JP2006159311A - System for managing tool or the like - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system for managing a tool or the like by which it is possible to prevent an operator from leaving behind a tool or the like, when it is known on the basis of a tool list read out from an IC tag of a storage box for a tool or the like that an ID of a lacked tool exists, by presenting a distance to an IC tag by calculating it and also by outputting light, sound, or vibration from the IC tag to find easily and surely the left-behind tool or the like and store it. <P>SOLUTION: The system for managing a tool or the like is provided with the IC tag pasted on a tool or the like, the IC tag for the tool list, a means for reading an ID list from the IC tag for the tool list, which is pasted on the storage box for a tool or the like, when the work is finished and for checking the IDs after reading the IDs of the IC tags, which are pasted on the stored tools, or those of the tools on the basis of the list, a means for calculating a distance on the basis of the intensity of a signal at the time of reading information by varying the intensity of a signal to be transmitted toward the IC tag of the ID when the lacked ID is found, and a means for displaying the calculated distance, and if required, a place calculated on the basis of a plurality of the calculated distances on a screen. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a tool management system for preventing misplacement of tools and the like.

Conventionally, it consists of a data carrier attached to a tool and a hand operating device, and when a tool is carried into the work site, the ID code unique to the tool attached to the tool is read from the data carrier by the hand operating device and loaded into the loading table. Write. There is a technique in which when carrying out from a work site, an ID code is read from a tool to create a carry-out table, and both tables are compared to notify a mismatched uncarrying tool (Patent Document 1).
JP-A-08-202800

  With the technology described above, it is possible to detect and show that there is a misplaced tool at the work site at the end of the work, but the misplaced tool must be found by the human eye, If you put it in a box with garbage, it was extremely difficult to find the place, and sometimes you had to give up.

  In order to solve these problems, the present invention affixes an IC tag with a unique ID to a tool or the like and affixes an IC tag to a tool or the like storage box for storing the tool or the like, stores a tool list, At the end of work, the ID of the tool stored based on the tool list read from the IC tag affixed to the tool storage box with the IC tag reader / writer is read and compared, and the missing tool list is presented and the signal strength The distance is calculated by referring to a table based on the signal intensity when the signal is read from the IC tag attached to the insufficient tool and cannot be read, and the location is presented. Light, sound, or vibration is output from the device to make it easier for people to find.

  Therefore, when it is determined that there is an insufficient tool ID based on the tool list read from the IC tag of the tool storage box by the IC tag reader / writer at the end of work, the distance to the IC tag is calculated and presented. At the same time, it becomes possible to easily and reliably find and store a misplaced tool or the like by outputting light, sound or vibration from the IC tag.

  The present invention calculates the distance to an IC tag when it is determined that there is an insufficient tool ID based on the tool list read from the IC tag of the tool storage box by the IC tag reader / writer at the end of the work. It is possible to easily and reliably find and store a tool or the like that is left behind by outputting light, sound, or vibration from the IC tag.

  The present invention attaches an IC tag having a unique ID to a tool or the like and stores the tool list by attaching an IC tag to a tool or the like storage box for storing the tool or the like. Read and compare the IDs of the tools stored based on the tool list read from the IC tag attached to the tool storage box, etc. The distance is calculated by referring to the table based on the signal intensity when reading from the IC tag affixed to the tool of the tool or when it cannot be read, and the location is indicated, and light, sound, or vibration is output from the IC tag. The output was made easier for people to find.

FIG. 1 shows a system configuration diagram of the present invention.
In FIG. 1, a tool management system 1 includes a tool management terminal 2, an IC tag 21 attached to a tool to be managed, an IC tag 22 attached to a tool storage box for storing the tool, and the like. Is.

  The tool management terminal 2 is a computer terminal such as a personal computer that executes various processes according to a program. Here, the transmitted radio wave intensity variable read / write unit 3, the GPS positioning unit 5, the storage unit 6, the display unit 12, and the position calculation. The processing unit 13, the check unit 14, and the control unit 15 are configured.

  The transmitted radio wave intensity variable read / write unit (IC tag reader / writer) 3 reads and writes information from the IC tags 21 and 22, and further changes the radio wave intensity (signal intensity) to be transmitted to the IC tags 21 and 22. This is for measuring the radio field intensity when information can be read from or cannot be read.

  The GPS positioning unit 5 is a well-known GPS (which receives radio waves transmitted from a plurality of satellites orbiting the earth and measures the current position (latitude, high)).

  The storage unit 6 is a storage unit (memory) of the tool management terminal 2. Here, the strength / distance conversion information table 7, the distance / position search result table 8, the portable tool list table 9, the tool information table 10, and The standard tool list table 11 is stored.

  The intensity / distance conversion information table 7 is a radio wave intensity when information can be read from the IC tags 21 and 22 by changing the radio wave intensity transmitted toward the IC tags 21 and 22 by the transmission radio wave intensity variable read / write unit 3. Alternatively, it is a table in which the distance (the distance from the transmission radio wave intensity variable read / write unit 3 to the IC tags 21 and 22) is registered by experimenting in advance with respect to the radio wave intensity when reading becomes impossible (see FIGS. 5 to 8). .

  The distance / position search result table 8 is a table for storing the results of searching for the distance and position to the IC tags 21 and 22 (see FIGS. 5 to 8).

The portable tool list table 9 is a list table of portable tools.
The tool information table 10 is a table in which tool information is registered.

  The standard tool list table 11 is created and registered in advance as a list of standard tools in association with work names.

The display unit 12 displays a tool list, a position, and the like.
The position calculation processing unit 13 calculates the position of the IC tag 21 attached to a tool or the like (see FIGS. 5 to 8).

  The check unit 14 includes a tool list read from the portable tool list recording IC tag 22 and a tool read from the IC tag 21 affixed to a tool or the like stored in a tool storage box when the work is completed. Compare and check for excess and deficiency.

The control unit 15 performs overall control and the like.
The IC tag 21 is an IC tag for a tool affixed to a tool or the like (a tool such as a driver used for work and a tool including a measuring instrument for weighing), and is an IC tag that reads and writes data wirelessly (See FIG. 2).

  The IC tag 22 is an IC tag for recording a portable tool list, and is an IC tag that reads and writes data wirelessly (see FIG. 2).

FIG. 2 shows an example of an IC tag of the present invention.
FIG. 2A shows an example of an IC tag (for a tool). The IC tag 21 is an IC tag that is attached to a tool or the like, and stores the following information shown in association with each other here.

・ Tag ID:
・ Tool code:
·expiration date:
・ Number of uses:
・ Other:
Here, the tag ID is an ID that uniquely identifies an IC tag (an ID that is uniquely specified by radio waves and reads / writes information). The tool code is the tool code of the tool to which the IC tag 21 is attached. The expiration date and the number of times of use are those in which the expiration date and number of times of use of the tool are written.

  As described above, the ID, the tool code, the expiration date, and the number of times of use are written and managed in the IC tag 21 attached to the tool or the like, so that the tool can be used when the expiration date and the number of times of use exceed a predetermined value. When the deadline and the number of times of use have been automatically displayed to notify the operator, or when the information can be read from the IC tag 21 of the tag ID by changing the radio wave intensity transmitted based on the tag ID Find the distance by referring to the strength / distance conversion information table 7 based on the radio field strength when it is lost, present the distance of the lost tool, etc. Furthermore, specify the location at multiple distances, etc. It is possible to present the location.

  FIG. 2B shows an example of an IC tag (for portable tool list recording). The IC tag 22 is an IC tag attached to a tool storage box for storing tools and the like, and here, the following information shown in FIG.

・ Tag ID:
・ Tool code list:
・ Other:
Here, the tag ID is an ID that uniquely identifies an IC tag (an ID that is uniquely specified by radio waves and reads / writes information). The tool code list is a list in which codes of tools stored in a tool storage box are written and recorded.

  As described above, all the tool IDs read from the IC tag 21 attached to the tool or the like stored in the tool or the like storage box are written and recorded as a list, so that at the end of the work using the tool or the like, the IC tag 22 The tool list is read out, the tool code read from the IC tag 21 affixed to the tool stored in the tool storage box is collated, and a list of the missing tool codes is displayed. Referring to the strength / distance conversion information table 7 on the basis of the radio wave intensity when information can be read from or cannot be read from the IC tag 21 by changing the radio wave intensity transmitted toward the IC tag 21. Obtaining and presenting the distance, obtaining a plurality of distances, specifying and displaying the location of the IC tag 21, and further measuring the current measured by the GPS positioning unit 5 Displaying the location centered on the position (latitude / height) on a map and layout, and outputting light, sound, and vibration from the IC tag 21 to make it easier for people to find Is possible. Details will be sequentially described below.

FIG. 3 shows a flowchart for explaining the operation of the present invention.
FIG. 3A shows a flowchart for registering tool information when an operator goes to work.

  In FIG. 3A, S1 leads the IC tag of the tools to be carried. This reads information such as a tool code, an expiration date, and the number of times of use from an IC tag 21 affixed to a tool (tool or the like) carried by the transmission radio wave intensity variable read / write unit 3 of FIG.

  In S2, the expiration date and the number of uses are checked. This is to check whether the current date has passed the expiration date or the usage count has been exceeded for the expiration date and the usage count of the tool code read from the IC tag 21 affixed to the tools in S1. If the expiration date (expiration date has passed) or the usage count has exceeded (the usage count exceeds the usage count of the tool code), replace with another tool (such as a measuring instrument) in S3 A message is displayed, the operator sees the message, exchanges tools with a new one, and proceeds to S4. On the other hand, if neither the expiration date (expiration date has passed) nor the usage count exceeded (the usage count exceeds the usage count of the tool code), the process proceeds to S4.

In S <b> 4, the read information is stored in the storage unit 6.
In S5, the information of the read tools is written in the portable tool list recording IC tag 22. This writes information on all the read tools as a list to the IC tag 22 attached to the tool storage box storing the tools, and records the list of stored tools.

  In step S6, it is determined whether there is a missing tool as compared with the standard tool list. This is compared with the tool list of the IC tag 22 written in S5 and the standard tool list created and registered in advance in association with the work name designated by the operator to determine whether there is a missing tool. In the case of YES, the missing tool list is displayed in S7 and the operator is prompted to store the missing tools. And it ends. On the other hand, in the case of NO in S6, it is determined that there is no missing tool, and thus the process ends.

  As described above, when an operator goes out to work, the tool code, the expiration date, and the number of uses are read from the IC tag 21 attached to the tools in the tool storage box to be carried, the expiration date has passed, and the number of uses is a predetermined number of times. If the tool is over or over, the tool list is displayed to prompt the user to replace the tool, and if there is a missing tool compared to the standard tool list, the missing tool list is displayed. It is possible to prompt the storage of the tool.

FIG. 3B shows a flowchart for checking the tools at the end of the work.
In FIG. 3B, S11 reads the IC tag of the tools. At the end of the work, the transmission radio wave intensity variable read / write unit 3 reads the tag ID, the tool code, and the number of uses from the IC tag 21 attached to the tools stored in the tool storage box.

S12 stores the read information.
In step S13, the portable tool list recording IC tag 22 is read.

  S14 collates the information read from the IC tag 21 of the tools with the portable tool list read from the portable tool list recording IC tag 22.

  In step S15, it is determined whether or not the portable tool list is consistent with the portable tool list. In the case of YES, it is displayed in S16 that all tools are prepared, and the process proceeds to S22. On the other hand, if NO, the process proceeds to S17.

  In S17, since it is found that the portable tool list and the tools are excessive and insufficient in S15, it is determined whether all the tools recorded in the portable tool list are present. In the case of YES, it is displayed that all the tools carried in S18 are prepared, and the process proceeds to S22. On the other hand, if NO, the process proceeds to S19.

  In S19, since it is determined that there are no tools in the portable tool list in NO in S17, the misplaced tool list is displayed. This displays a misplaced tool list and can alert the operator.

  In S20, it is determined whether there are any tools other than the tools recorded in the portable tool list. If YES, an extra tool list is displayed in S21. Thus, the operator recognizes that the extra tool not in the portable tool list has been stored in the tool storage box, and takes out the tool and returns it to the corresponding position in the workplace. Then, the process proceeds to S22. On the other hand, if NO in S20, the process proceeds to S22.

  In S22, when a tool with a limit on the number of times of use is used (number of times of use + 1), it is written to the IC tag 21 and the number of times of use is updated.

  As described above, when the operator stores the tool in the tool storage box at the end of the work, the tool list recorded from the IC tag 22 attached to the tool storage box is read and stored in the tool storage box. The ID, tool code, expiration date, and number of times of use are read from the IC tag 21 affixed to the existing tools, and checked against the tool list. If there is a shortage, the tool list is displayed as misplaced. It is possible to display a list of tools as extra, alert each of them, prevent misplacement of tools, take away extra tools, etc., and reduce the number of times the IC tag 21 is used for tools with frequent use. +1 can be updated.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the present invention.
FIG. 4A shows an example of a standard tool list table. In the standard tool list table 11, information is registered in advance in association with a work name (work type), and here, the following information shown in FIG.

-Work type (work name):
・ Tool code:
・ Other:
Here, the work type (work name) is a work type (work name) performed by the worker, and is a type (name) given to a group of the same work in the standard tool list. The tool code is obtained by previously registering a list of standard tools necessary for the work type (work name).

  FIG. 4B shows an example of a tool information table. The tool information table 10 is registered in association with tool information. Here, the following information shown in FIG.

・ Tool code:
・ Tool name:
·expiration date:
・ Use limit:
・ Other:
Here, the tool code is a unique code for identifying the tool assigned to the tool. The tool name is a general name of the tool code. The expiry date and the number of times of use are the expiry date of the tool (for example, the expiry date (expiration date) that needs to be verified for each expiration date stipulated in the Measurement Law). The use count limit is a preset use count limit for the tool.

  FIG. 4C shows an example of a place ID in a tool bag (tool storage box, tool storage box). Here, the tool with the corresponding IC tag 21 attached is stored in the illustrated locations of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. For example, the portable tool list recording IC tag 22 is attached to the illustrated position on the right side.

  FIG. 4D shows a correspondence example between the tool location and the tool code. This is because the tool locations 1, 2, 3, 4.5, 6... In the tool bag of FIG. 4C and the tool codes (IC tag 21 affixed to the tool) stored in these locations are written. An example of correspondence with the tool code).

  As described above, by associating the tool location in the tool bag with the tool code, it is possible to easily determine an unstored tool.

FIG. 4E shows a display example of misplaced tools.
The display example of (e-1) in FIG. 4 is an example of the list display of misplaced tools in S19 of FIG. 3 (b) described above, and is displayed as shown below.

Misplaced tools:
Tool location 2: Driver B
Here, the “tool location 2” of the misplaced tool is the location 2 in FIG. 4C, and the misplaced tool is “driver B”.

  The display example of (e-2) in FIG. 4 is an example of displaying that there is no misplaced tool in S16 of FIG. 3 (b) described above, and here, the display is as follows.

Misplaced tools:
Here, “all items stored” of the misplaced tool indicates that there is no misplaced tool.

  Next, the operation when detecting the position and location of the IC tag 21 affixed to the misplaced tool will be sequentially described in detail with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 5 shows a flowchart for explaining the operation of the present invention (search for a misplaced tool).
In FIG. 5, S31 reads the IC tag set by changing the radio wave intensity. This is a radio wave transmitted to the IC tag 21 of the tag ID (IC tag 21 attached to the misplaced tool) one by one for the tools displayed as the misplaced tool list in S19 of FIG. The information is repeatedly read from the IC tag 21 by changing the strength.

  In S32, it is determined whether or not the set IC tag 21 can be read. In the case of YES, since it is found that the information can be read from the IC tag 21 attached to the misplaced tool, the process proceeds to S35. On the other hand, in the case of NO, the place where the IC tag 21 is read is changed in S33, and S31 and subsequent steps are repeated.

  In S33, it is determined whether the IC tag 21 has been read in three places. In this case, it is determined whether information can be read from the IC tag 21 at three places with slightly different places. In the case of YES, since preparation for specifying the location of the IC tag 21 is completed based on the known triangulation principle, the process proceeds to S35. In the case of NO, the position where the IC tag is read is changed in S33, and S31 and subsequent steps are repeated.

  In S35, it is determined that the information has been read from the IC tag 21 at three locations by YES in S34, and the IC tag location is calculated from the position where the IC tag is read and the distance from the IC tag 21 to the IC tag 21. This is to obtain the radio wave intensity when information is read from the IC tag 21 by changing the radio wave intensity to be transmitted at three positions, and refer to the intensity / distance conversion information table 7 created in advance for these radio wave intensity. The distance is calculated, and the location of the IC tag 21 (the location consisting of the distance and the direction centered on the current position) is calculated from the calculated three positions and the distances by known triangulation.

  S36 displays the IC tag position. This displays the IC tag location of the distance and direction centered on the current position calculated in S35 on the screen. Also, the IC tag location of the distance and direction of the IC tag is displayed on the map (or layout) on the map with the current position acquired from the GPS positioning unit 5 as the center.

  In S37, the IC tag blinks. This blinks the light emitting diode externally attached to the IC tag 21 (in addition, intermittently outputs vibrations or sound waves) so that a person can easily find the location of the tool visually.

  As described above, the misplaced tool was created by experimenting in advance based on the radio field intensity when the information was read (or when it could not be read) by changing the radio field intensity transmitted toward the IC tag attached to the tool. Refer to the strength / distance conversion information table 7 to convert to distance, change the position, find three distances, specify the location of the IC tag 21 stuck on the misplaced tool by known triangulation and display it on the screen In addition, the location of the IC tag 21 of the tool that has been left on the map based on the position information acquired from the GPS positioning unit 5 can be displayed. Furthermore, the IC tag 21 of the misplaced tool is instructed to drive the external light emitting diode, sound transmitter, and vibrator to output flashing light, sound pulse, and vibration pulse, making it easy for the operator to place the misplaced tool. It can be recognized.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of tag distance measurement according to the present invention. The radio wave intensity transmitted from the tag reader (IC tag reader / writer) is changed, and the radio wave intensity transmitted when the information is received from the IC tag 21 attached to the tools is calculated. Based on the radio field intensity, the distance between the tag reader and the IC tag 21 is calculated with reference to the intensity / distance conversion information table 7.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of a tag position determination method according to the present invention. Up to the IC tag 21 affixed to the misplaced tool based on the radio wave intensity when information is read from the IC tag 21 according to the tag distance measurement example of FIG. The distances are calculated, circles having the calculated distances as the radii at the measurement positions 1, 2, and 3 are drawn, and the hatched area included in the three circles is determined as the location of the IC tag 21. The measurement positions 1, 2, and 3 are position information (latitude and altitude) at that time acquired from the GPS positioning unit 5.

  FIG. 8 shows a display example of a misplaced tool location according to the present invention. Here, the reader positions (1), (2), and (3) correspond to the measurement positions 1, 2, and 3 in FIG. 5, and the operator sets the transmission radio wave intensity variable read / write unit (IC tag reader / writer) 3. A tool that is moved and brought, and the measurement positions 1, 2, and 3 at that time are acquired from the GPS positioning unit 5 and the radio wave intensity transmitted at the measurement positions 1, 2, and 3 is changed and misplaced. An example in which the distances calculated from the radio wave intensity when information can be read from the attached IC tag 21 is calculated as d1, d2, and d3, respectively. Based on these calculated reader positions (1), (2), (3) and the distances d1, d2, d3 from the reader positions (1), (2), (3) to the IC tag 21, as shown in FIG. Based on the principle (known triangulation principle), the location X of the misplaced tool can be calculated and displayed on the screen.

  As described above, the IC at the three reader positions (1), (2), and (3) while the operator moves while bringing the transmitted radio wave intensity variable read / write unit (IC tag reader / writer) 3 By calculating the distances d1, d2, and d3 to the tag 21 and displaying them together with the movement trajectory, and the misplaced tool location X, the operator can set any direction and distance with respect to the current movement direction. It is possible to easily recognize and find if there is a forgotten tool. At this time, as described above, it is possible to easily and quickly and surely find misplaced tools by using together the output of blinking light, sound, and vibration from the IC tag 21. .

  The present invention calculates the distance to an IC tag when it is determined that there is an insufficient tool ID based on the tool list read from the IC tag of the tool storage box by the IC tag reader / writer at the end of the work. It is possible to easily and surely find and store a misplaced tool or the like by outputting light, sound or vibration from the IC tag and presenting it.

It is a system configuration diagram of the present invention. It is an example of IC tag of this invention. It is an operation | movement explanatory flowchart of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of this invention. It is an operation | movement explanatory flowchart (exploration of a misplaced tool) of this invention. It is an example of tag distance measurement of the present invention. It is an example of the tag position determination method of this invention. It is an example of a display of the misplaced tool place of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1: Tool management system 2: Tool management terminal 3: Transmitted radio wave intensity variable lead / writer unit 5: GPS positioning unit 6: Storage unit 7: Strength / distance conversion information table 8: Distance / position search result table 9: Portable tool List table 10: Tool information table 11: Standard tool list table 12: Display unit 13: Position calculation processing unit 14: Check unit 15: Control unit 21: IC tag (IC tag for tool)
22: IC tag (IC tag for recording portable tool list)

Claims (5)

In the tool management system that prevents misplacement of tools,
IC tags attached to tools, etc.
A tool list IC tag that is attached to a tool storage box that stores a plurality of the tools, etc., and that writes a list of IDs of the IC tags or tools that are attached to the stored tools, etc.
A reader / writer for reading and writing information on the IC tag and the tool list IC tag;
At the end of work or when instructed, the reader / writer is controlled, the ID list is read from the tool list IC tag affixed to the tool storage box, and the tool stored based on the list is read. Means for reading and checking the ID of the attached IC tag or the ID of a tool,
When an insufficient ID is found by the above means, the signal intensity transmitted toward the IC tag of the ID is changed, and the table is based on the signal intensity when the information can be read from the IC tag or when the information cannot be read. Means for obtaining the distance by referring to
A tool management system, comprising: means for displaying on the screen a place calculated based on the obtained distance and, if necessary, a plurality of obtained distances.   The location calculated based on the obtained distance and, further, a plurality of obtained distances as necessary, is displayed on the screen, and further, means for outputting light, sound, or vibration to the IC tag is provided. The tool management system according to claim 1.   A GPS is mounted on the reader / writer, and the location calculated based on the calculated distance and a plurality of calculated distances as necessary is displayed on the screen centered on the current position calculated by the GPS, or 3. The tool management system according to claim 1, wherein the tool and the like management system are superimposed on a map and a layout.   At the end of the work or when instructed, the reader / writer is controlled and the number of uses in the IC tag attached to the tool or the like is updated to +1. Check the expiration date and the number of times of use written in advance from the IC tag affixed to each tool stored in the storage box, etc., and one or more of the expiration date and the number of times of use exceeding the preset number of usages are applicable The tool management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a list of the tool or the like is presented when the user has done so, and attention is urged.   When a work name to be performed is designated at the start of the work or when instructed, the standard tool list created in advance for the work name and the list stored in the IC tag for the tool list or the tool storage box are stored. Compared with an ID of a tool or the like read from an IC tag affixed to an attached tool or the like, a list of insufficient tools or the like and a list of excess tools or the like are further presented as necessary. The tool management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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