.

The mobile terminal <NUM> includes, for example, a PC or a smartphone (multifunctional mobile phone) with relatively high computing power. The mobile terminal <NUM> includes a terminal controller (terminal controller device) <NUM>, a transmitter (transmitter portion) <NUM>, a receiver (receiver portion) <NUM>, a position detector (position detector device) <NUM>.

The terminal controller <NUM> includes a CPU or the like and performs various controls relating to the mobile terminal <NUM>. The transmitter <NUM> transmits position information detected by the position detector <NUM> to the working machine <NUM>, the management machine <NUM> and the like. The transmitter <NUM> carries out wireless communication with the working machine <NUM>, the management machine <NUM>, and the like by, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The transmitter <NUM> may also communicate wirelessly with the working machine <NUM>, the management machine <NUM>, and the like by means of a data communication network, a cellular phone communication network, Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy, or the like.

The receiver <NUM> receives signals from the communicator <NUM>. The receiver <NUM> carries out wireless communication with the working machine <NUM>, the management machine <NUM> and the like by, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or the like. The receiver <NUM> may also perform wireless communication with the working machine <NUM>, the management machine <NUM>, and the like by means of a data communication network, a cellular phone communication network, Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy, and the like.

The position detector <NUM> is a device that detects its own position (positioning information) by a satellite positioning system. The position detector <NUM> receives a signal transmitted from the positioning satellite G1 and detects its own position (for example, latitude and longitude) based on the received signal. In other words, an operator working in the field can detect the position of the working machine <NUM> by having the mobile terminal <NUM> in his or her possession at the time of work. This allows the monitoring system for the working machine <NUM> to use the mobile terminal <NUM>, which is pre-installed with the position detector <NUM>. Thus, the monitoring system for the working machine <NUM> can be easily introduced even if the working machine <NUM> does not have a position detector <NUM>. The mobile terminal <NUM> can also communicate with the server <NUM> by means of a data communication network or a cellular phone communication network. Thus, even if the communicator <NUM> provided in the working machine <NUM> supports only short-range communication, the working machine <NUM> can communicate with the server <NUM> via the mobile terminal <NUM>. In other words, the server <NUM> can call the management machine <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the management machine <NUM> is a rotor craft capable of flying unmanned by a plurality of rotor blades <NUM>, for example, a flying vehicle called a multicopter (drone). In other words, the management machine <NUM> is a multicopter capable of flying over a field. This allows the management machine <NUM> to be easily dispatched even when it is difficult to move over the ground, such as when the surface of the field on which the working machine <NUM> is working is rough. As a result, the management machine <NUM> can be dispatched regardless of the condition of the field, and the possibility of the theft of the working machine <NUM> can be reduced in advance. The management machine <NUM> is capable of flying by autonomous control without relying on a remote device. The management machine <NUM> may not be a flying machine, but may have a mobile means such as a crawler that moves on the ground. In other words, since the management machine <NUM> is used to monitor the working machine <NUM>, there is no need to install a device for monitoring the working machine <NUM> itself. Thus, in the future, the management machine <NUM> with improved monitoring capability, that is, a monitoring system with high monitoring capability, can be easily introduced.

The management machine <NUM> has a main body <NUM>, an arm <NUM>, a rotor blade <NUM> and a skid <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, a plurality of arms <NUM> are attached to the main body <NUM>. In the case of the present embodiment, six arms <NUM> are attached to the main body <NUM>; the six arms <NUM> extend radially from the center of the main body <NUM> in a horizontal plane (a plane parallel to the ground in a landing state). However, the number of arms <NUM> is not limited to six, but may be seven or more, or five or less. The arm <NUM> may be foldable toward the main body <NUM>. The base end side of the arms <NUM> is attached to the main body <NUM>. Each of the plurality of arms <NUM> has a rotator blade <NUM> attached to the tip side of the plurality of arms <NUM>.

The rotor blades <NUM> generate lift force for the management machine <NUM> to fly. The rotor blade <NUM> includes a rotor and a blade (propeller). The rotor includes an electric motor (such as a DC motor). The rotor is driven by power supplied from a battery. A blade is attached to the upper part of the rotor's axis of rotation. The adjacent rotating blades <NUM> rotate in opposite directions to each other.

The number of rotor blades <NUM> is not limited and can be changed according to the required lift and other requirements. For example, the management machine <NUM> may be a tricopter having three rotor blades <NUM>, a quadcopter having four rotor blades <NUM>, a hexacopter having six rotor blades <NUM>, or an octocopter having eight rotor blades <NUM>. In the following description, the rotor blades <NUM> may also be referred to as the moving portion <NUM>.

The skid <NUM> is installed when the management machine <NUM> lands and supports the main body <NUM> on the ground.

The management machine <NUM> also has a controller device <NUM>, the moving portion <NUM>, a management communicator <NUM>, and a monitor <NUM>.

The controller device <NUM> includes a CPU and the like and performs various controls relating to the management machine <NUM>. In particular, for example, the controller device <NUM> controls the moving portion <NUM>.

The management communicator <NUM> is a device by which the management machine <NUM> communicates wirelessly with the transmitter <NUM> provided in the mobile terminal <NUM>, the outside, and the like.

The monitor portion (monitor device) <NUM> is a device for monitoring and monitoring a suspicious person approaching a worker or for reducing the possibility of theft or the like. In particular, it is a camera that captures images of the intruders and the like. The camera for capturing the intruders and the like can be a camera that takes still images, a video camera that takes moving images, or a similar type of camera. The image or video captured by the monitor <NUM> is transmitted from the management communicator <NUM> to the mobile terminal <NUM> or to the outside. The monitor portion <NUM> may also be provided with a warning portion. The warning portion is an alarm that warns by means of a warning sound when, for example, the management machine <NUM> detects a suspicious person or theft of the working machine <NUM>. The warning portion is not limited to an alarm that warns with a warning sound, but may also be one that warns with a light. The monitor portion <NUM> can be anything that can reduce the possibility of the theft or the like of the working machine <NUM>, as long as it can reduce the possibility of the theft or the like of the working machine <NUM> before it occurs, and it can be anything that prevents the theft. For example, the monitor portion <NUM> may be a dummy camera or the like disguised as a camera.

Now, the vehicle controller <NUM> can be switched between a normal mode and a monitoring mode. The normal mode is a mode in which the operator boards the working machine <NUM> and performs the working in the field. On the other hand, the monitoring mode is a mode for monitoring the working machine <NUM> when the operator is not on board the working machine <NUM> and the working machine <NUM> is stopped. In detail, the normal mode and the monitoring mode are switched between the normal mode and the monitoring mode by means of a switching member installed around the operator seat of the working machine <NUM>. The switching material is, for example, a switch such as a seesaw type switch or a push button switch. The vehicle controller <NUM> switches between a normal mode and a monitoring mode based on a switching signal, which is a signal input from the switching member. The vehicle controller <NUM> also determines whether the prime mover <NUM> of the working machine <NUM> is operating or not. In detail, the vehicle controller <NUM> determines whether the prime mover <NUM> of the working machine <NUM> is operating based on a signal input from the starter switch <NUM>. The vehicle controller <NUM> may determine whether the prime mover <NUM> of the working machine <NUM> is operating based on a signal input from the rotating-speed detector 3a.

The tractor <NUM> is provided with the boarding detector <NUM>. The boarding detector <NUM> is a device for detecting the boarding and alighting of an operator on the working machine <NUM>. In particular, the boarding detector <NUM> detects an operator's boarding and alighting of the operator on the working machine <NUM> based on a signal output from the detection sensor. The detection sensor has a sensor 13a, such as a pressure sensor, a strain sensor, or the like, installed in the seat of the operator seat <NUM> of the working machine <NUM>. The sensor 13a detects a load with respect to the seat of the operator seat <NUM> of the working machine <NUM>. In detail, the presence or absence of an operator on the operator seat is detected by a signal output from the sensors 13a when an operator is seated in the operator seat <NUM> of the working machine <NUM> and when the operator is not seated in the operator seat <NUM>. In this embodiment, the detection sensors include the sensor 13a, the rotating-speed detector 3a, the working detector 4a, and the traveling detector 5a. In other words, the boarding detector <NUM> detects the boarding and alighting of the operator depending on whether the operator is seated in the operator seat <NUM> and whether the prime mover <NUM>, the working device <NUM>, and the traveling device <NUM> are operating. The signals output from the rotating-speed detector 3a, the working detector 4a, and the traveling detector 5a are output to the boarding detector <NUM> via the on-board network N. The signal output from the boarding detector <NUM> is output to the communicator <NUM>. The boarding detector <NUM> is not limited to the above configuration, and can be any device that can detect an operator's boarding and alighting to the working machine <NUM>. For example, the boarding detector <NUM> may detect a change in load on the traveling vehicle body of the working machine <NUM> to detect the operator's boarding and alighting of the operator on the working machine <NUM>. The detection sensor may include only at least one of the sensors 13a, such as the rotating-speed detector 3a, the working detector 4a, a traveling detector 5a, a pressure sensor, and the like. In this case, the boarding detector <NUM> detects an operator's boarding and alighting of the operator on the working machine <NUM> based on a signal output from at least one of the sensors 13a, such as the rotating-speed detector 3a, the working detector 4a, the traveling detector 5a, the pressure sensor, and the like. In particular, when the rotating-speed detector 3a detects the operation of the prime mover <NUM>, it is determined that the operator is riding. When the operation detection unit 4a detects the operation of the working device <NUM>, it is judged that the operator is in the vehicle. If the traveling detector 5a detects the movement of the driving device, it is assumed that the operator is in the vehicle. If the sensor 13a detects that the operator is seated in the operator seat <NUM>, it is determined that the operator is in the vehicle. That is, if a signal output from one of the sensors 13a, such as the rotating-speed detector 3a, the working detector 4a, the traveling detector 5a, the pressure sensor, or the like, indicates that the operator is in the cab, the passenger detection unit <NUM> detects that the operator is in the cab. On the other hand, if the speed detection section 3a detects the stop of the prime mover <NUM>, the working detector 4a detects the stop of the working device <NUM>, the traveling detector 5a detects the stop of the travel device, and the sensor 13a detects that the operator is not seated in the operator seat <NUM>, the boarding detector <NUM> detects the operator's alighting.

The communicator <NUM> transmits to the receiver <NUM>, for example, a boarding signal indicating a boarding and a alighting signal indicating a boarding signal and an alighting signal indicating a boarding of the operator to the working machine <NUM> detected by the boarding detector <NUM>. In particular, when the boarding detector <NUM> detects an operator boarding the working machine <NUM>, the communicator <NUM> obtains a boarding signal from the boarding detector <NUM>. The communicator <NUM> transmits the boarding signal to the receiver <NUM>. On the other hand, when the boarding detector <NUM> detects the operator's alighting from the working machine <NUM>, the communicator <NUM> obtains a alighting signal from the boarding detector <NUM>. The communicator <NUM> transmits the alighting signal to the receiver <NUM>. The communicator <NUM> also transmits a parking signal to the receiver <NUM>, which notifies the receiver <NUM> that the working machine <NUM> has stopped. When the prime mover <NUM> stops, the vehicle controller <NUM> determines that the working machine <NUM> has stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed and sends a parking signal. This allows the monitoring to be started in conjunction with the operator's alighting from the working machine <NUM>. As a result, it is possible to reduce unprotected conditions such as stopping the working machine <NUM> and not being monitored even though the operator is not on board the working machine <NUM>, or wasteful conditions such as monitoring even though the operator is on board the working machine <NUM> and the working is in progress. It is also possible to determine the operator's alighting based on the fact that the operator has completed the work and stopped the prime mover <NUM>, the working device <NUM>, and the traveling device <NUM> of the working machine <NUM>. For this reason, the system can determine the operator's alighting in a configuration that is also provided in the conventional work machine <NUM>. In other words, it is easy to introduce a monitoring system for working machine <NUM>. The system can also detect the seating of the operator in the seat of the operator seat <NUM> provided in the working machine <NUM>. Thus, the presence or absence of an operator in the operator seat <NUM> of the working machine <NUM> can be easily determined. In other words, the accuracy of detecting the alighting and boarding of the operator can be improved.

The terminal controller <NUM> can be switched between a normal mode and a monitoring mode. The normal mode is a mode for using normal PC and smartphone functions. The monitoring mode is a mode for calling the management machine <NUM> at regular intervals or randomly around the working machine. The switching between the normal mode and the monitoring mode is switched based on a terminal change signal received by the receiver <NUM>. In particular, when the receiver <NUM> receives a terminal change signal, the mode is switched to either the normal mode or the monitoring mode based on the terminal change signal. If the receiver <NUM> does not receive the terminal change signal, the current mode is maintained.

The transmitter <NUM> transmits, for example, a call signal to the management machine <NUM>. The call signal is a signal that includes positional information and a statement that the machine is to be dispatched to a position corresponding to the positional information. In other words, the call signal is a signal for calling the management machine <NUM> to the vicinity of the work machine. The transmitter <NUM> transmits the call signal to the management machine <NUM> at predetermined time intervals or at random time intervals. This eliminates the need to have the management machine <NUM> always on standby in the vicinity of the working machine. It also reduces the possibility that the management machine <NUM> will be dispatched and the time interval to be monitored is known. In other words, the possibility that the management machine <NUM> is not dispatched in the vicinity of the working machine and that the working machine <NUM> is targeted during the interval of monitoring can be reduced.

The receiver <NUM> receives, for example, a parking signal and a boarding signal. The received stop and boarding signals are output to the terminal controller <NUM>.

The controller device <NUM> moves the management machine <NUM> based on the call signal received by the management communicator <NUM>. In detail, the call signals are transmitted from the transmitter <NUM> when the terminal controller <NUM> of the mobile terminal <NUM> is in the monitoring mode. The terminal controller <NUM> is in the monitoring mode when the vehicle controller <NUM> of the working machine <NUM> is in the monitoring mode, for example, when the boarding detector <NUM> detects an operator's alighting. In other words, the controller device <NUM> can move the management machine <NUM> to the relevant position based on the position information detected by the position detector <NUM> when the boarding detector <NUM> detects an operator's alighting.

The management communicator <NUM> receives a call signal from the transmitter <NUM>. The management communicator <NUM> performs wireless communication with the transmitter <NUM> and the outside and the like by means of Wi-Fi (registered trademark) and the like. The management communicator <NUM> receives signals from the transmitter <NUM> and the outside world, for example, by means of a cellular phone communication network, a data communication network, a cellular phone communication network, or the like. The management communicator <NUM> receives, for example, a call signal from the transmitter <NUM> or the outside world. The call signal received by the management communicator <NUM> is output to the controller device <NUM>.

A series of operations of the monitoring system in the working machine <NUM> will be described below, with reference to <FIG>.

The vehicle controller <NUM> determines whether the prime mover <NUM> of the working machine <NUM> is operating (step S10). In detail, the vehicle controller <NUM> determines whether the prime mover <NUM> of the working machine <NUM> is started or not based on a signal input from the starter switch <NUM>.

If the vehicle controller <NUM> determines that the prime mover <NUM> is operating, the vehicle controller <NUM> confirms whether the vehicle controller <NUM> is in the normal mode or the monitoring mode (step S11).

When the vehicle controller <NUM> is in the monitoring mode, the communicator <NUM> transmits a boarding signal to the receiver <NUM> of the mobile terminal <NUM> (step S12).

The vehicle controller <NUM> checks whether the operation signal is output from the operation member <NUM> provided around the operator seat to the vehicle controller <NUM> (step S13). In other words, the vehicle controller <NUM> confirms whether the operation member <NUM> is being operated.

When the vehicle controller <NUM> confirms that an operation signal is output from the operation member <NUM> to the vehicle controller <NUM>, the vehicle controller <NUM> confirms whether there is a change in the mode setting of the vehicle controller <NUM> (step S14). In particular described, the vehicle controller <NUM> confirms whether there is a change from one of the normal mode or the monitoring mode to the other. In detail, the signal output from the switching section material is acquired. In other words, the vehicle controller <NUM> determines that there is a change in the setting when the switching signal is output from the switching component material to the vehicle controller <NUM>. On the other hand, the vehicle controller <NUM> determines that there is no setting change if no switching signal is output from the switching component to the vehicle controller <NUM>.

When the vehicle controller <NUM> confirms that there is a setting change from either the normal mode or the monitoring mode, the vehicle controller <NUM> sends a terminal change signal (step S15). In particular, in this case, the communicator <NUM> transmits the terminal change signal to the receiver <NUM> of the mobile terminal <NUM>.

On the other hand, if the vehicle controller <NUM> determines that there is no change in the setting from either the normal mode or the monitoring mode, the vehicle controller <NUM> controls the working device <NUM> and the traveling device <NUM> based on the operation of the operation member <NUM> (step S16). In particular, the vehicle controller <NUM> controls the working device <NUM> and the traveling device <NUM> based on the signal input to the vehicle controller <NUM> from the operation member <NUM>.

The boarding detector <NUM> checks whether the operator is alighting (step S17). In particular, if a signal output from one of the sensors 13a, such as the rotating-speed detector 3a, the working detector 4a, the traveling detector 5a, the pressure sensor, or the like, indicates that the operator is on board, the boarding detector <NUM> detects that the operator is on board. On the other hand, the boarding detector <NUM> detects the operator's alighting when either the prime mover <NUM> is stopped, the working device <NUM> is stopped, the traveling device is stopped, or the operator is not seated.

The vehicle controller <NUM> determines whether the prime mover <NUM> of the working machine <NUM> is not operating (step S18). In detail, the vehicle controller <NUM> determines whether or not the prime mover <NUM> of the working machine <NUM> has been started based on the signal input from the starter switch <NUM>.

If the vehicle controller <NUM> determines that the prime mover <NUM> of the working machine <NUM> is not operating, the vehicle controller <NUM> confirms whether the vehicle controller <NUM> is in the normal mode or the monitoring mode (step S19).

After a predetermined time (step S20), the communicator <NUM> transmits a parking signal to the receiver <NUM> of the mobile terminal <NUM> (step S21).

After sending the parking signal, the working machine <NUM> shuts down (step S22). In other words, the system inside the working machine <NUM>, including the vehicle controller <NUM> of the working machine <NUM>, is shut down.

A series of operations of the monitoring system at the mobile terminal <NUM> will be described below, with reference to <FIG>.

The terminal control device <NUM> determines whether or not it is in the monitoring mode (step S30). In particular, the terminal controller <NUM> checks whether the receiver <NUM> receives a terminal change signal. If a terminal change signal is received, the terminal controller <NUM> determines that the terminal controller <NUM> has been changed from one of the normal mode and the monitoring mode to the other. If the terminal change signal is not received, the terminal controller <NUM> maintains the current mode.

If it is determined to be in the monitoring mode, the terminal controller <NUM> confirms whether the receiver <NUM> is receiving the parking signal (step S31).

If it is confirmed that the parking signal is being received, the boarding detector device <NUM> detects the positional information (step S32). In particular, the position detector <NUM> receives the signal transmitted from the positioning satellite G1 and detects its own position based on the received signal. In other words, the position detector <NUM> detects the position of the operator at the time of boarding or alighting from the working machine <NUM>.

The terminal control device <NUM> sets up monitoring by the management machine <NUM> for the position detected by the boarding detector <NUM> (step S33).

On the other hand, if the parking signal is not received, the terminal controller <NUM> checks whether the receiver <NUM> receives the boarding signal (step S34).

If it is determined that the boarding signal is being received, the terminal controller <NUM> releases the monitoring at the position detected by the positional information detector (step S35). In detail, the terminal controller <NUM> releases the setting of the monitoring when the monitoring is set for the position. On the other hand, the terminal controller <NUM> does not set the monitoring for the position if the monitoring is not set for the position.

It checks whether monitoring is set for the location where the positional information is detected (step S36).

After a certain amount of time has passed (step S37), the mobile terminal <NUM> dispatches the management machine <NUM> about the location where the positional information was detected (step S38). In particular, the transmitter <NUM> of the mobile terminal <NUM> transmits a call signal including the positional information detected by the position detector device <NUM> to the management machine <NUM>. Thereby, based on the call signal, the management machine <NUM> moves to the position. In other words, the mobile terminal <NUM> dispatches the management machine <NUM> to the vicinity of the work machine at regular intervals.

Even before a certain amount of time has elapsed (step S37), if a random amount of time has elapsed (step S39), the management machine <NUM> is dispatched to the location where the position detector device <NUM> has detected the positional information (step S38). In particular, the transmitter <NUM> of the mobile terminal <NUM> transmits a call signal including the positional information detected by the position detector device <NUM> to the management machine <NUM>. Thereby, based on the call signal, the management machine <NUM> moves to the position. In other words, the mobile terminal <NUM> dispatches the management machine <NUM> to the vicinity of the work machine at random time intervals.

The monitoring system for the working machine <NUM> according to one aspect of the present invention is provided with a boarding detector <NUM>, a position detector <NUM>, a communicator <NUM>, and a control device <NUM>. This allows the monitoring to be initiated in conjunction with the operator's alighting from the working machine <NUM>. As a result, it is possible to reduce unprotected conditions such as stopping the working machine <NUM> and not being monitored even though the operator is not on board the working machine <NUM>, or wasteful conditions such as monitoring even though the operator is on board the working machine <NUM> and the work is in progress. In addition, since the management machine <NUM> is used to monitor the working machine <NUM>, there is no need to install a device for monitoring the working machine <NUM> itself. Thus, in the future, a management machine <NUM> with improved monitoring capability, that is, a monitoring system with high monitoring capability, can be easily introduced.

The working machine <NUM> is provided with a detection sensor that detects the operation of at least one of the prime mover <NUM> of the working machine <NUM>, the working device <NUM> of the working machine <NUM>, and the traveling device <NUM> of the working machine <NUM>, and the boarding detector <NUM> determines the alighting based on the signal output from the detection sensor. This allows the operator to determine the operator's alighting based on the fact that the operator has completed the work and stopped the prime mover <NUM>, the working device <NUM>, and the traveling device <NUM> of the working machine <NUM>. For this reason, the system can determine the operator's alighting in a configuration that is also provided in the conventional work machine <NUM>. In other words, the monitoring system for the working machine <NUM> can be easily introduced.

The detection sensor includes the sensor 13a that detects whether the operator is seated or not, and the boarding detector <NUM> determines the alighting based on the signal input from the sensor 13a. This enables the operator to detect the seating of the operator in the seat of the operator seat <NUM> provided in the working machine <NUM>. Thus, the presence or absence of an operator in the operator seat <NUM> of the working machine <NUM> can be easily determined. In other words, the accuracy of detecting the alighting and boarding of the operator can be improved.

The monitoring system of the working machine <NUM> is provided with the position detector <NUM> and the mobile terminal <NUM>, the working machine <NUM> has the communicator <NUM>, and the transmitter <NUM> of the mobile terminal <NUM> transmits the position information detected by the position detector <NUM> and the yield received by the receiver <NUM> to the management machine <NUM>. This allows the monitoring system for the working machine <NUM> to use the mobile terminal <NUM>, which has a position detector <NUM> provided in advance. Thus, the monitoring system for the working machine <NUM> can be easily introduced even if the working machine <NUM> does not have the position detector <NUM>. The mobile terminal <NUM> can also communicate with the server <NUM> by means of a data communication network or a cellular phone communication network. Thus, even if the communicator <NUM> provided in the working machine <NUM> supports only short-range communication, the working machine <NUM> can communicate with the server <NUM> via the mobile terminal <NUM>. In other words, the server <NUM> can call the management machine <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> moves the management machine <NUM> at every predetermined time interval or at random time intervals, based on the positional information. This also reduces the possibility that the management machine <NUM> will be dispatched and the time interval to be monitored is known. In other words, the possibility that the management machine <NUM> is not dispatched in the vicinity of the work machine and that the working machine <NUM> is targeted during the interval of monitoring can be reduced.

The management machine <NUM> is a multicopter capable of flying over the field. This allows the management machine <NUM> to be easily dispatched even when it is difficult to move on the ground, such as when the road surface in the field where the working machine <NUM> is working is rough. As a result, the management machine <NUM> can be dispatched regardless of the field conditions, and the possibility of the theft of the working machine <NUM> can be reduced in advance.

Now, in the monitoring system for the working machine <NUM> described above, the mobile terminal <NUM> calls the management machine <NUM>, but the server <NUM> may also call the management machine <NUM>, as in the monitoring system for the working machine <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

The server <NUM> has a server controller device <NUM>, a server communicator device <NUM>, and a server storage <NUM>.

The server controller device <NUM> includes a CPU and the like, and performs various controls relating to the server <NUM>.

The server communication device <NUM> enables the server <NUM> to communicate wirelessly with the mobile terminal <NUM> and the management machine <NUM>. The server communication device <NUM>, for example, communicates wirelessly with the transmitter <NUM> and the receiver <NUM> of the mobile terminal <NUM> and the management communicator <NUM> of the management machine <NUM> by means of the IEEE <NUM> series Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or the like, which is a communication standard. The server communication device <NUM> may, for example, communicate wirelessly with the transmitter <NUM>, the receiver <NUM>, and the management communicator <NUM> by means of a cellular phone communication network, a data communication network, a cellular phone communication network, or the like.

The server storage <NUM> is a non-volatile memory or the like, and stores various information, including information received by the server communication device <NUM>.

The server controller device <NUM> can be switched between a normal mode and a monitoring mode. The normal mode is a mode in which the normal functions of the server <NUM> are used. The monitoring mode is a mode for calling the management machine <NUM> at regular intervals or randomly around the work machine. The switching between the normal mode and the monitoring mode is switched based on a server change signal received by the server communication device <NUM> from the transmitter <NUM> of the mobile terminal <NUM>. In particular, when the server communication device <NUM> receives a server change signal from the transmitter <NUM>, the server communication device <NUM> switches to one of the normal mode and the monitoring mode based on the server change signal. If the server communication device <NUM> does not receive a server change signal from the transmitter <NUM>, the current mode is maintained.

The server communication device <NUM>, for example, receives a server change signal from the transmitter <NUM> of the mobile terminal <NUM>. The server communication device <NUM> also sends a call signal to the management communicator <NUM>. In detail, the server communication device <NUM> transmits a call signal to the management communicator <NUM> at predetermined or random time intervals. The server communication device <NUM> receives the images and videos captured by the monitor <NUM> from the management communicator <NUM>. This allows the working machine <NUM> to dispatch the management machine <NUM> via the mobile terminal <NUM> and the server <NUM>. Thus, even if the processing power of the terminal controller <NUM> of the mobile terminal <NUM> is not very high, complex processing can be performed, such as dispatching a plurality of management machines <NUM>. In addition to the monitoring system for the working machine <NUM> of the present invention, the system can be used in conjunction with other monitoring systems possessed by the server <NUM>. In other words, the monitoring capability of the monitoring system for the working machine <NUM> can be improved.

A series of operations of the monitoring system in the working machine <NUM> will be described below with reference to <FIG>.

The terminal controller <NUM> determines whether or not it is in the monitoring mode (step S130). In particular, the terminal controller <NUM> checks whether the receiver <NUM> receives a terminal change signal. If a terminal change signal is received, the terminal controller <NUM> determines that the terminal controller <NUM> has been changed from one of the normal mode and the monitoring mode to the other. If the terminal change signal is not received, the terminal controller <NUM> maintains the current mode.

If the terminal controller <NUM> determines that it is not in the monitoring mode, for example, it is in the normal mode, the transmitter <NUM> transmits a server change signal to the server communicator device <NUM>, which instructs it to change to the normal mode (step S131).

On the other hand, if it determines that it is in the monitoring mode, the transmitter <NUM> transmits a server change signal instructing the server to change to the monitoring mode (step S132).

If the terminal control device <NUM> determines that it is in the monitoring mode, the terminal control device <NUM> confirms whether the receiver <NUM> is receiving the parking signal (step S133).

If it is confirmed that the parking signal is received, the boarding detector device <NUM> detects the positional information (step S134). In particular, the position detector <NUM> receives the signal transmitted from the positioning satellite G1 and detects its own position based on the received signal. In other words, the position detector <NUM> detects the position of the operator when the operator boards on or alters the working machine <NUM>.

The transmitter <NUM> transmits a monitoring start signal to the server communication device <NUM> about the position detected by the boarding detector <NUM> (step S135).

On the other hand, if the parking signal is not received, the terminal controller <NUM> checks whether the receiver <NUM> is receiving the boarding signal (step S136).

If it is determined that the boarding signal is being received, the transmitter <NUM> transmits a monitoring termination signal (step S137). In other words, the terminal controller <NUM> releases the monitoring at the relevant position detected by the positional information detector. In detail, when the monitoring is set for the position, the terminal controller <NUM> releases the setting of the monitoring by sending the monitoring termination signal to the server communication device <NUM>. On the other hand, the terminal controller <NUM> does not set the monitoring for the location by sending a monitoring termination signal to the server communication device <NUM> when the monitoring is not set for the location.

A series of operations of the monitoring system at the server <NUM> will be described below with reference to <FIG>.

The server controller <NUM> determines whether or not it is a monitoring mode (step S50). In particular, the server controller <NUM> checks whether the receiver <NUM> receives a server change signal. If a server change signal is received, the server controller <NUM> determines that the server has been changed from one of the normal mode and the monitoring mode to the other. If the server change signal is not received, the server controller device <NUM> maintains the current mode.

If it is determined to be a monitoring mode, the server controller <NUM> checks whether the server communication device <NUM> receives a monitoring start signal from the transmitter <NUM> of the mobile terminal <NUM> (step S51).

If the server control device <NUM> confirms that it has received a monitoring start signal from the transmitter <NUM>, the server control device <NUM> sets the monitoring mode for the position detected by the boarding detector device <NUM> (step S52).

On the other hand, if the monitoring start signal has not been received, the server controller device <NUM> confirms whether or not a monitoring termination signal has been received from the transmitter <NUM> (step S53).

If it is determined that the monitoring termination signal is received, the server controller device <NUM> releases the monitoring at the relevant position detected by the positional information detector (step S54). In detail, the server controller <NUM> sets the monitoring mode if the monitoring is set for the position. On the other hand, the server controller <NUM> releases the setting of the monitoring mode for the position if the monitoring is not set for the position.

The server checks whether monitoring is set up at the location where the positional information is detected (step S55).

After a certain amount of time has passed (step S56), the server <NUM> dispatches the management device <NUM> about the location where the positional information is detected (step S57). In particular, the server communication device <NUM> sends a call signal including the positional information detected by the position detector device <NUM> to the management machine <NUM>. Thereby, based on the call signal, the management machine <NUM> moves to the location. In other words, the mobile terminal <NUM> dispatches the management machine <NUM> to the vicinity of the work machine at regular intervals.

Even before a certain amount of time has passed (step S56), if a random amount of time has passed (step S58), the server <NUM> dispatches the management machine <NUM> to the location where the positional information was detected (step S57). In particular, the server communication device <NUM> sends a call signal including the positional information detected by the position detector device <NUM> to the management machine <NUM>. Thereby, based on the call signal, the management machine <NUM> moves to the location. In other words, the server <NUM> dispatches the management machine <NUM> to the vicinity of the work machine at random time intervals.

The monitoring system for the working machine <NUM> as described above has a server <NUM> that receives position information and demurrage from the transmitter <NUM> and transmits the position information and demurrage to the management machine <NUM>, and the transmitter <NUM> of the mobile terminal <NUM> transmits the position information detected by the position detector <NUM> and the demurrage received by the receiver <NUM> to the management machine <NUM> via the server <NUM>. This enables the working machine <NUM> to dispatch the management machine <NUM> via the mobile terminal <NUM> and the server <NUM>. Thus, even if the processing capacity of the terminal controller <NUM> of the mobile terminal <NUM> is not very high, it can perform complex processing, such as dispatching a plurality of management machines <NUM>. In addition to the monitoring system for the working machine <NUM> of the present invention, the system can be used in combination with other monitoring systems possessed by the server <NUM>. In other words, the monitoring capability of the monitoring system for the working machine <NUM> can be improved.

Claim 1:
A monitoring system for a working machine (<NUM>), comprising:
a boarding detector (<NUM>) to detect boarding and alighting of an operator, the boarding detector (<NUM>) being provided in the working machine (<NUM>);
a position detector (<NUM>) to detect a position of the working machine (<NUM>) based on a signal sent from a positioning satellite (G1) when the boarding detector (<NUM>) detects the alighting of the operator, the position detector (<NUM>) being provided in a mobile terminal (<NUM>) belonging to the operator;
a transmitter (<NUM>) to transmit, to a management machine (<NUM>), positional information representing the position detected by the position detector (<NUM>) , the transmitter (<NUM>) being provided in the mobile terminal (<NUM>); and
a controller (<NUM>) to, based on the positional information received from the transmitter (<NUM>), move the management machine (<NUM>) to the position represented by the positional information, the controller (<NUM>) being provided in the management machine (<NUM>).