Work machine management method, work machine management system, and work machine management program

Abstract

To provide a work machine management method, a work machine management system, and a work machine management program that can identify the operating state of a work machine in an easy-to-understand manner.SOLUTION: A work machine management method includes the steps of: preparing work plan information (323, 523) that represents a work plan, and that includes target work area information representing target work areas (91, 92) in a farm field (9) where work carried out by using a work machine (2) is planned; determining whether the latest position of the work machine (2) is within the target work areas (91, 92) on the basis of machine information including at least position information representing the latest position of the work machine (2) and the work plan information (323, 523) (S3); and outputting diagram information representing a diagram for displaying whether the latest position of the work machine (2) is within the target work areas (91, 92) in an identifiable manner (S5).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a work machine management method, a work machine management system, and a work machine management program, and can be suitably used, for example, in a work machine management method, a work machine management system, and a work machine management program for machines that perform agricultural work. [Background technology]

[0002] There are cases where multiple work machines perform agricultural work in multiple fields according to a work plan. In such cases, there is a demand for a means of remotely managing each work machine. In particular, there is a demand for a means of managing the work machines so that the manager, worker, and work assistant can easily grasp the operating status of each.

[0003] In relation to the above, Patent Document 1 (JP Patent Publication 2014-38437 A) discloses a ground work management system. This ground work management system acquires positioning information and machine IDs from multiple ground work machines performing agricultural work and the like, and displays the positions and machine IDs of each ground work machine on a remote display as shown on a map. In this way, it becomes possible to remotely grasp the positions of each ground work machine. However, with the ground work management system according to Patent Document 1, although it is possible to grasp the positions of multiple ground work machines on a map, it is difficult to instantly grasp whether each ground work machine is in a field or on a road near the field. In addition, with the ground work management system according to Patent Document 1, it is also difficult to instantly grasp whether a ground work machine in a field is working or not working. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-38437 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In view of the above, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a work machine management method, a work machine management system, and a work machine management program that can easily identify the operating status of a work machine. Other objects and novel features will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The means for solving the problems will be explained below using the numbers used in the (Mode for carrying out the invention). These numbers are added to clarify the correspondence between the description in the (Claims) and the (Mode for carrying out the invention). However, these numbers should not be used to interpret the technical scope of the invention described in the (Claims).

[0007] According to one embodiment, the work machine management method includes the steps of: a storage device (32, 52) preparing work plan information (323, 523) representing a work plan and including at least target work area information representing a target work area (91, 92) in a field (9) where work is planned to be performed by a work machine (2); a determination unit (312, 512) determining whether or not the work machine (2) is within the target work area (91, 92) based on machine information including at least position information representing the latest position of the work machine (2) and the work plan information (323, 523) (S3); and an output unit (313, 513) outputting graphic information representing graphics (7A-7F) for identifiably displaying whether or not the latest position of the work machine (2) is within the target work area (91, 92) (S5).

[0008] According to one embodiment, the work machine management system (1) includes a storage device (32, 52), a determination unit (312, 512), and an output unit (313, 513). The storage device (32, 52) prepares work plan information (323, 523) that represents a work plan and includes at least target work area information that represents a target work area (91, 92) in the field (9) where work is planned to be performed by the work machine (2). The determination unit (312, 512) determines whether or not the work machine (2) is within the target work area (91, 92) based on the work plan information (323, 523) and machine information that includes at least position information that represents the latest position of the work machine (2). The output unit (313, 513) outputs graphic information that represents graphics (7A-7F) for identifiably displaying whether or not the latest position of the work machine (2) is within the target work area (91, 92).

[0009] According to one embodiment, the work machine management program is executed by the calculation device (31, 51) to realize a predetermined process. This process includes preparing work plan information (323, 523) that represents a work plan and includes at least target work area information that represents a target work area (91, 92) in the field (9) where work is planned to be performed by the work machine (2), determining (S3) whether or not the work machine (2) is within the target work area (91, 92) based on machine information that includes at least position information that represents the latest position of the work machine (2) and the work plan information (532), and outputting (S5) graphic information that represents graphics (7A-7F) for identifiably displaying whether or not the latest position of the work machine (2) is within the target work area (91, 92). Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to one embodiment, the work machine management system can assist a user in identifying the operating status of a work machine. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a work machine management system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block circuit diagram showing an example of a configuration of the in-vehicle terminal according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block circuit diagram showing an example of a configuration of a terminal according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block circuit diagram showing an example of a configuration of a server according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a configuration of a work machine management method according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a table showing example graphs according to one embodiment. [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A is a table showing example graphical parts according to one embodiment. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a table showing example graphical parts according to one embodiment. [Figure 7C] FIG. 7C is a table showing example graphical parts according to one embodiment. [Figure 8A] FIG. 8A is a diagram showing an example of a display according to one embodiment. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is a diagram showing an example of a display according to one embodiment. [Figure 8C] FIG. 8C is a diagram showing an example of a display according to one embodiment. [Figure 9A] FIG. 9A is a diagram showing an example of a display according to one embodiment. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is a diagram showing an example of a display according to one embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a table showing an example display according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment for carrying out a work machine management method, a work machine management system, and a work machine management program according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0013] (First embodiment) As shown in FIG. 1, a work machine management system 1 according to one embodiment includes an on-vehicle terminal 20 mounted on a work machine 2, a terminal 3, and a server 5. The work machine 2 is a vehicle that performs agricultural work in a field 9, such as a harvester, a tractor equipped with a work machine, or a transplanter. The on-vehicle terminal 20 can be connected to a network 4, for example, by wireless communication using an antenna 232. The terminal 3 can be connected to the network 4, for example, by wired or wireless communication. The terminal 3 can acquire various pieces of information substantially in real time from the on-vehicle terminal 20 performing work in the field 9, via the network 4. The terminal 3 is, for example, a tablet-type information terminal having a wireless communication function.

[0014] The server 5 and the terminal 3 may have overlapping configurations for implementing some functions. Below, a case where the terminal 3 and the server 5 have overlapping similar configurations will be described, but the overlapping configurations can be omitted from the terminal 3 or the server 5.

[0015] 2, the vehicle-mounted terminal 20 according to an embodiment may have a configuration as a so-called computer. The vehicle-mounted terminal 20 includes a bus 200, a calculation device 210, a storage device 220, and an input / output device 230. The calculation device 210, the storage device 220, and the input / output device 230 are connected to each other via the bus 200 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0016] The arithmetic device 210 virtually includes a transmission unit 211. The transmission unit 211 is a functional block that realizes a predetermined function by the arithmetic device 210 executing a transmission program 222. The transmission program 222 is stored in the storage device 220. The transmission program 222 may be read out from the recording medium 221 and stored in the storage device 220, or may be obtained from the outside via the input / output device 230 and stored in the storage device 220.

[0017] The input / output device 230 includes a communication device 231, a positioning device 233, an output device 234, an input device 235, and a detection device 236. The communication device 231 can be connected to the network 4 via an antenna 232, and can communicate with the terminal 3 and / or the server 5 via the network 4. The antenna 232 may be a part of the vehicle-mounted terminal 20, or may be a part of a device other than the vehicle-mounted terminal 20, for example, a work machine 2. The positioning device 233 acquires position information indicating its own position by using a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). The position information acquired by the positioning device 233 indicates the position of the vehicle-mounted terminal 20, and therefore indicates the position of the work machine 2 on which the vehicle-mounted terminal 20 is mounted. The output device 234 includes, for example, a display device or a lamp, and may output any information indicating the state of the vehicle-mounted terminal 20. The input device 235 includes, for example, a switch or a button, and may be used by a user to operate the vehicle-mounted terminal 20. The sensing device 236 receives a work machine status signal from the work machine 2 representative of the status of the work machine 2 .

[0018] 3, the terminal 3 according to an embodiment may have a configuration as a so-called computer. The terminal 3 includes a bus 30, a calculation device 31, a storage device 32, and an input / output device 33. The calculation device 31, the storage device 32, and the input / output device 33 are connected to each other via the bus 30 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0019] The calculation device 31 virtually includes an information acquisition unit 311, a determination unit 312, and an output unit 313. Each of the information acquisition unit 311, the determination unit 312, and the output unit 313 is a functional block that realizes a predetermined function by the calculation device 31 executing a work machine management program 321. The functions of these functional blocks will be described later.

[0020] The storage device 32 stores a work machine management program 321, map information 322, and work plan information 323. The map information 322 includes, for example, information representing the position and range of the field 9. The work plan information 323 includes information representing a work plan to be performed by the work machine 2 in the field 9. The work machine management program 321, map information 322, and work plan information 323 may be read from the recording medium 320 and stored in the storage device 32, or may be obtained from the outside via the input / output device 33 and stored in the storage device 32.

[0021] The input / output device 33 includes a communication device 331, a display device 332, and an input device 333. The communication device 331 can be connected to the network 4 via wired communication and / or wireless communication, and can communicate with the in-vehicle terminal 20 and / or the server 5 via the network 4. The display device 332 visibly displays the result determined by the determination unit 312 of the arithmetic device 31. The input device 333 includes, for example, a touch pad or a button, and may be used by a user to operate the terminal 3. The display device 332 and the input device 333 may be implemented in the terminal 3 as an integrated touch panel.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 4, the server 5 according to an embodiment has the same components as the terminal 3 shown in Fig. 3. The server 5 according to an embodiment may have a configuration as a so-called computer. The server 5 has a bus 50, a calculation device 51, a storage device 52, and an input / output device 53. The calculation device 51, the storage device 52, and the input / output device 53 are connected to each other via the bus 50 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0023] The arithmetic device 51 virtually includes an information acquisition unit 511, a determination unit 512, and an output unit 513. Each of the information acquisition unit 511, the determination unit 512, and the output unit 513 is a functional block that realizes a predetermined function by the arithmetic device 51 executing a work machine management program 521.

[0024] The storage device 52 stores a work machine management program 521, map information 522, and work plan information 523. The map information 522 represents at least the position and range of the field 9. The work plan information 523 represents at least the contents of a work plan that predetermines which work machine 2 will perform work in which field 9. The work machine management program 521, map information 522, and work plan information 523 may be read from the recording medium 520 and stored in the storage device 52, or may be obtained from the outside via the input / output device 53 and stored in the storage device 52.

[0025] The input / output device 53 includes a communication device 531, a display device 532, and an input device 533. The communication device 531 can be connected to the network 4 via wired communication and / or wireless communication, and can communicate with the in-vehicle terminal 20 and / or the terminal 3 via the network 4. The display device 532 visibly displays and outputs the result determined by the determination unit 512 of the arithmetic device 51. The input device 533 includes, for example, a keyboard and a mouse, and may be used by the user to operate the server 5. The display device 532 and the input device 533 may be implemented in the server 5 as an integrated touch panel.

[0026] The configuration of a construction machine management method according to one embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 5. Here, one configuration example of a construction machine management method according to one embodiment is also one example of the operation of a construction machine management system 1 according to one embodiment. The flowchart of Fig. 5 also shows one configuration example of a construction machine management program 321 according to one embodiment.

[0027] The flowchart in Fig. 5 starts, for example, when a user operates the server 5 to start up the work machine management program 521. When the flowchart in Fig. 5 starts, step S1 is executed.

[0028] In step S1, the arithmetic device 51 of the server 5 executes the work machine management program 521 to realize the function of the information acquisition unit 511. The information acquisition unit 511 acquires machine information from the on-board terminal 20 of the work machine 2 via the network 4 or the like. The information acquisition unit 511 may acquire respective machine information from a plurality of on-board terminals 20 mounted on a plurality of work machines 2, respectively.

[0029] Here, the vehicle-mounted terminal 20 may continue to transmit the machine information regardless of whether the server 5 is ready to receive the machine information or not.

[0030] The machine information includes at least position information indicating the latest position of the work machine 2. The latest position of the work machine 2 is the position indicated by positioning information obtained by last measuring the position of the vehicle-mounted terminal 20. The arithmetic device 210 of the vehicle-mounted terminal 20 executes the transmission program 222 to realize the function of the transmission unit 211. The transmission unit 211 controls the positioning device 233 to obtain positioning information, and stores the positioning information in the storage device 220 in association with positioning time information indicating the time at which the positioning information was obtained. The transmission unit 211 repeats obtaining the positioning information at each of a plurality of times. As an example, the transmission unit 211 may obtain the positioning information periodically. As another example, the transmission unit 211 may obtain the positioning information every minute.

[0031] The on-board terminal 20 starts up in conjunction with the user starting up the work machine 2. When the on-board terminal 20 starts up, the arithmetic device 210 automatically executes the transmission program 222. When the transmission program 222 is executed, the transmission unit 211 automatically starts acquiring positioning information. The transmission unit 211 generates machine information including at least the positioning information, and controls the communication device 231 to transmit the machine information to the server 5.

[0032] The information acquisition unit 511 of the server 5 stores the acquired machine information in the storage device 52. In addition to the position information, the machine information may further include operating status information that indicates the operating status of the work machine 2. The operating status information will be described in detail later.

[0033] After step S1, step S2 is executed. In step S2, the calculation device 51 of the server 5 executes the work machine management program 521 to realize the function of the determination unit 512. The determination unit 512 determines whether or not the latest position of the work machine 2 is within the field 9. To make this determination, the determination unit 512, on the one hand, refers to the machine information to read out the latest position of the work machine 2, and on the other hand, refers to the map information 522 to read out the field information indicating the position and range of the field 9. If the latest position of the work machine 2 is included in the range of the field 9, the determination unit 512 determines that the work machine 2 is within the field 9, and otherwise determines that the work machine 2 is outside the field 9. The determination unit 512 stores first determination information indicating the result of this determination in the storage device 52.

[0034] When the determination unit 512 determines that the latest position of the work machine 2 is within the field 9, it further determines whether or not the work machine 2 was planned to work in this field 9. The contents of a work plan that has been planned in advance as to which field 9 the work machine 2 will work in are included in the work plan information 523. Here, the work plan information 523 includes target work area information that indicates a target work area of ​​the field 9 in which work by the work machine 2 is planned. The determination unit 512 determines whether or not the field 9 in which the work machine 2 is located is a target work area in which work by the work machine 2 was planned, by referring to the work plan information 523. In other words, the work plan information 523 includes target work area information that indicates the target work area. The determination unit 512 further stores second determination information that indicates the result of this determination in the storage device 52.

[0035] After step S2, step S3 is executed. In step S3, the calculation device 51 of the server 5 executes the work machine management program 521 to further realize another function of the determination unit 512. The determination unit 512 further determines the operating status of the work machine 2. To make this determination, the determination unit 512 refers to the machine information on the one hand, and reads out operating status information indicating the operating status of the work machine 2.

[0036] The operating status information will now be described. In one embodiment, the operating status of the work machine 2 is divided into a resting state, a non-working state, and a working state. A state in which the work machine 2 is keyed off is called a resting state. A state in which the work machine 2 is keyed on and not performing work is called a non-working state. A state in which the work machine 2 is keyed on and a part of the work machine 2 that performs agricultural work is performing work is called a working state.

[0037] A method in which the transmission unit 211 of the on-board terminal 20 transmits the operating status of the work machine 2 will be described. The transmission unit 211 receives a work machine status signal indicating the status of the work machine 2 via the detection device 236. The work machine status signal includes, for example, a signal indicating that the work machine 2 is in a key-on state, a signal indicating the travelling speed of the work machine 2, and a signal indicating whether or not power is being transmitted to a part provided on the work machine 2 that performs agricultural work. However, if the power supply of the on-board terminal 20 is also turned off in conjunction with the work machine 2 being in a resting state, the on-board terminal 20 may also stop its function of identifying that the work machine 2 is in a resting state. In this case, the transmission unit 211 does not need to receive a signal indicating that the work machine 2 is in a key-off state as part of the work machine status signal.

[0038] The transmitter 21 generates machine information including at least the positioning information and the operating status information, and transmits the machine information to the information acquisition unit 511 of the server 5. The transmitter 21 may store the generated machine information in the storage device 22 before transmitting the machine information to the information acquisition unit 511.

[0039] The information acquisition unit 511 of the server 5 receives machine information including at least location information and operating status information, and stores it in the storage device 52. The determination unit 512 of the server 5 reads out the operating status information from the machine information stored in the storage device 52, and determines whether the working machine 2 was in an idle state, a non-working state, or a working state at the time indicated by the time information associated with this operating status information. The determination unit 512 further stores third determination information indicating the result of the determination in the storage device 52.

[0040] The determination unit 512 of the server 5 controls the communication device 531 to transmit the first determination information, the second determination information, and the third determination information to the terminal 3.

[0041] After step S3, step S4 is executed. In step S4, the arithmetic unit 31 of the terminal 3 realizes the function of the output unit 313 by executing the machine tool management program 321. First, the output unit 313 receives the first determination information, the second determination information, and the third determination information from the server 5 via the communication device 331 and stores them in the storage device 32. Next, the output unit 313 determines an image (and / or graphic) for representing the operating status of the machine tool 2, etc. More specifically, the output unit 313 first generates graphic information representing a graphic for discriminatively displaying whether the latest position of the machine tool 2 is within the field 9 based on the result determined by the determination unit 512 of the server 5 in step S2. The output unit 313 further reads the map information 322 from the storage device 32 and generates map image information representing a map image for displaying the map of the area around the machine tool 2 and / or the field 9. Next, the output unit 313 generates composite image information representing a composite image obtained by overlapping the above-mentioned graphic on the above-mentioned map image. Here, the output unit 313 generates the composite image information so that in the composite image, the graphic is arranged on the map and at a position corresponding to the latest position of the machine tool 2. The output unit 313 further generates the composite image information so that the position and range of the field 9 are displayed on the map in the composite image.

[0042] The generation of the graphic information will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, in one embodiment, the graphics 7A to 7F have different forms according to the state of the machine tool 2 so that the state of the machine tool 2 can be easily identified. The state of the machine tool 2 is classified into a total of six types, which are a combination of two types representing whether it is within the target work area or outside the target work area and three types representing whether it is in a rest state, a non-working state, or a working state. The graphics 7A to 7F shown in FIG. 6 are respectively associated with these six types of states. When not distinguishing the graphics 7A to 7F, these are collectively referred to as the graphic 7.

[0043] The components of the figures 7A to 7F according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 7A, 7B, and 7C. Fig. 7A shows three types of frame portions 71A, 71B, and 71C and three types of arrow portions 72A, 72B, and 72C as an example. Fig. 7B shows two types of background portions 73A and 73B as an example. Fig. 7C shows four types of pictograms 74A, 74B, 74C, and 74D as an example. When the frame portions 71A, 71B, and 71C are not differentiated from each other, they are collectively referred to simply as the frame portion 71. When the arrow portions 72A, 72B, and 72C are not differentiated from each other, they are collectively referred to simply as the arrow portion 72. When the background portions 73A and 73B are not differentiated from each other, they are collectively referred to simply as the background portion 73. When the pictograms 74A, 74B, 74C, and 74D are not differentiated from each other, they are collectively referred to simply as the pictogram 74.

[0044] The figure 7 is formed by overlapping the frame portion 71, the arrow portion 72, the background portion 73, and the pictogram 74 one by one. More specifically, the figure 7 is formed by overlapping any one of the frame portions 71 and any one of the arrow portions 72 on any one of the background portions 73, and further overlapping any one of the pictograms 74 on top of the frame portions 71 and any one of the arrow portions 72. In other words, the frame portion 71, the arrow portion 72, the background portion 73, and the pictogram 74 are included in the components of the figure 7.

[0045] In one embodiment, frame 71A and arrow 72A are used to indicate that work machine 2 is in an idle state. Frames 71B, 71C and arrows 72B, 72C are used to indicate that work machine 2 is not in an idle state. In other words, frames 71B, 71C and arrows 72B, 72C are used to indicate that work machine 2 is in a non-working state or a working state.

[0046] In one embodiment, frame 71B and arrow 72B are used to indicate that work machine 2 is not at rest and is within the target working area, while frame 71C and arrow 72C are used to indicate that work machine 2 is not at rest and is outside the target working area.

[0047] Here, the target work area is the field 9 in which the work machine 2 is planned to work. Therefore, it is preferable to display the frame 71C and the arrow 72C in a color that calls for caution, such as red, to warn the user that the work machine 2 is in a field 9 in which work is not planned to be performed and is not in a dormant state. Conversely, it is preferable to display the frame 71B and the arrow 72B in a color that evokes safety, such as green, to indicate to the user that the work machine 2 is working in the field 9 as planned or that the work has been suspended. It is preferable to display the frame 71A and the arrow 72A in a color that is difficult to notice, such as gray, that is different from both the frame 71B and the arrow 72B and the frame 71C and the arrow 72C, to indicate that the work machine 2 is in a dormant state.

[0048] In other words, frame 71A and arrow 72A, frame 71B and arrow 72B, and frame 71C and arrow 72C are displayed in three easily identifiable forms. For the purpose of explaining this, in Fig. 7A, frame 71A and arrow 72A are shown in white, frame 71B and arrow 72B are shown with relatively light hatching, and frame 71C and arrow 72C are shown with medium-thickness hatching.

[0049] In one embodiment, the background portion 73A is used to indicate that the work machine 2 is in a resting state or a non-working state. Conversely, the background portion 73B is used to indicate that the work machine 2 is in a working state. The combination of the background portion 73 and the frame portion 71 that the user most wants to pay attention to may be a combination that indicates that the work machine 2 is in a working state in a farm field 9 outside the target work area. In other words, as soon as such a combination is discovered, the user may contact the operator operating the work machine 2 and instruct him to stop working. Therefore, it is preferable that the background portion 73B is displayed more conspicuously when combined with the frame portion 71C than the background portion 73A. For the purpose of explaining this, in FIG. 7B, the background portion 73A is shown in white, the upper half of the background portion 73B is shown in white, and the lower half is shown in relatively dark hatching.

[0050] In one embodiment, the pictogram 74 indicates the type of the work machine 2. As illustrated in Fig. 7C, a pictogram 74A indicating a harvester, a pictogram 74B indicating a tractor to which a work machine can be attached, a pictogram 74C indicating a transplanter, and a pictogram 74D indicating a truck each represent the corresponding work machine 2 in a schematic manner so as to easily identify the work machine 2. Type information indicating the type of the work machine 2 may be included in the machine information transmitted by the on-board terminal 20 mounted on the work machine 2. In addition, type information indicating the type of the work machine 2 may be stored in advance in the storage device 52 of the server 5 in association with the terminal identification ID of the on-board terminal 20 mounted on the work machine 2, and the type of the work machine 2 may be identified based on the terminal identification ID transmitted by the on-board terminal 20.

[0051] Based on the above description, the configurations of the figures 7A to 7F shown in FIG. 6 will be described again. The figure 7A is formed by overlapping a frame portion 71A and an arrow portion 72A representing a pause state, a background portion 73A representing a pause state, and a pictogram 74A representing the harvester. The figure 7B is formed by overlapping a frame portion 71B and an arrow portion 72B representing a state within the target work area, a background portion 73A representing a non-working state, and a pictogram 74A representing the harvester. The figure 7C is formed by overlapping a frame portion 71B and an arrow portion 72B representing a state within the target work area, a background portion 73B representing a working state, and a pictogram 74A representing the harvester. The figure 7D is formed by overlapping a frame portion 71A and an arrow portion 72A representing a pause state, a background portion 73A representing a pause state, and a pictogram 74A representing the harvester. Graphic 7E is formed by superimposing frame 71C and arrow 72C, which indicate that the target work area is outside, background 73A, which indicates that the work is not in progress, and pictogram 74A, which indicates the harvester. Graphic 7F is formed by superimposing frame 71C and arrow 72C, which indicate that the target work area is outside, background 73B, which indicates that the work is in progress, and pictogram 74A, which indicates the harvester.

[0052] By forming the graphic 7 in this manner, the user can easily identify whether the work machine 2 corresponding to the graphic 7 is in an idle state, a non-working state, or a working state, can easily identify whether this work machine 2 is within the target work area, and can easily identify the type of this work machine 2.

[0053] The output unit 313 may store in the storage device 32 graphic information representing the graphic 7 formed corresponding to the work machine 2 .

[0054] When generating the composite image information, the output unit 313 uses the bottom end of the arrow portion 72 constituting the graphic 7 as a reference point and places the graphic 7 on the map image so that this reference point represents the latest position of the work machine 2 on the map image. The output unit 313 may store the generated composite image information in the storage device 32.

[0055] After step S4 shown in Fig. 5, step S5 is executed. In step S5, the calculation device 31 of the terminal 3 executes the work machine management program 321 to further realize another function of the output unit 313. The output unit 313 displays an image. More specifically, the output unit 313 controls the display device 332 to display the composite image generated in step S4. In other words, the output unit 313 arranges and displays the position and range of the field 9 on a map of the area including the field 9, and further arranges and displays a figure 7 at a position corresponding to the latest position of the work machine 2.

[0056] In the case of FIG. 8A, as an example of a composite image displayed on the display device 332, a graphic 7B indicates that a first work machine 2 that is not working is in a target work area 9A where work by the first work machine 2 is planned. Here, the outline of a road is indicated by a thin line, and the outline of a farm field, etc. is indicated by a thicker line. Also, a graphic 7E indicates that a second work machine 2 that is not working is in an area 9B that is not a farm field. A character string "NG" may be additionally displayed next to the graphic 7E as a warning indication indicating that there may be an abnormality in the operating status of the second work machine 2 corresponding to the graphic 7E. By looking at the graphic 7E, a user can easily identify the possibility that an abnormality has occurred, and can promptly contact a worker who is scheduled to work with the second work machine 2 corresponding to the graphic 7E to confirm.

[0057] As another example of a composite image displayed on the display device 332, in the case of FIG. 8B, a graphic 7B indicates that a first work machine 2 not in a working state is in a target work area 9A where work by the first work machine 2 is planned. Here, the outline of the road is indicated by a thin line, the target work area 9A is indicated by a thick line, and other fields such as a farm field 9C are indicated by lines of medium thickness. Also, a graphic 7E indicates that a second work machine 2 not in a working state is in a farm field 9C that is not a target work area. A character string "NG" may be additionally displayed next to the graphic 7E as a warning indication indicating that there may be an abnormality in the state of the second work machine 2 corresponding to the graphic 7E. By looking at the graphic 7E, a user can easily identify the possibility that an abnormality has occurred, and can promptly contact a worker who is scheduled to work with the work machine 2 corresponding to the graphic 7E to confirm.

[0058] As yet another example of a composite image displayed on the display device 332, in the case of FIG. 8C, a graphic 7C indicates that a first work machine 2 in a working state is in a target work area 9A where work by the first work machine 2 is planned, and is working. Here, the outline of the road is indicated by a thin line, the target work area 9A is indicated by a thick line, and other areas such as a farm field 9C are indicated by a solid line of medium thickness. Also, a graphic 7F indicates that a second work machine 2 is in a target work area 9C where work by the second work machine 2 is not planned, and is working. A character string "NG" may be additionally displayed next to the graphic 7F as a warning indication indicating that there may be an abnormality in the state of the second work machine 2 corresponding to the graphic 7F. By looking at the graphic 7F, a user can easily identify the possibility of an abnormality, and can promptly contact a worker who is scheduled to work with the work machine 2 corresponding to the graphic 7F for confirmation.

[0059] As shown in the examples of Figures 8A, 8B and 8C, according to one embodiment, even if a work machine 2 that is not in a dormant state is in an area that is not a field 9, is in a field 9 that is not a target work area, or is in a target work area where work by that work machine 2 is not planned, the user can easily identify the possibility that an abnormality has occurred in the condition of the work machine 2 and can quickly contact the worker who is scheduled to work with that work machine 2 to confirm.

[0060] In addition to the map showing the position and range of the field 9 and the graphic 7 showing the latest position and operating status of the work machine 2, the composite image displayed on the display device 332 may additionally be composited with an image or graphic showing further information. Examples of information shown by the added image or graphic include the trajectory of the movement of the work machine 2, a contour line distinguishing the target work area from other fields 9, the contents of the work plan, and an interface image for controlling whether to display or hide this additional information.

[0061] As an example of a composite image with added information, in the case of FIG. 9A, an interface image 80 is added to the composite image in addition to the map and the figure 7. The interface image 80 is provided with a plurality of switches. These switches may include a first switch 81 that can be operated by the user to switch between displaying and hiding the movement path of the work machine 2. These switches may also include a second switch 82 that can be operated by the user to switch between displaying and hiding the contour line that identifies the field 9. These switches may also include a third switch 83 that can be operated by the user to switch between displaying and hiding the contour line that distinguishes the target work area where the work by the work machine 2 is planned from the other fields 9. These switches may also include a fourth switch 84 that allows the progress status in each of the target work areas to be displayed in different colors. These switches may also include a fifth switch (not shown) that can be operated by the user to switch between displaying and hiding the figure 7, the movement path, and the contour line all at once.

[0062] As another example of a composite image with added information, in the case of Figure 9B, in addition to the map shown in Figure 9A, figure 7B, and interface image 80, the trajectory 76A, 76B, and 76C moved by the work machine 2 and contour lines to distinguish the target work areas 91, 92 from other fields are displayed.

[0063] Here, trajectories 76A, 76B, 76C moved by the work machine 2 are displayed in FIG. 9B as a result of the first switch 81 being operated to be in the on state. Trajectory 76A represents the trajectory of the work machine 2 starting movement from the movement start point 75, moving within the target working area 91, and leaving the target working area 91. Trajectory 76B represents the trajectory of the work machine 2 leaving the target working area 91, moving along the road, and entering the target working area 92. Trajectory 76C represents the trajectory of the work machine 2 entering the target working area 92 and moving within the target working area 92. The graphic 7B is placed at a position on the map corresponding to the latest position of the work machine 2. In addition to a mark showing the position of the movement start point 75 on the map, the composite image may further display information showing the movement start time when the movement started from the movement start point 75.

[0064] In addition, in Fig. 9B, the contour lines of the target work areas including the target work areas 91, 92 are distinguished from the contour lines of the other fields. In the example of Fig. 9B, the former are displayed with solid lines and the latter with dashed lines, but one embodiment is not limited to this example, and for example, the two may be displayed with different colors.

[0065] In this way, by adding and displaying further information in the composite image, or by switching this display to a hidden state, the user can more easily identify whether the work machine 2 is performing work in accordance with the work plan.

[0066] The display device 332 may display a table that can list the operating status of multiple work machines 2. As shown in Fig. 10, such a table may include, for each work machine 2, a graphic 7, the identification name of the work machine 2, the identification name of the vehicle accompanying the work machine 2, the field where work is planned to be performed or the field where work is being performed, the work start time for that day, the most recent time that work was detected to be performed, and the like.

[0067] In this table, the possibility of an abnormality may be indicated not only by using the warning color of figure 7, but also by highlighting the cells corresponding to parameters in which an abnormality may be occurring, thereby drawing the user's attention.

[0068] As an example, if the time when a certain work machine 2 started work is outside the work plan period for which the actual work start time is planned in advance, the cell showing the identification name of that work machine 2 and the cell showing the work start time corresponding to that work machine 2 are highlighted. Work plan period information showing the work plan period is included in the work plan information 323. In the example of FIG. 10, the cell showing "HV 02" and the cell showing "AM 07:45" are highlighted with bold text and a hatched background.

[0069] As another example, when a certain work machine 2 is working in a field different from the field scheduled in the work plan, the cell showing the identification name of that work machine 2 and the cell showing the planned work field or the field currently being worked corresponding to that work machine 2 are highlighted. In the example of Fig. 10, the cell showing "HV 06" and the cell showing "field Z" are highlighted with bold text and a hatched background.

[0070] 10, the highlighting of the cell is realized by bold text and a hatched background, but the embodiment is not limited to this example. The highlighting of the cell may be realized, for example, by changing the colors of the text and background.

[0071] Thus, according to one embodiment, by displaying tables and the like in addition to displaying figures 7 arranged on a map, the amount of information per unit area of ​​the display device 332 is increased, making it easier to identify the operating status of the work machine 2.

[0072] (Modification) In the above-mentioned embodiment, the configuration example in which the transmission unit 211 of the in-vehicle terminal 20 transmits the machine information without being requested by the information acquisition unit 511 of the server 5 has been described, but the embodiment is not limited to this configuration. As another example, the transmission unit 211 may start transmitting the machine information upon being requested by the information acquisition unit 511. At this time, in step S1 of the flowchart in FIG. 5, the information acquisition unit 511 of the server 5 first transmits a request signal for requesting the transmission of the machine information to the transmission unit 211 of the in-vehicle terminal 20, and then, in response to this request signal, the transmission unit 211 transmits the machine information to the information acquisition unit 511 of the server 5. As yet another example, the transmission unit 211 of the in-vehicle terminal 20 may accumulate the machine information in the storage device 220 before receiving the request signal from the information acquisition unit 511 of the server 5, and after receiving the request signal, transmit the accumulated machine information to the information acquisition unit 511 of the server 5. At this time, the information acquisition unit 511 of the server 5 may transmit a reception confirmation signal indicating which machine information has been received to the in-vehicle terminal 20. The transmission unit 211 of the in-vehicle terminal 20 may transmit only the machine information following the received machine information to the information acquisition unit 511 of the server 5 in response to the reception confirmation signal.

[0073] In the above-described embodiment, a configuration example in which the on-board terminal 20 mounted on the work machine 2 detects that the work machine 2 performing agricultural work in the field 9 is in a working state has been described, but the embodiment is not limited to this configuration. As another example, when a harvester harvests crops in the field 9 and a truck runs alongside the harvester to load the harvested crops, it is possible to estimate that the harvester is in a working state by detecting a state in which the truck runs alongside the harvester. In such a case, the on-board terminal 20 mounted on the work machine 2 and another on-board terminal mounted on the truck may cooperate to detect that the work machine 2 is in a working state, or the other on-board terminal mounted on the truck may independently detect that the work machine 2 is in a working state. In other words, the on-board terminal that detects that the work machine 2 is in a working state or another state does not have to be mounted on the work machine 2.

[0074] In the above-described embodiment, steps S1 to S3 in the flowchart of Fig. 5 are executed by the information acquisition unit 511 and the determination unit 512 of the server 5, and steps S4 and S5 are executed by the output unit 313 of the terminal 3. However, the embodiment is not limited to this example. In step S1, part or all of the functions of the information acquisition unit 511 of the server 5 may be realized by the information acquisition unit 311 of the terminal 3. In steps S2 and S3, part or all of the functions of the determination unit 512 of the server 5 may be realized by the determination unit 312 of the terminal 3. In steps S4 and S5, part or all of the functions of the output unit 313 of the terminal 3 may be realized by the output unit 513 of the server 5.

[0075] In the above-described embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the work start time is displayed in a table as shown in FIG. 10. This work start time may be the movement start time described with reference to FIG. 9B. Conversely, the information representing the movement start time displayed on the map of the composite image exemplified in FIG. 9B may be information representing the work start time. Furthermore, the information representing the movement start time displayed on the map of the composite image may be switched between a displayed state and a hidden state in response to a user operation.

[0076] Although the invention made by the inventor has been specifically described based on the embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. Furthermore, the respective features described in the embodiment can be freely combined within the scope of technical compatibility. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 1. Work Machine Management System 2. Work Machinery 20 Vehicle-mounted terminal 200 Bus 210 Arithmetic equipment 211 Transmission section 220 Storage device 221 Recording media 222 Transmission Program 230 I / O device 231 Communication Equipment 232 Antenna 233 Positioning Device 234 Output Device 235 Input Device 236 Detection Device 3. Terminal 30 Bus 31 Arithmetic unit 311 Information Acquisition Department 312 Judgment section 313 Output section 32 Storage device 320 Recording media 321 Work Machine Management Program 322 Map Information 323 Work Plan Information 33 Input / Output Devices 331 Communication Equipment 332 Display device 333 Input Device 4. Network 5 Server 50 Bus 51 Arithmetic unit 511 Information Acquisition Department 512 Judgment section 513 Output section 52 Storage device 520 Recording media 521 Work Machine Management Program 522 Map Information 523 Work Plan Information 53 Input / Output Devices 531 Communication Equipment 532 Display device 533 Input Device 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, 7E, 7F shapes 71A, 71B, 71C frame 72A, 72B, 72C Arrows 73A, 73B Background section 74A, 74B, 74C, 74D pictograms 75 Movement starting point 76A, 76B, 76C locus 80 interface images 81, 82, 83 Switches Fields 9, 9A, 9C (Target work area) 9B area 91, 92 Target work area

Claims

1. a storage device prepares work plan information representing a work plan and including at least target work area information representing a target work area in a farm field where work is planned to be performed by a work machine; a determination unit determining whether or not the work machine is within the target work area based on machine information including at least position information indicating a latest position of the work machine and the work plan information; an output unit outputs graphic information representing a graphic for identifiably displaying whether or not the latest position of the work machine is within the target work area; Includes Work machine management method.

2. 2. The work machine management method according to claim 1, The outputting step includes: The output unit displays the position and extent of the farm field and the graphic placed at a position corresponding to the latest position of the work machine on a map of an area including the farm field. Includes Work machine management method.

3. 3. The work machine management method according to claim 2, The outputting step includes: The output unit displays, on the map, a mark indicating the position of a movement start point where the work machine started to move, and information indicating a movement start time where the work machine started to move. Also includes Work machine management method.

4. The working machine management method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the work plan information further includes work plan period information representing a work plan period during which the work in the target work area by the work machine is planned, The determining step comprises: The determination unit determines whether or not the work machine is performing the work in the target work area and during the work plan period based on the work plan information. Including, The outputting step includes: The output unit identifiably displays whether or not the work machine is performing the work during the work plan period. Includes Work machine management method.

5. The working machine management method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The outputting step includes: The output unit displays information indicating a time when the work machine started the work. Also includes Work machine management method.

6. The working machine management method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The outputting step includes: The output unit outputs information representing a warning when it is determined that the working machine in operation is performing work deviating from the work plan. Also includes Work machine management method.

7. The working machine management method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The machine information further includes type information indicating a type of the work machine, The outputting step includes: the output unit outputs the graphic for displaying the type of the work machine in a more identifiable manner. Also includes Work machine management method.

8. a storage device that prepares work plan information representing a work plan and including at least target work area information representing a target work area in a farm field where work is planned to be performed by a work machine; a determination unit that determines whether or not the work machine is within the target work area based on machine information including at least position information indicating the latest position of the work machine and on work plan information; an output unit that outputs graphic information representing a graphic for displaying in a more identifiable manner whether or not the latest position of the work machine is within the target work area; Equipped Machine management system.

9. A work machine management program for implementing a predetermined process by being executed by a computing device, The process comprises: preparing work plan information representing a work plan and including at least target work area information representing a target work area in a farm field where work is planned to be performed by a work machine; Further determining whether or not the work machine is within the target work area based on machine information including at least position information representing a latest position of the work machine and work plan information; outputting graphic information representing a graphic for further identifiably displaying whether or not the latest position of the work machine is within the target work area; Includes Work Machine Management Program.

Images