WO2014155763A1

WO2014155763A1 - System and method for collecting operational information for machinery

Info

Publication number: WO2014155763A1
Application number: PCT/JP2013/071358
Authority: WO
Inventors: 幸広島方; 謙治神谷; 文隆飯塚; 親弘富田
Original assignee: 太陽誘電株式会社
Priority date: 2013-03-27
Filing date: 2013-08-07
Publication date: 2014-10-02
Also published as: JP2016106287A

Abstract

A system according to an embodiment of the present invention more simply provides a framework for collecting operational information for machinery. The system according to the embodiment comprises a first communication device which is attached to a vehicle such as a farming implement, a second communication device which may be carried portably by an operator of the vehicle and is capable of communicating with the first communication device, and a third communication device which is capable of communicating with the second communication device. The system functions as a system for collecting the operational information of the vehicle such as the farming implement, acquires the operational information of the vehicle via the first communication device using the second communication device which is carried portably by the operator of the vehicle, and transmits the operational information of the vehicle which is acquired using the second communication device via the third communication device which is installed in a residence or a hotel, etc., to a server device which manages the operational information of the vehicle.

Description

System and method for collecting machine operation information

The present invention relates to a system and method for collecting operation information of a predetermined machine, and a communication apparatus used in such a system.
This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-65671 (filed on Mar. 27, 2013), the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Conventionally, as this type of system, there has been proposed a system that supports an operation report such as an operation time of a machine such as a construction machine and supports an operation report by an operator (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-266200). reference). In this system, in order to collect operation information in real time from construction machines that are expected to be used in areas where general wireless communication networks are not established, satellite communications are used for communication between construction machines and server devices. Used.

However, in such a system using satellite communication, the cost and communication cost of a communication module mounted on the machine are higher than those using a general wireless communication network such as a mobile phone, and further, accompanying communication. Power consumption tends to increase. In addition, although a general wireless communication network covers residential areas and tourist areas, it does not necessarily cover areas such as farmland, so it reliably collects information on the operation of machines that are expected to be used in such areas. I can't do it. Therefore, a mechanism capable of collecting operation information with a simpler mechanism is desired even for a machine used in an area not covered by a general wireless communication network.

The present invention has an object to provide a mechanism for collecting machine operation information more simply. Other objects of the present invention will become apparent by referring to the entire specification.

A system according to an embodiment of the present invention is a system that collects operation information of a predetermined machine, can communicate with a control unit that controls the operation of the predetermined machine, and is attached to the predetermined machine. A first communication device, and a second communication device that can be carried by an operator of the predetermined machine and can communicate with the first communication device, wherein the first communication device includes the first communication device. Based on the first authentication information received from the second communication device, whether or not the predetermined machine is permitted to start, and a start determination unit that transmits the determination result to the control unit; and from the control unit to the predetermined machine Operating information acquisition means for acquiring the operating information and operating information transmission means for transmitting the acquired operating information to the second communication device, wherein the second communication device is configured to receive the first authentication. To store at least information Means, first authentication information transmitting means for transmitting the first authentication information to the first communication apparatus, and operation for storing the operation information received from the first communication apparatus in the storage means. An information registration unit; and an operation information transmission unit that transmits the operation information to a predetermined communication device different from the first communication device.

A method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first communication device that is communicable with a control unit that controls operation of a predetermined machine and is attached to the predetermined machine, and an operator of the predetermined machine. A method of collecting operation information of the predetermined machine using a second communication device that is portable and capable of communicating with the first communication device, wherein the first communication device uses the first communication device. Storing at least the authentication information, transmitting the first authentication information to the first communication device by the second communication device, and the second communication device by the second communication device. Determining whether to start the predetermined machine based on the first authentication information received from the communication device, and transmitting the determination result to the control unit; and by the first communication device, the control unit From the predetermined machine Acquiring the operation information, transmitting the acquired operation information to the second communication device by the first communication device, and the first communication device by the second communication device. Storing the operation information received from the first communication device, and transmitting the operation information to a predetermined communication device different from the first communication device by the second communication device.

A second communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention is used in a system that collects operation information of a predetermined machine, is portable by an operator of the predetermined machine, and performs an operation of the predetermined machine. A second communication device capable of communicating with the control unit to be controlled and capable of communicating with the first communication device and the third communication device attached to the predetermined machine, and storing means for storing information; An operation information registration unit that stores the operation information received from the first communication device in the storage unit, an operation information transmission unit that transmits the operation information to the third communication device, and an operation information reception unit An operation mode including an operation information reception mode for receiving the operation information from the first communication device and an operation information transmission mode for transmitting the operation information to the third communication device by the operation information transmission means. Comprising an operation mode control means for controlling the de, a.

The various embodiments of the present invention can more easily provide a mechanism for collecting machine operation information.

1 is a block diagram schematically showing a hardware configuration of a system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The block diagram which shows the function of the system 1 in one Embodiment. The sequence diagram explaining the mode of the communication exchanged between the 1st communication apparatus 10 and the 2nd communication apparatus 20 when starting vehicles, such as an agricultural machine, in one Embodiment. In one embodiment, the state of communication exchanged between the first communication device 10 and the second communication device 20 when the operation mode of the second communication device 20 is set to “data acquisition mode”. FIG. The sequence diagram explaining the mode of the communication exchanged between the 1st communication apparatus 10 and the 2nd communication apparatus 20 when turning off the power supply of the 2nd communication apparatus 20 in one Embodiment. In one embodiment, when the operation information is transmitted from the second communication device 20 to the third communication device 30, communication exchanged between the second communication device 20 and the third communication device 30 is performed. The sequence diagram explaining a mode. The block diagram which shows roughly the hardware constitutions of the system 1001 in other embodiment of this invention. The block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the external communication interface 1023 in other embodiment. The block diagram which shows the function of the system 1001 in other embodiment. The sequence diagram explaining the mode of the communication exchanged between the 1st communication apparatus 1010 and the 2nd communication apparatus 1020 when starting vehicles, such as an agricultural machine, in other embodiment.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate. In addition, the same referential mark is attached | subjected to the component which is common in drawing.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a hardware configuration of each device constituting a system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, a system 1 according to an embodiment includes a first communication device 10 attached to a vehicle such as an agricultural machine, and a first communication device 10 that is portable by an operator of the vehicle and can communicate with the first communication device 10. 2 communication devices 20 and a third communication device 30 communicable with the second communication device 20 and function as a system for collecting operation information of vehicles such as agricultural machines. As will be described in detail later, in the system 1 according to the embodiment, the operation information of the vehicle is acquired via the first communication device 10 using the second communication device 20 carried by the operator of the vehicle. The operation information of the vehicle acquired using the second communication device 20 is transmitted to the server device 60 that manages the operation information of the vehicle via the third communication device 30 installed in the home, the accommodation hotel or the like. . In one embodiment, the third communication device 30 corresponds to a predetermined communication device.

As shown in FIG. 1, the first communication device 10 in one embodiment includes an MPU 11 that controls the operation of the first communication device 10, a memory 12, and an external communication interface 13 that controls communication with the outside. It is comprised as a general communication module provided with. The MPU 11 is communicably connected via a signal line to a control unit 41 that controls the operation (engine or the like) of a vehicle such as an agricultural machine, and can exchange information such as various control signals with the control unit 41. It is like that. In one embodiment, the external communication interface 13 is implemented as hardware and software for realizing wireless communication and wired communication, such as Zigbee (registered trademark), WiFi (registered trademark), and Bluetooth (registered trademark). . The MPU 11 may be communicably connected to the vehicle control unit 41 via the external communication interface 13.

As shown in FIG. 1, the second communication device 20 in one embodiment includes an MPU 21 that controls the operation of the second communication device 20, a memory 22, and an external communication interface 23 that controls communication with the outside. And a pressing force sensor 24 that detects a pressing force from the outside on the second communication device 20. The second communication device 20 can also be formed integrally with a key member for starting and stopping a vehicle such as an agricultural machine. In one embodiment, the external communication interface 23 is implemented as hardware and software for realizing wireless communication and wired communication such as Zigbee, WiFi, Bluetooth, etc., and at least the external communication interface of the first communication device 10 described above. 13 and an interface of a communication method capable of communicating with an external communication interface 33 of a third communication device 30 to be described later.

As shown in FIG. 1, the third communication device 30 in one embodiment includes a CPU 31 that controls the operation of the third communication device 30, a memory 32, and an external communication interface 33 that controls communication with the outside. It is comprised as a general computer provided with. In one embodiment, the external communication interface 33 is implemented as hardware and software that realizes wireless communication and wired communication such as Zigbee, WiFi, and Bluetooth. The third communication terminal 30 can be connected to a communication network 50 such as the Internet via the external communication interface 33, and the server device 60 that manages the operation information of vehicles such as agricultural machines is connected to the third communication terminal 30 via the communication network 50. It can be accessed. The third communication device 30 can be realized using a general mobile phone, a smartphone, a personal computer, or the like.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating functions realized by the first communication device 10, the second communication device 20, and the third communication device 30 that constitute the system 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in the figure, the first communication device 10 determines whether or not the storage unit 102 that stores information and the start permission of a vehicle such as an agricultural machine to which the first communication device 10 is attached and transmits the determination result to the control unit 41. A start determination unit 104, an operation information acquisition unit 106 that acquires operation information of a vehicle such as an agricultural machine from the control unit 41, an operation information transmission unit 108 that transmits this operation information to the second communication device, an agricultural machine, etc. And a stop information transmitting unit 110 that transmits stop information indicating that the vehicle has stopped to the second communication device. The storage unit 102 stores first authentication information used for authentication of the second communication device 20 as illustrated. The first authentication information is registered in advance at the time of manufacture or shipment of the first communication device 10, and can be updated as necessary thereafter. These functions are realized when the MPU 11 and the memory 12 of the first communication device 10 operate in cooperation.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the second communication device 20 includes a storage unit 202 that stores information, a pressing force detection unit 204 that detects a pressing force from the outside using the pressing force sensor 24, and a second communication. The power control unit 206 that controls the power on / off of the device 20, the data acquisition mode (operation information reception mode) for receiving operation information from the first communication device 10, and the operation information for the third communication device 30. An operation mode control unit 208 that controls an operation mode including a data transfer mode (operation information transmission mode) for transmitting data, and first authentication information for transmitting the first authentication information described above to the first communication device 10 Transmission unit 210, operation information registration unit 212 that stores operation information received from first communication device 10 in storage unit 202, and second authentication information used for authentication of the second communication terminal are used in third communication. To device 30 Includes a second authentication information transmitting unit 214 for signal, and the operation information transmitting unit 216 that transmits the operation information to the third communication device 30. As shown in the figure, the storage unit 202 stores first authentication information, second authentication information, and operation information. Among these pieces of information, the first authentication information and the second authentication information are registered in advance at the time of manufacturing or shipping the second communication device 20, and then updated as necessary. You can also. As the operation information, information received from the first communication device 10 is registered as will be described later. These functions are realized by the MPU 21 and the memory 22 of the second communication device 20 operating in cooperation.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the third communication device 30 includes an operation information request unit 302 that requests the second communication device 20 to transmit operation information, and the second information received from the second communication device 20. A second authentication information transmission unit 304 that transmits authentication information to the server device 60 and an operation information transmission unit 306 that transmits operation information received from the second communication device 20 to the server device 60 are provided. These functions are realized by the CPU 31 and the memory 32 of the third communication device 30 operating in cooperation.

Next, the operation of the system 1 configured as one embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, operations of the first communication device 10 and the second communication device 20 when starting a vehicle such as an agricultural machine will be described. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating a state of communication exchanged between the first communication device 10 and the second communication device 20 when starting the vehicle. When starting a vehicle such as an agricultural machine, first, the power of the second communication device 20 is turned on by the second communication device 20 (power control unit 206) (step S100). In one embodiment, when the pressing force detection unit 204 (the pressing force sensor 24) detects a pressing force exceeding a predetermined threshold value from the outside with respect to the second communication device 20, the power control unit 206 supplies the power Is turned on. For example, when the key member of the vehicle and the second communication device 20 are integrally formed, when the vehicle operator tries to start the vehicle using the key member, it is added to the second communication device 20 in general. By setting a predetermined threshold value based on the actual pressing force, the power source of the second communication device 20 can be turned on in accordance with the operation of starting the vehicle by the operator. Here, the timing of turning on the power of the second communication device 20 is not limited to this, and may be turned on at other timings. For example, a button for turning on / off the power of the second communication device 20 may be provided in the second communication device 20, and the power may be turned on according to the operation of this button by the operator.

When the power supply of the second communication device 20 is turned on, the first authentication information is then transmitted to the first communication device 10 by the second communication device 20 (first authentication information transmission unit 210). (Step S102). As described above, the first authentication information is stored in the storage unit 202 of the second communication device 20, and the first authentication information is read and transmitted to the first communication device 10. The

Subsequently, the first authentication information received from the second communication device 20 and the first information stored in the storage unit 102 of the first communication device 10 by the first communication device 10 (start determination unit 104). When the received first authentication information matches the stored first authentication information, it is determined that the authentication is OK, and the two do not match. Is determined to be authentication NG (step S106). That is, the first authentication information stored in the storage unit 102 of the first communication device 10 matches the first authentication information stored in the storage unit 202 of the second communication device 20. In this case, it is determined that the authentication is OK. When it is determined as authentication NG, a predetermined abnormality process (for example, a process of generating a warning sound by the first communication device 10) is executed.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S106 that the authentication is OK, the first communication device 10 (start determination unit 104) transmits start permission information to the vehicle control unit 41 (step S108). The control unit 41 starts the vehicle (starts the engine) on the condition that the start permission information is received from the first communication device 10 as one of the necessary conditions.

When the start permission information is thus transmitted to the control unit 41, a communication connection is established between the first communication device 10 and the second communication device 20 (step S110), and the second communication device 20 (operation mode). The control unit 208) sets the operation mode of the second communication device 20 to “data acquisition mode” in which operation information is received from the first communication device 10 (step S112).

The operation of the first communication device 10 and the second communication device 20 when starting a vehicle such as an agricultural machine has been described above. Next, operations of the first communication device 10 and the second communication device 20 when the operation mode of the second communication device 20 is set to “data acquisition mode” will be described. As described above, the “data acquisition mode” is determined to be authentication OK by authentication using the first authentication information, and a communication connection is established between the first communication device 10 and the second communication device 20. When set, the operation mode of the second communication device 20 is set. FIG. 4 shows a state of communication exchanged between the first communication device 10 and the second communication device 20 when the operation mode of the second communication device 20 is set to “data acquisition mode”. FIG. When the operation mode of the second communication device 20 is set to “data acquisition mode”, first, the second communication device 20 requests operation information from the first communication device 10 (step S200). ). As will be described later, this request for operation information is repeatedly performed at predetermined time intervals.

Next, in the first communication device 10 that has received the request for operation information, the operation information acquisition unit 106 acquires operation information of a vehicle such as an agricultural machine from the control unit 41 (step S202), and the acquired operation information is the operation information. The data is transmitted to the second communication device 20 by the transmission unit 108 (step S204). The operation information of the vehicle is managed by the control unit 41 and the like, and includes, for example, information such as the remaining amount of fuel, travel distance, and operation time, but is not limited thereto. Here, the operation information acquired from the control unit 41 is temporarily stored in the storage unit 102 of the first communication device 10, and only the operation information changed from the operation information acquired last time is transmitted to the second communication device 20. You may do it. In this way, the amount of communication between the first communication device 10 and the second communication device 20 can be reduced, and as a result, the power consumption of the first communication device 10 and the second communication device 20 is reduced. can do. Regardless of whether or not there is a request for operation information from the second communication device 20, the first communication device 10 acquires operation information from the control unit 41 at an appropriate timing and stores it in the storage unit 102. The stored operation information may be transmitted in response to a request for operation information from the second communication device 20.

Subsequently, the operation information received from the first communication device 10 is registered by the second communication device 20 (operation information registration unit 212) (step S206). Specifically, in one embodiment, the operation information stored in the storage unit 202 is overwritten using the received operation information. Here, the operation information may be managed as a history without overwriting the operation information stored in the storage unit 202. In this case, the operation information may be stored in association with information such as the received time. When the operation information received in this way is registered, it waits for a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) to elapse (step S208), returns to step S200, and again from the second communication device 20 to the first communication device 10. The operation information is requested. Here, when waiting for a predetermined time to elapse in step S208, the second communication device 20 can be set to a state where the power consumption is low, such as a sleep state.

The operation of the first communication device 10 and the second communication device 20 when the operation mode of the second communication device 20 is set to “data acquisition mode” has been described above. Next, operations of the first communication device 10 and the second communication device 20 when the power of the second communication device 20 is turned off will be described. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram for explaining a state of communication exchanged between the first communication device 10 and the second communication device 20 when the power of the second communication device 20 is turned off. When the power of the second communication device 20 is turned off, first, when the first communication device 10 receives a signal indicating a stop of a vehicle (engine) such as an agricultural machine from the control unit 41, the first communication device 10 Stop information indicating stop of the vehicle (engine) is transmitted to the second communication device 20 by the (stop information transmitting unit 110) (step S300).

And in the 2nd communication apparatus 20 which received stop information, the power supply of the 2nd communication apparatus 20 is turned off by the power supply control part 206 (step S302). Here, the timing of turning off the power of the second communication device 20 is not limited to this, and may be turned off at other timings. For example, a button for turning on / off the power of the second communication device 20 may be provided in the second communication device 20 so that the power is turned off in response to the operation of the button by the operator. Further, after the communication connection between the first communication device 10 and the second communication device 20 is established, when the abnormality of the established communication connection is detected by the second communication device 20, the power supply of the second communication device 20 May be turned off.

The operation of the first communication device 10 and the second communication device 20 when the power of the second communication device 20 is turned off has been described above. Next, an operation when transmitting operation information from the second communication device 20 to the third communication device 30 will be described. FIG. 6 illustrates communication performed between the second communication device 20 and the third communication device 30 when operating information is transmitted from the second communication device 20 to the third communication device 30. It is a sequence diagram explaining a mode. When operating information is transmitted from the second communication device 20 to the third communication device 30, first, as shown in the figure, communication is performed between the second communication device 20 and the third communication device 30. A connection is established (step S400). In one embodiment, when the second communication device 20 and the third communication device 30 are capable of communication connection (for example, the external communication interface 23 of the second communication device 20 and the third communication device 30). The external communication interface 33 is connected by wire, or the external communication interface 23 and the external communication interface 33 are in a wirelessly connectable position). A communication connection is established between the second communication device 20 and the third communication device 30 detected by the communication device 30 and automatically or in response to an operation of the third communication device 30 by the operator. The Since the operation for establishing such a communication connection is a general operation for those skilled in the art, further detailed description is omitted.

When the communication connection is established between the second communication device 20 and the third communication device 30, in the second communication device 20, the operation mode of the second communication device is set to the third communication device by the operation mode control unit 208. The “data transfer mode” for transmitting the operation information to the communication device 30 is set (step S402).

Then, when a predetermined operation is performed on the third communication device 30 by the operator, a request for second authentication information is made from the third communication device 30 to the second communication device 20 (step S404). The second authentication information stored in the storage unit 202 is transmitted to the third communication device 30 by the second communication device 20 (second authentication information transmission unit 214) that has received this request. (Step S406).

In the third communication device 30 that has received the second authentication information, the operation information request unit 302 requests the second communication device 20 for operation information (step S408), and the second communication device 30 that has received this request receives the second information. The communication device 20 (operation information transmission unit 216) transmits the operation information stored in the storage unit 202 to the third communication device 30 (step S410). In this way, after receiving the second authentication information from the second communication terminal 20, in other words, the third communication device 30 receives the second authentication information from the second communication terminal 20. One of the necessary conditions is to request operation information from the second communication terminal 20.

Subsequently, the second authentication information and the operation information received from the second communication device are respectively transmitted to the server device 60 by the third communication terminal 30 (the second authentication information transmission unit 304 and the operation information transmission unit 306). (Step S412). The server device 60 authenticates the second communication terminal 20 using the received second authentication information and registers the received operation information in a database or the like.

According to the system 1 in the embodiment described above, the operation information of the vehicle is transmitted from the first communication device 10 attached to the vehicle such as an agricultural machine to the second communication device 20 that can be carried by the operator of the vehicle. And the operation information is registered in the second communication device 20. Therefore, even if the vehicle is used in an area that is not covered by a general wireless communication network, a simple mechanism is achieved by wired communication or wireless communication between the first communication device 10 and the second communication device 20. Vehicle operation information can be collected. In addition, the operation information registered in the second communication device 20 can be transmitted to the server device 60 via the third communication device 30 installed in a home, an accommodation hotel, or the like. Further, since the first authentication information stored in the first communication device 10 and the second communication device 20 is used to determine whether the vehicle is allowed to start, the first communication device 10 is attached. The vehicle can be prevented from being stolen, and the security for collecting operation information can be improved. Also, since the second authentication information stored in the second communication device 20 is transmitted to the server device 60, the server device 60 authenticates the second communication device 20 using the second authentication information. It can be carried out. As a result, it is possible to further improve security with respect to collection of operation information.

Further, according to the system 1 in the embodiment, when the “data acquisition mode” is set as the operation mode of the second communication device 20, the second communication device 20 changes the first communication device 10 to the first communication device 10. On the other hand, since the request for the operation information is repeatedly performed at a predetermined time interval, the second communication device is compared with the case where the second communication device always waits for transmission of the operation information from the first communication device 10. 20 power consumption can be reduced. Further, when the “data transfer mode” is set as the operation mode of the second communication device 20, the second communication device 20 waits for a request from the third communication device 30, so that the third communication A request from the device 30 can be quickly responded. In this way, when acquiring vehicle operation information in an area such as farmland, priority is given to reducing the power consumption of the second communication device 20, and the vehicle operation information is given to the server device 60 at home or at an accommodation hotel. When transmitting, priority can be given to quick processing.

In the system 1 according to the embodiment, the first authentication information stored in the storage unit 102 of the first communication device 10 and the first authentication information stored in the storage unit 202 of the second communication device 20 are used. If the information matches, it is determined that the authentication is OK, and if the information does not match, it is determined that the authentication is NG. However, the authentication is performed based on the first authentication information stored in the second communication device 20. For example, the first authentication information received from the second communication device 20 without storing the first authentication information in the first communication device 10 may be used as long as it is possible to determine whether the vehicle is permitted to start. Can be calculated according to a predetermined rule, and authentication can be performed based on the calculation result.

In the system 1 according to the embodiment, the first authentication information and the second authentication information are stored in the storage unit 202 of the second communication device 20, and the first communication device 10 and the third communication device 30, respectively. Although it is assumed that the first authentication information and the second authentication information are not necessarily provided separately, the same authentication information is sent to the first communication device and the third communication device. You may make it transmit to the communication apparatus 30 (server apparatus 60). That is, the authentication at the time of vehicle start permission / denial and the authentication at the server device 60 may be performed using the same authentication information.

In the system 1 according to the embodiment, when the “data acquisition mode” is set as the operation mode of the second communication device 20, the operation information is transmitted from the second communication device 20 to the first communication device 10. However, although the effect that the power consumption of the second communication device 20 can be reduced is somewhat inferior, the transmission of operation information from the first communication device 10 is performed. However, the second communication device may wait.

In the system 1 in one embodiment, the operation information of vehicles such as agricultural machines is collected. However, one embodiment of the present invention can be applied to a system that collects operation information of various machines other than vehicles. For example, the present invention can be applied to a system that collects operation information of a stationary machine tool or the like.

Next, a system 1001 according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram schematically showing the hardware configuration of each device constituting the system 1001 according to another embodiment. 1001 in other embodiment is the 1st communication apparatus 1010 attached to vehicles, such as an agricultural machine, and the 1st communication apparatus 1010 which can be carried by the operator of a vehicle and can communicate with the 1st communication apparatus 1010 so that it may show in figure. The second communication device 1020 and the third communication device 1030 capable of communicating with the second communication device 1020 function as a system that collects operation information of a vehicle such as an agricultural machine. The hardware configurations of the first communication device 1001 and the third communication device 1030 in other embodiments are the same as those of the first communication device 10 and the third communication device 30 in one embodiment, and thus the same configuration Elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 7, the second communication device 1020 in another embodiment includes an MPU 21 that controls the operation of the second communication device 1020, a memory 22, and an external communication interface 1023 that controls communication with the outside. It is comprised as a general communication module provided with. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the external communication interface 1023. As shown in the figure, the external communication interface 1023 includes a detection antenna 1024 that receives radio waves, a detection circuit 1025 that detects a start signal based on the radio waves received by the detection antenna 1024, a communication antenna 1026, and a communication And the communication antenna 1026 and the communication control circuit 1027 enable wireless communication with the external communication interface 13 of the first communication device 1010 and the external communication interface 33 of the third communication device 1030. It is configured as follows.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating functions realized by the first communication device 1010, the second communication device 1020, and the third communication device 1030 that constitute the system 1001 according to another embodiment. Since the function realized by the third communication device 1030 in the other embodiment is the same as that of the third communication device 30 in the embodiment, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the detailed description thereof is omitted. Description is omitted.

As shown in the figure, the first communication device 1010 in another embodiment is similar to the first communication device 10 in one embodiment, and includes a storage unit 102, a start determination unit 104, an operation information acquisition unit 106, An operation information transmission unit 108 and a stop information transmission unit 110 are provided, and an activation signal for activating the second communication device 1020 in response to a start operation of a vehicle such as an agricultural machine by the operator is provided in the second communication. An activation signal transmitter 1103 for transmitting to the device 1020 is provided. These functions are realized when the MPU 11 and the memory 12 of the first communication apparatus 1010 operate in cooperation.

As shown in the figure, the second communication device 1020 in another embodiment is similar to the second communication device 20 in one embodiment, and includes a storage unit 202, an operation mode control unit 208, and first authentication information. A transmission unit 210, an operation information registration unit 212, a second authentication information transmission unit 214, and an operation information transmission unit 216, and a pressing force detection unit 204 and a power source of the second communication device 20 in one embodiment. Instead of the control unit 206, a start signal detecting unit 1204 for detecting a start signal and a power control unit 1206 for controlling on / off of the power supply of the second communication device 1020 are provided. These functions are realized by the cooperation of the MPU 21 and the memory 22 of the second communication apparatus 1020.

Next, the operation of the system 1001 as another embodiment of the present invention thus configured will be described. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a state of communication exchanged between the first communication device 1010 and the second communication device 1020 when starting the vehicle. In another embodiment, when starting a vehicle such as an agricultural machine, first, a radio wave as an activation signal is transmitted from the first communication device 1010 to the second communication device 1020 (step S1000). The activation signal is transmitted in response to the start operation of the vehicle by the operator. For example, when a vehicle operator performs a vehicle start operation using a key member or the like, a control signal indicating that the vehicle start operation has been performed from the vehicle control unit 41 to the first communication device 1010 is generated. The first communication device 1010 transmits a start signal in response to reception of the control signal.

When the activation signal is detected by the second communication device 1020 (activation signal detection unit 1204) (step S1002), the second communication device 1020 (power supply control unit 1206) supplies power to the second communication device 1020. Turned on (step S1004). In another embodiment, the activation signal from the first communication device 1010 is transmitted a plurality of times, for example, as a radio wave of a predetermined power (for example, 10 mW or less), and this radio wave is detected by the second communication device 1020. When the detection antenna 1024 is received and detected by the detection circuit 1025 (for example, when the voltage output according to the radio wave received by the detection antenna 1024 exceeds a predetermined voltage), the power supply of the second communication device 1020 Is turned on. In addition, information indicating that the signal is from the first communication device 1010 is embedded in the activation signal from the first communication device 1010. Note that power obtained from the radio wave received by the detection antenna 1024 can be used as an auxiliary power source of the second communication device 1020.

When the power supply of the second communication device 1020 is turned on in this way, it is next determined whether or not the detected activation signal is a signal from the first communication device 1010 (step S1006). If it is determined that the signal is not from the device 1010, the operation is terminated as it is. The determination as to whether or not the detected activation signal is a signal from the first communication device 1010 is specifically a signal from the first communication device 1010 described above embedded in the activation signal. This can be done by determining the presence or absence of information indicating that.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the detected activation signal is a signal from the first communication device 1010, the first authentication information is transmitted to the first communication device 1010 by the second communication device 1020. (Step S102). Since the subsequent operation is the same as the operation of the system 1 in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, further detailed description is omitted.

Among the operations of the system 1001 in other embodiments, the operation when the operation mode of the second communication device 1020 is set to “data acquisition mode”, the operation when the power supply of the second communication device 1020 is turned off Since the operation when transmitting the operation information from the second communication device 1020 to the third communication device 1030 is the same as the operation of the system 1 in the embodiment, more detailed description will be given. Is omitted.

According to the system 1001 in the other embodiments described above, the power source of the second communication device 1020 is turned on in response to the activation signal from the first communication device 1010. There is no need to be aware of the operation of turning on the power of the communication device 1020. Further, for example, when the second communication device 1020 is formed integrally with a vehicle key member, a different second communication device 1020 is required for each vehicle (each key member), but in other embodiments. In the system 1001, it is not necessary to prepare a different second communication device 1020 for each vehicle (in the system 1 in one embodiment, the same is true when the second communication device 20 is not formed integrally with the key member. That can be said). As a result, a single second communication device 1020 can be used to collect operation information of a plurality of vehicles. In this case, information for identifying each vehicle as part of the operation information. Is preferably included.

Further, according to the system 1001 in the other embodiment, as in the system 1 in the above-described embodiment, the first communication device 1010 attached to the vehicle such as an agricultural machine can be portable by the operator of the vehicle. The operation information of the vehicle is transmitted to the second communication device 1020, and the operation information is registered in the second communication device 1020. Therefore, even if the vehicle is used in an area that is not covered by a general wireless communication network, a simple mechanism is achieved by wired communication or wireless communication between the first communication device 1010 and the second communication device 1020. Vehicle operation information can be collected. In addition, the operation information registered in the second communication device 1020 can be transmitted to the server device 60 via the third communication device 1030 installed in a home, an accommodation hotel, or the like. Further, since the first authentication information stored in the first communication device 1010 and the second communication device 1020 is used to determine whether the vehicle is allowed to start, the first communication device 1010 is attached. The vehicle can be prevented from being stolen, and the security for collecting operation information can be improved. In addition, since the second authentication information stored in the second communication device 1020 is transmitted to the server device 60, the server device 60 authenticates the second communication device 1020 using the second authentication information. It can be carried out. As a result, it is possible to further improve security with respect to collection of operation information.

Furthermore, according to the system 1001 in the other embodiment, as in the system 1 in the embodiment, when the “data acquisition mode” is set as the operation mode of the second communication device 1020, the second Since the communication device 1020 repeatedly requests operation information from the first communication device 1010 at predetermined time intervals, the second communication device always waits for transmission of operation information from the first communication device 1010. Compared to the case, the power consumption of the second communication device 1020 can be reduced. In addition, when “data transfer mode” is set as the operation mode of the second communication device 1020, the second communication device 1020 waits for a request from the third communication device 1030. A request from the device 1030 can be quickly responded. In this way, when acquiring vehicle operation information in an area such as farmland, priority is given to reducing power consumption of the second communication device 1020, and the vehicle operation information is given to the server device 60 at home or at an accommodation hotel. When transmitting, priority can be given to quick processing.

The processes and procedures described in this specification are realized by software, hardware, or any combination thereof other than those explicitly described in the embodiment. More specifically, the processes and procedures described in this specification are performed by mounting logic corresponding to the processes on a medium such as an integrated circuit, a volatile memory, a nonvolatile memory, a magnetic disk, or an optical storage. Realized. Further, the processes and procedures described in this specification can be implemented as a computer program and executed by various computers.

Even if the processes and procedures described herein are described as being performed by a single device, software, component, or module, such processes or procedures may be performed by multiple devices, multiple software, multiple Component and / or multiple modules. In addition, even though the data, tables, or databases described herein are described as being stored in a single memory, such data, tables, or databases are provided on a single device. Alternatively, the data can be distributed and stored in a plurality of memories or a plurality of memories arranged in a plurality of devices. Further, the software and hardware elements described herein may be implemented by integrating them into fewer components or by decomposing them into more components.

In the present specification, when the constituent elements of the invention are described as one or a plurality, or when they are described without being limited to one or a plurality of cases, they should be understood separately in context. The component may be either singular or plural.

Claims

A system for collecting operation information of a predetermined machine,
A first communication device that is communicable with a control unit that controls the operation of the predetermined machine and is attached to the predetermined machine;
A second communication device that is portable by an operator of the predetermined machine and capable of communicating with the first communication device;
The first communication device is:
Start determination means for determining whether the predetermined machine is permitted to start based on the first authentication information received from the second communication device, and transmitting the determination result to the control unit;
Operation information acquisition means for acquiring the operation information of the predetermined machine from the control unit;
Operation information transmitting means for transmitting the acquired operation information to the second communication device,
The second communication device is:
Storage means for storing at least the first authentication information;
First authentication information transmitting means for transmitting the first authentication information to the first communication device;
Operation information registration means for storing the operation information received from the first communication device in the storage means;
Operating information transmitting means for transmitting the operating information to a predetermined communication device different from the first communication device,
system.
The system according to claim 1, wherein the second communication device is formed integrally with a key member for starting / stopping the predetermined machine.
2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the second communication device includes power control means for controlling power on / off of the second communication device.
The system according to claim 3, wherein
The second communication device includes a pressing force detecting means for detecting a pressing force from the outside,
The power control means of the second communication device is means for turning on the power when a pressing force equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold is detected by the pressing force detection means.
system.
The system according to claim 3, wherein
The first communication device includes stop information transmission means for transmitting stop information indicating that the predetermined machine has stopped to the second communication device,
The power control means of the second communication device is means for turning off the power when the stop information is received from the first communication device.
system.
The second communication device receives an operation information reception mode from the first communication device by the operation information receiving unit, and transmits the operation information to the predetermined communication device by the operation information transmission unit. The system according to claim 1, further comprising an operation mode control means for controlling an operation mode including an operation information transmission mode.
The system according to claim 6, wherein the operation information reception mode of the second communication device is an operation mode that requests the first communication device to transmit the operation information at a predetermined time interval.
The system according to claim 6, wherein the operation information transmission mode of the second communication device is an operation mode waiting for a request for transmission of the operation information from the predetermined communication device.
The operation mode control means of the second communication device sets the operation mode to the operation information reception mode when establishing a communication connection with the first communication device, and establishes a communication connection with the predetermined communication device. The system according to claim 6, which is a means for setting the operation mode to the operation information transmission mode when established.
The system of claim 1, comprising:
The first communication device includes storage means for storing at least the first authentication information,
The start determination unit of the first communication device collates the first authentication information received from the second communication device with the first authentication information stored in the storage unit. Means for determining whether or not to start a predetermined machine;
system.
The system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined machine is a vehicle including an agricultural machine.
The system of claim 1, comprising:
A third communication device capable of communicating with the second communication device;
The storage means of the second communication device is means for storing second authentication information,
The operation information transmitting means of the second communication device is means for transmitting the operation information to the third communication device as the predetermined communication device,
The second communication device includes second authentication information transmission means for transmitting the second authentication information to the third communication device,
The third communication device is:
Second authentication information transmitting means for transmitting the second authentication information received from the second communication device to a server device that manages the operation information;
An operation information transmitting unit configured to transmit the operation information received from the second communication device to the server device.
13. The system according to claim 12, wherein
The operation information transmitting means of the second communication device is means for transmitting the operation information to the third communication device in response to a request from the third communication device,
The third communication device transmits the operation information to the second communication device on the condition that the second authentication information is received from the second communication device as one of the necessary conditions. Provide operating information requesting means to request,
system.
The system according to claim 3, wherein
The first communication device transmits an activation signal for activating the second communication device to the second communication device in response to an operation of starting the predetermined machine by the operator. With means,
The second communication device includes activation signal detection means for detecting the activation signal,
The power control means of the second communication device is means for turning on the power in response to detection of the activation signal by the detection means.
system.
A first communication device that is communicable with a control unit that controls operation of a predetermined machine and is attached to the predetermined machine; Using a second communication device capable of communicating with the device, and collecting operation information of the predetermined machine,
Storing at least first authentication information by the second communication device;
Transmitting the first authentication information to the first communication device by the second communication device;
Determining whether the predetermined machine is permitted to start based on the first authentication information received from the second communication device by the first communication device, and transmitting the determination result to the control unit;
Obtaining the operation information of the predetermined machine from the control unit by the first communication device;
Transmitting the acquired operation information to the second communication device by the first communication device;
Storing the operation information received from the first communication device by the second communication device;
Transmitting the operation information to a predetermined communication device different from the first communication device by the second communication device;
A method comprising:
Used in a system for collecting operation information of a predetermined machine, portable by an operator of the predetermined machine, and capable of communicating with a control unit that controls the operation of the predetermined machine. A second communication device capable of communicating with the attached first communication device and third communication device;
Storage means for storing information;
Operation information registration means for storing the operation information received from the first communication device in the storage means;
Operating information transmitting means for transmitting the operating information to the third communication device;
An operation information receiving mode in which the operation information receiving unit receives the operation information from the first communication device, and an operation information transmission mode in which the operation information transmitting unit transmits the operation information to the third communication device. An operation mode control means for controlling an operation mode including:
A second communication device comprising:
The second communication device according to claim 16, wherein the operation information reception mode is an operation mode for requesting the first communication device to transmit the operation information at a predetermined time interval.
The second communication device according to claim 16, wherein the operation information transmission mode is an operation mode for waiting for a request for transmission of the operation information from the third communication device.