Patent ID: 12241233

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The above-described related-art technique does not take future changes in the weather conditions into account in predicting dangers. Therefore, the accuracy of conventional danger prediction information for future work is low.

Therefore, it is desired to improve the accuracy of information to present to a contractor.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the accuracy of information to present to a contractor is improved.

Embodiments are described below with reference to the drawings.FIG.1is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an information communications system for a construction machine.

An information communications system SYS for a construction machine according to this embodiment includes a shovel100and a management apparatus300. In the information communications system SYS for a construction machine, the shovel100and the management apparatus300perform communications via a network, and the management apparatus300manages the shovel100. In the following description, the information communications system SYS for a construction machine is referred to as the information communications system SYS.

Furthermore, the management apparatus300according to this embodiment communicates with a terminal device400, a server500, etc., via a network.

The shovel100according to this embodiment is an example of a construction machine. The shovel100may be managed by a contractor that performs work using a construction machine.

The shovel100includes a lower traveling structure1; an upper swing structure3swingably mounted on the lower traveling structure1via a swing mechanism2; a boom4, an arm5and a bucket6serving as an attachment (working arrangement); and a cabin10.

The lower traveling structure1includes, for example, a pair of right and left crawlers. The lower traveling structure1is self-propelled, traveling with the crawlers hydraulically driven by travel hydraulic motors1A and1B (seeFIG.2), respectively.

The upper swing structure3is driven by a swing hydraulic motor2A (seeFIG.2) to swing relative to the lower traveling structure1.

The boom4is pivotally attached to the front center of the upper swing structure3to be able to rise and lower. The aim5is pivotally attached to the distal end of the boom4to be able to pivot upward and downward. The bucket6is pivotally attached to the distal end of the arm5to be able to pivot upward and downward. The boom4, the aim5, and the bucket6are hydraulically driven by a boom cylinder7, an arm cylinder8, and a bucket cylinder9, respectively.

The cabin10is an operation compartment in which an operator (a worker) rides, and is mounted on the front left of the upper swing structure3.

The shovel100can mutually communicate with the management apparatus300through a predetermined communications network NW that includes, for example, a mobile communications network including a base station as a terminal end, a satellite communications network using a communications satellite in the sky, the Internet, etc.

Furthermore, the management apparatus300according to this embodiment obtains record information indicating work records from the shovel100.

The record information includes information on the records of work patterns of predetermined types of work (for example, repetitive work including excavation work, loading work, finishing work, etc.) (hereinafter “work pattern record information”) and information on the records of environmental conditions during work (hereinafter “environmental condition record information”).

A work pattern indicates the pattern of a series of motions of the shovel100at the time of performing a predetermined type of work. For example, a work pattern includes the motion trajectories of motion elements such as the lower traveling structure1, the upper swing structure3, the boom4, the arm5, and the bucket6during work. Furthermore, the work pattern record information is specifically the detection information of various kinds of sensors that represents the record of a work pattern of the shovel100when the shovel100actually performs a predetermined type of work, etc. Furthermore, in addition to external environmental conditions such as conditions related to the surrounding environment of the shovel100, environmental conditions include internal environmental conditions such as the variable specifications (for example, arm length, bucket type, etc.) of the shovel100that affect the motion of the shovel100.

In response to obtaining the work pattern record information and the environmental condition record information, the shovel100transmits (uploads) various kinds of information including the work pattern record information and the environmental condition record information to the management apparatus300.

In the information communications system SYS, the management apparatus300receives construction information including the work pattern record information and the environmental condition record information received from the shovel100. Furthermore, the management apparatus300transmits part of the construction information to the server500and receives weather information that is the result of an analysis using the part of the construction information from the server500.

Furthermore, the management apparatus300creates advisory information to present to a contractor using the weather information received from the server500and the construction information received from the shovel100, and outputs the advisory information. The output destination of the advisory information may be either the shovel100or the terminal device400.

The advisory information, which is, for example, information including information indicating precautions for work and messages to an area surrounding a worksite, is presented to a contractor.

The terminal device400may be, for example, a terminal used by a supervisor who supervises a worksite where the shovel100performs work, or the like. In other words, the terminal device400is an example of a field management device for a worksite where the shovel100performs work.

The server500according to this embodiment is, for example, a weather server that provides various weather-related services. Various weather-related services include, for example, a service to provide weather information. In other words, the server500is an example of a weather server that provides weather information.

In response to receiving position information and image data from the management apparatus300, the server500according to this embodiment predicts (analyzes) changes in weather conditions at a worksite from the look of the sky, the shape of clouds, etc., reflected in these image data and the topography of a location, etc., indicated by the position information. Then, the server500transmits weather information showing the result of the prediction to the management apparatus300. The server500may also predict (analyze) changes in weather conditions at a worksite using wide-area weather information or may also predict (analyze) changes in weather conditions at a worksite by combining wide-area weather information and the received image data.

According to this embodiment, changes in weather conditions are thus predicted using image data and position information obtained by the shovel100. Therefore, it is possible to improve the accuracy of predicting changes in weather conditions at a worksite.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, because the accuracy of weather information is improved, it is possible to improve the accuracy of advisory information created using this weather information.

The number of shovels100included in the information communications system SYS, which is one according to the example ofFIG.1, is not limited to this. Any number of shovels100may be included in the information communications system SYS, and all of shovels100that can communicate with the management apparatus300may be included in the information communications system SYS.

The management apparatus300according to this embodiment is a terminal apparatus that is installed at a location geographically distant from the shovel100. The management apparatus300is, for example, a server apparatus that is installed in a management center provided outside a worksite where the shovel100performs work, or the like, and is constituted mainly of one or more server computers, etc. In this case, the server apparatus may be either a server owned and operated by a business operator operating the information communications system SYS or by a related business operator related to the business operator or a cloud server.

Next, the information communications system SYS according to this embodiment is further described with reference toFIG.2.FIG.2is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of an information communications system for a shovel according to the embodiment.

In the drawing, a mechanical power line, a high-pressure hydraulic line, a pilot line, and an electric drive and control line are indicated by a double line, a thick solid line, a dashed line, and a thin solid line, respectively.

A hydraulic drive system that hydraulically drives the hydraulic actuators of the shovel100according to this embodiment includes an engine11, a main pump14, a regulator14a, and a control valve17. Furthermore, the hydraulic drive system of the shovel100includes hydraulic actuators such as the travel hydraulic motors1A and1B, the swing hydraulic motor2A, the boom cylinder7, the arm cylinder8, and the bucket cylinder9that hydraulically drive the lower traveling structure1, the upper swing structure3, the boom4, the arm5, and the bucket6, respectively, as described above.

The engine11, which is a main power source in the hydraulic drive system, is mounted on the back of the upper swing structure3, for example. Specifically, the engine11constantly rotates at a preset target rotational speed under the control of an engine control unit (ECU)74described below to drive the main pump14and a pilot pump15. The engine11is, for example a diesel engine that is fueled with diesel fuel.

The regulator14acontrols the discharge quantity of the main pump14. For example, the regulator14aadjusts the angle (tilt angle) of the swash plate of the main pump14in response to a control command from a controller30.

The main pump14is, for example, mounted on the back of the upper swing structure3the same as the engine11, and supplies hydraulic oil to the control valve17through a high-pressure hydraulic line16. The main pump14is driven by the engine11as described above. The main pump14is, for example, a variable displacement hydraulic pump, and its discharge flow rate (discharge pressure) may be controlled by the regulator14aadjusting the tilt angle of the swash plate to adjust the stroke length of a piston under the control of the controller30as described above.

The control valve17is a hydraulic control device that is mounted in the center of the upper swing structure3and controls the hydraulic drive system according to the operator's operation on an operating device26, for example. As described above, the control valve17is connected to the main pump14via the high-pressure hydraulic line16, and selectively supplies hydraulic oil supplied from the main pump14to the hydraulic actuators (the travel hydraulic motors1A and1B, the swing hydraulic motor2A, the boom cylinder7, the aim cylinder8, and the bucket cylinder9) in accordance with the operating state of the operating device26. Specifically, the control valve17includes multiple control valves that control the flow rate and the flow direction of hydraulic oil supplied from the main pump14to the individual hydraulic actuators. For example, the control valve17includes control valves corresponding to the boom4(the boom cylinder7). Furthermore, for example, the control valve17includes control valves corresponding to the arm5(the arm cylinder8). Furthermore, for example, the control valve17includes a control valve corresponding to the bucket6(the bucket cylinder9). Furthermore, for example, the control valve17includes a control valve corresponding to the upper swing structure3(the swing hydraulic motor2A). Furthermore, for example, the control valve17includes a right travel control valve and a left travel control valve corresponding to the right crawler and the left crawler, respectively, of the lower traveling structure1.

The operation system of the shovel100according to this embodiment includes the pilot pump15, the operating device26, and an operation valve31.

The pilot pump15is, for example, mounted on the back of the upper swing structure3and supplies a pilot pressure to the operating device26and the operation valve31via a pilot line25. The pilot pump15is, for example, a fixed displacement hydraulic pump and is driven by the engine11as described above.

The operating device26is provided near the operator seat of the cabin10and serves as an operation inputting part that the operator uses to operate various motion elements (such as the lower traveling structure1, the upper swing structure3, the boom4, the arm5, and the bucket6). In other words, the operating device26is an operation inputting part that the operator uses to operate hydraulic actuators (namely, the travel hydraulic motors1A and1B, the swing hydraulic motor2A, the boom cylinder7, the aim cylinder8, the bucket cylinder9, etc.) that drive corresponding motion elements. Each of the secondary-side pilot lines of the operating device26is connected to the control valve17. This allows a pilot pressure commensurate with the state of operating the lower traveling structure1, the upper swing structure3, the boom4, the arm5, the bucket6, etc., at the operating device26to be input to the control valve17. Therefore, the control valve17can drive individual hydraulic actuators according to the operating state at the operating device26.

The operation valve31adjusts the flow area of the pilot line25in response to a control command (for example, a control current) from the controller30. This allows the operation valve31to output a pilot pressure corresponding to the control command to a secondary-side pilot line, using a primary-side pilot pressure supplied from the pilot pump15as a source pressure. The secondary-side port of the operation valve31is connected to the left and the right pilot port of each of the control valves corresponding to the hydraulic actuators in the control valve17to apply a pilot pressure commensurate with the control command from the controller30to the pilot ports of the control valves. This enables the controller30to cause hydraulic oil discharged from the pilot pump15to be supplied to a pilot port of a corresponding control valve in the control valve17via the operation valve31to move a hydraulic actuator even when the operating device26is not operated by the operator.

A solenoid relief valve to release an excessive hydraulic pressure generated in a hydraulic actuator to a hydraulic oil tank may be provided in addition to the operation valve31. This makes it possible to actively control the movement of a hydraulic actuator when the amount of the operator's operation on the operating device26is excessive. For example, solenoid relief valves that release the respective excessive pressures of the bottom-side oil chambers and the rod-side oil chambers of the boom cylinder7, the aim cylinder8, and the bucket cylinder9to the hydraulic oil tank may be provided.

The control system of the shovel100according to this embodiment includes the controller30, the ECU74, a discharge pressure sensor14b, an operating pressure sensor15a, a display device40, an input device42, a space recognition device80, a state detector S1, and a communications device T1.

The controller30controls the driving of the shovel100. The functions of the controller30may be implemented by desired hardware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, the controller30is constituted mainly of a computer including a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory unit such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a nonvolatile secondary storage such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), and an interface unit for various inputs and outputs. The controller30implements various functions by running various programs installed in the secondary storage on the CPU, for example.

For example, the controller30performs driving control to rotate the engine11at a constant speed via the ECU74by setting a target rotational speed based on a work mode preset by a predetermined operation by the operator or the like and outputting a control command to the ECU74.

Furthermore, for example, the controller30performs so-called full power control and negative control by outputting a control command to the regulator14ato change the discharge quantity of the main pump14on an as-needed basis.

Furthermore, for example, the controller30may have a function to upload various kinds of information on the shovel100to the management apparatus300(hereinafter “upload function”). Specifically, the controller30may transmit (upload) the work pattern record information and the environmental condition record information during a predetermined type of work of the shovel100to the management apparatus300through the communications device T1. The controller30includes, for example, an information transmitting part301as an upload function-related functional part implemented by running one or more programs installed in the secondary storage or the like on the CPU.

Furthermore, for example, the controller30performs control related to a machine guidance function to guide the operator in manually operating the shovel100through the operating device26. Furthermore, the controller30may perform control related to a machine control function to automatically assist the operator in manually operating the shovel100through the operating device26. The controller30includes, for example, a work pattern obtaining part302and a machine guidance part303as functional parts related to the machine guidance function and the machine control function implemented by running one or more programs installed in the secondary storage or the like on the CPU.

One or more of the functions of the controller30may be implemented by another controller (control device). That is, the functions of the controller30may be distributed between and implemented by multiple controllers. For example, the above-described machine guidance function and machine control function may be implemented by a dedicated controller (control device).

The ECU74controls various actuators (for example, a fuel injector, etc.) of the engine11in response to a control command from the controller30to constantly rotate the engine11at the set target rotational speed (set rotational speed) (constant rotation control). At this point, the ECU74performs the constant rotation control of the engine11based on the rotational speed of the engine11detected by an engine rotational speed sensor11a.

The discharge pressure sensor14bdetects the discharge pressure of the main pump14. A detection signal corresponding to the discharge pressure detected by the discharge pressure sensor14bis fed into the controller30.

The operating pressure sensor15adetects the secondary-side pilot pressure of the operating device26, namely, a pilot pressure corresponding to the state of operation of each motion element (hydraulic actuator) at the operating device26, as described above. Detection signals of pilot pressures corresponding to the states of operation of the lower traveling structure1, the upper swing structure3, the boom4, the arm5, the bucket6, etc., at the operating device26detected by the operating pressure sensor15aare fed into the controller30.

The display device40is connected to the controller30, and is provided at such a position as to be easily visible by the operator seated in the cabin10to display various information images under the control of the controller30. Examples of the display device40include a liquid crystal display and an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display.

The input device42is provided within the reach of the operator seated in the cabin10, and receives the operator's various operations to output signals corresponding to the details of the operations. For example, the input device42is integrated with the display device40. Alternatively, the input device42may be provided separately from the display device40. The input device42includes a touchscreen provided on the display of the display device40, a knob switch provided at the top of a lever included in the operating device26, and a button switch, a lever, a toggle, etc., provided around the display device40. A signal corresponding to the details of an operation on the input device42is fed into the controller30.

The display part of an assist device such as a portable terminal may be used as the display device40. The assist device is typically a portable terminal device, and is, for example, a notebook PC, a tablet PC, a smartphone or the like carried by a worker or the like at a construction site. Furthermore, the assist device may also be the terminal device400according to this embodiment. The assist device may also be a computer carried by the operator of the shovel100. The assist device may also be a stationary terminal device.

The space recognition device80captures an image of an area surrounding the shovel100. The space recognition device80includes a camera80F that captures an image of an area in front of the shovel100, a camera80L that captures an image of an area to the left of the shovel100, a camera80R that captures an image of an area to the right of the shovel100, and a camera80B that captures an image of an area behind the shovel100. The controller30generates a left captured image from the output of the left camera, generates a right captured image from the output of the right camera, and generates a back captured image from the output of the back camera. The controller30displays each of the generated left captured image, right captured image, and back captured image on the display device40. Furthermore, the controller30may also generate an overhead view image of the shovel100as seen from above, using the space recognition device80placed at the left, the right, and the back, and display the generated overhead view image on the display device40.

The camera80F is attached to, for example, the ceiling of the cabin10, namely, the inside of the cabin10. Alternatively, the camera80F may also be attached to the outside of the cabin10, such as the roof of the cabin10, the side of the boom4, or the like. The camera80L is attached to the left end of the upper surface of the upper swing structure3. The camera80R is attached to the right end of the upper surface of the upper swing structure3. The camera80B is attached to the back end of the upper surface of the upper swing structure3.

Each space recognition device80(the cameras80F,80B,80L and80R) is, for example, a monocular wide angle camera having a very wide angle of view. The space recognition device80may also be a stereo camera, a distance image camera, or the like. The data of an image of an area surrounding the shovel100captured by the space recognition device80are fed into the controller30.

The space recognition device80is configured to obtain information on a three-dimensional space around the shovel100. Furthermore, the space recognition device80may also be configured to calculate the distance from the space recognition device80or the shovel100to an object recognized by the space recognition device80. The space recognition device80is, for example, an ultrasonic sensor, a millimeter wave radar, a monocular camera, a stereo camera, a LIDAR, a distance image sensor, an infrared sensor or the like. According to this embodiment, the space recognition device80includes the front camera80F attached to the front end of the upper surface of the cabin10, the back camera80B attached to the back end of the upper surface of the upper swing structure3, the left camera80L attached to the left end of the upper surface of the upper swing structure3, and the right camera80R attached to the right end of the upper surface of the upper swing structure3. The front camera80F is optional.

The space recognition device80is, for example, a monocular camera including an imaging device such as a CCD or a CMOS, and outputs a captured image to the display device40. The space recognition device80may not only use a captured image but also may, in the case of using a LIDAR, a millimeter wave radar, an ultrasonic sensor, a laser radar or the like as the space recognition device80, emit multiple signals (laser beams or the like) to an object and receive their reflected signals to detect the distance and the direction of the object from the reflected signals.

The space recognition device80may also be configured to detect an object present in an area surrounding the shovel100. Examples of objects include a terrain shape (a gradient, a hole or the like), an electrical wire, a utility pole, a person, an animal, a vehicle, a construction machine, a building, a wall, a helmet, a safety vest, workwear, and a predetermined mark on a helmet. The space recognition device80may be configured to identify at least one of the type, position, shape, etc., of an object. The space recognition device80may be configured to distinguish between a person and an object other than a person.

Furthermore, the space recognition device80may also be the space recognition device80of a fixed point installation type installed at a fixed point in a worksite, and may also employ the space recognition device80disposed at a multicopter or the like.

Furthermore, the space recognition device80is so installed as to be able to obtain information above the horizon in order to obtain weather information. Furthermore, in order to make it possible to determine the orientation of an image captured by the space recognition device80, data obtained by the space recognition device80are stored in correlation with information indicating its position and orientation.

In order to obtain weather information, the space recognition device80captures an image of the sky at predetermined times and transmits the data of the captured image to the management apparatus300. The controller30may capture an image of the sky and transmit the data of the captured image in response to a command from the management apparatus300. Furthermore, the controller30may transmit the data of the captured image to the management apparatus300when a predetermined condition is reached. The predetermined condition is, for example, a condition determined based on the generation and the degree of growth of rain clouds or thunderclouds, a cloud cover, etc.

Furthermore, the predetermined condition may be set based not on detection data from the space recognition device80but on the output of a sensor such as a raindrop sensor.

Furthermore, the space recognition device80may be independent of the shovel100. Furthermore, the controller30may obtain a captured image of a worksite around the shovel100output by the space recognition device80via the communications device T1. Specifically, the space recognition device80may be attached to a multicopter for aerial photography or a steel tower, a utility pole or the like installed in a worksite to obtain information on the worksite based on a captured image of the worksite as seen from above.

The state detector S1outputs detection information about various states of the shovel100. The detection information output from the state detector S1is fed into the controller30.

For example, the state detector S1detects the pose state and the operating state of the attachment. Specifically, the state detector S1may detect the elevation angles of the boom4, the arm5, and the bucket6(hereinafter, “boom angle,” “arm angle,” and “bucket angle,” respectively). That is, the state detector S1may include a boom angle sensor, an arm angle sensor, and a bucket angle sensor that detect the boom angle, the aim angle, and the bucket angle, respectively. Furthermore, the state detector S1may detect the accelerations, angular accelerations, etc., of the boom4, the arm5, and the bucket6. In this case, the state detector S1may include, for example, a rotary encoder, an acceleration sensor, a six-axis sensor, an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), etc., that are attached to each of the boom4, the arm5, and the bucket6. Furthermore, the state detector S1may include cylinder sensors that detect the cylinder positions, speeds, accelerations, etc., of the boom cylinder7, the arm cylinder8, and the bucket cylinder9that drive the boom4, the arm5, and the bucket6, respectively.

Furthermore, for example, the state detector S1detects the pose state of the machine body, namely, the lower traveling structure1and the upper swing structure3. Specifically, the state detector S1may detect the state of tilt of the machine body relative to a horizontal plane. In this case, the state detector S1may include, for example, a tilt sensor that is attached to the upper swing structure3to detect the tilt angles of the upper swing structure3about two axes in its longitudinal direction and lateral direction (hereinafter “longitudinal tilt angle” and “lateral tilt angle”).

Furthermore, for example, the state detector S1detects the swing state of the upper swing structure3. Specifically, the state detector S1detects the swing angular velocity and the swing angle of the upper swing structure3. In this case, the state detector S1may include, for example, a gyroscope, a resolver, a rotary encoder or the like that is attached to the upper swing structure3. That is, the state detector S1may include a swing angle sensor that detects the swing angle, etc., of the upper swing structure3.

Furthermore, for example, the state detector S1detects the state of application of a force applied to the shovel100through the attachment. Specifically, the state detector S1may detect the working pressure (cylinder pressure) of a hydraulic actuator. In this case, the state detector S1may include pressure sensors that detect the pressures of the rod-side oil chamber and the bottom-side oil chamber of each of the boom cylinder7, the arm cylinder8, and the bucket cylinder9.

Furthermore, for example, the state detector S1may include a sensor that detects the displacement of the spool of a control valve in the control valve17. Specifically, the state detector S1may include a boom spool displacement sensor that detects the displacement of a boom spool. Furthermore, the state detector S1may include an arm spool displacement sensor that detects the displacement of an arm spool. Furthermore, the state detector S1may include a bucket spool displacement sensor that detects the displacement of a bucket spool. Furthermore, the state detector S1may include a swing spool displacement sensor that detects the displacement of a swing spool. Furthermore, the state detector S1may include a right travel spool displacement sensor and a left travel spool displacement sensor that detect the displacements of a right travel spool and a left travel spool that are constituents of a right travel control valve and a left travel control valve, respectively.

Furthermore, for example, the state detector S1detects the position of the shovel100, the orientation of the upper swing structure3, etc. In this case, the state detector S1may include, for example, a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) compass, a GNSS sensor, or a direction sensor or the like attached to the upper swing structure3.

The communications device T1communicates with an external apparatus through the communications network NW. The communications device T1is, for example, a mobile communications module compliant with a mobile communication standard such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (4th Generation) or 5G (5th Generation), a satellite communications module for connecting to a satellite communications network, or the like.

The information transmitting part301transmits the work pattern record information and the environmental condition record information during a predetermined type of work of the shovel100to the management apparatus300through the communications device T1. The work pattern record information transmitted by the information transmitting part301includes, for example, various kinds of detection information input from the state detector S1.

That is, the management apparatus300according to this embodiment receives construction information including the work pattern record information and the environmental condition record information from the shovel100. The construction information may include machine body identification information for identifying the shovel100. Accordingly, the construction information may be information in which the machine body identification information of the shovel100is correlated with the corresponding work pattern record information and environmental condition record information.

In other words, the management apparatus300receives, from the shovel100, construction information including the position information of the shovel100and information showing the content of work of the shovel100shown by the work pattern record information obtained by the state detector S1.

Furthermore, the environmental condition record information transmitted by the information transmitting part301includes, for example, an image of an area surrounding the shovel100input from the space recognition device80. Furthermore, the environmental condition record information transmitted by the information transmitting part301may include information on internal environmental conditions of the shovel100, for example, variable specifications such as a large-capacity bucket, a long aim, and quick coupling.

The information transmitting part301, for example, sequentially determines whether a target type of work specified in advance is being performed, and, in response to determining that a target type of work is being performed, links the work pattern record information (namely, various kinds of detection information input from the state detector S1) and the environmental condition record information (namely, an image of an area surrounding the shovel100input from the space recognition device80) during the period of the work and records them in an internal memory or the like.

At this point, date and time information regarding the start and the end of the target type of work and the position information of the shovel100during the work may also be stored in the internal memory in such a manner as to be additionally linked to the set of work pattern record information and environmental condition record information.

That is, the construction information according to this embodiment includes the data of an image of an area surrounding the shovel100captured by the space recognition device80and position information showing the position of the shovel100. In other words, the data of an image of an area surrounding the shovel100and position information showing the position of the shovel100are part of construction information that the management apparatus300receives from the shovel100.

At this point, the date and time information may be obtained from a predetermined timekeeping part (for example, an RTC (Real Time Clock)) in the controller30. The information transmitting part301transmits the recorded set of work pattern record information and environmental condition record information to the management apparatus300through the communications device T1at a predetermined time such as when the shovel100is in a key-off state (stopped). Furthermore, each time the target type of work is performed, the information transmitting part301may transmit the recorded set of work pattern record information and environmental condition record information to the management apparatus300through the communications device T1after the end of the target type of work.

The environmental condition record information may include detection information detected by another sensor mounted on the shovel100instead of or in addition to the space recognition device80. For example, other sensors such as a millimeter wave radar and a LIDAR (Light Detecting and Ranging) may be mounted on the shovel100, and the environmental condition record information may include the detection information of these sensors.

Hereinafter, the same applies to current environmental condition information to be described below. Furthermore, the environmental condition record information may include weather information. The weather information may include, for example, the detection information of a raindrop sensing sensor, an illuminance sensor, etc., that may be included in the state detector S1. Furthermore, the information transmitting part301may transmit only the work pattern record information to the management apparatus300.

Furthermore, the information transmitting part301may sequentially upload the detection information of the state detector S1and an image of an area surrounding the shovel100captured by the space recognition device80to the management apparatus300through the communications device T1. In this case, the management apparatus300may extract information during the target type of work from the information uploaded from the shovel100and generate the work pattern record information and the environmental condition record information.

The work pattern obtaining part302obtains a work pattern that is optimum for current environmental conditions regarding a predetermined target index (an optimum work pattern) from the management apparatus300in the case of performing a predetermined type of work. For example, the work pattern obtaining part302transmits a signal that requests to obtain a work pattern (an obtaining request signal), including information on the current environmental conditions of the shovel100(hereinafter “current environmental condition information”), to the management apparatus300through the communications device T1, in response to the operator's predetermined operation on the input device42(hereinafter “obtaining requesting operation”).

This enables the management apparatus300to provide the shovel100with an optimum work pattern that matches the current environmental conditions of the shovel100. The current environmental condition information includes, for example, the latest image of an area surrounding the shovel100captured by the space recognition device80.

Furthermore, the current environmental condition information may include information on the internal environmental conditions of the shovel100, for example, variable specifications such as a large-capacity bucket, a long arm, and quick coupling.

Furthermore, the current environmental condition information may include the detection information of a raindrop sensing sensor, an illuminance sensor, etc., that may be included in the state detector S1, namely, weather information. The work pattern obtaining part302obtains information on a work pattern transmitted from the management apparatus300in response to the obtaining requesting signal and received by the communications device T1.

The machine guidance part303performs control related to the machine guidance function and the machine control function. That is, the machine guidance part303assists the operator in operating various motion elements (the lower traveling structure1, the upper swing structure3, and the attachment including the boom4, the arm5, and the bucket6) through the operating device26.

For example, when the arm5is being operated by the operator through the operating device26, the machine guidance part303may automatically move at least one of the boom4and the bucket6such that the front edge (for example, teeth tips or back surface) of the bucket6coincides with a target design plane (hereinafter, simply “design plane”) specified in advance. Furthermore, the machine guidance part303may also automatically move the arm5independent of the operating state of the operating device26operating the arm5. That is, the machine guidance part303may cause the attachment to make a movement specified in advance, using the operator's operating the operating device26as a trigger.

More specifically, the machine guidance part303obtains various kinds of information from the state detector S1, the space recognition device80, the communications device T1, the input device42, etc. Furthermore, the machine guidance part303, for example, calculates the distance between the bucket6and the design plane based on the obtained information. The machine guidance part303appropriately controls the operation valve31according to the calculated distance between the bucket6and the design plane, etc., to individually and automatically adjust a pilot pressure applied to a control valve corresponding to a hydraulic actuator, thereby making it possible to automatically move individual hydraulic actuators.

The operation valve31includes, for example, a boom proportional valve corresponding to the boom4(the boom cylinder7). Furthermore, the operation valve31includes, for example, an arm proportional valve corresponding to the arm5(the arm cylinder8). Furthermore, the operation valve31includes, for example, a bucket proportional valve corresponding to the bucket6(the bucket cylinder9).

Furthermore, the operation valve31includes, for example, a swing proportional valve corresponding to the upper swing structure3(the swing hydraulic motor2A). Furthermore, the operation valve31includes, for example, a right travel proportional valve and a left travel proportional valve that correspond to the right crawler and the left crawler, respectively, of the lower traveling structure1.

For example, in order to assist in excavating work, the machine guidance part303may automatically extend or retract at least one of the boom cylinder7, the arm cylinder8, and the bucket cylinder9in response to an operation on the operating device26to open or close the arm5. Excavating work is the work of digging the ground with the teeth tips of the bucket6along the design plane. For example, when the operator is manually operating the operating device26in a direction to close the arm5(hereinafter “aim closing operation”), the machine guidance part303automatically extends or retracts at least one of the boom cylinder7and the bucket cylinder9.

Furthermore, the machine guidance part303may also automatically extend or retract at least one of the boom cylinder7, the arm cylinder8, and the bucket cylinder9in order to assist in the work of finishing a slope or a horizontal surface, for example. The finishing work includes, for example, pulling the bucket6along the design plane while pressing the back surface of the bucket6against the ground.

For example, when the operator is manually performing an aim closing operation on the operating device26, the machine guidance part303automatically extends or retracts at least one of the boom cylinder7and the bucket cylinder9. This makes it possible to move the bucket6along the design plane, which is a finished slope or horizontal surface, while pressing the back surface of the bucket6against an unfinished inclined surface (slope) or horizontal surface with a predetermined pressing force.

Furthermore, the machine guidance part303may automatically rotate the swing hydraulic motor2A to cause the upper swing structure3to face the design plane. In this case, the machine guidance part303may cause the upper swing structure3to face the design plane in response to a predetermined switch included in the input device42being operated. Furthermore, the machine guidance part303may cause the upper swing structure3to face the design plane and start the machine control function in response to the operation of the predetermined switch alone.

Furthermore, for example, during a predetermined type of work (for example, excavating work, loading work, finishing work, or the like), the machine guidance part303controls the motion of at least one of the attachment, the upper swing structure3, and the lower traveling structure1to match a work pattern (an optimum work pattern) obtained by the work pattern obtaining part302according to the operator's operation on the operating device26.

This enables the operator to cause the motion of the shovel100to match a work pattern optimum for the current environmental conditions of the shovel100so output from the management apparatus300as to relatively increase the evaluation of a predetermined target index, for example, work speed, independent of proficiency in controlling the shovel100.

Furthermore, the machine guidance part303may also cause the motion of the shovel100corresponding to an optimum work pattern to be displayed on the display device40to the operator while controlling the motion of the shovel100based on the optimum work pattern. For example, while controlling the motion of the shovel100based on an optimum work pattern, the machine guidance part303causes the video of a simulation result corresponding to the optimum work pattern to be displayed on the display device40. This enables the operator to perform work while checking the actual work pattern details with the video on the display device40.

The management apparatus300according to this embodiment includes a construction information storage part310, a condition storage part320, a weather information obtaining part330, and an advisory information output part340.

The construction information storage part310stores construction information received from the shovel100. The condition storage part320according to this embodiment stores condition information that is referred to when the advisory information output part340obtains advisory information.

The weather information obtaining part330according to this embodiment obtains weather information from the server500. More specifically, the weather information obtaining part330transmits part of construction information received from the shovel100to the server500and obtains weather information derived using the part of the construction information. The details of processing of the weather information obtaining part330are described below. The weather information according to this embodiment includes weather information obtained in the past and weather forecast information that predicts weather conditions.

The advisory information output part340obtains advisory information based on construction information and weather information, and outputs the advisory information to the display device40of the shovel100, the terminal device400, etc. The advisory information output part340is described in detail below.

The management apparatus300according to this embodiment is described below.FIG.3is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a management apparatus according to this embodiment.

The management apparatus300according to this embodiment is a computer that includes an input device319, an output device312, a drive unit313, a secondary storage314, a memory unit315, a processor316, and an interface unit317, which are interconnected by a bus B.

The input device319, which is a device for inputting various kinds of information, is implemented by, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, or the like. The output device312, which is for outputting various kinds of information, is implemented by, for example, a display or the like. The interface unit317, which includes a LAN card, etc., is used for connecting to a network.

A weather information obtaining program that implements the weather information obtaining part330and an advisory information output program that implements the advisory information output part340are at least some of various programs that control the management apparatus300. The weather information obtaining program and the advisory information output program are provided through the distribution of a storage medium318or downloading from a network, for example. For the storage medium318in which the weather information obtaining program and the advisory information output program are recorded, various types of storage media including storage media in which information is optically, electrically, or magnetically recorded, such as CD-ROMs, flexible disks, and magneto-optical disks, and semiconductor memories in which information is electrically recorded, such as ROMs and flash memories, may be used.

Furthermore, once the storage medium318in which the weather information obtaining program and the advisory information output program are recorded is loaded into the drive unit313, these programs are installed in the secondary storage314from the storage medium318via the drive unit313. These programs downloaded from a network are installed in the secondary storage314via the interface unit317.

The secondary storage314, which implements storage parts, etc., of the management apparatus300, stores the weather information obtaining program and the advisory information output program installed on the management apparatus300and stores various files, data, etc., necessary for the management apparatus300. The memory unit315reads a communication control program from the secondary storage314and stores the communication control program at the start of the management apparatus300. The processor316executes various processes as described below according to the weather information obtaining program and the advisory information output program stored in the memory unit315.

Next, functions of the management apparatus300according to this embodiment are described with reference toFIG.4.FIG.4is a diagram illustrating functions of a management apparatus according to the embodiment.

The construction information storage part310according to this embodiment stores construction information311received from the shovel100.

The construction information311according to the embodiment is information that includes at least the machine body identification number of the shovel100, the position information of the shovel100, the data of an image captured by the space recognition device80, and date and time information as information items. The information items included in the construction information311may also be included in the work pattern record information and the environmental condition record information.

The management apparatus300, which receives the construction information311from the shovel100according to this embodiment, is not limited to this. The management apparatus300may receive the construction information311from the terminal device (field management device)400. In this case, the shovel100transmits the collected construction information311to the terminal device400. In response to receiving the construction information311the shovel100, the terminal device400may transmit this construction information311to the management apparatus300.

That is, it can be said that the construction information311according to this embodiment is information provided by a contractor that performs work using a construction machine and is information received from a device managed by the contractor (contractor-side device).

The condition storage part320according to this embodiment stores condition information321showing conditions that are referred to when advisory information is obtained. The condition information321may be created and stored in the condition storage part320in advance.

The condition information321according to this embodiment includes the type of a location around a worksite where the shovel100is working, weather information, and advisory information as information items, which are correlated.

According to the condition information321, the location type is, for example, a residential area, a mountainous area, a riverbed or the like. The location type may be specified from map information or the like provided via the Internet or the like and the position information of the shovel100.

The weather information, which is, for example, information resulting from an analysis conducted using the position information of the shovel100and the data of an image of an area surrounding the shovel100in the server500, includes past weather information and weather information. The weather information is, for example, information showing the result of predicting changes in weather conditions at an area indicated by the position information of the shovel100.

Furthermore, the weather information may also be the result of predicting changes in weather conditions at a worksite different from the worksite of the shovel100that has transmitted the position information.

The advisory information is specifically text data output as advisory information. The advisory information, however, which is described below as text data according to this embodiment, is not limited to this. The advisory information may be shown as an image (a video or a still image) such as an animation, for example.

According to the management apparatus300of this embodiment, the weather information obtaining part330includes a construction information receiving part331, an information providing part332, and a weather information receiving part333.

The construction information receiving part331receives the construction information311from the shovel100and stores the construction information311in the construction information storage part310. The construction information311may be transmitted each time the shovel100performs work or may be periodically transmitted, for example.

In response to receiving the construction information311, the information providing part332transmits position information indicating the position of the shovel100and the data of an image captured by the space recognition device80included in the construction information311to the server500. The image data transmitted to the server500here may be either video data or the image data of a still image.

Furthermore, for example, in response to each reception of the construction information311from the shovel100, the information providing part332according to this embodiment may extract the position information and the image data included in the construction information311and transmit the position information and the image data to the server500.

Furthermore, the information providing part332, which transmits the position information and the image data to the server500according to this embodiment, is not limited to this. The information providing part332provides the server500with information that the server500requires for an analysis to obtain weather information. Accordingly, the information providing part332may transmit information required by the server500for the analysis to the server500and may transmit information other than the position information and the image data to the server500.

The weather information receiving part333according to this embodiment receives weather information transmitted from the server500. The weather information receiving part333according to this embodiment may output the received weather information, along with advisory information, to the shovel100, the terminal device400, etc.

The advisory information output part340according to this embodiment includes a location type identifying part341and an advisory information obtaining part342.

The location type identifying part341according to this embodiment identifies the type of a location around a worksite at which the shovel100is working from the position information included in the construction information311.

Specifically, for example, the location type identifying part341may receive the position information of the shovel100at its start and identify a location around a worksite at the start of the shovel100based on this position information. According to this embodiment, by identifying the location type based on the position information of the shovel100at its start, it is possible to present advisory information according to a worksite where the shovel100is going to work.

The advisory information obtaining part342obtains advisory information, referring to the location type identified by the location type identifying part341, the weather information received by the weather information receiving part333, and the condition information321.

The text data output as advisory information may be retained in correlation with various conditions shown by the condition information321in the advisory information obtaining part342. Furthermore, the text data output as advisory information may be generated each time according to various conditions shown by the condition information321.

When the advisory information is generated, the advisory information output part340causes the display device40of the shovel100to display the advisory information. The advisory information output part340may cause the advisory information to be displayed on the terminal device400.

Next, an operation of the information communications system SYS according to this embodiment is described with reference toFIG.5.FIG.5is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation of an information communications system.

According to the information communications system SYS, the shovel100gathers the construction information311during work (step S501) and transmits the construction information311to the management apparatus300(step S502).

The shovel100may transmit the construction information311to the management apparatus300at the end of work or may transmit the stored construction information311to the management apparatus300when the shovel100is started.

Next, in response to receiving the construction information311using the construction information receiving part331, the management apparatus300stores the construction information311in the construction information storage part310(step S503). Next, the management apparatus300uses the information providing part332to transmit position information and image data, which are part of the construction information311, to the server500(step S504).

Next, the management apparatus300uses the weather information receiving part333to receive weather information obtained from an analysis using the position information and the image data and past weather information from the server500(step S505). When current and past weather information has already been obtained in the management apparatus300, there is no need to transmit the position information and the image data to the server500.

Next, the management apparatus300uses the advisory information output part340to obtain advisory information based on the construction information311and the weather information (step S506) and transmit the generated advisory information to the shovel100(step S507). The process of step S506is described in detail below.

Thus, the management apparatus300generates advisory information (warning information) by combining the weather information and the construction information. For example, the management apparatus300extracts a construction site where work is being performed on a slope from the construction information, and generates advisory information against rockfalls, landslides or the like when heavy precipitation is expected around the construction side from the weather forecast information. Furthermore, for example, the management apparatus300extracts a construction side where backfilling was performed a day before from the construction information, and calculates a past rainfall from the past weather information to generate advisory information against the formation of soft ground. Furthermore, for example, when the occurrence of a gust is predicted from the weather forecast information, the management apparatus300extracts a construction site where a gust is predicted to occur and generates advisory information against the occurrence of a gust.

In response to receiving the advisory information, the shovel100causes the advisory information to be displayed on the display device40(step S508).

Processing of the advisory information output part340is described below with reference toFIG.6.FIG.6is a flowchart illustrating processing of an advisory information output part according to the embodiment.FIG.6illustrates the process of step S506ofFIG.5.

The advisory information output part340according to this embodiment uses the location type identifying part341to obtain the position information of the shovel100included in the construction information311and identify the type of a location including the position information (step S601). Specifically, the location type identifying part341refers to map information or the like provided via the Internet or the like to identify the type of an area including a location indicated by the position information.

Next, the advisory information output part340uses the advisory information obtaining part342to refer to the condition information321to identify condition information that matches the combination of the identified location type and the obtained weather information (weather forecast information, past weather information, and current weather information) (step S602).

Next, the advisory information output part340obtains advisory information included in the identified condition information from the condition storage part320, and outputs the advisory information to the shovel100(step S603).

An example of displaying advisory information is described below with reference toFIG.7.FIG.7is a diagram illustrating an example of displaying advisory information according to the embodiment. A screen41illustrated inFIG.7is an example of a screen displayed on the display device40, showing an example of advisory information being displayed.

The screen41includes a date and time display area41a, a travel mode display area41b, an attachment display area41c, a fuel efficiency display area41d, an engine control status display area41e, a coolant water temperature display area41g, a remaining fuel amount display area41h, a rotational speed mode display area41i, a remaining aqueous urea solution amount display area41j, a hydraulic oil temperature display area41k, and an information display area41n.

The date and time display area41ais an area for displaying a current date and time.

The travel mode display area41b, the attachment display area41c, the engine control status display area41e, and the rotational speed mode display area41iare areas for displaying settings information that is information on the settings of the shovel100.

The fuel efficiency display area41d, the coolant water temperature display area41g, the remaining fuel amount display area41h, the remaining aqueous urea solution amount display area41j, and the hydraulic oil temperature display area41kare areas for displaying operating condition information that is information on the operating condition of the shovel100.

Specifically, the travel mode display area41bis an area for displaying a current travel mode. The attachment display area41cis an area for displaying an image that represents a currently attached attachment. The fuel efficiency display area41dis an area for displaying fuel efficiency information calculated by the controller30. The fuel efficiency display area41dincludes an average fuel efficiency display area41d1for displaying a lifelong average fuel efficiency or section average fuel efficiency and an instantaneous fuel efficiency display area41d2for displaying instantaneous fuel efficiency.

The engine control status display area41eis an area for displaying the control status of the engine11. The coolant water temperature display area41gis an area for displaying the current temperature condition of engine coolant water. The remaining fuel amount display area41his an area for displaying the state of the remaining amount of fuel stored in a fuel tank.

The rotational speed mode display area41iis an area for displaying a current rotational speed mode set with an engine rotational speed adjustment dial75as an image. The remaining aqueous urea solution amount display area41jis an area for displaying the state of the remaining amount of an aqueous urea solution stored in an aqueous urea solution tank as an image. The hydraulic oil temperature display area41kis an area for displaying the state of the temperature of hydraulic oil in the hydraulic oil tank.

In the screen41, for example, an image421of a map, a construction drawing, or the like is constantly displayed in an image display area41n3. Furthermore, a sheet number display422is displayed in the image display area41n3. The sheet number display422indicates, for example, that the first of the two received construction drawings is displayed.

Furthermore, by vertically swiping the image421, it is possible to switch an item displayed as the image421to an overhead view image, a back area image, a map, a topographic map, a construction drawing, etc. A vertical order image423, which indicates what number image from the top an item currently displayed as the image421is among all images, is displayed in the image display area41n3. According to this embodiment, the operator can understand that a construction drawing displayed as the image421is the third display item from the top.

The image display area41n3illustrated inFIG.7is an example of display when the shovel100is not in operation. When the shovel100is in operation, an image captured by the back camera80B or an overhead view image is displayed along with below-described advisory information432bin the image display area41n3. The overhead view image or the back area image displayed during operation is set as the first item from the top displayed as the image421. Therefore, when the shovel100is in operation, an overhead view image or a back area image is displayed as the image421, and a mark is displayed at the top in the vertical order image423.

Furthermore, in the screen41, a lateral order image424with respect to the screen41is displayed. According to the example ofFIG.7, when the screen41is laterally swiped, the screen41may be switched to a process information display screen as illustrated inFIG.13as described below, a menu screen, a maintenance screen, an analysis screen, etc.

The lateral order image424enables the operator to understand that the screen41illustrated inFIG.7(andFIG.11) is set as the first from the left among all images. Furthermore, when a screen41C illustrated inFIG.13is displayed, the operator can understand that the screen41C is an image set as the third from the left among all images.

In the screen41, the information display area41nincludes a text display area41n1for displaying text information431and432and the image display area41n3for displaying the image421of a map, a construction drawing, or the like.

In the text display area41n1, the text information431is information indicating that the source of transmission of the text information432is the management apparatus300, and is displayed in correlation with the text information432.

The text information432is information that predicts a future situation to watch out for at a worksite based on current weather information and current construction information. The text information432includes weather information432aobtained by the weather information obtaining part330and the advisory information432b.

The example ofFIG.7illustrates the case where the type of a location around the worksite of the shovel100is a residential area and the wind is predicted to get stronger in the afternoon.

In the text display area41n1, the text information that WIND GETS STRONGER IN THE AFTERNOON is displayed as the weather information432a.

Furthermore, in this case, the advisory information obtaining part342identifies the condition information321whose combination of the location type and the weather information is “residential area” and “strong wind” in the condition information321stored in the condition storage part320, and obtains advisory information corresponding to this combination.

Here, it is assumed that the advisory information corresponding to the combination of “residential area” and “strong wind” is LET'S HAVE THOSE HUNG OUT TAKEN IN.

Accordingly, the text information that LET'S HAVE THOSE HUNG OUT TAKEN IN is displayed as the advisory information432bin the text display area41n1.

Furthermore, the image421displayed in the image display area41n3may also be, for example, what estimates a situation to watch out for at a current worksite based on past weather information and past construction information. Furthermore, the image421displayed in the image display area41n3may also be, for example, an image indicating the position of soft ground as an estimated caution area at a current worksite. This enables the shovel100to avoid entering soft ground where the entry may cause the shovel100to be buried in the ground. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the shovel100travels toward a caution area, the operator may be warned (by display, voice, etc.) or the travel motion of the shovel100may be braked (decelerated or stopped).

Furthermore, the image421may include an image represented by image data obtained with the space recognition device80. Furthermore, in this case, an image indicating the position of estimated soft ground may be displayed over the image represented by the image data obtained with the space recognition device80. Furthermore, the image421may include an image showing the topographic map of a worksite.

Furthermore, the image421according to this embodiment may include an image of a construction area where the shovel100performs construction at a worksite.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the positions of past construction areas, current multiple shovels100, and planned construction areas are correlated in the management apparatus300. Position information indicating the positions of past construction areas is obtained from the construction information311of the past. Furthermore, the position information of planned construction areas may be obtained from construction plan information showing construction plans. Furthermore, it is assumed that the shovel100according to this embodiment obtains not only the position information of construction areas but also the content of work using the state detector S1.

Thus, according to this embodiment, the position information of the shovel100and the data of an image of an area surrounding the shovel100are provided for the server500, and the server500is caused to predict changes in the weather in an area including the worksite of the shovel100using the provided information. Thus, according to this embodiment, it is possible to contribute to improvement in the prediction of changes in the weather in an area including the worksite of the shovel100.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, advisory information according to the combination of the type of a location including the worksite of the shovel100and weather information obtained from the server500is presented to a contractor.

Thus, according to this embodiment, it is possible to present advisory information suitable for the environment of a worksite based on the latest weather information to a contractor.

The advisory information, which is assumed to be output to the shovel100that has transmitted the construction information311to the management apparatus300according to each embodiment as described above, is not limited to this. The advisory information may also be transmitted to a shovel100other than the shovel100that has transmitted the construction information311to the management apparatus300.

In this case, the management apparatus300may obtain the weather information of an area including the worksite of the other shovel100based on the position information and the image data of the shovel100that has transmitted the construction information311.

For example, it is assumed that the worksite of the shovel100is a mountainous area or the like upstream of a river. In this case, the management apparatus300may transmit part of the construction information311received from the shovel100to the server500and obtain the weather information of a worksite such as a riverbed downstream of the river. The management apparatus300may transmit advisory information based on the weather information of the worksite downstream of the river to another shovel100working at the worksite downstream of the river.

In this manner, for example, when there is torrential rain around a worksite upstream of a river, it is possible to transmit appropriate advisory information to another shovel100working at a riverbed downstream of the river.

Furthermore, part of the construction information311provided for the server500may be information useful in predicting changes in weather conditions not only at a worksite but also in a surrounding area. Specifically, for example, when the worksite is an area provided with no facilities for collecting information such as the look of the sky and a terrain shape, the image data obtained by the shovel100can be valuable information indicating the condition of this area.

Therefore, the management apparatus300according to this embodiment may, for example, give some incentives to contractors who provide the construction information311for the server500.

Specifically, for example, the management apparatus300may retain information indicating the presence or absence of agreement on providing the construction information311to the server500with respect to each contractor and provide contractors who agree to provide construction information311with such points as to make profits each time construction is performed using the shovel100.

Different Embodiment

A different embodiment is described below with reference to the drawings. The different embodiment is different from the embodiment in that the content of work of the shovel100is included in addition to the type of a location including a worksite and weather information in identifying advisory information. In the following description, differences between the embodiment and the different embodiment are described, and the same functional configurations as those of the embodiment are given the same reference numerals as the reference numerals used in the description of the embodiment and a description thereof is omitted.

FIG.8is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a management apparatus according to the different embodiment. A management apparatus300A according to the different embodiment includes the construction information storage part310, a condition storage part320A, the weather information obtaining part330, an advisory information output part340A, a process storage part350, and a process updating part360.

The condition storage part320A stores condition information321A. The condition information321A includes the type of a location, the content of work, weather information, and advisory information as information items, which are correlated.

According to the condition information321A, examples of work contents include excavation, backfilling, demolition, leveling, and carrying out. The work content may be that indicating the content of work performed by a construction machine.

The work content according to this embodiment includes the content of work included in below-described process information and the content of work identified by analyzing the construction information311.

That is, according to this embodiment, the work content includes the content of work to be performed in the future and the content of work performed in the past.

According to the condition information321A of this embodiment, for example, advisory information in the case where the work content shows the content of work in the past and advisory information in the case where the work content shows the content of work to be performed in the future may be separately provided.

Specifically, for example, according to the condition information321A, when the work content is “excavation” in the case where the location type is “residential area” and the weather information is that “the air dries,” the advisory information may differ according to whether this “excavation” is the content of work in the past or the content of work to be performed in the future.

Furthermore, according to the condition information321A of this embodiment, the advisory information may be correlated with not only weather information indicating the result of the prediction of future changes in weather conditions but also the history of past weather conditions.

More specifically, according to the condition information321A of this embodiment, the location type, the information indicating past weather conditions, and the advisory information may be correlated with each other with respect to the content of work performed in the past.

Furthermore, according to the condition information321A of this embodiment, the location type, the weather information, and the advisory information may be correlated with each other with respect to the content of work to be performed in the future.

The management apparatus300A according to this embodiment may obtain information indicating past weather conditions from the server500, for example. In this case, the server500may provide the management apparatus300A with the history of past weather information of an area indicated by the position information of the shovel100along with the weather information according to the position information of the shovel100provided from the management apparatus300A.

Furthermore, the information indicating the history of past weather conditions may be, for example, information identified from the data of an image captured by the space recognition device80of the shovel100. In this case, the construction information311includes information indicating the history of weather conditions of an area surrounding the shovel100at the time of collection of the construction information311. According to this embodiment, this information indicating weather conditions included in the construction information311may be referred to as the history of past weather conditions.

Specifically, for example, according to the condition information321A, when the location type is “residential area” and the weather information is that “the air dries,” each of the advisory information in the case where the past weather condition is also that “the air dries” and the advisory information in the case where the past weather condition is “rain” or the like may be correlated.

The advisory information output part340A according to this embodiment includes the location type identifying part341, the advisory information obtaining part342, and a work content identifying part343.

The work content identifying part343identifies the content of work of the shovel100.

Specifically, the work content identifying part343refers to the process storage part350to identify the content of work to be performed in the future at the worksite of the shovel100, based on the position information and the date and time information included in the construction information311. Furthermore, the work content identifying part343analyzes the construction information311to identify the content of work performed in the past.

The process storage part350according to this embodiment stores process information351and process information351a. The process information351may be, for example, input to the terminal device400by a supervisor or the like at a worksite and transmitted from the terminal device400to the management apparatus300. The process information351ais the process information351updated by the process updating part360. The process information351and the process information351aare described in detail below.

The process updating part360according to this embodiment updates the process information351stored in the process storage part350based on the weather information obtained by the weather information obtaining part330.

The process updating part360according to this embodiment includes a workload calculating part361, a process changing part362, and a process output part363.

The workload calculating part361calculates the workload of past work performed by the shovel100based on the construction information311. Specifically, the workload calculating part361calculates a workload per predetermined time based on detection information included in the construction information311. The workload per predetermined time may be, for example, a daily workload or the like.

Furthermore, the workload may be calculated for each shovel100. Furthermore, in the case where multiple shovels100are performing work, the workload may be calculated for each shovel100or may be calculated as the total of the workloads of the shovels100.

According to this embodiment, the workload is, for example, an estimated amount of soil that is the estimated value of the volume or weight of earth as an excavated object. The unit of the workload may be either displayed or not displayed. A displayed unit of volume, which is, for example, [m3] (cubic meter), may also be other units such as [L] (litter). Likewise, a displayed unit of weight, which is, for example, [t] (ton), may also be other units such as [kg] (kilogram). The same applies to the unit of fuel consumption, etc. This configuration enables the shovel100to more easily present how the shovel100has been used to a related party such as the operator or a supervisor.

The process changing part362changes a work process shown by the process information351based on the weather information obtained by the weather information obtaining part330.

Specifically, the process changing part362, for example, calculates a workload to be performed during a work period specified in the process information351based on a workload per predetermined time calculated by the workload calculating part361and a work period shown in the process information351. Then, the process changing part362changes the content of work, the work period, etc., shown in the process information351so that work of the workload to be performed during the work period is to be performed.

In other words, the process changing part362creates the process information351ain which the content of work, a work period, etc., are changed according to the weather information, and stores the process information351ain the process storage part350.

The process changing part362according to this embodiment may be implemented by, for example, artificial intelligence or the like. In this case, in response to receiving the process information351and the weather information as inputs, the process changing part362creates new process information351afrom the relationship between the process information351and the weather information, and outputs the process information351a.

In the case of implementing the process changing part362with artificial intelligence, the process changing part362may be provided in an external apparatus with artificial intelligence, for example.

The process output part363outputs the process information351ato the display device40of the shovel100, the terminal device400, etc.

Next, the process information351stored in the process storage part350is described with reference toFIG.9.FIG.9is a diagram illustrating an example of process information.

The process information351according to this embodiment includes a worksite, a work period, and a work content as information items. The process information351may include items other than the items illustrated inFIG.9.

The value of the item “worksite” is information that identifies an area to be the worksite of the shovel100. Specifically, the value of the item “worksite” is the address or the like of an area to be the worksite.

The value of the item “work period” indicates a period during which work is to be performed at the worksite. The value of the item “work content” indicates the content of work to be performed at the worksite during a corresponding work period.

The process information351ofFIG.9indicates that excavation work is performed from 2/12 to 2/19 at a worksite at Δ town, χ city, ∘ prefecture.

Next, processing of the advisory information output part340A is described with reference toFIG.10.FIG.10is a flowchart illustrating processing of an advisory information output part according to the different embodiment.

The process of step S101ofFIG.10is the same as the process of step S601ofFIG.6. Accordingly, a description thereof is omitted.

In response to identifying the type of a location including the position information of the shovel100at step S101, the advisory information output part340A uses the work content identifying part343to identify the work content of the shovel100(step S102).

Specifically, the work content identifying part343may analyze the construction information311received from the shovel100to identify the work content of the shovel100in the past. Furthermore, the work content identifying part343according to this embodiment determines whether the process information351whose worksite matches the area indicated by the position information of the shovel100and whose date and time information is included in the work period is stored in the process storage part350. If the appropriate process information351is stored in the process storage part350, the work content identifying part343refers to this process information351to identify the work content.

Thus, according to this embodiment, both of the work content of work performed in the past by the shovel100and the content of work to be performed by the shovel100in the future may be identified.

Next, the advisory information output part340A uses the advisory information obtaining part342to refer to the condition information321A to identify condition information that matches the combination of the identified location type, the obtained weather information, and the identified work content (step S103).

Next, the advisory information output part340A obtains advisory information included in the specified condition information from the condition storage part320A to output the advisory information to the shovel100(step S104).

Next, examples of outputting advisory information are described below with reference toFIGS.11and12.

FIG.11is a first diagram illustrating an example of displaying advisory information according to the different embodiment. A screen41A illustrated inFIG.11is an example of a screen displayed on the display device40.

The screen41A ofFIG.11illustrates an example in the case where the type of a location of an area including the position information of the shovel100is identified as a residential area, the content of work performed in the past is identified as “burial work,” and the work to be performed in the future is identified as “excavation work.”

In the text display area41n1of the screen41A, the text information431, text information433, and text information434are displayed.

The text information433is information based on the content of work performed in the past. The text information433includes information433ashowing the history of weather conditions and advisory information433b.

The information433ashowing the history of weather conditions shows the history of weather conditions at a worksite during a period from the performance of “burial work” performed in the past to the start of the shovel100, and is displayed as RAINFALL OF 20 mm YESTERDAY according to the example ofFIG.11.

The advisory information433bis advisory information correlated with the combination of the past work content “excavation work” and the information showing the history of weather conditions “a rainfall of 20 mm yesterday” in the condition information321A. According to the example ofFIG.11, DO NOT APPROACH WHERE BURIAL WORK WAS PERFORMED DAY BEFORE YESTERDAY is displayed as the advisory information433b.

The text information434is information based on the content of work to be performed in the future. The text information434includes weather information434aand advisory information434b.

The weather information434ashows the result of the prediction of future changes in weather conditions at a worksite, and is displayed as NORTHWARD WIND BLOWS according to the example ofFIG.11.

The advisory information434bis advisory information correlated with the combination of the content of work to be performed in the future “excavation work” and the weather information “the northward wind blows” in the condition information321A. According to the example ofFIG.11, EXPLAIN NOISE OF EXCAVATION WORK TO DOWNWIND HOUSING is displayed as the advisory information434b.

FIG.12is a second diagram illustrating an example of displaying advisory information according to the different embodiment. A screen41B illustrated inFIG.12is an example of a screen displayed on the display device40.

The screen41B ofFIG.12illustrates an example in the case where the type of a location of an area including the position information of the shovel100is identified as a mountainous area and the work to be performed in the future is identified as “demolition work.”

In the text display area41n1of the screen41B, the text information431, text information435, and text information436are displayed.

The text information435includes weather information435aand advisory information435b.

The weather information435ashows the result of the prediction of future changes in weather conditions at a worksite, and is displayed as AIR DRIES according to the example ofFIG.12.

The advisory information435bis advisory information correlated with the combination of the content of work to be performed in the future “demolition work” and the weather information “the air dries” in the condition information321A. According to the example ofFIG.12, SPRINKLE WATER TO PREVENT DUST BEFORE DEMOLITION WORK is displayed as the advisory information435b.

The text information436may be displayed when the worksite is a mountainous area or the like, for example. The text information436may be, for example, advisory information correlated with the content of work to be later performed “demolition work” and the location type “a mountainous area” in the condition information321A.

Thus, according to the condition information321A of this embodiment, for example, information showing whether there is something that a contractor should explain to the neighboring areas of a worksite may be correlated with the location type as advisory information.

Thus, according to this embodiment, advisory information based on the location type of a worksite, weather information, and the content of work is presented to a contractor. Thus, according to this embodiment, it is possible to present appropriate advisory information according to the content of work.

Next, an example of displaying the process information351ais described with reference toFIG.13.FIG.13is a diagram illustrating an example of displaying updated process information.

FIG.13illustrates the case where the process information351is updated based on the weather information received from the server500on February 11, which is the day before the starting date of the work period shown in the construction information351, namely, February 12 (seeFIG.9).

A screen41C illustrated inFIG.13is an example of a screen displayed on the display device40of the shovel100. The screen41C includes a display area437and a display area438.

In the display area437, text information437aand text information437bare displayed. Specifically, the text information437ais a message indicating that the weather condition indicated by the weather information of February 15 is rainy. Furthermore, the text information437bindicates the details of an update on the process information351. Specifically, the text information437bis a message indicating that the content of work on February 15 has been updated from “excavation work” to “maintenance work.”

In the display area438, text information438aand information438bincluding the process information351aare displayed. The information438bis displayed using a text image, an icon image, a numerical value image, etc. Of the weather information, weather is displayed using an icon image.

The text information438ais a message indicating that the information438bis the process information351a, which is the process information351in which the content of work on February 15 is changed to “maintenance work.”

The information438bincludes the process information351a, weather conditions based on weather information, the content of daily work, a daily workload, etc., during the work period shown by the process information351a. The process information351ais updated information including a worksite, a work period, and a work content.

In the information438b, information other than the process information351amay be calculated by the process changing part362, for example.

Thus, according to this embodiment, the process information351showing a work process may be updated according to weather information. That is, according to this embodiment, it is possible to update the process information351based on weather information obtained using part of the construction information311collected by the shovel100.

Thus, according to this embodiment, it is possible to update a work process in accordance with the result of the prediction of changes in weather conditions at the worksite of the shovel100and to prevent the occurrence of work delay, postponement, etc., due to weather conditions.

Furthermore, the management apparatus300A according to this embodiment may receive, for example, from the terminal device400or the like, an input of information indicating whether work of an intended workload has been successfully performed within a work period shown by the process information351ain the case of having performed work according to the process information351a.

In this case, the management apparatus300A may provide the process changing part362with this information to cause the process changing part362to learn whether the process information351has been appropriately updated.

According to this embodiment, by thus inputting an evaluation of the process information351ato the process changing part362to cause the process changing part362to perform learning, the process information351a, updated according to weather information, can be made more appropriate.

Next, reference is made toFIG.14, which is a third diagram illustrating an example of displaying advisory information according to the different embodiment. A screen41D illustrated inFIG.14is an example of a screen displayed on the display device40.

In the screen41D ofFIG.14, hourly weather information at the worksite of the shovel100is displayed.

In the text display area41n1of the screen41D, text information439a, advisory information439b, and weather information439care displayed. Of the weather information, weather is displayed using an icon image.

The text information439ashows the result of the prediction of future changes in weather conditions at the worksite, and is displayed as RAIN IS FORECAST FROM AROUND 15:00 according to the example ofFIG.14.

The advisory information439bmay be advisory information correlated with the text information RAIN IS FORECAST FROM AROUND 15:00 and the content of work “excavation” in the condition information321A. According to the example ofFIG.14, COVER EXCAVATED TRENCH WITH SHEET is displayed as the advisory information439b.

The weather information439cshows hourly weather information, showing weather and precipitation from 11:00 to 17:00. This weather information439cshows that rain is forecast from around 15:00.

Thus, according to this embodiment, by causing hourly weather information to be displayed, it is possible to cause the operator of the shovel100to be aware of hourly weather changes.

It is often the case that the worksite of the shovel100is in a mountainous area so that it is necessary to travel on unpaved roads from the worksite to general roads. Therefore, it is useful to cause the operator to be aware of hourly weather information.

Furthermore, the advisory information439bis changed according to hourly weather information. Specifically, for example, “approaching rain clouds,” “watch out for snow,” etc., may be displayed as the advisory information439b.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, wind-related information (wind speed, wind direction, etc.) may be displayed as weather information. In this case, the wind direction is displayed using an icon image, and the wind speed displayed using a numerical value image. Expensive measuring equipment is employed at a worksite where the shovel100operates. By causing wind-related information (wind speed, wind direction, etc.) as well to be displayed, a worker can store the measuring equipment before a strong wind blows. Therefore, it is possible to prevent damage to the measuring equipment due to a strong wind.

Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiments, the shovel100is described as an example of a construction machine. The construction machine, however, may be other than the shovel100, and may be any construction machine as long as the construction machine can obtain its work pattern record information and environmental condition record information and transmit them to the management apparatus300. Specifically, the embodiments may be applied to wheel loaders, bulldozers, etc.

Furthermore, the condition information showing the output condition of advisory information, referred to when the advisory information is obtained, which is created in advance and stored in the management apparatus300according to the above-described embodiments, is not limited to this. The output condition of advisory information may be learned by a learning part implemented by the processor316of the management apparatus300.

Specifically, the learning part learns the relationship between information on a worksite and weather information and a situation to care about as the weather changes (the content of advisory information) according to a dataset created based on the combination of construction information, weather information, and advisory information (the output condition of advisory information). In other words, the learning part creates a model that outputs advisory information, using information on a worksite and weather information as an input.

Here, the advisory information included in the dataset is advisory information that has been output in response to the determination that the construction information and the weather information satisfy the output condition. The advisory information included in the dataset may be stored in the condition storage part320A as the condition information321A.

In this case, the management apparatus300may input the construction information received by the construction information receiving part331and the weather information received by the weather information receiving part333to the model and transmit the advisory information output from the model to a construction machine to have the advisory information output to the display device, the sound output device, the exterior alarm device, etc., of the construction machine.

Furthermore, each time advisory intonation is output, the learning part may update the mode using the output advisory information as judgment data. By thus updating the model, it is possible to output advisory information more suitable for a situation based on the construction information and the weather information.

Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail above. The present invention, however, is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and variations and substitutions may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.