Farm work support system

Abstract

To provide a farm implement by which it is possible to prevent operation errors and forgetting of an operator related to the start of work.SOLUTION: A display unit displays information related to multiple farm fields. An operation unit receives selection operation for one farm field of the multiple farm fields displayed by the display unit. When the operation unit receives a selection operation for one farm field and positional information acquired by a positioning unit corresponds to a position in the one farm field, a control unit causes the display unit to display a start button for starting operation of a fertilizer applicator. When the operation unit receives an operation on the start button, the control unit starts the operation of the fertilizer applicator on the basis of work information for the one farm field stored in a storage unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to agricultural working machines.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a technique for displaying work information related to a field has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] For example, when an operator performs a fertilizing operation, after performing an operation to start the operation of the fertilizer applicator mounted on the agricultural working machine, the agricultural working machine is driven in the field. At this time, there is a possibility that the operator may make an operation mistake or forget the operation. If the operator makes an operation mistake or forgets, the agricultural working machine will travel in the field without performing the fertilizing operation.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an agricultural working machine that can prevent an operator's operation mistakes and forgetfulness regarding the start of work.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The agricultural working machine according to the present invention includes a traveling unit, a position acquisition unit, a working unit, a storage unit, a display unit, an operation unit, and a control unit. The position acquisition unit is arranged on the traveling unit and acquires position information. The working unit is supported by the traveling unit and works in a field. The storage unit stores working information regarding each of the plurality of fields. The display unit displays information regarding the plurality of fields. The operation unit receives a selection operation for one of the plurality of fields displayed by the display unit. When the operation unit receives a selection operation for one field and the position information acquired by the position acquisition unit corresponds to a position within the one field, the control unit causes the display unit to display a work start notification screen for starting the operation of the working unit. When the operation unit receives a start operation, the control unit starts the operation of the working unit based on the working information regarding the one field stored in the storage unit.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an agricultural working machine that can prevent operation errors and forgetfulness of an operator regarding the start of work.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description will not be repeated.

[0010] <Embodiment 1> With reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, the rice transplanter 1 according to Embodiment 1 will be described. FIG. 1 is a left side view showing the rice transplanter 1 according to Embodiment 1. The rice transplanter 1 is an example of an agricultural working machine. In Embodiment 1, the traveling direction of the rice transplanter 1 is the left direction in the plane of FIG. 1. In the following description, the left side toward the traveling direction of the rice transplanter 1 may be referred to as the left, and the right side toward the traveling direction of the rice transplanter 1 may be referred to as the right.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the rice transplanter 1 includes a traveling unit 2, a fertilizer applicator 3, a positioning unit 4, a display unit 5, a planting unit 6, an engine 10, a transmission case 11, front wheels 12, rear wheels 13, a driver's seat 14, a handle 15, a pedal 16, a bonnet 17, and a dashboard 18.

[0012] The traveling unit 2 is configured as the vehicle body of the rice transplanter 1. The traveling unit 2 travels in the field by the power of the engine 10.

[0013] The front wheels 12 and the rear wheels 13 support the traveling unit 2. The front wheels 12 and the rear wheels 13 are provided in a pair on the left and right with respect to the traveling unit 2, respectively. In Embodiment 1, a vehicle speed sensor 19 is disposed on the axle of the front wheels 12. The vehicle speed sensor 19 detects the traveling speed of the traveling unit 2 by detecting the rotation of the axle. Note that the vehicle speed sensor 19 may be disposed at a position different from that of the front wheels 12.

[0014] The engine 10 is supported on the front side of the traveling unit 2. The engine 10 is covered by the hood 17. The hood 17 is configured to be openable and closable. The engine 10 functions as a power source for the rice transplanter 1.

[0015] The power of the engine 10 is input into the transmission case 11. The power of the engine 10 is transmitted to the front wheels 12 and the rear wheels 13 after being shifted by the transmission case 11. Further, the power of the engine 10 is transmitted to the planting unit 6 via the transmission case 11.

[0016] An operator of the rice transplanter 1 sits on the driver's seat 14. The driver's seat 14 is disposed between the front wheels 12 and the rear wheels 13 in the longitudinal direction of the traveling unit 2. In front of the driver's seat 14, a dashboard 18 and a display unit 5 are disposed. A steering wheel 15 is disposed on the dashboard 18.

[0017] The display unit 5 is constituted by a display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, for example. Also, a touch panel may be integrated on the surface of the liquid crystal display or the like. The touch panel is an example of an operation unit 7 that receives an operator's operation. The operation unit 7 is not limited to the touch panel and may be a hard switch, a hard button, or the like.

[0018] In the first embodiment, the display unit 5 is attached to the right side of the steering wheel 15 by a holder (not shown). The position of the display unit 5 is not limited to this, and it may be disposed at a position where it can be visually recognized by an operator sitting on the driver's seat 14.

[0019] The steering wheel 15 is attached to a steering column disposed in front of the driver's seat 14. By an operator grasping and turning the steering wheel 15 by hand, straight-ahead travel and turning of the traveling unit 2 can be instructed.

[0020] The pedal 16 is arranged to protrude upward from the floor in front of the driver's seat 14. By stepping on the pedal 16 with the foot, the operator operates the pedal 16. Further, a return spring (not shown) for returning the pedal 16 when the operator releases the depression of the pedal 16 is attached to the pedal 16.

[0021] When the operator steps on the pedal 16 with the foot, the running of the traveling unit 2 is instructed. Specifically, by changing the depth to which the operator steps on the pedal 16 with the foot, the speed increase or decrease of the traveling unit 2 is instructed. On the other hand, when the operator removes the foot from the pedal 16, the running stop of the traveling unit 2 is instructed.

[0022] The planting unit 6 is arranged behind the traveling unit 2. The planting unit 6 plants seedlings in the field. The planting unit 6 is connected to the traveling unit 2 via a lifting link mechanism 61. The planting unit 6 includes, for example, a planting unit 62 and a seedling table 63. A seedling mat is placed on the seedling table 63. The seedlings of the seedling mat placed on the seedling table 63 are supplied to the planting unit 62. The planting unit 62 plants the seedlings in the field.

[0023] A lifting cylinder 64 is arranged on the traveling unit 2. By the telescopic drive of the lifting cylinder 64, the planting unit 6 is lifted and lowered vertically with respect to the traveling unit 2.

[0024] The fertilizer applicator 3 includes a fertilizer tank 31, a feeding unit 32, an electric motor 33 (see FIG. 2), a conveying hose 34, a blower 35, a feeding body 36, and a fertilizer controller 37 (see FIG. 2). In Embodiment 1, the fertilizer applicator 3 includes a plurality of fertilizer tanks 31 and the same number of feeding units 32 as the fertilizer tanks 31. The fertilizer applicator 3 is an example of a working unit supported by the traveling unit 2 and working in the field, and performs a work of supplying agricultural materials to the field.

[0025] The fertilizer tank 31 is arranged at a position between the driver's seat 14 and the seedling table 63 in the front-rear direction of the traveling unit 2. In Embodiment 1, the fertilizer tank 31 stores, for example, granular fertilizer. The granular fertilizer is an example of agricultural materials.

[0026] The feeding section 32 is connected to the lower part of the fertilizer tank 31. The feeding section 32 feeds out the fertilizer supplied from the fertilizer tank 31 downward by a predetermined amount at a time.

[0027] Inside the feeding section 32, a path through which the fertilizer can pass is arranged (not shown). A feeding body 36 having a substantially disc shape is rotatably arranged in the path. That is, the feeding section 32 includes the feeding body 36. A plurality of feeding recesses capable of accommodating a predetermined amount of fertilizer are formed in the feeding body 36 (not shown). By rotating the feeding body 36, the fertilizer accommodated in the feeding recess is fed out to the downstream of the path.

[0028] The electric motor 33 functions as a drive source for rotating the feeding body 36 of the feeding section 32. The electric motor 33 is attached to an appropriate position of the fertilizer applicator 3.

[0029] The conveying hose 34 is connected to the downstream side of the path arranged inside the feeding section 32. The conveying hose 34 is a flexible and elongated tubular member.

[0030] The blower 35 is arranged at an appropriate position close to the feeding section 32. The blower 35 generates an air flow and sends the air flow into the path inside the feeding section 32. As a result, the fertilizer fed out to the downstream of the path through the conveying hose 34 is supplied (fertilized) to the field.

[0031] The fertilization controller 37 changes the amount of fertilizer fed out to the conveying hose 34 per unit time by controlling the electric motor 33 to change the operating speed of the feeding body 36.

[0032] The positioning unit 4 acquires position information indicating the position of the rice transplanter 1. The positioning unit 4 includes, for example, a positioning antenna and a position information receiver. The positioning antenna receives signals from positioning satellites that constitute a positioning system such as a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). The positioning signal received by the positioning antenna is input to the position information receiver. The position information receiver processes the input positioning signal to acquire position information indicating the position of the rice transplanter 1. The positioning unit 4 is an example of a position acquisition unit that is arranged on the traveling unit 2 and acquires position information.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the rice transplanter 1 according to Embodiment 1. The rice transplanter 1 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23 in addition to a traveling unit 2, a fertilizer applicator 3, a positioning unit 4, a display unit 5, an operation unit 7, a vehicle speed sensor 19, and the like.

[0034] The control unit 21 has a processor such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), for example. The processor executes various processes defined by a computer program by executing the computer program stored in the storage unit 22. Details of the control unit 21 will be described later.

[0035] The storage unit 22 has a memory such as a Read Only Memory (ROM), a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Hard Disk Drive (HDD), or a Solid State Drive (SSD), for example. The storage unit 22 stores a computer program executed by the control unit 21. Further, the storage unit 22 stores work information regarding each of a plurality of fields. The work information includes, for example, position information of the field, the name of the field, supply amount plan information of the field, and the like. The supply amount plan information will be described later.

[0036] The communication unit 23 performs wireless communication with the communication unit 71 of the server 70. The communication unit 23 receives the supply quantity plan information created by the supply quantity planning unit 72 of the server 70 from the communication unit 71 and outputs it to the control unit 21. The control unit 21 stores the supply quantity plan information received by the communication unit 23 from the server 70 in the storage unit 22.

[0037] The server 70 includes a communication unit 71 and a supply quantity planning unit 72. The communication unit 71 performs wireless communication with the communication unit 23 of the rice transplanter 1. The communication unit 71 transmits the supply quantity plan information created by the supply quantity planning unit 72 to the communication unit 23.

[0038] The supply quantity planning unit 72 creates supply quantity plan information that determines the planned supply quantity of agricultural materials for each area obtained by dividing the field into a plurality of areas (meshes). That is, the supply quantity plan information includes position information indicating a plurality of areas set by dividing the field, and the supply quantity (planned supply quantity) determined for each area. Note that the supply quantity planning unit 72 may create the supply quantity plan information using well-known techniques. For example, the supply quantity planning unit 72 determines the planned supply quantity of fertilizer for each area based on the soil fertility, the previous year's harvest quantity, and the like.

[0039] The control unit 21 shown in FIG. 2 is configured to store the supply quantity plan information received from the server 70 in the storage unit 22, but is not limited to this configuration. For example, the control unit 21 may read the supply quantity plan information stored in a storage medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory and store it in the storage unit 22. Also, for example, the rice transplanter 1 may have a function equivalent to that of the supply quantity planning unit 72, and the supply quantity plan information created by the rice transplanter 1 may be stored in the storage unit 22.

[0040] Also, the server 70 may store work information regarding each of a plurality of fields. The server 70 may transmit the work information to the rice transplanter 1 via the communication unit 71 in response to a request from the rice transplanter 1. The control unit 21 receives the work information from the rice transplanter 1 via the communication unit 23 before the start of field work and stores the received work information in the storage unit 22.

[0041] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of supply amount plan information M1 in Embodiment 1. One supply amount plan information M1 is created for one field. In the supply amount plan information M1 shown in FIG. 3, a field inner region M2 corresponding to the region of the field is set. The fertilization map M3 is configured to include the field inner region M2. The fertilization map M3 is a map that determines the amount (supply planned amount) of fertilizing, which is an example of agricultural materials, for each area indicated by a square frame. The fertilizer applicator 3 supplies agricultural materials to the corresponding area according to the supply planned amount determined for the area corresponding to the position of the rice transplanter 1 detected by the positioning unit 4.

[0042] Outside the field inner region M2, that is, outside the fertilization map M3, an average fertilization amount region M4 is set. For the average fertilization amount region M4, for example, a value obtained by averaging the supply planned amounts of all areas of the fertilization map M3 is set. If the positioning accuracy of the positioning unit 4 is low, there is a possibility that the traveling unit 2 is misdetected as being located in the average fertilization amount region M4 even though it is actually located in the field inner region M2. Even in that case, since the average fertilization amount region M4 is set, the fertilizer applicator 3 can supply agricultural materials to the field. In this way, although the average fertilization amount region M4 is actually outside the field, it is treated as equivalent to the inside of the field in terms of the control of the fertilizer applicator 3.

[0043] Outside the average fertilization amount region M4, a field outside region M5 is set. The field outside region M5 is actually outside the field and is treated as outside the field also in terms of the control of the fertilizer applicator 3. Also, similar to the field outside region M5, the outside of the supply amount plan information M1 is treated as outside the field.

[0044] Next, the operation of the rice transplanter 1 will be described using the variable fertilization operation as an example.

[0045] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation at the start of work of the rice transplanter 1 according to Embodiment 1. In step S11, the control unit 21 causes the display unit 5 to display a field list screen.

[0046] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the farm list screen 100 in Embodiment 1. The control unit 21 generates a farm list screen 100 in which a plurality of farms are listed using the work information regarding each of the plurality of farms stored in the storage unit 22. In the illustrated example, the farms are listed in the order of proximity to the current position of the traveling unit 2. That is, the X farm button 101 closest to the current position of the rice transplanter 1, the Y farm button 102 second closest, and the Z farm button 103 third closest are listed. Note that since the variable fertilization work has already been completed only for the Z farm, the display mode of the Z farm button 103 is different from the display modes of the other buttons 101 and 102.

[0047] The operator selects the button corresponding to the farm for which the variable fertilization work is to be performed and presses the decision button 104. The operation unit 7 outputs the operation content performed by the operator to the control unit 21. When the operator presses the cancel button 105, for example, the screen returns to the screen that was displayed on the display unit 5 before the farm list screen 100 was displayed.

[0048] In step S12 of FIG. 4, the operation unit 7 receives an operation of selecting one farm from the plurality of farms displayed on the display unit 5. The operation unit 7 outputs the received operation content to the control unit 21.

[0049] In step S13, when the operation unit 7 receives a selection operation for one farm, the control unit 21 determines whether the position information of the rice transplanter 1 detected by the positioning unit 4 corresponds to a position within the one farm.

[0050] For example, when the operator selects the X farm, the control unit 21 refers to the supply amount plan information M1 of the X farm stored in the storage unit 22 and determines whether the rice transplanter 1 is located in the in-farm area M2. Hereinafter, it will be described assuming that the one farm selected by the operator is the X farm.

[0051] When the position of the rice transplanter 1 does not correspond to the position within the X field (step S13; No), the process of the control unit 21 returns to step S11. Then, the control unit 21 prompts the operator to reselect a field close to the current position from the field list screen 100. Alternatively, when the position of the rice transplanter 1 does not correspond to the position within the X field (step S13; No), the control unit 21 may cause the display unit 5 to display an alarm such as "Outside the selected field". Alternatively, when the position of the rice transplanter 1 does not correspond to the position within the X field (step S13; No), the control unit 21 may wait as it is until the position information of the rice transplanter 1 detected by the positioning unit 4 becomes the position within the X field.

[0052] When the position of the rice transplanter 1 corresponds to the position within the X field (step S13; Yes), the process of the control unit 21 proceeds to step S14. In step S14, the control unit 21 causes the display unit 5 to display a work start notification screen including a start button for starting the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3.

[0053] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the work start notification screen 200 in the first embodiment. The work start notification screen 200 is a screen for notifying the operator to perform an operation for starting the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3. The work start notification screen 200 includes a start button 201 for starting the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3 and a cancel button 202 for returning to the previous screen. When starting the variable fertilization work in the X field, the operator presses the start button 201.

[0054] In step S15 of FIG. 4, the operation unit 7 receives an operation on the start button 201 of the work start notification screen 200. The operation unit 7 outputs the received operation content to the control unit 21. The operation on the start button 201 corresponds to, that is, the start operation. In this example, the touch panel constituting the operation unit 7 is configured to receive the start operation, but the operation unit 7 may be configured to receive a start operation using a hard switch or a hard button or the like. As a specific example, when the planting clutch is "turned on" in a state where the work start notification screen 200 is displayed, the control unit 21 treats this operation as a start operation. In this way, the control unit 21 can also start the fertilization work by receiving an operation to start a predetermined work (for example, planting) different from the fertilization work in addition to the operation on the start button 201.

[0055] In step S16, when the operation unit 7 receives an operation on the start button 201, the control unit 21 starts the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3 based on the supply amount plan information M1 of the X field stored in the storage unit 22. Since the work start notification screen 200 is presented to the operator in a situation where the start of the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3 is required, it is possible to prevent the operator's operation error and omission regarding the start of the variable rate fertilization work.

[0056] Next, the variable rate fertilization work performed by the fertilizer applicator 3 will be described. In step S16, the control unit 21 instructs the fertilizer controller 37 to start the variable rate fertilization work. Then, the control unit 21 outputs the traveling speed of the traveling unit 2 detected by the vehicle speed sensor 19 and the supply plan amount of the supply amount plan information M1 corresponding to the position of the rice transplanter 1 detected by the positioning unit 4 to the fertilizer controller 37. Alternatively, when receiving an instruction to start the variable rate fertilization work, the fertilizer controller 37 may directly obtain the position information from the positioning unit 4 and obtain the supply plan amount of the supply amount plan information M1 corresponding to the obtained position from the storage unit 22 without passing through the control unit 21.

[0057] When the traveling speed of the traveling unit 2 is high, the fertilizer controller 37 controls the electric motor 33 to increase the operating speed of the feeding body 36, thereby increasing the amount of fertilizer fed to the conveying hose 34 per unit time. In addition, the fertilizer controller 37 increases or decreases the operating speed of the feeding body 36 according to the supply planned amount based on the supply amount planned information M1. On the other hand, when the traveling speed of the traveling unit 2 is low, the fertilizer controller 37 controls the electric motor 33 to decrease the operating speed of the feeding body 36, thereby decreasing the amount of fertilizer fed to the conveying hose 34 per unit time. In addition, the fertilizer controller 37 increases or decreases the operating speed of the feeding body 36 according to the supply planned amount based on the supply amount planned information M1. Thereby, the fertilizer applicator 3 can change the amount of fertilizer per area to be fertilized in the field X based on the supply amount planned information M1 regardless of the traveling speed of the traveling unit 2.

[0058] As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, the rice transplanter 1 includes a traveling unit 2, a positioning unit 4, a fertilizer applicator 3, a storage unit 22, a display unit 5, an operation unit 7, and a control unit 21. The positioning unit 4 is arranged on the traveling unit 2 and acquires position information. The fertilizer applicator 3 is supported by the traveling unit 2 and works in the field. The storage unit 22 stores work information regarding each of a plurality of fields. The display unit 5 displays information regarding a plurality of fields. The operation unit 7 receives a selection operation for one field among the plurality of fields displayed by the display unit 5. When the operation unit 7 receives a selection operation for one field and the position information acquired by the positioning unit 4 corresponds to a position within one field, the control unit 21 causes the display unit 5 to display a work start notification screen 200 for starting the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3. When the operation unit 7 receives a start operation, the control unit 21 starts the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3 based on the work information regarding one field stored in the storage unit 22. In this way, since the rice transplanter 1 presents the work start notification screen 200 to the operator in a scene where the start of the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3 is required, it is possible to prevent the operator's operation mistakes and forgetfulness regarding the start of the work, and the work can be started reliably.

[0059] In addition, the rice transplanter 1 can confirm that the field selected by the operator matches the field where the traveling unit 2 is actually located. Therefore, when the work content varies for each field, such as in variable fertilization work, it is possible to prevent operator operation errors regarding the start of work.

[0060] <Embodiment 2> Since the rice transplanter 1 according to Embodiment 2 has the same configuration as the rice transplanter 1 of Embodiment 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, FIGS. 1 and 2 are incorporated herein for reference below.

[0061] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation example during the operation of the rice transplanter 1 according to Embodiment 2. The rice transplanter 1 starts work in step S16 of FIG. 4 and is continuing work in step S21 of FIG. 7. For example, the fertilization controller 37 controls the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3 based on the supply amount plan information M1 of field X to perform variable fertilization work.

[0062] In step S22, the control unit 21 determines whether the position information of the rice transplanter 1 acquired by the positioning unit 4 corresponds to a position outside field X. Specifically, the control unit 21 refers to the supply amount plan information M1 of field X stored in the storage unit 22, and determines that the traveling unit 2 is located outside field X when the traveling unit 2 is located either within the off-field area M5 or outside the supply amount plan information M1.

[0063] When the position of the rice transplanter 1 does not correspond to a position outside field X (step S22; No), that is, when the position of the rice transplanter 1 corresponds to a position within field X, the control unit 21 determines that the variable fertilization work in field X is continuing. Therefore, the process of the control unit 21 returns to step S21.

[0064] When the position of the rice transplanter 1 corresponds to a position outside field X (step S22; Yes), the control unit 21 determines that the variable fertilization work in field X has ended and the rice transplanter 1 has moved outside field X. Then, the process of the control unit 21 proceeds to step S23. In step S23, the control unit 21 causes the display unit 5 to display a work end notification screen including an end button for ending the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3.

[0065] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the work completion notification screen 300 in Embodiment 2. The work completion notification screen 300 is a screen for notifying an operator to perform an operation to end the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3. The work completion notification screen 300 includes an end button 301 for ending the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3 and a cancel button 302 for returning to the previous screen. When the operator wants to end the variable rate fertilization work in field X, the operator presses the end button 301.

[0066] In step S24 of FIG. 7, the operation unit 7 receives an operation on the end button 301 of the work completion notification screen 300. The operation unit 7 outputs the received operation content to the control unit 21. The operation on the end button 301 corresponds to an end operation. In this example, the touch panel constituting the operation unit 7 is configured to receive the end operation, but the operation unit 7 may be configured to receive an end operation using a hard switch, a hard button, or the like.

[0067] In step S25, when the operation unit 7 receives an operation on the end button 301, the control unit 21 ends the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3. That is, the fertilizer controller 37 stops the operation of the electric motor 33. Since the work completion notification screen 300 is presented to the operator in a situation where it is necessary to end the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3, it is possible to prevent an operation error and omission of the operator regarding the end of the variable rate fertilization work.

[0068] As described above with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, when the control unit 21 controls the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3 based on the work information regarding one field, and the position information acquired by the positioning unit 4 corresponds to a position outside one field, the control unit 21 causes the display unit 5 to display the work completion notification screen 300 for ending the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3. When the operation unit 7 receives an end operation, the control unit 21 ends the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3. In this way, since the rice transplanter 1 presents the work completion notification screen 300 to the operator in a situation where it is necessary to end the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3, it is possible to prevent an operation error and omission of the operator regarding the end of the work, and the work can be surely ended.

[0069] <Embodiment 3> Since the rice transplanter 1 according to Embodiment 3 has the same configuration as the rice transplanter 1 of Embodiment 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, FIGS. 1 and 2 are incorporated herein by reference below.

[0070] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation example during the operation of the rice transplanter 1 according to Embodiment 3. The rice transplanter 1 starts work in step S16 of FIG. 4 and is continuing work in step S31 of FIG. 9. For example, the fertilizer application controller 37 controls the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3 based on the supply amount plan information M1 of field X to perform variable fertilizer application work.

[0071] For example, when the control unit 21 controls the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3 based on the supply amount plan information M1 of field X (step S31), assume that the operator has finished the variable fertilizer application work in field X and moved to another field (for example, field Y). In this case, the operator operates the operation unit 7 to display the field list screen 100 (see FIG. 5) on the display unit 5. Then, the operator selects the field Y button 102 and presses the decision button 104. The operation unit 7 outputs the received operation content to the control unit 21.

[0072] In step S32, the control unit 21 determines whether the operation unit 7 has received a selection operation for a field Y different from field X. If the operation unit 7 has not received a selection operation for field Y (step S32; No), the control unit 21 determines that the variable fertilizer application work in field X continues. Therefore, the process of the control unit 21 returns to step S31.

[0073] If the operation unit 7 has received a selection operation for a field Y different from field X (step S32; Yes), the control unit 21 determines that the variable fertilizer application work in field X has ended and the rice transplanter 1 has moved or will move to field Y, which is the next work target. Then, the process of the control unit 21 proceeds to step S33.

[0074] In step S33, when the operation unit 7 receives a selection operation for a Y field different from the X field, the control unit 21 determines whether the position information of the rice transplanter 1 detected by the positioning unit 4 corresponds to a position within the Y field. Specifically, the control unit 21 refers to the supply plan information M1 of the Y field stored in the storage unit 22 and determines whether the traveling unit 2 is located in the in-field area M2.

[0075] When the position of the rice transplanter 1 does not correspond to a position within the Y field (step S33; No), the process of the control unit 21 returns to step S32. Then, the control unit 21 prompts the operator to reselect a field close to the current position from the field list screen 100. Alternatively, when the position of the rice transplanter 1 does not correspond to a position within the Y field (step S33; No), the control unit 21 may cause the display unit 5 to display an alarm such as "Outside the selected field". Alternatively, when the position of the rice transplanter 1 does not correspond to a position within the Y field (step S33; No), the control unit 21 may wait as it is until the position information of the rice transplanter 1 detected by the positioning unit 4 becomes a position within the Y field.

[0076] When the position of the rice transplanter 1 corresponds to a position within the Y field (step S33; Yes), the control unit 21 determines that the variable fertilization operation of the X field has ended and the rice transplanter 1 has moved to the Y field. Then, the process of the control unit 21 proceeds to step S34. In step S34, the control unit 21 causes the display unit 5 to display a work end notification screen 300 including an end button 301 for ending the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3 (see FIG. 8).

[0077] The processes of steps S35 and S36 are the same as the processes of steps S24 and S25 in FIG. 7.

[0078] In step S37, the control unit 21 causes the display unit 5 to display a work start notification screen 200 including a start button 201 for starting the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3 (see FIG. 6).

[0079] In step S38, the operation unit 7 receives an operation on the start button 201 of the work start notification screen 200. The operation unit 7 outputs the received operation content to the control unit 21.

[0080] In step S39, when the operation unit 7 receives an operation on the start button 201, the control unit 21 starts the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3 based on the supply amount plan information M1 of the Y field stored in the storage unit 22.

[0081] As described above with reference to FIG. 9, when the control unit 21 controls the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3 based on the work information regarding one field, if the operation unit 7 receives a selection operation for a field different from one of the plurality of fields, and the position information acquired by the positioning unit 4 corresponds to a position within another field, the control unit 21 causes the display unit 5 to display a work end notification screen 300 for ending the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3. When the operation unit 7 receives an end operation, the control unit 21 ends the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3. In this way, the rice transplanter 1 presents the work end notification screen 300 to the operator in a scene where it is necessary to end the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3, so that it is possible to prevent the operator's operation mistakes and forgetfulness regarding the end of the work, and the work can be ended surely.

[0082] In addition to displaying the work end notification screen 300, the control unit 21 causes the display unit 5 to display the work start notification screen 200. When the operation unit 7 receives a start operation, the control unit 21 starts the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3 based on the work information regarding another field stored in the storage unit 22. In this way, the rice transplanter 1 presents the work start notification screen 200 to the operator in a scene where it is necessary to start the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3, so that it is possible to prevent the operator's operation mistakes and forgetfulness regarding the start of the variable fertilization work, and the work can be started surely.

[0083] In the flowchart of FIG. 9, the control unit 21 displays the work start notification screen 200 after displaying the work end notification screen 300. However, a screen including the content of the work end notification screen 300 and the content of the work start notification screen 200 may be displayed at once. Alternatively, the control unit 21 may display the work end notification screen 300 after displaying the work start notification screen 200.

[0084] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings (FIGS. 1 to 9). However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist thereof. Modification examples 1 to 4 will be described below.

[0085] <Modification Example 1> In Modification Example 1, an example of preventing an operation error related to stopping the work will be described.

[0086] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the work in progress screen 400 in Modification Example 1 of Embodiment 3. In step S31, the control unit 21 displays the work in progress screen 400 on the display unit 5. The work in progress screen 400 includes information 401 on the X field where the variable fertilization work is being performed, information 402 indicating the work content such as the current fertilization amount, a variable button 403, a constant button 404, a stop button 405, and a metering button 406. For example, when the operator performs an operation of selecting the information 401 on the X field, the field list screen 100 (see FIG. 5) is displayed on the display unit 5.

[0087] The variable button 403 is a button for switching the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3 to variable fertilization work. Currently, since the fertilizer applicator 3 is in variable fertilization work, the display mode of the variable button 403 is different from the display modes of the other buttons 404, 405, and 406. The constant button 404 is a button for switching the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3 to constant fertilization work. In the constant fertilization work, the fertilizer applicator 3 applies the same amount of fertilizer to all areas in the field. The stop button 405 is a button for stopping the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3. The metering button 406 is a button for switching the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3 to metering work. In the metering work, the fertilizer applicator 3 adjusts the amount of fertilizer fed out to the conveying hose 34.

[0088] For example, when the stop button 405 is pressed during the variable fertilization operation in the X field, the control unit 21 determines whether the position information of the rice transplanter 1 detected by the positioning unit 4 corresponds to a position within the X field. When the position of the rice transplanter 1 corresponds to a position within the X field, the control unit 21 determines that the pressing of the stop button 405 is an operation error and that it is highly likely that the variable fertilization operation in the X field has not ended. Then, the control unit 21 causes the display unit 5 to display a screen or the like that alerts the operator to the operation error. Thereby, the rice transplanter 1 can prevent the operator's operation error.

[0089] Note that the application of Modification 1 is not limited to Embodiment 3, and it is applicable to Embodiments 1 and 2.

[0090] <Modification 2> In Embodiments 1 to 3, as an example of the work performed by the working unit, the variable fertilization work performed by the fertilizer applicator 3 was exemplified, but other work performed by other components may also be possible. For example, a configuration in which the control unit 21 has a function as a working unit may be used. In this case, for example, the control unit 21 performs a work of recording the work content, work progress, work date and time, etc. When the start button is pressed, the control unit 21 starts recording the work content and the like to be performed on the field based on the work information of the field. Also, when the end button is pressed, the control unit 21 stops recording the work content and the like. Alternatively, when the control unit 21 automatically switches from the work in the previous field to the work in the next field as in Embodiment 3, the control unit 21 may stop recording the work content and the like related to the previous field and start recording the work content and the like related to the next field. The control unit 21 stores the work content and the like performed on the field in the storage unit 22.

[0091] For example, the control unit 21 stores information such as whether the variable fertilization operation has been completed for each field in the storage unit 22. Then, when the control unit 21 causes the display unit 5 to display the field list screen 100 (see FIG. 5), it displays the fields where the variable fertilization operation has been completed and the fields where the variable fertilization operation has not been completed separately. In the field list screen 100 of FIG. 5, the display mode of the Z field button 103 for which the variable fertilization operation has been completed is different from the display modes of the X field button 101 and the Y field button 102 for which the operation has not been completed.

[0092] <Modification Example 3> In Embodiments 1 to 3, the control unit 21 controls the entire rice transplanter 1 including the working unit, but the unit that controls the working unit and the unit that controls the rice transplanter 1 may be separated. For example, the rice transplanter 1 includes, separately from the control unit 21 that controls the entire rice transplanter 1, a work instruction unit that instructs the work content (such as the fertilization amount) of the working unit and a work control unit that controls the operation of the working unit. The work instruction unit instructs the work control unit about the content and conditions related to the work based on the position information and the field selection information. The work control unit controls the operation of the working machine based on the instruction of the work instruction unit and the state of the rice transplanter 1 (such as the position of the lever and the vehicle speed). Note that the functions of the work instruction unit and the work control unit may be realized by one controller or may be realized by two controllers.

[0093] <Modification Example 4> In Embodiments 2 and 3, instead of displaying the work completion notification screen 300, the control unit 21 may display a warning screen that warns the operator that they have left the field.

[0094] In the above embodiments, for ease of understanding, the drawings schematically show each component mainly. Therefore, the thickness, length, etc. of each illustrated component are different from the actual ones for convenience in drawing creation.

Industrial Applicability

[0095] The present invention can be applied to agricultural working machines such as rice transplanters and tractors.

Explanation of Signs

[0096] 1 Rice transplanter (agricultural working machine) 2 Traveling section 3 Fertilizer applicator (working section) 4 Position measuring unit (position acquisition section) 5 Display section 6 Planting section 7 Operation section 10 Engine 11 Transmission case 12 Front wheel 13 Rear wheel 14 Operator's seat 15 Steering wheel 16 Pedal 17 Bonnet 18 Dashboard 19 Vehicle speed sensor 21 Control section 22 Memory section 23 Communication section 31 Fertilizer tank 32 Delivery section 33 Electric motor 34 Conveyor hose 35 Blower 36 Delivery body 37 Fertilizer controller 61 Lifting link mechanism 62 Planting unit 63 Seedling stand 64 Lifting cylinder 70 Server 71 Communication section 72 Supply amount planning section 100 Field list screen 101 X field button 102 Y field button 103 Z field button 104 Decision button 105, 202, 302 Cancel button 200 Work start notification screen 201 Start button 300 Work end notification screen 301 End button 400 Working screen 401 and 402 Information 403 Variable Button 404 Fixed Button 405 Stop Button 406 Dosage Adjustment Button M1 Supply Quantity Planning Information M2 Area within the Field M3 Fertilization Map M4 Average Fertilization Quantity Area M5 Area outside the Field

Claims

1. A position acquisition unit that acquires the position information of the agricultural work machine, A display unit that displays information regarding a plurality of fields, An operation unit that receives a selection operation for one of the plurality of fields displayed by the display unit, A control unit that determines whether or not the position information acquired by the position acquisition unit corresponds to a position within the one field when the operation unit receives a selection operation for the one field when starting the operation of the agricultural work machine An agricultural work support system comprising the above.

2. The control unit determines whether or not the position information acquired by the position acquisition unit corresponds to a position outside the one field when the control unit is controlling the operation of the agricultural work machine in the one field. The agricultural work support system according to Claim 1.

3. The control unit determines whether or not the position information acquired by the position acquisition unit corresponds to a position within another field when the operation unit receives a selection operation for a field different from the one field among the plurality of fields when the control unit is controlling the operation of the agricultural work machine in the one field. The agricultural work support system according to Claim 1.

4. The agricultural work machine performs an operation of supplying agricultural materials to a field, The agricultural work support system according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, further comprising a storage unit that stores supply amount plan information in which the supply amount of the agricultural materials is determined for each area obtained by dividing the field into a plurality of areas as work information regarding each of the plurality of fields.

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