Feed design and machine equipment setting program, feed design and machine equipment setting device and feed design and machine equipment setting method

Abstract

To easily calculate an area for carrying out each work required for crop cultivation in each period and the number of machines to be prepared, so as to minimize costs, while satisfying nutrients of multiple herds of cattle.SOLUTION: A feed design and machine equipment setting program causes a computer to execute: an acquisition process to acquire work calendar information that specifies the content of multiple types of work required for crop cultivation and the timing of such work, feed information that specifies the type of crop to be cultivated as feed and the yield of the crop, and crop and work information that specifies the work required for the crop cultivation; and a definition process to define an area constraint equation for specifying the relation between an area for carrying out each work and an area planted for the crop, based on the work calendar information, feed information, and crop and work information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a feed design and machinery setting program, a feed design and machinery setting device, and a feed design and machinery setting method. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, as described in Non-Patent Document 1, a program is known that targets individual dairy farm management and creates a self-sufficient feed planting plan that maximizes income, as well as a feed design for milking cows, dry cows, and growing cows. This program endogenously determines the machinery and equipment required for various tasks involved in cultivating feed. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0003] [Non-Patent Document 1] Masako Morioka and Kazushi Nishimura, "Possibilities for Improving Feed Self-Sufficiency and the Effect of Income Increase on Dairy Farm Management in Prefectures: Building a Management Planning Model Using Mixed Integer Nonlinear Programming and Simulation," Agricultural Information Research, Vol. 29, No. 4, pp. 70-80, 2021 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In conventional techniques such as those described in Non-Patent Document 1, all objective functions and constraint equations in cost minimization calculations had to be manually written into the program. Furthermore, if analysis and simulations were to be performed under different conditions (such as the target crop or cultivation techniques), various constraint equations had to be manually modified. Therefore, users who wanted to calculate the work area and number of machines using conventional techniques had to have specialized knowledge of programming, related libraries, and optimization methods. Furthermore, because the objective functions and constraint equations (especially some of the constraint equations) were complex and numerous, even users with specialized knowledge had to spend a great deal of time and effort inputting and modifying them. Furthermore, when multiple dairy cows were divided into multiple herds, conventional techniques could only calculate the feed combination that minimized costs for one of the basic herds.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention aims to easily calculate the area to be covered for each task required for crop cultivation at each season and the number of machines to be prepared, while minimizing costs and meeting the nutritional needs of each of multiple herds of cattle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, a feed design and machinery equipment setting program according to one embodiment of the present invention causes a computer to perform an acquisition process to acquire work calendar information that specifies the content of multiple types of work required for crop cultivation and the time when the work is to be performed, feed information that specifies the type of crop to be cultivated as feed and the yield of the crop, and crop and work information that specifies the work required for cultivating the crop, and a definition process to define an area constraint equation that specifies the relationship between the area where each work is performed and the area planted for the crop based on the work calendar information, the feed information, and the crop and work information.

[0007] In addition, a feed design and machinery equipment setting device according to another aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires work calendar information that specifies the content of multiple types of work required for crop cultivation and the time when the work is to be performed, feed information that specifies the type of crop to be cultivated as feed and the yield of the crop, and crop and work information that specifies the work required for cultivating the crop, and a definition unit that defines an area constraint equation that specifies the relationship between the area where each work is carried out and the area planted for the crop based on the work calendar information, the feed information, and the crop and work information.

[0008] Furthermore, a feed design and machinery equipment setting method according to another aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition step in which a computer acquires work calendar information that specifies the content of multiple types of work required for crop cultivation and the time when the work is to be performed, feed information that specifies the type of crop to be cultivated as feed and the yield of the crop, and crop and work information that specifies the work required for cultivating the crop; and a definition step in which the computer defines an area constraint equation that specifies the relationship between the area where each work is performed and the planted area of ​​the crop based on the work calendar information, the feed information, and the crop and work information. Includes. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to easily calculate the area to be used for each task required for crop cultivation at each time point and the number of machines to be prepared, while minimizing costs and meeting the nutritional needs of each of multiple herds of cattle. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a feed design and machinery equipment setting device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an operation / output screen output by the device. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a herd information input sheet output by the device. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a feed condition input sheet output by the device. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a cultivated land area input sheet output by the device. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a competition information input sheet output by the device. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a number information input sheet output by the device. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a crop and work sheet output by the device. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a work / machine sheet output by the device. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a depreciation expense sheet output by the device. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a work efficiency sheet output by the device. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a work calendar sheet output by the device. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the operation and output screen output by the device. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a feed design and machinery equipment setting device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a work period sheet output by the device. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a cultivated land area input sheet output by the device. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a depreciation expense sheet output by the device. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a work efficiency sheet output by the device. [Figure 19] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a feed design and machinery equipment setting method according to an embodiment of another aspect of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] <Embodiment 1 of the feed design and machinery equipment setting device> First, a feed design and machinery equipment setting device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0012] [composition] As shown in Figure 1, the feed design and equipment setting device 1 includes an output unit 11, an operation unit 12, a memory unit 13, and a calculation unit 14. The feed design and equipment setting device 1 is configured as a computer such as a PC, a mobile phone, or a tablet terminal. Note that if the feed design and equipment setting device 1 has a function to communicate with another device (e.g., a terminal device) (not shown) that has a configuration equivalent to at least one of the output unit 11 and the operation unit 12, the feed design and equipment setting device 1 does not need to include at least one of the output unit 11 and the operation unit 12.

[0013] [Output section] The output unit 11 outputs various types of information. The output unit 11 according to this embodiment is configured with a display device (such as a liquid crystal display). That is, the output unit 11 according to this embodiment displays various types of information. The output unit 11 may also be configured with a printer that prints various types of information, a communication module that transmits various types of information to other devices, a terminal that is connected to other devices, etc.

[0014] [Operation unit] The operation unit 12 is composed of a keyboard, a pointing device, a touch panel, and the like that can be operated by the user.

[0015] [Storage section] The storage unit 13 stores a feed design and equipment setting program 131. This feed design and equipment setting program 131 is used to operate the calculation unit 14. The feed design and equipment setting program 131 according to this embodiment is created using the programming language "Python." The feed design and equipment setting program 131 may also be created using other programming languages. The storage unit 13 according to this embodiment also stores input form data 132 and reference data 133 to be displayed on the output unit 11. The input form data 132 may be a modified version of an existing application program (e.g., spreadsheet software). The reference data 133 includes, for example, the Japanese Feeding Standards for Dairy Cattle 2006 Edition or the NRC Feeding Standards. The storage unit 13 according to this embodiment is configured with a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, etc.

[0016] [Arithmetic unit] The calculation unit 14 includes an acquisition unit 141 and a work area constraint equation definition unit 142 (definition unit). The calculation unit 14 according to this embodiment further includes a nutritional information calculation unit 143, a feeding amount definition unit 144, a satisfaction constraint equation definition unit 145, a reaping area constraint equation definition unit 146, a planting area constraint equation definition unit 147, an implementation area definition unit 148, a number of farm units definition unit 149, a time constraint equation definition unit 150, a function definition unit 151, an optimal solution calculation unit 152 (calculation unit), and an output processing unit 153. The calculation unit 14 according to this embodiment is configured with a processor. Therefore, the functions of the control blocks 141 to 147 are realized by the calculation unit 14 executing a feed design and machinery equipment setting program 131 stored in the memory unit 13.

[0017] (output processing section) The output processing unit 153 executes output processing. In the output processing, the output processing unit 153 displays the operation / output screen 111 on the output unit 11. The output processing unit 153 according to this embodiment displays the operation / output screen 111 as shown in FIG. 2 in response to a predetermined display start operation. The operation / output screen 111 displayed by the output processing unit 153 according to this embodiment includes a file selection button B1 and a calculation start button B2. When the file selection button B1 is operated, the output processing unit 153 displays a selection screen (not shown) for selecting an input form to be calculated. When the calculation start button B2 is operated, the acquisition unit 141, the definition units 142, 144 to 147, the nutritional information calculation unit 143, etc. start operating. The operation / output screen 111 also includes a calculation result display area R. The calculation result display area R is an area for displaying the calculation results obtained by the nutritional information calculation unit 143. The output processing unit 153 may be configured to display, on the output unit 11, a command prompt that allows a calculation start command to be input, instead of displaying the calculation start button B2 on the operation / output screen 111.

[0018] Furthermore, the output processing unit 153 displays, on the output unit 11, input forms for various types of information required for the operation of the acquisition unit 141, the definition units 142, 144 to 147, the nutritional information calculation unit 143, etc. The output processing unit 153 according to this embodiment displays the input forms on the output unit 11 in response to a predetermined display start operation (for example, touching or clicking on an icon on the input form). The input forms displayed by the output processing unit 153 according to this embodiment are composed of eleven types of input sheets 112 to 117, 11A to 11E as shown in FIGS. 3 to 13. When a predetermined display switching operation (for example, touching or clicking on a tab corresponding to each sheet provided on the periphery of the input sheet) is performed, the output processing unit 153 displays the input sheets 112 to 117, 11A to 11E corresponding to the operation.

[0019] The output processing unit 153 may be configured to display an input form that combines at least two of the input sheets 112 to 117 and 11A to 11E. The output processing unit 153 may also be configured to simultaneously display at least two of the input sheets 112 to 117 and 11A to 11E side by side. The output processing unit 153 may also be configured to display an input form in which a calculation start button B2 is provided on one of the input sheets 112 to 117 and 11A to 11E or on a dedicated operation sheet. The output processing unit 153 may also be configured to display the buttons B1 and B2 and the calculation results on separate screens. The output processing unit 153 may also be configured to display a command prompt on the output unit 11 that allows a calculation start command to be input. In this case, the output processing unit 153 does not necessarily have the function of displaying the calculation start button B2.

[0020] The herd information input sheet 11A is an input sheet for inputting herd information. The herd information is herd information related to a herd, which is a group of multiple milking cows. The herd information input sheet 11A allows input of multiple pieces of herd information related to multiple different herds. A "herd" is a group of multiple milking cows. The herd information is a numerical value indicating at least one of daily milk yield, milk fat, feeding method, parity, days since calving, body weight, and number of cows. A herd is a group of multiple milking cows, and is a group of milking cows divided so that these numerical values ​​fall within a predetermined range. "Daily milk yield" is the target milk yield per day [L]. "Milk fat" is the percentage [%] of milk fat contained in milked milk. The feeding method is information indicating whether the method of feeding milking cows is a separate method or a total mixed ration method. The output processing unit 153 in this embodiment accepts the separate method as "1" and the total mixed ration method as "2." "Parity" is the number of births that have occurred so far. "Days since calving" is the number of days since the most recent birth. "Number of cows" is the number of milking cows that belong to the herd. "Daily milk yield," "milk fat," "number of births," "days since calving," and "body weight" acquired by the acquisition unit 141 in this embodiment are representative values ​​for one of multiple milking cows that belong to one herd. These numerical values ​​may also be statistical values ​​(average, mode, etc.).

[0021] As shown in FIG. 3, in the herd information input sheet 11A, each row (multiple cells arranged horizontally) corresponds to a herd, and each column (multiple cells arranged vertically) corresponds to a piece of herd information. When the user selects a cell to be input by a selection operation on the operation unit 12 and performs an input operation on the operation unit 12, the output processing unit 153 displays a numerical value in the selected cell. Note that the output processing unit 153 may be configured to accept input of environmental conditions separately from the input of herd information. The environmental conditions are conditions related to the rearing environment of the dairy cows, and are, for example, numerical values ​​indicating at least one of temperature and humidity. Furthermore, the herd information input sheet 11A may be configured to allow input of nutritional information instead of herd information. The nutritional information is conditions related to the nutrients required by the herd.

[0022] The feed condition input sheet 11B is an input sheet for inputting feed information. The feed information specifies the type of feed and the nutritional content of each feed. The feed conditions include the nutritional content of the feed and the unit price of the feed. The feed conditions also include the type and yield of each feed. The feed information also includes at least one of the upper and lower feeding limits for each feed. This allows the user to limit or fix the feeding amount of the feed desired. "Nutrient content (components)" includes values ​​indicating at least one of DM (dry matter), TDN (total digestible nutrients), CP (crude protein), NDF (neutral detergent fiber), and EE (crude fat). These values ​​can be easily input by referring to, for example, the Japanese Standard Feed Composition Table. "Type" indicates whether the feed is roughage or concentrate. The output processing unit 153 in this embodiment accepts roughage as "1" and concentrate as "0." "Unit price" is the amount of money (yen / kg) required to obtain a unit weight of feed. If the feed is purchased, the unit price is the market distribution price. On the other hand, if the feed is self-produced, the unit price is the production cost required to cultivate a unit weight of feed, which is calculated in advance. Production costs may include material costs, cash expenditures required for production such as rent and labor paid to contractors, as well as home labor costs. "Yield" is the harvest amount (kg) of self-produced feed per unit area. The output processing unit 153 in this embodiment accepts the unit yield of purchased feed as "1".

[0023] As shown in Fig. 4, in the feed condition input sheet 11B, each row corresponds to a feed, and each column corresponds to a feed condition. The feed names shown in the feed condition input sheet 11B, each ending with a number, are self-produced feed that can be harvested multiple times a year. When a cell to be input is selected by a selection operation on the operation unit 12 by the user and an input operation is performed on the operation unit 12, the output processing unit 153 displays a numerical value in the selected cell. Note that the output processing unit 153 may be configured to add or remove feeds for which input of feed conditions is accepted in the feed condition input sheet 11B, in response to an add / remove operation on the operation unit 12 by the user.

[0024] The cultivated land area input sheet 11C is a sheet for inputting the cultivated land area. The cultivated land area is the area [a] of the cultivated land where self-supplied feed is cultivated among multiple types of feed. When the user selects a cell to be input by a selection operation on the operation unit 12 and performs an input operation on the operation unit 12, the output processing unit 153 displays a numerical value in a predetermined cell. Note that, as shown in FIG. 5, the output processing unit 153 may be configured to accept input of at least one of an NDF lower limit, a crude fat upper limit, a roughage upper limit, and a roughage lower limit in addition to the cultivated land area.

[0025] Furthermore, the cultivated land area input sheet 11C may be configured to allow input of at least second herd information and third herd information. The second herd information is information about the second herd, which is a group of multiple heifer cows raised together with the milking cows. The second herd information includes the number of heifer cows raised together with the milking cows and second nutritional information. Heifer cows are cows in the period from weaning to when they first become pregnant. The second nutritional information is conditions related to the nutrients required by each heifer cow. The third herd information is information about the third herd, which is a group of multiple dry cows raised together with the milking cows. The third herd information includes the number of dry cows raised together with the milking cows and third nutritional information. Dry cows are cows in the period from finishing milking to giving birth. The third nutritional information is conditions related to the nutrients required by each dry cow.

[0026] The nutrients required by heifers and dry cows, like the nutrients required by milking cows, include values ​​indicating at least one of DM (dry matter), TDN (total digestible nutrients), CP (crude protein), NDF (neutral detergent fiber), and EE (crude fat). On the other hand, the second nutritional information and the third nutritional information do not need to be as accurate as the nutritional information for milking cows, so they can be rough values ​​set by the user.

[0027] The competition information input sheet 11D is a sheet for receiving input of competition information. The competition information is information regarding competition between multiple types of self-produced feed whose cultivation periods overlap. There are two types of competition information input sheets 11D: one for regions with a once-a-year cultivation period (e.g., Hokkaido), as shown in Figure 6(a), and one for regions with a twice-a-year cultivation period (e.g., prefectures), as shown in Figure 6(b).

[0028] The competition information input sheet 11D for regions with a once-a-year cultivation period has one input column in one row. Each cell in the row corresponds to a different self-supplied feed. When the user selects the cell to be input by a selection operation on the operation unit 12 and performs an input operation on the operation unit 12, the output processing unit 153 displays a numerical value (1 or 0) in the selected cell. If multiple "1"s are entered, multiple self-supplied feeds are grown on the same cultivated land during the same period. In other words, these self-supplied feeds are in a competitive relationship.

[0029] On the other hand, the competition information input sheet 11D for regions with two cultivation periods per year has two input columns. The first column is for summer crops (main crops) and the second column is for winter crops (second crops). Each column corresponds to a different self-supplied feed. When the user selects a cell to be input by selecting it on the operation unit 12 and performs an input operation on the operation unit 12, the output processing unit 153 displays a numerical value (1 or 0) in the selected cell. If multiple "1"s are input in the same row, multiple self-supplied feeds will be grown in the same cultivated land during the same period. In other words, these self-supplied feeds are in a competitive relationship. On the other hand, if multiple "1"s are input in different rows, multiple self-supplied feeds will be grown in the same cultivated land during different periods. In other words, these self-supplied feeds are not in a competitive relationship.

[0030] The count information input sheet 11E is a sheet for inputting count information. The count information is information relating to the number of times that self-supplied feed can be harvested multiple times in a year. The count information input sheet 11E has two columns of input fields. The first column (the left column) corresponds to the self-supplied feed for the first harvest, and the second column (the right column) corresponds to the self-supplied feed for the second harvest and thereafter. When the user selects a cell to be input by a selection operation on the operation unit 12 and performs an input operation on the operation unit 12, the output processing unit 153 displays the name of the self-supplied feed and the number of harvests in the selected cell. Note that the output processing unit 153 sets the count information assuming that the cultivation area (harvesting area) of the self-supplied feed for the second harvest and thereafter is the same as that for the first harvest.

[0031] When pasture is cut multiple times, the nutritional content and yield per unit area vary depending on the order and time of cutting. For this reason, when designing feed, it is necessary to consider the nutritional content and yield per unit area depending on the number of cuts and maintain consistency in the cutting area. In the terminal device 2 according to this embodiment, the output processing unit 153 accepts input of the number of cuts information, so that when setting feed conditions (in the second reception step), for self-sufficient feed that can be cut multiple times, it is possible to set the nutritional content, yield per unit area, and unit price per unit area depending on the order of the number of cuts (the feed condition input sheet 11B in Figure 7 shows an example where the same unit price is set for the same self-sufficient feed).

[0032] The crop and work sheet 113 is an input sheet for inputting crop and work information. The crop and work information specifies the work required for cultivating each crop. As shown in FIG. 8 , in the crop and work sheet 113, each row corresponds to a work for each crop, and each column corresponds to a crop. The "conventional system" in the crop name is a general term for grasses that are harvested two or less times, and the "three-harvest system" is a general term for grasses that are harvested three or less times. When a user selects a cell to be input through a selection operation on the operation unit 12 and performs an input operation on the operation unit 12, the output processing unit 153 displays a symbol indicating that the work will be performed in the selected cell. The output processing unit 153 according to this embodiment displays a "1" in the cell where the input operation has been performed. The output processing unit 153 may be configured to add or remove a work (row) in the crop and work sheet 113 through the user's add / remove operation on the operation unit 12. The work name may be either a Japanese name or an English name.

[0033] The work / machine sheet 114 is an input sheet for inputting work / machine information. The work / machine information specifies the type and number of machines to be used for each work. As shown in FIG. 9 , each row of the work / machine sheet 114 corresponds to a work for each crop, and each column corresponds to a machine. Furthermore, the output processing unit 153 according to this embodiment displays a symbol indicating that a machine will not be used by default in each cell that can be entered. The output processing unit 153 according to this embodiment displays a "0 (zero)" as the symbol indicating that a machine will not be used. When a user selects a cell to be entered through a selection operation on the operation unit 12 and performs an input operation on the operation unit 12, the output processing unit 153 displays a symbol indicating that a machine will be used in the selected cell. The output processing unit 153 according to this embodiment displays a "1" in the cell where the input operation was performed. The output processing unit 153 may be configured to add or remove a work (row) and / or a machine (column) to the work / machine sheet 114 in response to a user's add / remove operation on the operation unit 12. Furthermore, the work name and machine name may be either Japanese or English.

[0034] The depreciation expense sheet 115 is an input sheet for inputting depreciation expense information. The depreciation expense information specifies the depreciation expense of each machine used in each task required for cultivating each crop. As shown in FIG. 10 , in the depreciation expense sheet 115, each row corresponds to a machine, and each column corresponds to the purchase price, years of use, and depreciation expense (purchase price / years of use). When a user selects a cell to be input through a selection operation on the operation unit 12 and performs an input operation on the operation unit 12, the output processing unit 153 displays the value entered in the selected cell. When values ​​are displayed in the cell corresponding to the purchase price and the cell corresponding to the years of use, the output processing unit 153 according to this embodiment calculates the depreciation expense and displays it in the corresponding cell. Note that the output processing unit 153 may be configured to add or remove machines (rows) from the depreciation expense sheet 115 through the user's add / remove operation on the operation unit 12. Furthermore, machine names may be either Japanese or English. The output processing unit 153 may also be configured to display the numerical value of the purchase price by referencing external data.

[0035] The work efficiency sheet 116 is an input sheet for inputting efficiency information. The efficiency information is information that defines the efficiency of each task. As shown in FIG. 11 , in the work efficiency sheet 116, each row corresponds to a task for each crop, and each column corresponds to work efficiency. The work efficiency is the work time (h) per unit area (e.g., 1 ha). When a user selects a cell to be input through a selection operation on the operation unit 12 and performs an input operation on the operation unit 12, the output processing unit 153 displays a numerical value in the selected cell. The output processing unit 153 may be configured to add or remove the name of the task for which work efficiency is to be input on the work efficiency sheet 116 through an add / remove operation on the operation unit 12 by the user. The task name may be in either Japanese or English. The output processing unit 153 may be configured to display the numerical value of work efficiency by referring to external data.

[0036] The work calendar sheet 117 is an input sheet for inputting efficiency information. The work calendar information specifies the content of multiple types of work and the time when the work is to be performed. The time is indicated by half-ten (1st to 6th ten). As shown in FIG. 12, each row corresponds to a work for each crop, and each column corresponds to a half-ten for each month. When a user selects a cell to be input by a selection operation on the operation unit 12 and performs an input operation on the operation unit 12, the output processing unit 153 displays a symbol indicating that the work is to be performed in the selected cell. The output processing unit 153 according to this embodiment displays a "1" in the cell where the input operation has been performed. The output processing unit 153 may be configured to add or remove a work (row) in the work calendar sheet 117 by the user's add / remove operation on the operation unit 12. The work name may be either a Japanese name or an English name.

[0037] (Acquisition Department) The acquisition unit 141 executes an acquisition process. In the acquisition process, the acquisition unit 141 acquires work calendar information, feed information, and crop and work information. The acquisition unit 141 according to this embodiment further acquires work and machine information, efficiency information, competition information, number of times information, herd information, depreciation information, and at least one of second herd information and previous third herd information.

[0038] As described above, the feed design and machinery equipment setting program 131 according to this embodiment is created using the programming language "Python." Various external libraries are provided for Python. Therefore, the acquisition unit 141 according to this embodiment is configured to call (import) the external library "Openpyxl" when acquiring various information and read the contents of each of the input sheets 112 to 117, 11A to 11E using the called "Openpyxl." Next, the acquisition unit 141 converts the contents of each of the read input sheets 112 to 117, 11A to 11E into a data format. The acquisition unit 141 according to this embodiment is configured to call the external library "Pandas" and perform conversion using the called "Pandas." Note that the acquisition unit 141 may be configured to read each of the input sheets 112 to 117, 11A to 11E and / or convert them into a data format using means other than an external library. In addition, if the feed design / machine equipment setting device 1 has an operation unit that can be operated by a user, the acquisition unit 141 may be configured to acquire various information that is directly input by the user performing input operations on the operation unit 12.

[0039] (Nutrition Information Calculation Department) The nutritional information calculation unit 143 executes a nutritional information calculation process (second calculation process) before executing a feeding amount definition process (ninth definition process) described below. In the nutritional information calculation process, the nutritional information calculation unit 143 calculates nutritional information based on herd information. The nutritional information is information related to nutrients required by the corresponding herd. The nutritional information calculation unit 143 calculates nutritional information for each of multiple herds. The nutritional information calculation unit 143 according to this embodiment calculates nutritional information by referring to reference data 133 stored in the memory unit 13. If the terminal device 2 is configured to accept input of environmental information, the nutritional information calculation unit 143 may be configured to calculate nutritional information based on the herd information and environmental conditions of each of the multiple herds. The nutritional information calculation unit 143 may also be configured to calculate at least one of the second nutritional information and the third nutritional information. If the feed design and equipment setting device 1 is configured to directly accept input of nutritional information, the calculation unit 14 does not need to include the nutritional information calculation unit 143.

[0040] (Payment amount definition section) The feeding amount definition unit 144 further executes a feeding amount definition process (ninth definition process) before executing a satisfying constraint equation definition process (sixth definition process) described later. In the feeding amount definition process, the feeding amount definition unit 144 defines feeding amount variables based on feed information.

[0041] (satisfaction constraint expression definition part) The satisfying constraint equation definition unit 145 further executes a satisfying constraint equation definition process (sixth definition process) before executing the reaping area constraint equation definition process described below. In the satisfying constraint equation definition process, the satisfying constraint equation definition unit 145 defines a satisfying constraint equation based on at least one of the feed information, the herd information, the second herd information, and the third herd information, as well as a variable for the amount of feed provided. The satisfying constraint equation is a constraint equation that specifies the relationship between the amount of feed provided and the nutrients ingested.

[0042] (Reaped area constraint expression definition part) The reaping area constraint equation definition unit 146 further executes a reaping area constraint equation definition process (fourth definition process) before executing a planting area constraint equation definition process (third definition process) described below. In the reaping area constraint equation definition process, the reaping area constraint equation definition unit 146 defines a reaping area constraint equation (second area constraint equation) based on count information. The reaping area constraint equation is a constraint equation that specifies the reaping area for each reaping count for a crop that can be reaped multiple times. Note that the reaping area constraint equation definition unit 146 may be configured to define the reaping area constraint equation by taking into account any of the variables of cow herd information, second cow herd information, third cow herd information, feed information, and feed supply amount in addition to the count information.

[0043] (Cultivated area constraint definition part) The planted area constraint equation definition unit 147 executes a planted area constraint equation definition process (third definition process) before executing an implementation area definition process (seventh definition process) described below. In the planted area constraint equation definition process, the planted area constraint equation definition unit 147 defines a planted area constraint equation (third area constraint equation) based on the competition information and the harvesting area constraint equation. The planted area constraint equation is a constraint equation that specifies the relationship between the planted area of ​​crops with overlapping cultivation periods and the area of ​​managed cultivated land. Note that the planted area constraint equation definition unit 147 may be configured to define the planted area constraint equation by taking into account any of the variables of cattle herd information, second cattle herd information, third cattle herd information, feed information, and feed supply amount in addition to the competition information and the harvesting area constraint equation.

[0044] (Implementation area definition section) The implementation area definition unit 148 executes an implementation area definition process (seventh definition process) before executing a number definition process (eighth definition process) described later. In the implementation area definition process, the implementation area definition unit 148 defines an implementation area variable for each task period as an endogenous variable based on work calendar information. Conventionally, the implementation area variable was manually entered, which required a great deal of work. However, in the feed design and machinery equipment setting device 1 according to this embodiment, the implementation area definition unit 148 automatically defines the implementation area variable. This facilitates the preparations for the time constraint equation definition unit 150 and the work area constraint equation definition unit 142 to define constraint equations. Note that if the feed design and machinery equipment setting device 1 is configured to directly accept input of the implementation area variable, the calculation unit 14 does not need to include the implementation area definition unit 148.

[0045] (Number of units definition section) The number of machines definition unit 149 executes a number of machines definition process (eighth definition process) before executing a time constraint equation definition process (second definition process) described later. In the number of machines definition process, the number of machines definition unit 149 defines a variable for the number of machines as an endogenous variable based on work and machine information. Conventionally, the variable for the number of machines was manually entered, which required a great deal of time and effort. However, in the feed design and machinery equipment setting device 1 according to this embodiment, the implementation area definition unit 148 automatically defines the variable for the number of machines. This facilitates preparations for the nutritional information calculation unit 143 to perform calculations. Note that if the feed design and machinery equipment setting device 1 is configured to directly accept input of the variable for the number of machines, the calculation unit 14 does not need to include this number of machines definition unit 149.

[0046] (Time constraint expression definition part) The time constraint equation definition unit 150 executes a time constraint equation definition process (second definition process) before executing a work area constraint equation definition process (definition process) described later. In the time constraint equation definition process, the time constraint equation definition unit 150 defines a time constraint equation based on variables such as work calendar information, work and machine information, efficiency information, and the number of machines. The time constraint equation is an equation that specifies the work time for each machine for each period. For example, after referring to the work and machine information, it is determined that the work shown in Table 1 below is required in the fifth half of April for the cultivation of each crop. All of these works require the use of tractors. Therefore, the operating time of tractors when performing these works is limited by the number of tractors available. [Table 1]

[0047] The time constraint equation definition unit 150 refers to the acquired variables of work calendar information, work / machine information, efficiency information, and number of machines, and automatically defines a time constraint equation that specifies the work time of the tractor in the fifth third of April, as shown in the following equation 1. In addition to the following equation 1, the time constraint equation definition unit 150 also automatically defines time constraint equations that specify the work time of the tractor in each period other than the fifth third of April, and time constraint equations that specify the work time of each period of each machine other than the tractor.

number

[0048] In the past, all of the complex and lengthy time constraint equations described above had to be written manually, which required a great deal of work. However, in the feed design and equipment configuration device 1 according to this embodiment, the time constraint equation definition unit 150 automatically defines all of the time constraint equations. This facilitates preparations for calculations by the nutritional information calculation unit 143. The time constraint equation definition unit 150 may be configured to define time constraint equations by taking into account variables such as work history information, work and machine information, efficiency information, and the number of machines, as well as variables for the area of ​​work performed at each time period. Furthermore, if the feed design and equipment configuration device 1 is configured to directly accept input of time constraint equations, the calculation unit 14 does not need to include the time constraint equation definition unit 150.

[0049] (Working area constraint expression definition part) The work area constraint equation definition unit 142 executes a work area constraint equation definition process (definition process) before executing a function definition process (fifth definition process) described below. In the work area constraint equation definition process, the work area constraint equation definition unit 142 defines a work area constraint equation (area constraint equation) based on work calendar information, feed information, and crop / work information. The work area constraint equation is an equation that specifies the relationship between the area to be performed for each task and the planted area. For example, suppose that after referencing the work calendar information, the necessary tasks and the work periods in which the tasks can be performed for corn cultivation are as shown in Table 2 below. The work periods differ for each task, but for each task, the total area to be performed for each period must be equal to the planted area. [Table 2]

[0050] The work area constraint equation definition unit 142 references the acquired work calendar information, feed information, and crop / work information to automatically define a work area constraint equation that stipulates the relationship between the area where each task is performed and the planted area in the cultivation of "corn," as shown in Equation 2 below. Note that the planted area is the area obtained by converting the defined feed amount into an area based on the herd conditions and yield information. In addition to Equation 2 below, the work area constraint equation definition unit 142 also automatically defines work area constraint equations that stipulate the relationship between the area where each task is performed and the planted area in the cultivation of each crop other than "corn."

number

[0051] In the past, all of the complex and lengthy work area constraint equations described above had to be written manually, which required a great deal of work. However, in the feed design and equipment setting device 1 according to this embodiment, the work area constraint equation definition unit 142 automatically defines all work area constraint equations. This facilitates preparations for calculations by the nutritional information calculation unit 143. The work area constraint equation definition unit 142 may be configured to define the work area constraint equations by taking into account not only work calendar information, feed information, and crop and work information, but also variables for the area of ​​work performed for each work period, herd information, second herd information, third herd information, feed information, and feed amount variables. Furthermore, if the feed design and equipment setting device 1 is configured to directly accept input of area constraint equations, the calculation unit 14 does not need to include the work area constraint equation definition unit 142.

[0052] (function definition part) The function definition unit 151 executes a function definition process (fifth definition process). In the function definition process, the function definition unit 151 defines a cost function based on herd information, feed information, and amortization cost information. The cost function is an objective function that represents the total cost of raising multiple herds of cattle while ensuring that the nutrients required by each of the multiple herds are met. As described above, the acquisition unit 141 acquires at least one of the cultivated land area and the competitive conditions along with the herd information and feed conditions. For this reason, the function definition unit 151 also sets at least one of the cultivated land area and the competitive conditions as constraint conditions. A cost function expressed in a form that can be understood by humans is formulated, for example, as in Equation 3 below.

[0053]

number

[0054] The cost function may be formulated as shown in the following equation 4, for example.

[0055]

number

[0056] In farms that raise multiple herds of cattle, it is common to first prepare the feed to be given to one herd of cattle, and then, after feeding that feed to that herd, modify the composition of the remaining feed and feed it to the next herd of cattle. Therefore, if the feed combination for each herd of cattle is calculated using an objective function such as equation 4 above, it is possible to easily prepare the feed to be given to the other herds by adding additional amounts of feed for the other herds to the remaining feed composition after feeding the feed to one herd of cattle.

[0057] (Optimal solution calculation section) The optimal solution calculation unit 152 executes an optimal solution calculation process (calculation process). In the optimal solution calculation process, the optimal solution calculation unit 152 calculates the implementation area for each work period and the number of machines to be prepared (hereinafter referred to as optimal solutions) that satisfy the nutritional needs of each of the multiple cattle herds and minimize the cost function. The optimal solution calculation unit 152 calculates an optimal solution under the constraints indicated by the defined area constraint equation group, time constraint equation group, satisfaction constraint equation group, harvested area constraint equation group, and planted area constraint equation group. In addition, the optimal solution calculation unit 152 according to this embodiment further calculates the annual machine depreciation cost, which is the sum of the depreciation costs of each machine for one year. The optimal solution calculation unit 152 according to this embodiment calculates the optimal solution using the external libraries "Pyomo" and "glpk." Specifically, the optimal solution calculation unit 152 calls the external library "Pyomo" and uses the called "Pyomo" to convert the cost function into a format that can be read by the external library "glpk." Next, the optimal solution calculation unit 152 calls the external library "glpk" and calculates the optimal solution using the called "glpk."

[0058] When the equation shown in Equation 4 above is defined, the optimal solution calculation unit 152 first calculates a first combination (basic design x01·x0j) using Equation 4. The first combination is a combination of feed to be given to one basic herd (number 0) among multiple herds of dairy cows. Next, the optimal solution calculation unit 152 calculates a second combination. The second combination (x11·x1j) is a combination of additional feed to be given to another herd of dairy cows (number 1). The amount of each feed given to the basic herd (x0j) is multiplied by the feeding rate α1 corresponding to the other herd among the multiple herds, and the result is added with the additional amount x1j corresponding to the other herd, resulting in the combination of feed to be given to the other herd. If there are three or more herds, the third feed combination (x21·x2j)·h+1th combination (xh1·xhj) is calculated in the same way. Feed combinations for heifers and dry cows are calculated separately.

[0059] As described above, the cost function according to this embodiment uses the area of ​​cultivated land as a constraint. Therefore, the optimal solution calculation unit 152 calculates an optimal combination of feeds based on the nutritional information, feed conditions, and cultivated land conditions, where the cultivation area of ​​the self-supplied feed does not exceed the area of ​​the cultivated land. In this way, by taking the area of ​​the cultivated land into consideration when calculating the optimal combination of feeds, it is possible to calculate a combination of feeds that can be achieved on the acquired area of ​​cultivated land. In other words, the problem of the calculated optimal combination of feeds including an amount of self-supplied feed that cannot be cultivated on the existing cultivated land does not occur.

[0060] As described above, the cost function according to this embodiment uses competition information as a constraint. Therefore, the optimal solution calculation unit 152 calculates a combination of feeds based on nutritional information, feed conditions, cultivated land area, and competition information, such that the total cultivation area of ​​competing self-supplied feeds does not exceed the cultivated land area. In this way, in the optimal solution calculation step according to this embodiment, the optimal solution calculation unit 152 takes into account competition between self-supplied feeds, thereby calculating a combination of feeds that assumes that the cultivation areas of self-supplied feeds with overlapping cultivation periods are separated. In other words, the calculated optimal combination of feeds does not include an amount of self-supplied feed that can only be obtained by cultivating multiple types of self-supplied feed simultaneously in the same cultivated land.

[0061] As described above, when the feed design and machinery equipment setting device 1 receives input of the number of harvests information, it sets the nutrients, yield, and unit price for self-sufficient feed that can be harvested multiple times according to the number of harvests. The acquisition unit 141 then acquires the feed conditions in which the nutrients, yield, and unit price are set according to the number of harvests. Therefore, the optimal solution calculation unit 152 calculates a combination of feed based on the nutritional information, feed conditions, cultivated land area, competition information, and number of harvests information. In this way, by taking into account the nutrients, yield, and unit price that differ for each number of harvests, it is possible to calculate an optimal solution for an area where self-sufficient feed that can be harvested multiple times can be grown.

[0062] (output processing section) The output processing unit 153 outputs the optimal solution calculated by the optimal solution calculation unit 152 to the output unit 11. As described above, the output unit 11 according to this embodiment outputs by display. Therefore, the output processing unit 153 displays the optimal solution on the output unit 11. Also, as described above, the operation / output screen 111 according to this embodiment has a calculation result display area R. Therefore, the output processing unit 153 according to this embodiment displays the optimal solution in the calculation result display area R, for example, as shown in FIG. 13 . Also, the output processing unit 153 according to this embodiment outputs the total cost (the minimum value of the cost function) together with the optimal solution to the output unit 11 (displays it in the calculation result display area R). Also, the output processing unit 153 according to this embodiment outputs the annual machine depreciation cost to the output unit 11 (displays it in the calculation result display area R) separately from the total cost. The annual machine depreciation cost is the depreciation cost when the number of machines output as the optimal solution is purchased. When the calculation start command is inputted into a command prompt, the output processing unit 153 may be configured to display the optimal solution in the command prompt.

[0063] [Effects of the feed design and machine equipment setting device (feed design and machine equipment setting program)] The feed design and machinery setting device 1 (feed design and machinery setting program 131) described above automatically defines an area constraint equation when work calendar information, feed information, and crop and work information are input. Furthermore, when different information is input, the feed design and machinery setting device 1 (feed design and machinery setting program 131) automatically redefines the area constraint equation to match the input information. This eliminates the need for the user to manually define and input complex and extensive area constraint equations. Therefore, the feed design and machinery setting device 1 (feed design and machinery setting program 131) can easily define a cost function that represents the total cost of raising multiple herds of cattle while satisfying the nutritional needs of each herd using the automatically defined area constraint equation. This also makes it easy to calculate the optimal solution. As a result, feed costs for the entire farm can be minimized. Furthermore, even if a user does not have knowledge of programming or optimization techniques, they can calculate the required area and the number of machines. Furthermore, the feed design and machinery setting device 1 (feed design and machinery setting program 131) according to this embodiment automatically defines and redefines the time constraint equation when work and machinery information and efficiency information are input. Therefore, according to the feed design and machinery setting device 1 (feed design and machinery setting program 131) according to this embodiment, the automatically defined area constraint equation and time constraint equation make it easier to calculate the optimal solution.

[0064] <Embodiment 2 of the feed design and machinery equipment setting device> Next, a feed design and machinery equipment setting device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. For ease of explanation, the same reference numerals will be used to designate components having the same functions as those described in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0065] [composition] As shown in Figure 14, the feed design and mechanical equipment setting device 1A includes an output unit 11 and an operation unit 12 similar to those included in the feed design and mechanical equipment setting device 1 of embodiment 1 above, as well as a memory unit 13A and a calculation unit 14A.

[0066] [Storage section] The storage unit 13A according to the second embodiment stores a feed design and equipment setting program 131A that is different from the feed design and equipment setting program 131 according to the first embodiment. This feed design and equipment setting program 131A is for operating the calculation unit 14A. The storage unit 13A according to the second embodiment also stores input form data 132A that is different from the input form data 132 according to the first embodiment.

[0067] [Arithmetic unit] The calculation unit 14A according to the second embodiment includes a work area constraint equation definition unit 142 (definition unit), a nutritional information calculation unit 143, a feeding amount definition unit 144, a satisfaction constraint equation definition unit 145, a reaping area constraint equation definition unit 146, a planting area constraint equation definition unit 147, an implementation area definition unit 148, and a number of units definition unit 149, which are similar to those included in the calculation unit 14 according to the first embodiment. The calculation unit 14A according to the second embodiment further includes an acquisition unit 141A, a time constraint equation definition unit 150A, a function definition unit 151A, an optimal solution calculation unit 152A (calculation unit), an output processing unit 153A, an endogenous variable definition unit 154, a work time task-specific constraint equation definition unit 155, a work time period-specific constraint equation definition unit 156, and a machine equipment constraint equation definition unit 157. The calculation unit 14A according to this embodiment is configured with a processor. Therefore, the functions of the control blocks 141A to 157 are realized by the calculation unit 14A executing the feed design and machine equipment setting program 131A stored in the storage unit 13A.

[0068] (output processing section) The output processing unit 153A according to the second embodiment displays an input form different from the input form according to the first embodiment on the output unit 11. The input form displayed by the output processing unit 153A according to the second embodiment is configured by input sheets 112, 113, 114, 117, 11A, 11D, and 11E similar to those of the first embodiment, as well as an input sheet 11BA and four types of input sheets 11CA, 115A, 116A, and 118 as shown in FIGS.

[0069] The work period sheet 118 is an input sheet for inputting work period information. The work period information specifies the number of days in each work period and the work conditions during each work period. The work conditions include the available work hours per day, the total number of hours available for part-time employment within the period, and the part-time wage rate within the period. As shown in FIG. 15 , in the work period sheet 118 according to the second embodiment, each row corresponds to a work period, and each column corresponds to the number of work days (days), the available work hours per day (hours), the total number of hours available for part-time employment within the period (part_timer_limit), and the part-time wage rate (wage_rate). When an input operation is performed on the operation unit 12, the output processing unit 153A displays a numerical value in the selected cell. Note that the output processing unit 153A may be configured to add or remove work periods for which the number of work days and work conditions are to be input in the work period sheet 118, in response to an add / remove operation performed by the user on the operation unit 12.

[0070] The cultivated land area input sheet 11CA according to the second embodiment is a sheet for inputting cultivated land area, similar to the cultivated land area input sheet 11C according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 16, the cultivated land area input sheet 11CA according to the second embodiment further allows the user to input the number of full-time operators and their employment costs. When an input operation is performed on the operation unit 12, the output processing unit 153A displays a numerical value in the selected cell. Note that some organizations performing work may not have full-time operators. Therefore, the cultivated land area input sheet 11CA may allow the user to input "0" as the number of full-time operators. The output processing unit 153A may also be configured not to display input fields for the number of full-time operators and their employment costs on the cultivated land area input sheet 11CA.

[0071] The feed condition input sheet 11BA according to the second embodiment is an input sheet for inputting feed information, similar to the feed condition input sheet 11B according to the first embodiment. On the other hand, the production cost (the unit price of the feed when the feed is self-sufficient) input into the feed condition input sheet 11BA according to the second embodiment is composed of the cash expenditure amount required for production, excluding material costs and labor costs such as rent.

[0072] The depreciation expense sheet 115A according to the second embodiment is an input sheet for inputting depreciation expense information, similar to the depreciation expense sheet 115 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 17 , in the depreciation expense sheet 115A according to the second embodiment, each row corresponds to a machine, and each column corresponds to the purchase price, years of use, depreciation (purchase price / years of use), and the upper and lower limits of the number of machines that can be purchased and installed. The number of machines can also be fixed by setting the upper and lower limits of the number of machines to the same value. Note that if there is no need to set upper and lower limits on the number of machines, inputting the upper and lower limits of the number of machines into the depreciation expense sheet 115A can be omitted.

[0073] The work efficiency sheet 116A according to the second embodiment is an input sheet for inputting efficiency information, similar to the work efficiency sheet 116 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 18 , in the work efficiency sheet 116A according to the second embodiment, each row corresponds to a task for each crop, and each column corresponds to the number of personnel required for each task and the work efficiency. For example, fertilization requires two people: one to apply the fertilizer in the field and one to transport and assist the fertilizer. Therefore, a value of “2” or more is entered in the “Number of personnel” field in the row for fertilization in the work efficiency sheet 116A. Furthermore, harvesting is a group task that requires a total of seven people: one operator for a large harvesting machine, four dump truck transporters, and two workers at the destination. Therefore, a value of “7” or more is entered in the “Number of personnel” field in the row for harvesting.

[0074] (Acquisition Department) The acquisition unit 141A according to the second embodiment executes an acquisition process different from that executed by the acquisition unit 141 according to the above-described first embodiment. In the acquisition process according to the second embodiment, the acquisition unit 141A acquires work calendar information, work / machine information, efficiency information, crop information, crop / work information, depreciation information, work period information, the number of full-time operators, and employment costs of full-time operators, as shown in Fig. 14 .

[0075] (endogenous variable definition part) The endogenous variable definition unit 154 defines the total working hours of full-time operators and part-time operators by task and time period as endogenous variables based on the work calendar information, prior to the work time task-specific constraint equation definition process and the work time period-specific constraint equation definition process, which will be described later.

[0076] (Time constraint expression definition part) The time constraint equation definition unit 150A according to the second embodiment executes a time constraint equation definition process (second definition process) that is different from the process executed by the time constraint equation definition unit 150 according to the first embodiment. In the time constraint equation definition process according to the second embodiment, the time constraint equation definition unit 150A defines a time constraint equation based on variables such as work calendar information, work / machine information, efficiency information, work period information, and the number of machines. The time constraint equation definition unit 150A automatically calculates the available work hours for each period in the time constraint equation (see equation 1 above) for each work period based on the number of available work days and available work hours per day in the work period information.

[0077] (Work time task-specific constraint definition part) The task-specific task-specific task constraint equation definition unit 155 executes task-specific task-specific task constraint equation definition processing. In the task-specific task-specific task constraint equation definition processing, the task-specific task-specific task constraint equation definition unit 155 defines task-specific task-specific task constraint equations for each task and each task period. The task-specific task-specific task constraint equations are equations that specify the total task hours of at least one of full-time operators and part-time operators. The task-specific task-specific task constraint equation definition unit 155 automatically defines task-specific task-specific task constraint equations as shown in Equation 5 below, by referencing the acquired task period information, the number of full-time operators, the employment costs of full-time operators, and the total task hours of operators (full-time and part-time) for each task defined as endogenous variables.

number

[0078] (Working time period constraint expression definition part) The work time period-specific constraint equation definition unit 156 executes work time period-specific constraint equation definition processing. In the work time period-specific constraint equation definition processing, the work time period-specific constraint equation definition unit 156 defines a work time period-specific constraint equation for each work period. The work time period-specific constraint equation is an equation that specifies the total work time of an operator. The work time period-specific constraint equation definition unit 156 references the acquired work period information, the number of full-time operators, the employment costs of full-time operators, and the total work time of operators (full-time and part-time) by period, and automatically defines the work time period-specific constraint equation as shown in Equation 6 below. In doing so, the work time period-specific constraint equation definition unit 156 defines a work time period-specific constraint equation for each of full-time operators and part-time operators.

number

[0079] (Machine equipment constraint definition part) The equipment constraint equation definition unit 157 executes equipment constraint equation definition processing. In the equipment constraint equation definition processing, the equipment constraint equation definition unit 157 defines equipment constraint equations for each machine based on depreciation cost information. The equipment constraint equations are equations that specify the upper and lower limits of the number of machines that can be installed (lower limit≦number of machines≦upper limit).

[0080] (function definition part) The function definition unit 151A according to the second embodiment executes a function definition process different from that executed by the function definition unit 151 according to the first embodiment. In the function definition process according to the second embodiment, the function definition unit 151A defines a cost function based on crop information, depreciation information, variables for the number of machines, the number of full-time operators, and the employment costs of the full-time operators. The function definition unit 151A according to the second embodiment defines the cost function, for example, as shown in the following equation 7.

number

[0081] The cost function may be formulated as shown in the following equation 8, for example.

number

[0082] (Optimal solution calculation section) The optimal solution calculation unit 152A according to the second embodiment executes an optimal solution calculation process (calculation process) different from that of the optimal solution calculation unit 152 according to the first embodiment. The optimal solution calculation unit 152A calculates an optimal solution under constraints indicated by the defined area constraint equation group, time constraint equation group, satisfaction constraint equation group, reaping area constraint equation group, planted area constraint equation group, operator work time / task-specific constraint equation group, operator work time period-specific constraint equation group, and machine equipment upper / lower limit constraint equation group.

[0083] [Effects of the feed design and machine equipment setting device (feed design and machine equipment setting program)] The feed design and machinery setting device 1A (feed design and machinery setting program 131A) described above achieves the same effects as the feed design and machinery setting device 1A (feed design and machinery setting program 131A) according to the first embodiment. Specifically, the feed design and machinery setting device 1A (feed design and machinery setting program 131A) uses an automatically defined area constraint equation to easily define a cost function that represents the total cost of raising multiple herds of cattle while satisfying the nutritional needs of each of the multiple herds. This in turn makes it easy to calculate an optimal solution. As a result, it is possible to minimize feed costs for the entire farm. Furthermore, even if a user does not have knowledge of programming or optimization techniques, they can calculate the required area and number of machines. The automatically defined area constraint equation and time constraint equation make it even easier to calculate an optimal solution.

[0084] The feed design and equipment setting device 1A (feed design and equipment setting program 131A) according to the second embodiment is configured to calculate an optimal solution assuming a case where labor procurement is limited. Specifically, the feed design and equipment setting device 1A allows input of work period information (available working hours per day, total hours available for part-time employment within the period, and part-time wage unit price within the period). Therefore, the feed design and equipment setting device 1A (feed design and equipment setting program 131A) according to the second embodiment makes it possible to calculate an optimal solution by setting at least one of the number of working days and available working hours shorter than those for other work periods during work periods with frequent bad weather. It is also possible to calculate an optimal solution by adjusting the available working hours per day for each season with different day lengths (for example, setting the available working hours in summer, when the day length is long, longer than those in spring and autumn). Furthermore, restrictions on part-time employment during busy farming seasons and increases in wage unit prices during busy farming seasons can be reflected in the calculation of the optimal value using the work period sheet 118.

[0085] Furthermore, the feed design and machinery equipment setting device 1A according to the second embodiment is capable of inputting the number of personnel required for a task as one piece of efficiency information. Therefore, according to the feed design and machinery equipment setting device 1A (feed design and machinery equipment setting program 131A) according to the second embodiment, for tasks for which the number of personnel required is fixed (for example, for fertilization, two personnel are required: one person to perform the fertilization task and one person to transport and assist the fertilizer; for harvesting, one harvesting machine operator, four people to transport the dump truck, and two workers at the destination, a total of seven people), by inputting the specified number of personnel, it becomes possible to calculate an optimal solution that is more suited to the actual situation (more accurate than when there is no limit on the number of personnel required for the task).

[0086] Furthermore, the feed design and machinery setting device 1A (feed design and machinery setting program 131A) according to embodiment 2 allows the input of upper and lower limits on the number of machines as one piece of depreciation information. Therefore, according to the feed design and machinery setting device 1A (feed design and machinery setting program 131A) according to embodiment 2, if there is a limit on the number of operators for the machines used for the work, for example, because the work content is special, by setting an upper limit on the number of the machines, it becomes possible to calculate an optimal solution that is more suited to the actual situation (more accurate than when there is no limit on the number of the machines).

[0087] <Feed design and machinery equipment setup method> Next, a method for designing feed and setting machinery equipment according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0088] 19, the feed design and machinery equipment setting method includes an acquisition step S1 and a work area constraint equation definition step S2 (definition step). The feed design and machinery equipment setting method may further include a nutritional information calculation step S3, a feeding amount definition step S4, a satisfaction constraint equation definition step S5, a reaping area constraint equation definition step S6, a planting area constraint equation definition step S7, an implementation area definition step S8, a number of units definition step S9, a time constraint equation definition step S10, a function definition step S11, an optimal solution calculation step S12, and an output step S13.

[0089] (Acquisition step) In the acquisition step S1, the computer acquires work calendar information, feed information, and crop and work information. In the acquisition step S1, the computer may further acquire work and machine information, efficiency information, competition information, number of times information, herd information, depreciation cost information, and at least one of second herd information and previous third herd information. The acquired information may be input to the computer via an operation unit provided in the computer, or may be received by the computer from another device. The acquisition step S1 may be performed using the feed design and machinery equipment setting device 1 or another device. In the acquisition step S1, the computer may further acquire work period information, the number of full-time operators, the employment costs of the full-time operators, the feed information described in the second embodiment of the feed design and machinery equipment setting device, depreciation cost, and efficiency information.

[0090] (Nutrition information calculation step) If further herd information is acquired in the acquisition step S1, a nutritional information calculation step S3 may be performed before the work area constraint equation definition step S2 (definition step) described below is performed. In the nutritional information calculation step S3, the computer calculates nutritional information for each of the multiple herds regarding the nutrients required by the corresponding herd based on the herd information. Note that the nutritional information calculation step S3 may calculate the nutritional information by referring to reference data 133. If environmental information is acquired in the acquisition step, the nutritional information calculation step S3 may calculate the nutritional information based on the herd information and environmental conditions of each of the multiple herds. Furthermore, the nutritional information calculation step S3 may calculate at least one of the second nutritional information and the third nutritional information. Furthermore, the computer that performs the nutritional information calculation step S3 may be the same as or different from the computer that performed the acquisition step S1. Furthermore, if nutritional information is acquired in the acquisition step S1, the nutritional information calculation step S3 does not need to be performed.

[0091] (Feeding amount definition step) If feed information is further acquired in the acquisition step S1, a feeding amount definition step S4 may be further performed before the work area constraint equation definition step S2 is performed. In the feeding amount definition step S4, a feeding amount variable is defined based on the feed information. The computer that performs the feeding amount definition step S4 may be the same as or different from the computer that performed the acquisition step S1.

[0092] (Constraint satisfaction definition step) If at least one of second and third herd information is further acquired in acquisition step S1, a satisfying constraint equation definition step S5 may be further performed before performing work area constraint equation definition step S2. In satisfying constraint equation definition step S5, a satisfying constraint equation is defined based on at least one of feed information, herd information, second and third herd information, and feed supply variables. Note that the computer that performs satisfying constraint equation definition step S5 may be the same as or different from the computer that performed acquisition step S1.

[0093] (Cutting area constraint definition step) If frequency information is further acquired in acquisition step S1, a reaping area constraint equation definition step S6 may be further performed before performing work area constraint equation definition step S2. In reaping area constraint equation definition step S6, a reaping area constraint equation (second area constraint equation) is defined based on the frequency information. The computer that performs reaping area constraint equation definition step S6 may be the same as or different from the computer that performed acquisition step S1. In reaping area constraint equation definition step S6, the reaping area constraint equation may be defined by taking into account any of the following variables in addition to frequency information: cow herd information, second cow herd information, third cow herd information, feed information, and feed amount.

[0094] (Cultivated area constraint definition step) If frequency information is further acquired in acquisition step S1, a planting area constraint equation definition step S7 may be further performed before performing work area constraint equation definition step S2. In planting area constraint equation definition step S7, a planting area constraint equation (third area constraint equation) is defined based on the competitive information and the harvesting area constraint equation. The computer that performs planting area constraint equation definition step S7 may be the same as or different from the computer that performed acquisition step S1. In planting area constraint equation definition step S7, the planting area constraint equation may be defined by taking into account any of the variables of cattle herd information, second cattle herd information, third cattle herd information, feed information, and feed supply amount, in addition to the competitive information and the harvesting area constraint equation.

[0095] (Implementation area definition step) If work calendar information is further acquired in acquisition step S1, an implementation area definition step S8 may be further performed before performing work area constraint equation definition step S2. In implementation area definition step S8, an implementation area variable is defined as an endogenous variable based on the work calendar information. This eliminates the need for a person to define the implementation area variable and input it into the computer, making it even easier to calculate the numerical value. The computer that performs implementation area definition step S8 may be the same as or different from the computer that performed acquisition step S1.

[0096] (Number of units definition step) Furthermore, if task and machine information is further acquired in acquisition step S1 and execution area definition step S8 is performed, number definition step S9 may be further performed before execution of task area constraint equation definition step S2. In number definition step S9, a variable for the number of machines is defined as an endogenous variable based on the task and machine information. This eliminates the need for a person to define the variable for the number of machines and input it into the computer, making it even easier to calculate the numerical value. The computer that performs number definition step S9 may be the same as or different from the computer that performed acquisition step S1.

[0097] If task period information is acquired in the acquisition step S1, an endogenous variable definition step may be further performed before the task-specific task-specific task-specific task constraint equation definition process or the task-specific task-specific task-specific task-specific task constraint equation definition process. In the endogenous variable definition step, the total task-specific and task-specific ...

[0098] (Time constraint definition step) Furthermore, if work calendar information, work / machine information, and efficiency information are further acquired in the acquisition step S1, and if the number definition step S9 is performed, a time constraint equation definition step S10 may be further performed before the work area constraint equation definition step S2 is performed. In the time constraint equation definition step S10, a time constraint equation is defined based on variables of the work calendar information, work / machine information, efficiency information, and number of machines. This eliminates the need for a person to define the time constraint equation and input it into a computer, making it easier to calculate the values. Note that in the time constraint equation definition step S10, the time constraint equation may be defined by taking into account variables of the work calendar information, work / machine information, efficiency information, and number of machines, as well as variables of the area of ​​work performed for each period of each work. Furthermore, the computer that performs the time constraint equation definition step S10 may be the same as or different from the computer that performed the acquisition step S1. In addition, if work period information is acquired in the above acquisition step S1, the time constraint equation may be defined in the time constraint equation definition step S10 based on variables such as work calendar information, work / machine information, efficiency information, work period information, and the number of machines.

[0099] (Work area constraint definition step) In the work area constraint equation definition step S2, the work area constraint equation is defined based on the work calendar information, feed information, and crop / work information. This eliminates the need for a person to define the work area constraint equation and input it into a computer, making it easier to calculate the values. In addition to the work calendar information, feed information, and crop / work information, the work area constraint equation may be defined by taking into account any of the following variables: the area of ​​work performed for each work period, herd information, second herd information, third herd information, feed information, and feed amount. The computer that performs the work area constraint equation definition step S2 may be the same as or different from the computer that performed the acquisition step S1.

[0100] When the work period information, the number of full-time operators, the employment costs of full-time operators, and the depreciation costs described in the second embodiment of the equipment setting device are acquired in the acquisition step S1, a work time constraint equation definition step, a work time period constraint equation definition step, and a machine equipment constraint equation definition step may be further performed before the function definition step S11 is performed. In the work time constraint equation definition step, a work time constraint equation is defined for each work and each work period. In the work time period constraint equation definition step, a work time period constraint equation is defined for each work period. In the machine equipment constraint equation definition step, a machine equipment constraint equation is defined for each machine based on the depreciation cost information.

[0101] (Function definition step) After the work area constraint equation is defined in the work area constraint equation definition step S2, a function definition step S11 may be further performed. In the function definition step S11, the computer defines a cost function based on the herd information, feed information, and depreciation cost information. In addition to the crop information and depreciation cost information, the cost function may also be defined in the function definition step S11 by taking into account variables such as the number of machines, the number of full-time operators, and the employment costs of full-time operators. The computer that performs the function definition step S11 may be the same as or different from the computer that performed the acquisition step S1.

[0102] (Optimal solution calculation step) After the cost function is defined in the function definition step S11, an optimal solution calculation step S12 may be further performed. In the optimal solution calculation step S12, the computer calculates the area to be used for each task and the number of machines to be prepared for each task, so that the nutritional needs of each of the multiple herds are met and the cost function is minimized. In this case, the optimal solution may be calculated under the constraints indicated by the defined area constraint equations, time constraint equations, operator work time / task-specific constraint equations, operator work time period-specific constraint equations, and machine equipment upper and lower limit constraint equations. In the optimal solution calculation step S12, the annual machine depreciation cost, which is the sum of the annual depreciation costs of each machine, may be further calculated. The computer that performs the optimal solution calculation step S12 may be the same as or different from the computer that performed the acquisition step S1.

[0103] (output step) In the output step S13, the optimal solution calculated in the optimal solution calculation step S12 is output. The output may be performed by display, printing, audio output, or signal transmission. The computer that performs the output step S13 may be the same as or different from the computer that performed the acquisition step S1.

[0104] [Effects of feed design and machinery equipment setting methods] In the feed design and machinery setup method described above, when work calendar information, feed information, and crop and work information are input to the computer, the computer automatically defines the area constraint equation. Furthermore, in the feed design and machinery setup method, when different information is input to the computer, the computer automatically redefines the area constraint equation to match the input information. This eliminates the need for the user to manually define and input complex and extensive area constraint equations. Therefore, the feed design and machinery setup method makes it easy to define a cost function that represents the total cost of raising multiple herds of cattle while satisfying the nutritional needs of each herd using the automatically defined area constraint equation. This in turn makes it easy to calculate the optimal solution. As a result, feed costs for the entire farm can be minimized. Furthermore, even if the user does not have knowledge of programming or optimization techniques, they can calculate the implementation area and the number of machines. Furthermore, in the feed design and machinery setup method according to this embodiment, when work and machine information and efficiency information are input to the computer, the computer also automatically defines and redefines the time constraint equation. Therefore, according to the feed design and machinery equipment setting method of this embodiment, the automatically defined area constraint equation and time constraint equation make it easier to calculate the optimal solution.

[0105] <Modification> The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Furthermore, embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0106] For example, the feed design and machinery setting devices 1, 1A described above are equipped with the output unit 11 and the operation unit 12, but the feed design and machinery setting devices 1, 1A may not be equipped with these and may instead be configured to communicate with another device having functions equivalent to the output unit 11 and the operation unit 12. The feed design and machinery setting devices 1, 1A may also be configured to receive various information input to other devices, calculate an optimal solution based on the various information, and transmit the optimal solution to other devices.

[0107] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the control blocks can be realized by logic circuits. For example, an integrated circuit in which a logic circuit that functions as each of the control blocks is formed is also included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, the functions of the control blocks can also be realized by, for example, a quantum computer.

[0108] Furthermore, each process described in each of the above embodiments may be executed by AI (Artificial Intelligence). In this case, the AI ​​may run on the control device or on another device (for example, an edge computer or a cloud server).

[0109] The feed design and equipment setting programs 131 and 131A may be stored in one or more computer-readable storage media, rather than being stored temporarily. These storage media may or may not be included in the device. In the latter case, the feed design and equipment setting programs 131 and 131A may be supplied to the device via any wired or wireless transmission medium. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 1. 1A Feed design and machinery setting device 11 Output section 11A Herd Information Input Sheet 11B, 11BA Feed condition input sheet 11C, 11CA Cultivated land area input sheet 11D Competitor Information Input Sheet 11E Number of times information input sheet 111 Operation and output screen B1 File selection button B2 Calculation start button 113 Worksheet 114 Machine Seat 115, 115A Depreciation Sheet 116, 116A Work Efficiency Sheet 117 Work Calendar Sheet 12 Control section 13, 13A storage section 131, 131A Machine equipment setting program 132, 132A Input form data 133 Reference Data 14, 14A calculation section 141, 141A Acquisition Department 142 Working area constraint expression definition part 143 Nutrition Information Calculation Unit 144 Payroll Definition Section 145 Satisfaction constraint expression definition part 146 Cutting area constraint expression definition part 147 Cultivated area constraint definition part 148 Implementation area definition section 149 Number definition section 150, 150A time constraint expression definition part 151, 151A Function definition section 152, 152A Optimal solution calculation section 153, 153A output processing section 154 Endogenous variable definition section 155 Work time task-specific constraint expression definition part 156 Constraint expression definition by work time period 157 Machinery equipment constraint definition part 2. Terminal Device S1 Acquisition step S2 Working area constraint definition step S3 Nutrition information calculation step S4 Feeding amount definition step S5 Constraint satisfaction definition step S6: Harvesting area constraint definition step S7 Cultivated area constraint definition step S8 Implementation area definition step S9 Number definition step S10 Time constraint definition step S11 Function definition step S12 Optimal solution calculation step S13 Output Step

Claims

1. On the computer, An acquisition process for acquiring work calendar information that specifies the content of multiple types of work required for growing crops and the time when the work should be performed, feed information that specifies the type of crop to be grown and the yield of the crop, and crop / work information that specifies the work required for growing the crop; a definition process for defining an area constraint equation that defines the relationship between the area where each work is carried out and the planted area of ​​the crop, based on the work calendar information, the feed information, and the crop / work information; Execute Feed design and machinery equipment setting program.

2. The computer, In the acquisition process, Task and machine information that specifies the type and number of machines to be used for each task; Efficiency information that specifies the efficiency of each task; Further obtain further executing a second definition process for defining a time constraint equation that specifies the work time of each machine for each period based on the work calendar information, the work / machine information, the efficiency information, and variables of the number of machines; The feed design and machine equipment setting program according to claim 1.

3. The computer, In the acquisition process, competition information regarding competition between crops having overlapping cultivation periods among the plurality of types of crops is further acquired, further executing a third definition process to define a third area constraint equation that defines the relationship between the planted area of ​​crops whose cultivation periods overlap and the area of ​​managed cultivated land, based on the competitive information and a second area constraint equation that defines the reaping area for each reaping frequency for crops that can be reaped multiple times in a year; The feed design and machine equipment setting program according to claim 1.

4. The computer, In the acquisition process, frequency information regarding the number of harvests of crops that can be harvested multiple times in a year is further acquired; further executing a fourth definition process for defining the second area constraint equation based on the number information; The feed design and machine equipment setting program according to claim 3.

5. The computer, In the acquisition process, the system further acquires herd information relating to a herd that is a group of a plurality of milking cows, the herd information being for a plurality of different herds, feed information specifying the type of feed and the nutritional content of each feed, and depreciation cost information specifying the depreciation cost of machines used in each operation required for cultivating crops that are cultivated as part of the feed, A fifth definition process defines a cost function that represents the total cost of raising the multiple herds of cattle while satisfying the nutrients required by each of the multiple herds of cattle based on the herd information, the feed information, and the depreciation cost information; A calculation process for calculating the type and amount of feed, the area for each operation period, and the number of machines to be prepared so that the nutrients required by each of the multiple cattle groups are met and the cost function is minimized; Execute The feed design and machine equipment setting program according to claim 1.

6. The computer, In the acquisition process, at least one of second herd information regarding a second herd, which is a group of multiple growing cows raised together with the milking cow, and third herd information regarding a third herd, which is a group of multiple dry cows raised together with the milking cow, is further acquired, Further executing a sixth definition process to define a satisfying constraint equation that specifies the relationship between the amount of feed and the nutrients ingested based on at least one of the feed information, the herd information, the second herd information, and the third herd information, and variables of the amount of feed fed. The feed design and machine equipment setting program according to claim 5.

7. and further causing the computer to execute a seventh definition process of defining a variable of an area of ​​each work period as an endogenous variable based on the work calendar information. The feed design and machine equipment setting program according to claim 1.

8. further causing the computer to execute an eighth definition process of defining the variable of the number of machines as an endogenous variable based on the work / machine information; The feed design and machine equipment setting program according to claim 2.

9. and causing the computer to further execute a ninth definition process for defining a variable of the feeding amount based on the feed information. The feed design and machine equipment setting program according to claim 6.

10. The computer further executes a second calculation process to calculate nutritional information related to nutrients required by the herd based on the herd information. The feed design and machine equipment setting program according to claim 5.

11. The computer, In the acquisition process, work period information specifying the number of days of each work period and work conditions during each work period is further acquired; in the second definition process, a time constraint equation is defined that specifies the work time of each machine for each period based on variables of the work calendar information, the work / machine information, the efficiency information, the work period information, and the number of machines; The feed design and machine equipment setting program according to claim 2.

12. an acquisition unit that acquires work calendar information that specifies the content of multiple types of work required for growing crops and the time when the work should be performed, feed information that specifies the type of crop to be grown as feed and the yield of the crop, and crop / work information that specifies the work required for growing the crop; a definition unit that defines an area constraint equation that defines the relationship between the area where each task is performed and the planted area of ​​the crop based on the task calendar information, the feed information, and the crop / task information; Equipped with Feed design and machinery equipment setting device.

13. an acquisition step of acquiring work calendar information that specifies the content of multiple types of work required for cultivating crops and the time when the work is to be performed, feed information that specifies the type of crop to be cultivated as fodder and the yield of the crop, and crop / work information that specifies the work required for cultivating the crop; a definition step of defining an area constraint equation that specifies the relationship between the area where each work is performed and the area planted for the crop, based on the work calendar information, the feed information, and the crop / work information; Including, Feed design and machinery equipment setting methods.

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