Distribution assistance device, distribution assistance method, and program

Abstract

To reduce a burden on a user related to spraying using a map.SOLUTION: A map acquiring portion configured to acquire a map in which a position in a field and a spreading amount are associated with each other, a position information acquiring portion configured to acquire position information indicating a current position, a spreading amount calculating portion configured to calculate a spreading amount to be spread by a spreader based on the map and the position information, and an output controlling portion configured to control such that spreading information including the spreading amount calculated by the spreading amount calculating portion is outputted in a mode corresponding to a preset output mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a spraying assistance device, a spraying assistance method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Fertilizers and the like are sprayed on plants growing in farm fields. When spraying fertilizers and the like, the amount of fertilizer applied is changed for each position in the farm field in accordance with variations in the growth conditions of the crops. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for controlling the speed of a mobile object spraying fertilizer (fertilization) based on a fertilization map that indicates the amount of fertilizer to be sprayed (fertilized) for each position in the farm field. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-041729 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, automatic spreaders that can automatically spread fertilizer based on a map are expensive and therefore only available to a limited number of users.On the other hand, manual spreaders that manually control the amount of fertilizer spread are widely used because they are relatively inexpensive, but when trying to spread fertilizer based on a map, the user has to control the amount of fertilizer spread at the same time as looking at the map, which is a heavy burden.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of these circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a spraying support device, a spraying support method, and a program that can reduce the burden on users involved in spraying fertilizer using a map. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention is a spraying support device that includes a map acquisition unit that acquires a map in which positions in a field are associated with spraying amounts, a position information acquisition unit that acquires position information indicating the current position, a spraying amount calculation unit that calculates the spraying amount to be sprayed by a sprayer based on the map and the position information, and an output control unit that controls the spraying information including the spraying amount calculated by the spraying amount calculation unit to be output in a manner corresponding to a predetermined output manner.

[0007] Another aspect of the present invention is a spraying assistance method performed by a computer, in which a map acquisition unit acquires a map in which positions in a field are associated with spraying amounts, a position information acquisition unit acquires position information indicating the current position, a spraying amount calculation unit calculates the spraying amount to be sprayed by the sprayer based on the map and the position information, and an output control unit controls the spraying information including the spraying amount calculated by the spraying amount calculation unit to be output in a manner corresponding to a predetermined output manner.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to acquire a map in which positions in a field are associated with spray amounts, acquire location information indicating the current location, calculate the amount of spray to be applied by a sprayer based on the map and the location information, and control the spray information including the calculated amount of spray to be output in a manner corresponding to a predetermined output manner. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] As described above, according to the present invention, the burden on the user associated with spraying using a map can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a spraying support system 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a spraying support device 10 according to an embodiment. [Figure 3]10 is a diagram illustrating an operation input acquired by the spraying support device 10. FIG. [Figure 4] 10 is a diagram illustrating an operation input acquired by the spraying support device 10. FIG. [Figure 5] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the dispersion support device 10 outputs dispersion information by voice. FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the dispersion support device 10 displays dispersion information in text. FIG. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example in which the dispersion support device 10 outputs dispersion information in the form of an image. [Figure 8] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the spraying support device 10 outputs spraying information using a control signal. FIG. [Figure 9] 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing performed by the spraying support device 10. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, a spraying assistance system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration of a spraying support system 1 according to a first embodiment. The spraying support system 1 includes a spraying support device 10 and a data server 20. The spraying support device 10 and the data server 20 are communicatively connected via a communication network NW.

[0012] The spraying support device 10 is a terminal device that supports the spraying of fertilizer in a field. A general-purpose terminal such as a smartphone, tablet terminal, wearable terminal, or PC (personal computer) can be used as the spraying support device 10. Alternatively, a dedicated terminal developed specifically for use with the spraying support system 1 may be used as the spraying support device 10. The spraying support device 10 is provided, for example, on an agricultural vehicle TR. The spraying support device 10 may be configured to be detachable from the agricultural vehicle TR, or may be fixed so as not to be removable. The agricultural vehicle TR is a powered mobile body such as a tractor. The agricultural vehicle TR travels when driven by a user U, and can perform agricultural work while moving through a farm field FD. In this embodiment, a sprayer SK is coupled to the rear of the agricultural vehicle TR. The spreader SK in this embodiment is a towed manual spreader that spreads fertilizer on a field. The spreader SK spreads a preset amount of fertilizer per unit time. A user U manually controls the start and stop of fertilizer spread by the spreader SK and the amount of fertilizer spread, for example, using a remote controller.

[0013] The spraying support device 10 grasps the current location of the agricultural vehicle TR as it moves, and outputs and guides the amount of fertilizer to be sprayed according to the current location to the user U aboard the agricultural vehicle TR. This allows the fertilization map to be used simply and effectively, even when fertilizer is sprayed using an inexpensive manual sprayer SK. In this embodiment, the amount of fertilizer to be sprayed is output in one of the following five output modes, or in a combination of multiple modes. Output mode 1: Audio guide (see Figure 5) Output mode 2: Sound effect guide (sound effects are used instead of the voice in Figure 5) Output mode 3: Vibration guide (mode using vibration instead of voice in Figure 5) Output mode 4: Character display guide (see Figure 6) Output mode 5: Pictorial guide (see Figure 7) Output mode 6: Controller operation (see Figure 8)

[0014] The spraying support system 1 provides a service (hereinafter referred to as the "support service") that supports the spraying of fertilizer in a field by distributing a dedicated application (hereinafter referred to as the "support app"). By installing the support app in the spraying support device 10, the spraying support device 10 supports the spraying of fertilizer in a field via the support app. Note that instead of installing the support app in the spraying support device 10, the support service may be provided by a Web system (i.e., a Web app). When the support app is provided by a Web system, the support service is provided via a Web browser.

[0015] The data server 20 is a server that stores various data. For example, a cloud server can be used as the data server 20. The data server 20 stores fertilization map data 201. The fertilization map data 201 is data that indicates a fertilization map, and is information indicating the amount of fertilizer to be applied to a field for each position in the field. The amount of fertilizer to be applied in the fertilization map is determined based on the growth conditions of the plants growing in the field so that the plants in the field will grow in a uniform state. For example, adjustments are made such as applying more fertilizer to areas where the plants grow slowly and applying less fertilizer to areas where the plants grow quickly, and the results are reflected in the fertilization map.

[0016] In addition, in the data server 20, growth map data may be stored instead of or together with the fertilization map data 201. The growth map data is information indicating the growth status of plants growing in a field for each position in the field. The growth status of plants can be determined through field surveys or vegetation indices. A field survey is conducted by a person in charge of the survey actually visiting the field and investigating the growing conditions of the plants. For example, if the plant being grown in the field is wheat, the field survey will be conducted by investigating the number of stalks, number of upper stalks, plant height, leaf color, etc. of the wheat growing in the field. A vegetation index is an index that indicates the characteristics of light reflection by plants. The vegetation index is calculated, for example, based on pixel values ​​of image data obtained by photographing a farm field from above. The vegetation index can be calculated as the difference or ratio of the intensity of reflected light having multiple specific wavelengths shown in each pixel of the image data. Because the vegetation index indicates the characteristics of light reflection by plants, it can be used as an index to estimate the growth status of plants.

[0017] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the spraying support device 10 according to the embodiment. The spraying support device 10 includes a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, a control unit 13, an input unit 14, and an output unit 15, for example.

[0018] The communication unit 11 communicates with the data server 20 . Storage unit 12 stores various types of information. Storage unit 12 is configured by a storage medium provided as hardware in spraying support device 10, such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), flash memory, electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), random access read / write memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), or any combination of these storage media. Storage unit 12 stores programs for realizing the functions provided by spraying support device 10 (including functions related to control unit 13, particularly the support app).

[0019] The control unit 13 controls the input unit 14 and the output unit 15. The input unit 14 includes an input device such as a mouse, a keyboard, or a touch panel through which the user U performs an input operation. The input unit 14 acquires information input by the user U and outputs the acquired information to the control unit 13.

[0020] The output unit 15 outputs information related to the spraying of fertilizer (spraying information) including the spraying amount in various modes. The output unit 15 has a function of outputting information in modes corresponding to the above-mentioned output modes 1 to 6, respectively. The output unit 15 includes a sound output unit 150 , a vibration output unit 151 , a display unit 152 , and a control signal output unit 153 . The sound output unit 150 is a functional unit corresponding to the output mode 1 and the output mode 2, and includes a speaker that outputs sounds such as voice and electronic sounds, and outputs sounds according to the control of the control unit 13. The vibration output unit 151 is a functional unit corresponding to output mode 3, and includes a vibration module that generates vibration (for example, configured to generate vibration by attaching a semicircular weight with an offset center of gravity to a motor), and outputs a vibration pattern according to the control of the control unit 13. The display unit 152 is a functional unit corresponding to the output mode 4 and the output mode 5, and includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display, and displays characters and images according to the control of the control unit 13. The control signal output unit 153 is a functional unit corresponding to output mode 6, and includes a communication module conforming to the communication standard of the remote controller of the spreader SK. The control signal output unit 153 communicates with the spreader SK in place of the remote controller of the spreader SK in accordance with the control of the control unit 13. The control signal output unit 153 controls the start, stop, and amount of fertilizer spraying by the spreader SK by transmitting control signals to the spreader SK. The control signal output unit 153 performs communication conforming to the communication standard of the remote controller of the spreader SK, for example, short-range wireless communication using BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) or infrared rays, in accordance with the control of the control unit 13.

[0021] Furthermore, the control unit 13 realizes the functions of the spraying support device 10 by causing a CPU provided as hardware in the spraying support device 10 to execute a program stored in the storage unit 12. The control unit 13 has, as functional units that realize the functions of the spraying support device 10, a fertilization map acquisition unit 130, an operation input acquisition unit 131, a spray amount calculation unit 132, a position information acquisition unit 133, and an output control unit 134.

[0022] The operation input acquisition unit 131 acquires an operation input by the user U. Figures 3 and 4 are diagrams for explaining the operation input acquired by the spraying support device 10. FIG. 3 shows an example of an input image displayed on the spraying assistance device 10. This input image displays items to be operated and input by the user U. In this figure, the input image displays the following items as items to be operated and input by the user U: "select map to download," "select growth stage," "select type of fertilizer," "select stem number-spraying amount correspondence table," "select preferred spraying amount," "select sprayer," and "select guide method." When the user U performs a selection operation, such as by touching each item displayed on the input image, multiple options corresponding to each item are displayed.

[0023] When the user U selects the "Select map to download" option, options such as "Fertilization map provided by company A," "Fertilization map provided by company B," ..., "Vegetation index map 1 (NDVI)," "Vegetation index map 2 (NDRE)," "Vegetation index map 3 (IRVI)," "Vegetation index map 4 (EVI)," ..., and "Vegetation index map L" are displayed. Here, L is any natural number equal to or greater than 5. The user U selects the map appropriate for the current fertilizer application from the multiple options displayed.

[0024] Here, various fertilization maps are provided by different companies as fertilization maps, and the method of estimating the growth status varies depending on the provider. To address this issue, in this embodiment, the provider of the fertilization map (Company A or Company B mentioned above) can be selected as the fertilization map. Specifically, when a company (e.g., Company A) that provides fertilization map A that is compatible with spraying support system 1 is selected, spraying support device 10 provides spraying support (guidance, etc.) using that fertilization map. On the other hand, when a company (e.g., Company B) that provides fertilization map B that is not compatible with spraying support system 1 is selected, spraying support device 10 generates a conversion map B# that is converted based on fertilization map B so that spraying support device 10 can support it, and provides spraying support (guidance, etc.) using the generated conversion map B#. For example, spraying support device 10 can generate conversion map B# using the number of stalks as a clue. In this case, the spraying support device 10 determines what growth index (for example, a vegetation index, described later) is used to calculate the growth condition shown in the fertilization map B, based on a growth condition calculation method, for example, disclosed by Company B when providing the fertilization map B. The spraying support device 10 converts the growth condition shown in the fertilization map B into a vegetation index based on the determined growth condition calculation method. As a method for estimating the number of stems from the vegetation index, for example, a learning model that has learned the correspondence between the vegetation index and the number of stems can be used. The spraying support device 10 estimates the number of stems from the converted vegetation index, and calculates the amount of fertilizer to be sprayed based on the estimated number of stems by referring to a "stalk number-spraying amount correspondence table," described later.

[0025] In addition, in this embodiment, in case there is a field for which a fertilizer application map is not provided, a vegetation index map can be selected instead of a fertilization map. The vegetation index map is a map in which a vegetation index is associated with each position in the field. The vegetation index is an index that indicates the characteristics of light reflection by plants. The vegetation index is calculated, for example, based on pixel values ​​of image data obtained by photographing the field from above. The vegetation index can be calculated as the difference or ratio of the intensities of reflected light having multiple specific wavelengths, such as the luminance value of red light, the luminance value of blue light, the luminance value of green light, the luminance value of near-infrared light, and the luminance value of red edge light, which is the edge of red, shown in each pixel of the image data. Because the vegetation index indicates the characteristics of light reflection by plants, it can be used as an index to estimate the growth state of plants. There are various types of vegetation indices, such as NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index), NDRE (Normalized Red Edge Index), IRVI (Improved Ratio Vegetation Index), and EVI (Enhanced Vegetation Index). NDVI is a normalized value based on the difference between pixel values ​​for near-infrared light and red light. Plants reflect near-infrared wavelengths, but absorb red wavelengths, which are necessary for photosynthesis. Therefore, by obtaining NDVI based on the difference in reflectance between near-infrared light and red light obtained by imaging plants, it can be said that the larger this value, the greater the area of ​​the plant's leaves and stems and the amount of chlorophyll they contain. NDRE is a value obtained by emphasizing the relative intensity difference between red edge wavelength light and near-infrared light. Like NDVI, NDRE is a vegetation index that correlates with the amount of chlorophyll in leaves, but compared to NDVI, it is used as an indicator of plant health at a later stage of growth, or to detect problems with plant growth earlier than NDVI. IRVI is an index that reduces the influence of the atmosphere during photography, and is calculated by multiplying the brightness values ​​of blue light and near-infrared light and dividing the result by the brightness value of red light. EVI is an improved version of NDVI that is less susceptible to background and atmospheric noise. When a vegetation index map is selected, the spraying support device 10 generates a fertilization map of fertilizer based on the selected vegetation index map and the growth stage, and performs spraying support (guide, etc.) using the generated fertilization map. In this case, the spraying support device 10 estimates the number of stems from the vegetation index. As a method for estimating and generating the number of stems from the vegetation index, for example, a learning model that has learned the correspondence between the vegetation index and the number of stems can be used. Based on the estimated number of stems, the spraying support device 10 calculates the amount of fertilizer to be sprayed by referring to a "stalk number-spraying amount correspondence table" according to the growth stage, which will be described later.

[0026] When the user U selects the "Select Fertilizer Type" option, options such as "Fertilizer 1," "Fertilizer 2," ..., and "Fertilizer M" are displayed. Here, M is any natural number equal to or greater than 3. The user U selects the fertilizer appropriate for the current application from the multiple options displayed.

[0027] When the user U selects the "Number of stems - Spray amount correspondence table" item, options such as "XX town," "□□ town," "△△ village," "◇◇ area," etc. are displayed. The user U selects the appropriate correspondence table for the current fertilizer spraying from the multiple options displayed.

[0028] Here, the "stalk number-application amount correspondence table," also known as a fertilization guide, indicates the amount of fertilizer to be applied that is appropriate for the soil in the region, according to the growth conditions of the plant at each growth stage. For example, if the plant growing in the field is wheat, the number of stalks is used to indicate the growth conditions. There are various stages of growth that indicate the growth process of wheat, such as the emergence stage, the panicle formation stage, and the flag leaf stage. In the "stalk number-application amount correspondence table," the amount of fertilizer to be applied, which is an index according to the growth conditions at each stage, is disclosed by agricultural organizations such as local governments in the region (for example, Tokachi Agricultural Improvement and Extension Center Head Office, "Farming Technology Information," No. 1, March 2021, [searched May 27, 2024], Internet<https: / / www.tokachi.pref.hokkaido.lg.jp / fs / 6 / 3 / 1 / 8 / 8 / 7 / 3 / _ / 2101_hon.pdf> (See

[0029] When the user U selects the "Select preferred amount of fertilizer application," options such as "Standard," "Less," and "More" are displayed. The user U selects the amount of fertilizer to be applied to this application from the displayed options.

[0030] In this way, by presenting the tendency of the amount of fertilizer to be spread as "more" or "less," the user can select whether to spread "more," "standard," or "less," based on the guideline amount of spread, which is based on the amount determined based on knowledge analyzed by research institutions, etc., and depending on the user's growing policy and separately obtained knowledge that cannot be obtained by remote sensing.

[0031] When the "Select Spreader" option is selected by the user U, options such as "No Selection," "Manufacturer 1," "Manufacturer 2," ..., "Manufacturer N" are displayed. Here, N is any natural number equal to or greater than 3. Here, an option to select the model name along with the manufacturer name may be provided. The user U selects the spreader to be used for this fertilizer spread from the multiple options displayed.

[0032] When the "Select guide method" option is selected by the user U, multiple options such as "audio guide," "sound effect guide," "vibration guide," "text display guide," "picture display guide," and "controller operation," which correspond to output mode 1 to output mode 5, are displayed. The output modes are not multiple-choice, and multiple options can be selected simultaneously.

[0033] FIG. 4 shows an example of an image that is displayed when the user U makes a selection for each item in the input image shown in FIG. In this figure, an example is shown in which "Fertilization map provided by Company A" is selected in the "Select map to download" section. An example is shown in which "Packer formation stage" is selected in the "Select growth stage" section. An example is shown in which "Fertilizer 1" is selected in the "Select stem number-spray amount correspondence table" section, "XX town" is selected in the "Select preferred spray amount" section, and "Standard" is selected in the "Select sprayer" section. An example is shown in which "Manufacturer 2" is selected in the "Select guide method" section, and "Audio guide" and "Text display guide" are selected in the "Select type of fertilizer" section. The user U checks the option he / she has selected, and if the option corresponding to the current fertilizer spraying is correctly selected, he / she presses a send button (not shown).

[0034] When the send button is pressed by the user U, the control unit 13 of the spraying assistance device 10 acquires the option selected by the user U via the input unit 14. The control unit 13 of the spraying assistance device 10 outputs the information acquired via the input unit 14 to a function unit that performs spraying assistance (guidance, etc.). Specifically, the control unit 13 outputs to the fertilization map acquisition unit 130 information indicating the "fertilization map provided by Company A" as the option selected in the item "Select map to download," and information indicating "XX town" as the option selected in the item "Select stem number-spraying amount correspondence table." The control unit 13 also outputs to the spraying amount calculation unit 132 information indicating each of the "young panicle formation stage" as the option selected in the item "Select growth stage," "Fertilizer 1" as the option selected in the item "Select type of fertilizer," "Standard" as the option selected in the item "Select preferred spraying amount," and "Manufacturer 2" as the option selected in the item "Select sprayer." The control unit 13 then outputs to the output control unit 134 information indicating "audio guide" and "text display guide" as the options selected in the item "Select guidance method."

[0035] The fertilization map acquisition unit 130 acquires the fertilization map selected by the user U. Based on the option selected by the user U, the fertilization map acquisition unit 130 accesses the data server 20 via the communication unit 11 and downloads from the data server 20 the fertilization map data 201 corresponding to the field to which the fertilizer selected by the user U is to be sprayed, thereby acquiring the fertilization map corresponding to the field to which the fertilizer is to be sprayed. Here, if the user U selects a fertilization map B that is not supported by the spraying support system 1, or if a vegetation index map is selected instead of a fertilization map, the fertilization map acquisition unit 130 generates a fertilization map that is supported by the spraying support system 1 based on the map selected by the user U and the selection result of the ``stem number-spraying amount correspondence table.''

[0036] The location information acquisition unit 133 acquires location information. For example, the location information acquisition unit 133 acquires location information by receiving radio waves from a satellite and performing positioning. The positioning method may be an RTK method, a method using GNSS and QZSS, or a method using only GNSS. The RTK method is a method of performing highly accurate positioning with an error of only a few centimeters by using a phase difference received from an RTK (Real Time Kinematic) reference station whose exact position is known. The method using GNSS and QZSS is a method of performing positioning with higher accuracy than when using only GNSS, based on the result of standalone positioning based on positioning signals received from GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) satellites and satellite positioning correction data received from QZSS (Quasi-Zenith Satellite System) satellites (quasi-zenith satellites). The method using only GNSS is a method of performing positioning based on positioning signals received from GNSS satellites. These positioning methods are well-known technologies, so detailed description will be omitted.

[0037] Furthermore, the position information acquisition unit 133 may acquire speed information indicating the speed of the sprayer SK in addition to the position of the sprayer SK. The position information acquisition unit 133 acquires the speed information by dividing the periodically acquired position of the sprayer SK by the time required for that movement. Alternatively, the speed information of the sprayer SK may be acquired using an acceleration sensor (not shown) or the like provided in the spraying assistance device 10.

[0038] The spray amount calculation unit 132 calculates the amount of fertilizer to be sprayed. The spray amount calculation unit 132 converts the standard spray amount, which is determined as a standard value of the amount of fertilizer to be sprayed at each position in the field in the fertilization map acquired by the fertilization map acquisition unit 130, into a spray amount according to the preference of the user U, in this case, a spray amount corresponding to one of (little, normal, or large). Next, the spray amount calculation unit 132 identifies the position on the fertilization map where the spraying support device 10 is located based on the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 133. The spray amount calculation unit 132 sets the identified position as the position where fertilizer spraying starts, and acquires the spray amount to be sprayed at that position. Next, the spray amount calculation unit 132 calculates the traveling direction in the field based on the difference between the position at which fertilizer spraying starts and the position at the point when a "certain time" has elapsed since the acquisition of the position. Here, the "certain time" is, for example, a time calculated by dividing the distance traveled in the traveling direction by the speed acquired by the position information acquisition unit 133 using a speed sensor or the like. Based on the calculated traveling direction, the spray amount calculation unit 132 estimates the position of the field that the sprayer SK will next reach, and calculates the amount of fertilizer to be sprayed at the estimated position (the position of the field that the sprayer SK will next reach). The spray amount calculation unit 132 then calculates the amount of fertilizer to be sprayed by the sprayer SK when the sprayer SK actually reaches the next estimated position, based on the speed of the sprayer SK acquired by the position information acquisition unit 133. Here, instead of the absolute value of the amount of fertilizer to be sprayed, the spray amount calculation unit 132 may calculate a change amount indicating the difference from the current spray amount, for example, an amount to increase or decrease.

[0039] Here, the spray amount calculation unit 132 calculates the amount of fertilizer to be sprayed depending on the movement speed. Even if the same amount is indicated in the fertilization map, if the movement speed of the spreader SK is fast, a spray amount that will increase the amount of fertilizer to be sprayed from the spreader SK is calculated so that the amount of fertilizer indicated by the fertilization map is sprayed per unit area. On the other hand, if the movement speed of the spreader SK is slow, a spray amount that will decrease the amount of fertilizer to be sprayed from the spreader SK is calculated so that the amount of fertilizer indicated by the fertilization map is sprayed per unit area.

[0040] Furthermore, the spraying amount calculation unit 132 may calculate the amount of fertilizer to be sprayed taking into account the difference between the position of the sprayer SK and the position of the sprayer SK. The spraying amount calculation unit 132, for example, periodically acquires position information and calculates the movement direction and movement speed of the spraying support device 10 based on changes in the acquired position information. When the sprayer SK is towed backward in the traveling direction of the agricultural vehicle TR, the spraying amount calculation unit 132 uses the current position as a reference and identifies the position of the sprayer SK that is backward in the traveling direction as a target position, acquires the amount of fertilizer to be sprayed that corresponds to the target position in the fertilization map, and sets the acquired amount to be sprayed as the amount to be sprayed by the sprayer SK. Alternatively, the spray amount calculation unit 132 may acquire the amount of fertilizer sprayed corresponding to the current position in the fertilization map, and control the output timing so that the amount of fertilizer sprayed corresponding to the current position is output when the sprayer SK reaches the current position.

[0041] The spray amount calculation unit 132 also acquires various conditions of the field to be sprayed, such as the plants being grown, the type of fertilizer to be sprayed, etc. The various conditions of the field can use information indicated in the options selected by the user U. The various conditions in the field may also include conditions related to fertilizer application, such as the spacing between rod-shaped ridges in the field, the row spacing, etc. These conditions related to fertilizer application may be specified by the user U or may be stored in advance in the storage unit 12.

[0042] Furthermore, the spray amount calculation unit 132 acquires the specifications of the sprayer SK used to spray the fertilizer, such as the manufacturer name of the sprayer SK, the model number, the number of stages in which the spray amount can be adjusted, and if the size of the spray range can be adjusted, the number of stages in which the size can be adjusted, etc. The manufacturer name of the sprayer SK used to spray the fertilizer can use the information shown in the option selected by the user U. The spray amount calculation unit 132 acquires the number of stages by which the spray amount of the sprayer SK used to spray the fertilizer this time can be adjusted, and if the size of the spray range can be adjusted, the number of stages by which it can be adjusted, based on the manufacturer name and model name of the sprayer SK. The spraying amount calculation unit 132 may, for example, obtain the amount of fertilizer sprayed by the sprayer SK and the number of adjustable stages in the spraying range by accessing the manufacturer's homepage based on the manufacturer name and model number of the sprayer SK input by operation by the user U. The spray amount calculation unit 132 converts the amount of fertilizer to be spread into a number of steps corresponding to the amount and width of spread to be guided to the user U, based on the conditions of the field to be spread and the specifications of the spreader SK used for spreading. For example, if the standard amount of fertilizer to be spread in the fertilization map is 4 [kg / 10a], the spray amount calculation unit 132 converts the amount of fertilizer to 17 steps. Here, the adjustable number of stages in the amount of fertilizer sprayed is an index that indicates which stage the spray nozzle (the opening provided for spraying fertilizer from the sprayer SK to the field) is in when the opening degree is indicated in multiple stages. For example, if there are 20 stages of opening degree, the 17th opening degree is numbered 17. The number of stages in the spraying range is an index that indicates the range over which fertilizer is sprayed from the spray nozzle provided on the sprayer SK. For example, if the range over which fertilizer is sprayed from the spray nozzle can be set to one of three types, namely, the area on the right side of the direction of travel, the area on the left side, or both the left and right sides, the number of stages corresponding to the right side area is set to 1, the number of stages corresponding to the left side area to 2, and the number of stages corresponding to both the left and right sides to 3, etc.

[0043] The output control unit 134 controls the output unit 15 to output information related to spraying (spraying information) including the amount of fertilizer to be sprayed in the form of sound, image (including text), or control signal. For example, the output control unit 134 outputs the spraying information in the form designated by the user U.

[0044] The control unit 13 of the above-described spraying support system 1 may be configured, for example, by a processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a dedicated electronic circuit. Furthermore, the functional units of the control unit 13 (fertilization map acquisition unit 130, operation input acquisition unit 131, spray amount calculation unit 132, position information acquisition unit 133, and output control unit 134) may be implemented as a single device by being mounted on a single computer, or may be configured as a system available on the cloud by being mounted on a server device connected to a network such as the Internet.

[0045] The storage unit 12 of the spraying support system 1 is configured with a storage medium, such as a hard disk drive (HDD), flash memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), random access read / write memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), or any combination of these storage media. The storage unit 12 may be, for example, a non-volatile memory. The storage unit 12 may also store data acquired from the outside, values ​​calculated in each unit, data prepared in advance, and the like.

[0046] 5 to 8 are diagrams illustrating examples in which the spraying support device 10 outputs spraying information. These diagrams schematically show how a user U sprays fertilizer on a field FD while riding in an agricultural vehicle TR and traveling through the field FD. For ease of understanding, the legends in the upper right corners of these diagrams indicate the amount of fertilizer sprayed on the fertilizer map at each position on the field FD using three types: "high amount," "normal amount," and "low amount." However, in reality, the legends indicate the number of stages that should be set on the sprayer SK in accordance with the amount of fertilizer sprayed on the fertilizer map at each position on the field FD.

[0047] 5 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the spraying support device 10 outputs spraying information by outputting audio as output mode 1. This diagram shows an example in which the output control unit 134 of the spraying support device 10 outputs audio from the audio output unit 150 saying, "Please increase the spraying rate by x levels" just before the sprayer SK moves from the low fertilizer spray rate area to the normal fertilizer spray rate area. By outputting this audio, the user U can increase the spraying rate at the appropriate timing when the sprayer SK moves from the low fertilizer spray rate area to the normal fertilizer spray rate area. In the example of Fig. 5, if a sound effect corresponding to the voice is output instead of the voice, this becomes output mode 2. Furthermore, if a voice and a sound effect are output, output mode 1 and output mode 2 can be combined. 6 illustrates an example of output mode 3 in which the spraying support device 10 outputs spraying information by displaying text. This figure shows an example in which the output control unit 134 of the spraying support device 10 displays text such as "Increase the spraying rate by XX levels" or "The current spraying rate is XX levels" on the display unit 152 just before the sprayer SK transitions from a low-to-normal fertilizer application range to a normal-to-normal fertilizer application range. Displaying such text allows the user U to increase the spraying rate at the appropriate timing when the sprayer SK transitions from a low-to-normal fertilizer application range to a normal-to-normal fertilizer application range. FIG. 7 illustrates an example of output mode 4 in which the spraying support device 10 outputs spraying information by displaying an image. This figure shows an example in which, just before the sprayer SK approaches a low-rate fertilizer spraying area to a normal-rate fertilizer spraying area, the output control unit 134 of the spraying support device 10 displays, on the display unit 152, an image G1 indicating the relationship between the current spraying rate and the number of stages to be changed, and an image G2 indicating the relationship between the current spraying range and the range to be changed. By displaying image G1, the user U can increase the spraying rate at the appropriate timing to move from a low-rate fertilizer spraying area to a normal-rate fertilizer spraying area. Furthermore, by displaying image G2, the user U can widen the spraying range at the appropriate timing to move from a narrower range to a wider range.

[0048] 5 to 7, the output control unit 134 may output, from the output unit 15, not the step number itself, but the difference from the currently set step number and information indicating the direction of change, such as increasing or decreasing. A remote controller for operating the spreader SK is often provided with an operation button for decreasing the amount of fertilizer sprayed and an operation button for increasing the amount of fertilizer sprayed. Providing guidance (guidance) that directly corresponds to the operation of such a remote controller makes it easier for the user U to operate the spreader SK, thereby improving convenience.

[0049] 8 shows an example of output mode 5 in which the spraying assistance device 10 outputs a control signal to the sprayer SK in place of the remote controller to output spraying information. This figure shows an example in which the output control unit 134 of the spraying assistance device 10 causes the control signal output unit 153 to output a control signal corresponding to an operation on the remote controller to increase the spray rate just before the sprayer SK moves from an area where fertilizer is sprayed at a low rate to an area where the spray rate is normal. By outputting such a control signal, the spray rate can be increased at the appropriate timing when the sprayer SK moves from an area where fertilizer is sprayed at a low rate to an area where the spray rate is normal.

[0050] Next, the operation of the spraying support device 10 in the above-described embodiment will be described. Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing performed by the spraying support device 10.

[0051] The operation input acquisition unit 131 of the spraying support device 10 acquires, as an operation input by the user U, information indicating the option selected for the selection item presented in the input image (step S10). The fertilization map acquisition unit 130 of the spraying support device 10 acquires a fertilization map based on the map to be used for the current fertilizer spraying selected by the user U in step S10 (step S11). Here, if the user U selects fertilization map B that is not supported by the spraying support system 1 or selects a vegetation index map instead of the fertilization map in step S10, the fertilization map acquisition unit 130 generates a fertilization map that is supported by the spraying support system 1 based on the map selected by the user U and the selection result of the "stalk number-spraying amount correspondence table." In this way, the fertilization map acquisition unit 130 acquires the fertilization map.

[0052] The position information acquisition unit 133 of the spraying support device 10 acquires position information indicating the current location in the field (step S12). The spraying amount calculation unit 132 of the spraying support device 10 calculates the amount of fertilizer to be sprayed using the fertilization map acquired in step S11 and the conditions selected by the user U in step S10, such as the type of fertilizer, the preferred amount of spraying, and the manufacturer and model name of the sprayer SK (step S13). The output control unit 134 of the spraying support device 10 generates spraying information according to the output mode selected by the user U based on the spraying amount calculated in step S13 (step S14). The output control unit 134 of the spraying support device 10 causes the generated spraying information to be output from the output unit 15 corresponding to the output mode selected by the user U (step S15).

[0053] As described above, the spraying support device 10 of the embodiment includes a fertilization map acquisition unit 130, a position information acquisition unit 133, a spraying amount calculation unit 132, and an output control unit 134. The fertilization map acquisition unit 130 acquires a fertilization map (a map in which positions in a field are associated with spraying amounts of fertilizer). The position information acquisition unit 133 acquires position information indicating the current position in the field. The spraying amount calculation unit 132 calculates the amount of fertilizer to be sprayed by the sprayer SK based on the fertilization map and the position information. The output control unit 134 controls the output of spraying information including the amount of fertilizer calculated by the spraying amount calculation unit 132 in a manner corresponding to a preset output manner. As a result, the spraying support device 10 of the embodiment can output the amount of fertilizer to be sprayed for each position shown on the fertilization map. This allows the user to know the amount of fertilizer to be sprayed corresponding to the current position without having to visually check the fertilization map, thereby reducing the burden on the user regarding spraying.

[0054] Furthermore, in the spraying support device 10 of the embodiment, the output control unit 134 controls the output of the spraying information in a manner that can be recognized by the user U. As a result, in the spraying support device 10 of the embodiment, the spraying information can be output in a manner that can be recognized by the user U, and when spraying fertilizer using a manual sprayer SK, it becomes easy to recognize what the appropriate spray amount is while adjusting the spray amount, thereby reducing the burden on the user associated with spraying using a map.

[0055] Furthermore, in the spraying support device 10 of the embodiment, the output control unit 134 controls the output of spraying information using at least one of voice, sound effects, and vibration. As a result, the spraying support device 10 of the embodiment allows the user U to recognize the appropriate spray amount through the voice, sound effects, and vibration, and to adjust the spray amount while listening to the sound and vibration. Therefore, the user U can operate the sprayer SK without looking at the display screen of the spraying support device 10. Alternatively, even in outdoor situations where the display screen of the spraying support device 10 is difficult to see, the appropriate spray amount can be sprayed by operating the sprayer SK according to the voice guide or sound effect guide. Furthermore, when used in conjunction with the display guide, a call, alarm sound, or vibration can be output when an operation to change the spray amount is required, prompting the user U to look at the display screen of the spraying support device 10.

[0056] Furthermore, in the spraying support device 10 of the embodiment, the output control unit 134 controls the output of spraying information using a vibration pattern. As a result, in the spraying support device 10 of the embodiment, the user U can recognize the appropriate spray amount using the vibration pattern, and can adjust the spray amount according to the vibration pattern. Therefore, the user U can operate the sprayer SK without looking at the display screen of the spraying support device 10. Alternatively, even in outdoor situations where it is difficult to see the display screen of the spraying support device 10, the appropriate spray amount can be sprayed by operating the sprayer SK according to the vibration guide. Furthermore, when used in conjunction with the display guide, vibrations can be output at the timing when an operation to change the spray amount is required, prompting the user to look at the display screen of the spraying support device 10.

[0057] Furthermore, in the spraying support device 10 of the embodiment, the output control unit 134 controls the display of spraying information using at least one of text and images. This allows the spraying support device 10 of the embodiment to adjust the spraying amount while viewing the image, thereby reducing the user's burden associated with spraying using a map. Therefore, even in an environment where the operating sound of the sprayer SK or ambient noise makes it difficult for the user U to hear the audio guide or sound effect guide, the user U can control the amount of fertilizer to be sprayed from the sprayer SK according to the text display guide, thereby spraying an appropriate amount. Even people who have difficulty hearing can operate the sprayer SK by visually recognizing the display. Furthermore, by linking with a wearable device such as a smartwatch worn by the user U, and using, for example, a vibration function of the wearable device, the user U can be vibrated when it is necessary to change the amount of fertilizer to be sprayed, prompting them to look at the display screen.

[0058] The spraying support device 10 of the embodiment further includes an operation input acquisition unit 131. The operation input acquisition unit 131 acquires an operation input specifying a sprayer, such as the manufacturer name and model name of the sprayer SK. The output control unit 134 determines whether the sprayer has a controller, such as a remote controller, that controls the amount of fertilizer sprayed by the sprayer in accordance with the operation input acquired through the operation input. The output control unit 134 controls the sprayer SK to output a control signal corresponding to the spraying information instead of the controller. As a result, the spraying support device 10 of the embodiment can output a control signal to the sprayer SK instead of the remote controller, eliminating the need for the user to operate the remote controller and reducing the burden on the user related to fertilizer spraying. This allows the user U to concentrate on operating the sprayer SK.

[0059] Furthermore, in the spraying support device 10 of the embodiment, the operation input acquisition unit 131 acquires an operation input specifying a variable related to fertilizer spraying, for example, whether the spray amount is to be "standard," "less," or "more." The spraying amount calculation unit 132 corrects spraying information including the calculated fertilizer spray amount in accordance with the operation input acquired by the operation input acquisition unit 131. The output control unit 134 controls the spraying information corrected by the spraying amount calculation unit 132 to be output. As a result, the spraying support device 10 of the embodiment can correct the fertilizer spray amount in accordance with the user U's growing policy and knowledge, thereby reducing the burden on users who are particular about the spray amount.

[0060] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the amount of fertilizer to be sprayed is estimated for wheat has been described, but the amount of fertilizer to be sprayed may also be estimated for other plants. As for other plants, the spraying support system 1 can be applied to any plant that tends to have variations in growth conditions in a field and for which different amounts of fertilizer are sprayed at different positions in the field in order to make the growth conditions uniform. For example, the spraying support system 1 can be applied to any plant such as rice, barley, and rye.

[0061] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the case of spraying fertilizer has been described, but the spraying support system 1 can also be applied to spraying objects other than fertilizer, such as water or pesticides.

[0062] In the above-described embodiment, the spraying assistance device 10 may store history information indicating an input history of operations input by the user U in the past. In this case, the operation input acquisition unit 131 of the spraying assistance device 10 changes the manner in which the input image is presented based on the past input history. For example, the operation input acquisition unit 131 changes the display order of options to be displayed in response to the selection of a selection item in the input image based on the past input history. More specifically, the operation input acquisition unit 131 displays options previously selected by the user U at the top and options that have never been washed in the past at the bottom. As a result, the spraying assistance device 10 of the embodiment can display options that are more likely to be selected by the user U based on the past input history at the top, making it easier for the user U to perform a selection operation and improving convenience. Alternatively, the operation input acquisition unit 131 may, based on the past input history, display in a selected state those options that have been selected in the past by the user U, among the options corresponding to the selection items in the input image. In this way, in the spraying support device 10 of the embodiment, options that are likely to be selected by the user U based on the past input history can be displayed in an already selected state, and the user U can omit the selection operation if they do not want to change the past selection result, thereby improving convenience.

[0063] Each component of the spraying support system in the above-described embodiment may be implemented by a computer. In this case, a program for implementing this function may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program may be loaded into a computer system and executed. Note that the term "computer system" as used herein includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording medium" may also include devices that dynamically store programs for a short period of time, such as communication lines used when transmitting programs via networks such as the Internet or communication lines such as telephone lines, or devices that store programs for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory within a computer system that serves as a server or client. The program may also be designed to implement some of the above-described functions, or may be capable of implementing the above-described functions in combination with a program already stored in the computer system, or may be implemented using a programmable logic device such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0064] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described above in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and includes designs within the scope of the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 1... spraying support system, 10... spraying support device, 130... fertilization map acquisition unit (map acquisition unit), 131... operation input acquisition unit, 132... spray amount calculation unit, 133... position information acquisition unit, 134... output control unit

Claims

1. a map acquisition unit that acquires a map in which positions in a field are associated with application amounts; a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information indicating a current location; a spray amount calculation unit that calculates the amount of spray to be sprayed by the sprayer based on the map and the position information; an output control unit that controls the output of spray information including the spray amount calculated by the spray amount calculation unit in a manner corresponding to a preset output manner; A spraying support device comprising:

2. the output control unit controls the dispersion information to be output in a manner that can be recognized by a user. The spraying assistance device according to claim 1.

3. the output control unit controls the output of the dispersion information using at least one of a voice and a sound effect. The spraying assist device according to claim 2.

4. The output control unit controls the output of the spray information using a vibration pattern. The spraying assist device according to claim 2.

5. the output control unit controls the display of the scattering information using at least one of text and images. The spraying assist device according to claim 2.

6. An operation input acquisition unit that acquires an operation input specifying a sprayer, The output control unit determines whether or not the sprayer has a controller that controls the amount of spraying output by the sprayer in accordance with the operation input acquired by the operation input, and if the sprayer has the controller, controls the sprayer so that a control signal corresponding to the spraying information is output to the sprayer instead of the controller. The spraying assist device according to claim 1 .

7. an operation input acquisition unit that acquires an operation input specifying a variable related to spraying; the spray amount calculation unit corrects the spray information including the calculated spray amount in accordance with the operation input acquired by the operation input acquisition unit; The output control unit controls so that the spray information corrected by the spray amount calculation unit is output. The spraying assist device according to claim 1 .

8. A computer-implemented spraying assistance method, comprising: a map acquisition unit that acquires a map in which positions in a field are associated with application amounts; a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information indicating a current location; The spray amount calculation unit calculates the amount of spray to be sprayed by the sprayer based on the map and the position information, an output control unit controls the output of spray information including the spray amount calculated by the spray amount calculation unit in a manner corresponding to a preset output manner; Spraying support method.

9. On the computer, obtaining a map in which positions in a field are associated with application amounts; Obtain location information indicating the current location, Calculating the amount of spraying to be performed by the sprayer based on the map and the position information; Controlling the output of spray information including the calculated spray amount in a manner corresponding to a preset output manner. program.

Images