Route setting method, route setting system, and route setting program

Abstract

To provide an automatic driving method, an automatic driving system, and an automatic driving program that can set a turning route according to a user's request. [Solution] The setting processing unit 213 sets a predetermined turning route from among a plurality of turning routes with different turning methods for each of a plurality of work processes included in a field F in which the work vehicle 10 is automatically driven according to a target route R, and sets a target route R that includes the turning route set for each of the plurality of work processes and the work route set according to the field F.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a route setting method, a route setting system, and a route setting program for setting a route along which a work vehicle will automatically travel. [Background technology]

[0002] A system is known that can automatically drive a work vehicle along both a straight path and a turning path in a farm field. The turning method for the turning path includes, for example, a turning method that does not include reverse traveling and a turning method that includes reverse traveling. Conventionally, a technology is known that sets the turning method for the turning path in response to a user's selection operation (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-168812 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In conventional technology, a turning method is set uniformly for the field, making it impossible to set a turning method according to the position within the field. This makes it difficult to set a turning path that meets the user's needs, taking into account the field condition, work efficiency, etc.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a route setting method, a route setting system, and a route setting program that are capable of setting a turning route according to a user's request. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The route setting method of the present invention is a route setting method that executes the following steps: receiving a lap number selection operation that selects the number of laps for circular driving in an outer area of ​​a work area in which a work vehicle is automatically driven according to a target route, the work area including an inner area in which the work vehicle is driven back and forth and an outer area in which the work vehicle is driven in a circular direction; and setting the target route in the outer area based on the number of laps selected by the lap number selection operation.

[0007] The route setting system of the present invention is a work area in which a work vehicle is automatically driven according to a target route, the work area including an inner area in which the work vehicle drives back and forth and an outer area in which the work vehicle drives in a circular motion, and includes a reception processing unit that accepts a lap number selection operation to select the number of laps for circular driving in the outer area of ​​the work area, and a setting processing unit that sets the target route in the outer area based on the number of laps selected by the lap number selection operation.

[0008] The route setting program of the present invention is a route setting program that causes one or more processors to execute the following steps: accepting a lap number selection operation to select the number of laps for circular driving in an outer area of ​​a work area in which a work vehicle is automatically driven according to a target route, the work area including an inner area in which the work vehicle is driven back and forth and an outer area in which the work vehicle is driven in a circular direction; and setting the target route in the outer area based on the number of laps selected by the lap number selection operation. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a route setting method, a route setting system, and a route setting program that are capable of setting a turning route according to a user's request. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an automatic driving system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A]FIG. 2A is a side view showing an example of a work vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a top view showing an example of a work vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a farm field and a target route according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another example of a farm field and a target route according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a menu screen displayed on the operation terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a headland setting screen displayed on the operation terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a turning method for a work vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another example of a turning method for a work vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing another example of a turning method for a work vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a field side selection screen displayed on the operation terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a priority mode selection screen displayed on the operation terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a priority mode selection screen displayed on the operation terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a priority mode selection screen displayed on the operation terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of a route setting process executed by the automated driving system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a driving screen displayed on the operation terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16A]FIG. 16A is a diagram showing another example of a turning method for a work vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16B] FIG. 16B is a diagram showing another example of a turning method for a work vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The following embodiment is an example of the present invention and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0012] 1, an automated driving system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a work vehicle 10 and an operation terminal 20. The work vehicle 10 and the operation terminal 20 can communicate with each other via a communication network N1. For example, the work vehicle 10 and the operation terminal 20 can communicate with each other via a mobile phone network, a packet network, or a wireless LAN.

[0013] In this embodiment, the work vehicle 10 will be described as a rice transplanter. In other embodiments, the work vehicle 10 may be a tractor, a combine harvester, construction machinery, a snowplow, or the like. The work vehicle 10 is an autonomous vehicle configured to be able to travel automatically (autonomously) within a pre-registered field. For example, an operator (user) registers a field to be worked on and sets a travel route (target route) for the work vehicle 10 to travel automatically through the field. The work vehicle 10 travels automatically along a target route set in advance for the field based on position information of the current position of the work vehicle 10 calculated by the positioning device 16. The work vehicle 10 is also capable of performing predetermined work (e.g., planting work) while traveling automatically within the field.

[0014] For example, the work vehicle 10 automatically travels according to a target route R in a field F shown in Fig. 3. The field F shown in Fig. 3 includes an inner area Fa and a headland area Fb (outer area), and a ridge A1 (bank, etc.) is formed on the outside of the field F to surround it. A target route R including a plurality of work routes is set in advance in the field F. For example, a work route Ra that travels back and forth in parallel from a work start position S is set in the inner area Fa, and a work route Rb that travels in a spiral shape (circular travel) around the periphery toward a work end position G is set in the headland area Fb.

[0015] The work vehicle 10 starts automatic traveling from a work start position S, and performs work while traveling back and forth along a work route Ra in the inner area Fa. The work vehicle 10 also performs work while traveling in a circle in the headland area Fb to a work end position G along a work route Rb.

[0016] Here, the work path Rb in the headland area Fb is set based on the number of work strokes. Fig. 3 shows the work path Rb when the number of work strokes is two, and Fig. 4 shows the work path Rb when the number of work strokes is one. On the work path Rb shown in Fig. 3, the work vehicle 10 performs work while traveling around the headland area Fb only two times. On the work path Rb shown in Fig. 4, the work vehicle 10 performs work while traveling around the headland area Fb only once. The width of the headland area Fb is set to a width according to the number of work strokes. Therefore, when the number of work strokes is two (see Fig. 3), the width of the headland area Fb is approximately twice the working width of the work vehicle 10, and when the number of work strokes is one (see Fig. 4), the width of the headland area Fb is approximately the same as the working width of the work vehicle 10.

[0017] Similarly, the width of the inner area Fa is set to a width according to the number of work strokes. Therefore, when the number of work strokes is two (see FIG. 3), the width of the inner area Fa is the width of the field F minus a length that is approximately four times the working width of the work vehicle 10, and when the number of work strokes is one (see FIG. 4), the width of the inner area Fa is the width of the field F minus a length that is approximately twice the working width of the work vehicle 10. In the case of the target route R shown in FIG. 4, compared to the target route R shown in FIG. 3, the work vehicle 10 will turn closer to the outer periphery (ridge A1) of the field F when moving along the adjacent work route Ra.

[0018] 3 and 4, and is set appropriately depending on the shape of the field F, the work content, etc. For example, the target route R is set appropriately depending on the number of work strokes in the headland area Fb or the width of the headland area Fb.

[0019] However, in conventional technologies, a turning method is set uniformly for the field, making it impossible to set the turning method according to the position within the field. This makes it difficult to set a turning path according to the operator's requests, taking into account the field condition, work efficiency, etc. In contrast, the automated driving system 1 according to this embodiment can set a turning path according to the operator's requests, such as by changing the turning method according to the position in the field, as will be described below.

[0020] [Work vehicle 10] 1 and 2, the work vehicle 10 includes a vehicle control device 11, a memory unit 12, a vehicle body unit 13, a work implement 14, a communication unit 15, a positioning device 16, an obstacle detection unit 17, etc. The vehicle control device 11 is electrically connected to the memory unit 12, the vehicle body unit 13, the work implement 14, the positioning device 16, the obstacle detection unit 17, etc. Note that the vehicle control device 11 and the positioning device 16 may be capable of wireless communication.

[0021] First, a rice transplanter, which is an example of work vehicle 10, will be described with reference to Figures 2A and 2B. Figure 2A is a side view of work vehicle 10 (rice transplanter), and Figure 2B is a plan view of work vehicle 10. Work vehicle 10 is equipped with a vehicle body section 13, a pair of left and right front wheels 132, a pair of left and right rear wheels 133, a work implement 14 (planting section), etc.

[0022] An engine (drive unit) 131 is disposed inside a hood 134 disposed at the front of the vehicle body 13. Power generated by the engine 131 is transmitted to front wheels 132 and rear wheels 133 via a transmission case 135. The power transmitted via the transmission case 135 is also transmitted to the work implement 14 via a PTO shaft 37 disposed at the rear of the vehicle body 13. The PTO shaft 37 is configured to transmit power via a planting clutch (work clutch) (not shown). A driver's seat 138 for an operator to sit in is provided between the front wheels 132 and rear wheels 133 in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle body 13.

[0023] In front of the driver's seat 138, operating tools such as a steering wheel 137, a main speed change lever (not shown), and a planting clutch lever (not shown) are arranged. The steering wheel 137 is an operating tool for changing the steering angle of the work vehicle 10. The main speed change lever is configured to be able to select at least the positions of "forward," "reverse," and "seedling shift." When the main speed change lever is operated to the "forward" position, power is transmitted so that the front wheels 132 and rear wheels 133 rotate in a direction that moves the work vehicle 10 forward. When the main speed change lever is operated to the "reverse" position, power is transmitted so that the front wheels 132 and rear wheels 133 rotate in a direction that moves the work vehicle 10 backward. When the main speed change lever is operated to the "seedling shift" position, power transmission to the front wheels 132, rear wheels 133, and PTO shaft 37 is interrupted. In addition, by operating the planting clutch lever, the planting clutch can be switched between a transmission state in which it transmits power to the PTO shaft 37 (i.e., the work implement 14) and a disconnection state in which it does not transmit power to the PTO shaft 37 (i.e., the work implement 14).

[0024] The work implement 14 is connected to the rear of the vehicle body 13 via a lifting link mechanism 31. The lifting link mechanism 31 is configured with a parallel link structure including a top link 39 and a lower link 38. A lifting cylinder (lifting device) 32 is connected to the lower link 38. By extending and contracting the lifting cylinder 32, the entire work implement 14 can be raised and lowered. This allows the height of the work implement 14 to be changed between a lowered position where the work implement 14 is lowered to perform planting work and an elevated position where the work implement 14 is not used for planting work. The lifting cylinder 32 is a hydraulic cylinder, but an electric cylinder may also be used. The work implement 14 may also be raised and lowered by an actuator other than a cylinder.

[0025] The work machine 14 (planting section) includes a planting input case 33, a plurality of planting units 34, a seedling carrier 35, a plurality of floats 36, and the like.

[0026] Each planting unit 34 is equipped with a planting transmission case 41 and a rotating case 42. Power is transmitted to the planting transmission case 41 via the PTO shaft 37 and the planting input case 33. Each planting transmission case 41 has a rotating case 42 attached to both sides in the vehicle width direction. Two planting claws 43 are attached to each rotating case 42, lined up in the direction of travel of the work vehicle 10. These two planting claws 43 plant one row.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 2A, the seedling carrier 35 is positioned above and in front of the planting unit 34 and is configured to be able to place a seedling mat on it. The seedling carrier 35 is configured to be able to move back and forth laterally (slide laterally). The seedling carrier 35 is also configured to be able to intermittently transport the seedling mat vertically downward at the end of its reciprocating movement. This configuration allows the seedling carrier 35 to supply seedlings from the seedling mat to each planting unit 34. In this way, the work vehicle 10 can sequentially supply seedlings to each planting unit 34, allowing for continuous seedling planting.

[0028] The float 36 shown in FIG. 2A is provided below the work implement 14 and is positioned so that its underside can come into contact with the ground. When the float 36 comes into contact with the ground, the rice field surface is leveled before seedlings are planted. The float 36 is also provided with a float sensor (not shown) that detects the swing angle of the float 36. The swing angle of the float 36 corresponds to the distance between the rice field surface and the work implement 14. The work vehicle 10 can maintain a constant height of the work implement 14 above the ground by operating the lifting cylinder 32 based on the swing angle of the float 36 to raise and lower the work implement 14.

[0029] The spare seedling tray 19 is positioned outside the hood 134 in the vehicle width direction, and can be equipped with seedling boxes containing spare mat seedlings. The upper parts of the pair of left and right spare seedling trays 19 are connected to each other by a connecting frame 18 that extends vertically and in the vehicle width direction. A positioning device 16 is disposed in the center of the connecting frame 18 in the vehicle width direction. Inside the positioning device 16, a positioning control unit 161, a memory unit 162, a communication unit 163, and a positioning antenna 164 (see Figure 1) are disposed. The positioning antenna 164 can receive radio waves from positioning satellites that make up the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). The position of the work vehicle 10 can be obtained by performing known positioning calculations based on these radio waves.

[0030] An obstacle detection unit 17 is provided at the front of the vehicle body 13. The obstacle detection unit 17 is configured with a sensor that detects obstacles in a predetermined detection area using, for example, infrared rays, ultrasound, or the like. For example, the obstacle detection unit 17 may be a lidar sensor (distance sensor) that uses lasers to measure the distance to a measurement object (obstacle) in three dimensions, or a sonar sensor with multiple sonars that uses ultrasound to measure the distance to a measurement object. Examples of the obstacle include a ridge A1, a water intake, a utility pole, materials temporarily placed in the field F, and a person. When the obstacle detection unit 17 detects the obstacle, it transmits the detection result (measurement information) to the vehicle control device 11. When the obstacle detection unit 17 detects an obstacle in the detection area, the vehicle control device 11 slows down or stops the work vehicle 10. Note that the obstacle detection units 17 may be provided at the front, rear, left side, and right side. In this case, the vehicle control device 11 controls the travel of the work vehicle 10 based on the detection results of each obstacle detection unit 17.

[0031] The storage unit 12 is a non-volatile storage unit such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive) that stores various types of information. The storage unit 12 stores control programs such as an automatic driving program for causing the vehicle control device 11 to execute automatic driving processing. For example, the automatic driving program is non-temporarily recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a flash ROM, EEPROM, CD, or DVD, and is read by a predetermined reading device (not shown) and stored in the storage unit 12. The automatic driving program may be downloaded from a server (not shown) to the work vehicle 10 via the communication network N1 and stored in the storage unit 12. The storage unit 12 may also store route data for a target route R generated in the operation terminal 20.

[0032] The vehicle control device 11 has control devices such as a CPU, ROM, and RAM. The CPU is a processor that executes various types of arithmetic processing. The ROM is a non-volatile storage unit in which control programs such as a BIOS and an OS that cause the CPU to execute various types of arithmetic processing are pre-stored. The RAM is a volatile or non-volatile storage unit that stores various types of information, and is used as temporary storage memory (work area) for the various types of processing executed by the CPU. The vehicle control device 11 controls the work vehicle 10 by having the CPU execute various control programs pre-stored in the ROM or storage unit 12.

[0033] The vehicle control device 11 controls the operation of the work vehicle 10 in response to various user operations on the work vehicle 10. The vehicle control device 11 also executes automatic driving processing for the work vehicle 10 based on the current position of the work vehicle 10 calculated by the positioning device 16 and a target route R that is set in advance.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 1, the vehicle control device 11 includes various processing units such as a driving processing unit 111 and a detection processing unit 112. The vehicle control device 11 functions as the various processing units by executing various processes in accordance with the automatic driving program using the CPU. Some or all of the processing units may be configured with electronic circuits. The automatic driving program may be a program for causing multiple processors to function as the processing units.

[0035] The driving processing unit 111 controls the driving of the work vehicle 10. Specifically, the driving processing unit 111 causes the work vehicle 10 to automatically drive according to a target route R set in the field F. For example, when the driving processing unit 111 receives a driving start instruction from the operation terminal 20, it causes the work vehicle 10 to start automatic driving. For example, when the current position of the work vehicle 10 is in a position that satisfies the driving start conditions, and the operator presses the start button on the operation screen of the operation terminal 20, the operation terminal 20 outputs a driving start instruction to the work vehicle 10. When the driving processing unit 111 receives the driving start instruction from the operation terminal 20, it causes the work vehicle 10 to start automatic driving according to the target route R.

[0036] Furthermore, the driving processing unit 111 stops the automatic driving of the work vehicle 10 when it receives a driving stop instruction from the operation terminal 20. For example, when the operator presses the pause button on the operation screen of the operation terminal 20, the operation terminal 20 outputs a driving stop instruction to the work vehicle 10.

[0037] Furthermore, the driving processing unit 111 controls the driving of the work vehicle 10 based on the detection results from the obstacle detection unit 17 .

[0038] The detection processing unit 112 acquires detection results (measurement information) from the obstacle detection unit 17. Furthermore, the detection processing unit 112 detects obstacles located on the periphery of the field F while the work vehicle 10 is traveling along the target route R in the periphery area (headland area Fb) of the field F. Specifically, the detection processing unit 112 acquires measurement information of the detection area from the obstacle detection unit 17. For example, when an obstacle enters the detection area, the detection processing unit 112 acquires the measured distance (the distance from the obstacle detection unit 17 to the obstacle) measured by the obstacle detection unit 17. Furthermore, the detection processing unit 112 identifies the position and shape of the obstacle based on the measurement information. The detection processing unit 112 may be included in a device (detection device) different from the vehicle control device 11. The detection device may be configured to include the obstacle detection unit 17 and the detection processing unit 112. Furthermore, the detection processing unit 112 may detect tilting, positional deviation, etc. of the vehicle body based on detection results from a sensor (not shown) mounted on the work vehicle 10.

[0039] The driving processing unit 111 controls the automatic driving of the work vehicle 10 based on the detection results of the detection processing unit 112. Specifically, when the detection processing unit 112 detects an obstacle or detects tilt or positional deviation, the driving processing unit 111 slows down or stops the work vehicle 10. The driving processing unit 111 may also cause the work vehicle 10 to perform avoidance driving to avoid the obstacle.

[0040] [Operation terminal 20] 1, the operation terminal 20 is an information processing device including an operation control unit 21, a storage unit 22, an operation display unit 23, and a communication unit 24. The operation terminal 20 may be configured as a mobile terminal such as a tablet terminal or a smartphone.

[0041] The communication unit 24 is a communication interface that connects the operation terminal 20 to the communication network N1 via a wired or wireless connection and performs data communication in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol with external devices such as one or more work vehicles 10 via the communication network N1.

[0042] The operation display unit 23 is a user interface that includes a display unit such as a liquid crystal display or organic EL display that displays various types of information, and an operation unit such as a touch panel, mouse, or keyboard that accepts operations. The operator can operate the operation unit on the operation screen displayed on the display unit to register various types of information (such as work vehicle information, field information, and work information, which will be described later). For example, the operator operates the operation unit to register the field F to be worked on.

[0043] The operator can also operate the operation unit to give instructions to start and stop traveling to the work vehicle 10. Furthermore, the operator can grasp the traveling status of the work vehicle 10, which is automatically traveling through the field F according to the target route R, from the traveling trajectory displayed on the operation terminal 20, while in a location away from the work vehicle 10.

[0044] The storage unit 22 is a non-volatile storage unit such as an HDD or SSD that stores various types of information. The storage unit 22 stores control programs such as a route setting program for causing the operation control unit 21 to execute a route setting process (see FIG. 14 ), which will be described later. For example, the route setting program is non-temporarily recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a flash ROM, an EEPROM, a CD, or a DVD, and is read by a predetermined reading device (not shown) and stored in the storage unit 22. The route setting program may be downloaded to the operation terminal 20 from a server (not shown) via a communication network N1 and stored in the storage unit 22.

[0045] Furthermore, a dedicated application for automatically driving the work vehicle 10 is installed in the memory unit 22. The operation control unit 21 starts up the dedicated application to perform processing for setting various information related to the work vehicle 10, processing for generating a target route R for the work vehicle 10, and issuing instructions for automatic driving to the work vehicle 10.

[0046] The storage unit 22 also stores data such as work vehicle information, which is information relating to the work vehicle 10, and target route information, which is information relating to the target route R. The work vehicle information includes information such as the vehicle number and model for each work vehicle 10. The vehicle number is identification information for the work vehicle 10. The model is the model of the work vehicle 10.

[0047] Furthermore, the storage unit 22 may store the work vehicle information for one work vehicle 10, or may store the work vehicle information for multiple work vehicles 10. For example, if a specific operator owns multiple work vehicles 10, the work vehicle information for each work vehicle 10 is stored in the storage unit 22.

[0048] The target route information includes information such as the route name, field name, address, field area, and work time for each target route R. The route name is the route name of the target route R generated in the operation terminal 20. The field name is the name of the field F that is the work target for which the target route R is set. The address is the address of the field F, and the field area is the area of ​​the field F. The work time is the time required for the work vehicle 10 to work in the field F.

[0049] Furthermore, the storage unit 22 may store the target route information for one target route R, or may store the target route information for multiple target routes R. For example, if a specific operator generates multiple target routes R for one or multiple fields F that he or she owns, the target route information for each target route R is stored in the storage unit 22. Note that one target route R, or multiple target routes R, may be set for one field F.

[0050] In another embodiment, some or all of the information such as the work vehicle information and the target route information may be stored in a server accessible from the operation terminal 20. The operator may perform an operation to register the work vehicle information and the target route information in the server (for example, a personal computer, a cloud server, etc.).

[0051] The operation control unit 21 has control devices such as a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. The CPU is a processor that executes various types of arithmetic processing. The ROM is a non-volatile storage unit in which control programs such as a BIOS and an OS that cause the CPU to execute various types of arithmetic processing are stored in advance. The RAM is a volatile or non-volatile storage unit that stores various types of information and is used as temporary storage memory for the various types of processing executed by the CPU. The operation control unit 21 controls the operation terminal 20 by having the CPU execute various control programs that are stored in advance in the ROM or the storage unit 22.

[0052] 1, the operation control unit 21 includes various processing units such as a display processing unit 211, a reception processing unit 212, a setting processing unit 213, and an output processing unit 214. The operation control unit 21 functions as the various processing units by executing various processes in accordance with the control program using the CPU. Some or all of the processing units may be configured with electronic circuits. The control program may be a program for causing multiple processors to function as the processing units.

[0053] The display processing unit 211 displays various operation screens on the operation display unit 23. For example, the display processing unit 211 displays various operation screens on the operation display unit 23, such as a menu screen D1 (see FIG. 5), a headland setting screen D2 (see FIG. 6), a field edge selection screen D3 (see FIG. 10), a priority mode selection screen D4 (see FIGS. 11 to 13), and a traveling screen D5 (see FIG. 15).

[0054] The reception processing unit 212 receives an operator's operation (user operation) on each of the operation screens. For example, on the menu screen D1 (see FIG. 5), the reception processing unit 212 receives operations such as pressing a "Field registration" button selected when registering a field, a "Work machine registration" button selected when registering a work machine, a "Work area registration" button selected when registering a work area, and a "Route creation" button selected when generating a target route.

[0055] The setting processing unit 213 registers each setting information for the items selected by the operator ("field registration," "work machine registration," "work area registration," and "route creation") based on the setting operation of the operator. For example, the setting processing unit 213 sets information about the work vehicle 10 (hereinafter referred to as work vehicle information), information about the field F (hereinafter referred to as field information), information about how the work will be performed specifically (hereinafter referred to as work information), and the like.

[0056] Specifically, the setting processing unit 213 sets information such as the model of the work vehicle 10, the position where the positioning antenna 164 is attached on the work vehicle 10, the type of work implement 14, the size and shape of the work implement 14, the position of the work implement 14 relative to the work vehicle 10, the driving speed and engine speed of the work vehicle 10 while working, and the driving speed and engine speed of the work vehicle 10 while turning, in accordance with the operator's registration operations.

[0057] In addition, the setting processing unit 213 sets information such as the position and shape of the field F, the work start position S where the work begins, the work end position G where the work ends, the work direction, etc., in accordance with the operator's registration operations.

[0058] Information on the position and shape of the field F can be automatically obtained, for example, by having an operator get into the work vehicle 10 and drive it around the perimeter of the field F, recording the changes in position information of the positioning antenna 164 at that time. The position and shape of the field F can also be obtained based on a polygon obtained by the operator operating the operation terminal 20 to specify multiple points on a map displayed on the operation terminal 20. The area specified by the obtained position and shape of the field F is the area in which the work vehicle 10 can be driven (travel area).

[0059] In addition, the setting processing unit 213 is configured to be able to set work information such as whether or not the work vehicle 10 (unmanned tractor) and the manned work vehicle 10 are working cooperatively, the number of skips which is the number of work routes that the work vehicle 10 will skip when turning on the headland, the width of the headland, and the width of the non-cultivated land.

[0060] For example, the setting processing unit 213 sets a work area for actually performing work in a registered field F. For example, when the operator selects "Work Area Registration" on the menu screen D1 (see FIG. 5) and selects the field F to register as the work area, the reception processing unit 212 receives the selection operation, and the setting processing unit 213 displays a registration screen (map screen) for registering a work start position S and a work end position G. On the registration screen, the operator registers the work start position S and the work end position G at any position within the field F.

[0061] Furthermore, the setting processing unit 213 sets the headland and turning path in setting the working area. A specific example will be described below.

[0062] For example, the display processing unit 211 displays a headland setting screen D2 shown in Fig. 6 when setting the work area. The display processing unit 211 displays the number of work strokes (number of laps) for the headland area Fb in a selectable manner on the headland setting screen D2. For example, the display processing unit 211 displays a setting button K1 for setting the number of work strokes for the headland area Fb to "1 stroke" (see Fig. 4), and a setting button K2 for setting the number of work strokes for the headland area Fb to "2 strokes" (see Fig. 3) in a selectable manner.

[0063] On the headland setting screen D2, the operator can select either "one stroke" or "two strokes" for the work stroke in the headland area Fb. The reception processing unit 212 receives an operation from the operator to select the number of work strokes (number of laps) in the headland area Fb (corresponding to the second user operation of the present invention). If the number of work strokes in the headland area Fb is set to "two strokes," the width of the headland area Fb will be a width corresponding to two strokes, i.e., approximately twice the length of the work width, as shown in FIG. 7, for example. In this case, the headland area Fb can ensure a sufficient turning width when the work vehicle 10 moves from the work path Ra1 to the next work path Ra2. Therefore, the work vehicle 10 can turn by traveling forward after working on the work path Ra1 without traveling backward.

[0064] In contrast, if the number of work strokes in the headland area Fb is set to "one stroke," then the width of the headland area Fb will be the width corresponding to one stroke, i.e., approximately the same length as the work width, as shown in Figure 8, for example. In this case, it becomes difficult for the headland area Fb to ensure a sufficient turning width when the work vehicle 10 moves from work path Ra1 to the next work path Ra2. For this reason, the work vehicle 10 must travel backward a predetermined distance after working on work path Ra1, and then travel forward to make a turn.

[0065] However, as shown in FIG. 8, for example, if the work vehicle 10 is driven to the edge of the inner area Fa to prevent an unworked area (unfinished work) from occurring in the inner area Fa, the turning start position after traveling in reverse will be near the edge of the inner area Fa, which could cause the work vehicle 10 to jump out of the field F and run onto the ridge A1 when turning. Note that symbol E1 in FIG. 8 indicates the completed work area on the work path Ra. In contrast, as shown in FIG. 9, for example, if the straight-line distance of the work path Ra1 (distance L1 in FIG. 9) is shortened so that the work vehicle 10 does not jump out of the field F when traveling straight or turning, that is, if the work vehicle 10 is made to finish work before the edge of the inner area Fa, the turning start position after traveling in reverse will be shorter than the edge of the inner area Fa, resulting in an unworked area E2 in the inner area Fa.

[0066] In this way, when the number of work strokes in the headland area Fb is set to "1 stroke," it becomes difficult to secure a sufficient width (turning area) in the headland area Fb required for turning, so that a turning method that prioritizes work efficiency (see Figure 8) reduces safety during turning, and a turning method that prioritizes safety during turning (see Figure 9) results in an unworked area.

[0067] Therefore, this embodiment is provided with a configuration that allows the operator to set a desired turning method for each work process. For example, if the operator wishes to prioritize the efficiency of work by the work vehicle 10, the work vehicle 10 is made to turn using the turning method shown in Fig. 8. On the other hand, if the operator wishes the work vehicle 10 to turn safely, that is, if priority is given to the safety of the turning of the work vehicle 10, the work vehicle 10 is made to turn using the turning method shown in Fig. 9.

[0068] 9 is a path (corresponding to the first turning path of the present invention) that allows the work vehicle 10 to turn safely by adjusting (e.g., shortening) the path length of the work path in the inner area Fa, although there is a possibility that the width of the headland area Fb (headland width) will not be the working width, and the turning path of the turning method that prioritizes work efficiency shown in Fig. 8 is a path (corresponding to the second turning path of the present invention) that allows the work vehicle 10 to turn safely by maintaining the path length of the work path in the inner area Fa, although there is a possibility that the work vehicle 10 will run over a ridge or the like. Also, for example, the turning path of the turning method that prioritizes safety is a path that allows the work vehicle 10 to turn in the headland area Fb of a first predetermined width (e.g., a width wider than the working width), and the turning path of the turning method that prioritizes work efficiency is a path that allows the work vehicle 10 to turn in the headland area Fb of a second predetermined width that is narrower than the first predetermined width (e.g., the same width as the working width). Also, for example, a turning route for a turning method that prioritizes safety is a route in which the starting point of the turning route is on the inner side, and a turning route for a turning method that prioritizes work efficiency is a route in which the starting point of the turning route is on the outer side.

[0069] Specifically, when the number of work strokes in the headland area Fb is set to "1 stroke," the display processing unit 211 displays a field edge selection screen D3 shown in Fig. 10. On the field edge selection screen D3, the display processing unit 211 displays the periphery (field edge) of the field F for which the turning method is to be set in a selectable manner. For example, the display processing unit 211 displays a setting button K3 for setting the same turning method for all the peripheries of the field F, and a setting button K4 for setting a turning method for each periphery of the field F in a selectable manner.

[0070] On the field edge selection screen D3, the operator can select whether to set all perimeters together or to set each perimeter individually. When the operator selects the setting button K3, the reception processing unit 212 accepts the selection operation, and the display processing unit 211 displays the priority mode selection screen D4 shown in Fig. 11. On the priority mode selection screen D4, the display processing unit 211 selectably displays a setting button K5 corresponding to a safety priority mode (corresponding to the first turning mode of the present invention) for setting a turning method that prioritizes safety during turning (see Fig. 9), and a setting button K6 corresponding to a work efficiency priority mode (corresponding to the second turning mode of the present invention) for setting a turning method that prioritizes work efficiency during turning (see Fig. 8).

[0071] For example, when the operator selects the safety priority mode (setting button K5), the reception processing unit 212 receives the selection operation, and the setting processing unit 213 sets the turning path shown in Fig. 9 for all the peripheries. As a result, the work vehicle 10 turns and travels according to the turning path shown in Fig. 9 when working in the field F.

[0072] Furthermore, for example, when the operator selects the work efficiency priority mode (setting button K6), the reception processing unit 212 receives the selection operation, and the setting processing unit 213 sets the turning path shown in Fig. 8 for all the peripheries. As a result, the work vehicle 10 turns and travels according to the turning path shown in Fig. 8 when working in the field F.

[0073] Furthermore, when the operator selects the Set button K4 on the field side selection screen D3 shown in Fig. 10, the reception processing unit 212 receives the selection operation, and the display processing unit 211 displays the priority mode selection screen D4 shown in Fig. 12. The display processing unit 211 displays the Set button K5 and the Set button K6 selectably on the priority mode selection screen D4, and also displays the outer periphery of the field F so that they can be individually selected. For example, in the example shown in Fig. 12, the operator can individually select each of the four sides (top, bottom, left, and right sides) of the field F on the priority mode selection screen D4.

[0074] For example, as shown in Fig. 12, when the operator selects the left side of field F and selects the safety priority mode (setting button K5), the reception processing unit 212 accepts the selection operation, and the setting processing unit 213 sets the turning path shown in Fig. 9 for the left side of field F. Also, for example, as shown in Fig. 13, when the operator selects the top side of field F and selects the work efficiency priority mode (setting button K6), the reception processing unit 212 accepts the selection operation, and the setting processing unit 213 sets the turning path shown in Fig. 8 for the top side of field F.

[0075] 12 and 13, the display processing unit 211 displays the selected perimeter in a different display mode from the unselected perimeter on the priority mode selection screen D4. Furthermore, the display processing unit 211 displays the perimeter (left side) for which a turning path has been set in a distinguishable manner, as shown in FIG. 13. In the example shown in FIG. 13, the display processing unit 211 displays the selected top side with a thick solid line, the left side for which a turning path has been set with a thick dotted line, and the unselected and unset bottom side and right side with thin dotted lines. This allows the operator to easily grasp the setting status of each perimeter.

[0076] Furthermore, when a turning path with a different turning method is set for each of a plurality of perimeters, the display processing unit 211 may display each of the plurality of perimeters in a different display mode on the priority mode selection screen D4. For example, when the safety priority mode is set for the left side of the field F (see FIG. 12) and the work efficiency priority mode is set for the top side of the field F (see FIG. 13), the display processing unit 211 may display the top side and the left side in different display modes on the priority mode selection screen D4.

[0077] As described above, the setting processing unit 213 sets the same or different turning paths for each of the multiple outer perimeters that make up the field F in response to the setting operation of the operator. Note that the reception processing unit 212 may allow the reception of a turning path (priority mode) selection operation when the operator selects a predetermined number of times (for example, "one stroke") as the number of work strokes. Here, the predetermined number of times is the number of times that the total working width for the predetermined number of times becomes less than the width that allows the work vehicle 10 to turn from the work path Ra1 to the work path Ra2 in the inner area Fa without reversing. For example, if an area equal to or greater than the working width of the work vehicle 10 is required when the work vehicle 10 moves from the work path Ra1 to the work path Ra2, the predetermined number of times is set to one, and if an area equal to or greater than twice the working width of the work vehicle 10 is required when the work vehicle 10 moves from the work path Ra1 to the work path Ra2, the predetermined number of times is set to two.

[0078] In another embodiment, the setting processing unit 213 may set the same or different turning paths for each of the multiple perimeters depending on the state (shape, etc.) of the field F. In other words, the setting processing unit 213 may automatically set turning paths for each of the perimeters of the field F without relying on the operation of the operator.

[0079] Furthermore, each of the outer peripheries corresponds to a work process of the work vehicle 10. For example, the top edge of the field F corresponds to a work process on the work route Ra where the work vehicle 10 moves straight towards the top edge, and the bottom edge of the field F corresponds to a work process on the work route Ra where the work vehicle 10 moves straight towards the bottom edge. Furthermore, the left edge of the field F corresponds to a work process on the work route Ra where the work vehicle 10 moves straight along the left edge, and the right edge of the field F corresponds to a work process on the work route Ra where the work vehicle 10 moves straight along the right edge.

[0080] Furthermore, the upper side of the field F corresponds to the work process on the work path Rb along which the work vehicle 10 moves straight along the upper side, and the lower side of the field F corresponds to the work process on the work path Rb along which the work vehicle 10 moves straight along the lower side. Furthermore, the left side of the field F corresponds to the work process on the work path Rb along which the work vehicle 10 moves straight along the left side, and the right side of the field F corresponds to the work process on the work path Rb along which the work vehicle 10 moves straight along the right side.

[0081] That is, in this embodiment, the setting processing unit 213 sets a predetermined turning path from among a plurality of turning paths with different turning methods for each of a plurality of work processes included in a work area in which the work vehicle 10 is to automatically travel along a target path.

[0082] The reception processing unit 212 also receives an operation (corresponding to a first user operation of the present invention) from the operator to select a predetermined turning path from among a plurality of turning paths (for example, FIGS. 8 and 9), and the setting processing unit 213 sets the turning path selected by the operator's operation for each of a plurality of work processes. The setting processing unit 213 also receives the operator's operation for each of a plurality of perimeters that make up the field F.

[0083] The setting processing unit 213 also sets a target route R that includes a turning route set for each of a plurality of work processes and work routes Ra, Rb that are set according to the field F. That is, the setting processing unit 213 generates a target route R for automatically traveling the work vehicle 10 in the field F based on the setting information. For example, when the operator selects "Create route" on the menu screen D1 (see FIG. 5), the setting processing unit 213 displays a registration screen (not shown) for generating a route. On the registration screen, the operator registers information such as the field F, the work implement 14, vehicle speed, engine rotation, etc., and then issues a route generation instruction. When the setting processing unit 213 receives the route generation instruction, it generates a target route R based on the work start position S, the work end position G, and the information.

[0084] 3 and 4, the setting processing unit 213 generates a target route R including a work start position S, a work end position G, and work routes Ra and Rb. The setting processing unit 213 associates the generated target route R with the field F and registers it.

[0085] The output processing unit 214 outputs the route data of the target route R to the work vehicle 10. For example, when the operator selects the field F to be worked on and the work route (target route R) and performs a work start operation, the route data of the target route R corresponding to the field F is output to the work vehicle 10.

[0086] When the work vehicle 10 receives the route data of the target route R generated by the operation terminal 20, it stores it in the memory unit 12. Furthermore, when the travel start conditions are met, the work vehicle 10 starts autonomous travel in response to a travel start command from the operator. While the work vehicle 10 is traveling autonomously, the operator can grasp the travel status within the field F on the operation terminal 20.

[0087] The operation terminal 20 may be able to access a website (agricultural support site) for an agricultural support service provided by a server (not shown) via the communication network N1. In this case, the operation terminal 20 can function as an operation terminal for the server by executing a browser program by the operation control unit 21. The server is provided with the above-mentioned processing units and executes each process.

[0088] [Route setting process] An example of the route setting process executed by the automatic driving system 1 will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0089] The present invention can be understood as a route setting method that executes one or more steps included in the route setting process. One or more steps included in the route setting process described herein may be omitted as appropriate. The steps in the route setting process may be executed in a different order as long as the same effects are achieved. While the description here uses an example in which the operation control unit 21 of the operation terminal 20 executes each step in the route setting process, another possible embodiment is a route setting method in which one or more processors execute each step in the route setting process in a distributed manner.

[0090] First, in step S1, the operation control unit 21 displays a headland setting screen D2 (see FIG. 6) on the operation display unit 23 of the operation terminal 20. For example, when the operator presses the "Create route" button on the menu screen D1 (see FIG. 5), the operation control unit 21 displays the headland setting screen D2.

[0091] Next, in step S2, the operation control unit 21 determines whether or not the operator has selected "1 stroke" as the number of work strokes for the headland area Fb on the headland setting screen D2 (see FIG. 6). If the operator has selected "1 stroke" (setting button K1) (S2: Yes), the operation control unit 21 shifts the processing to step S3. On the other hand, if the operator has selected "2 strokes" (setting button K2) (S2: No), the operation control unit 21 shifts the processing to step S8.

[0092] In step S3, the operation control unit 21 displays a field edge selection screen D3 (see FIG. 10) on the operation display unit 23. The operation control unit 21 displays, on the field edge selection screen D3, a setting button K3 for setting the same turning method for all the peripheries of the field F, and a setting button K4 for setting a turning method for each periphery of the field F, in a selectable manner.

[0093] Next, in step S4, the operation control unit 21 determines whether or not a perimeter selection operation has been received from the operator on the field edge selection screen D3 (see FIG. 10). Specifically, the operation control unit 21 determines whether or not a selection operation of the setting button K3 or the setting button K4 has been received from the operator. When the operation control unit 21 receives the selection operation (S4: Yes), it shifts the processing to step S5. The operation control unit 21 waits until the selection operation is received (S4: No).

[0094] In step S5, the operation control unit 21 displays a priority mode selection screen D4 (see FIGS. 11 and 12) on the operation display unit 23. The operation control unit 21 selectably displays, on the priority mode selection screen D4, a setting button K5 corresponding to a safety priority mode for setting a turning method that prioritizes safety during turning (see FIG. 9), and a setting button K6 corresponding to an operation efficiency priority mode for setting a turning method that prioritizes work efficiency during turning (see FIG. 8). Note that, when the operation control unit 21 receives a selection operation of the setting button K3 from the operator in step S4, it displays the priority mode selection screen D4 shown in FIG. 11, and when the operation control unit 21 receives a selection operation of the setting button K4 from the operator, it displays the priority mode selection screen D4 shown in FIG.

[0095] Next, in step S6, the operation control unit 21 determines whether or not a selection operation of a priority mode has been received from the operator on the priority mode selection screen D4 (see FIGS. 11 and 12). Specifically, the operation control unit 21 determines whether or not a selection operation of the setting button K5 or the setting button K6 has been received from the operator. When the operation control unit 21 receives the selection operation (S6: Yes), the operation control unit 21 shifts the processing to step S7. The operation control unit 21 waits until the selection operation is received (S6: No). Note that on the priority mode selection screen D4 shown in FIG. 12, the operation control unit 21 receives a selection operation of a priority mode from the operator for each perimeter.

[0096] In step S7, the operation control unit 21 sets a turning path. For example, when the operator selects "Set all sides to the same setting" (setting button K3) on the field side selection screen D3 (see FIG. 10) and presses "Safety priority" (setting button K5) on the priority mode selection screen D4 (see FIG. 11), the operation control unit 21 sets the turning path shown in FIG. 9 for all the outer peripheries of the field F (for example, a turning path with a shortened path length of the work path Ra1, or a turning path with the starting point of the turning path on the inner periphery (first turning path)).

[0097] For example, when the operator selects "Set all sides to the same setting" (setting button K3) on the field edge selection screen D3 and presses "Priority on work efficiency" (setting button K6) on the priority mode selection screen D4, the operation control unit 21 sets the turning path shown in Figure 8 for all outer peripheries of the field F (for example, a turning path that maintains the path length of the work path Ra1, or a turning path (second turning path) in which the starting point of the turning path is on the outer periphery side).

[0098] For example, when the operator selects "Set by edge" (setting button K4) on the field edge selection screen D3, selects the perimeter on the priority mode selection screen D4, and presses "Safety priority" (setting button K5) (see Figure 12), the operation control unit 21 sets the turning path (first turning path) shown in Figure 9 for the perimeter.

[0099] For example, when the operator selects "Set by edge" (setting button K4) on the field edge selection screen D3, selects the outer perimeter on the priority mode selection screen D4, and presses "Priority on work efficiency" (setting button K6) (see Figure 13), the operation control unit 21 sets the turning path (second turning path) shown in Figure 8 for the outer perimeter.

[0100] When setting a turning path for each perimeter, the operation control unit 21 displays the selected perimeter, the unselected perimeter, and the set perimeter in different display modes on the priority mode selection screen D4 (see FIG. 13). When turning paths with different turning methods are set for each of a plurality of perimeters, the operation control unit 21 may display each of the plurality of perimeters in a different display mode for each of the set turning paths.

[0101] Next, in step S8, the operation control unit 21 determines whether the process of setting the turning path in the field F has been completed. If the turning path in the field F has been registered, the operation control unit 21 determines that the process of setting the turning path has been completed (S8: Yes) and ends the path setting process. If the turning path in the field F has not been registered, the operation control unit 21 determines that the process of setting the turning path has not been completed (S8: No) and returns the process to step S1.

[0102] When the operation control unit 21 completes the process of setting the turning path in the field F described above, it sets a target path R that includes the turning path and the work paths Ra, Rb that have been set for the field F. The operation control unit 21 also outputs path data for the set target path R to the work vehicle 10. As a result, the work vehicle 10 performs automatic driving processing in accordance with the target path R.

[0103] As described above, the automatic driving system 1 of this embodiment sets a predetermined turning route from among a plurality of turning routes with different turning methods for each of a plurality of work processes included in a field F (work area) in which the work vehicle 10 is automatically driven according to a target route R, and sets a target route R that includes the turning route set for each of the plurality of work processes and the work routes Ra, Rb set according to the field F.

[0104] According to the above configuration, for example, different turning paths can be set depending on the outer periphery of the field F, or different turning paths can be set when traveling through the inner area Fa and when traveling through the headland area Fb. It is also possible to set different turning paths for each work path in the inner area Fa, or different turning paths for each work path (circumferential path) in the headland area Fb. In this way, the turning method of the work vehicle 10 can be set depending on the condition of the field F and the condition of the work path, making it possible to set turning paths according to the operator's needs. For example, the operator can set a turning path that prioritizes safety during turning, or a turning path that prioritizes work efficiency. For example, if a sloping ridge A1 exists on the upper side of the field F and a flat ridge A1 exists on the lower side, the operator can set a turning path for the upper side that prioritizes safety (see FIG. 9) and a turning path for the lower side that prioritizes work efficiency (see FIG. 8).

[0105] The embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and may be the following embodiments.

[0106] In another embodiment of the present invention, the operation control unit 21 may permit acceptance of an operation to set a turning path even after the work vehicle 10 has begun automatic traveling. FIG. 15 shows an example of a traveling screen D5. The operation control unit 21 displays the traveling screen D5 when the work vehicle 10 begins automatic traveling. The operator can grasp the work status and the like on the traveling screen D5. The operation control unit 21 accepts an operation to select the periphery of the field F and an operation to select "safety priority" or "work efficiency priority" on the traveling screen D5. This allows the operator to change the turning path after the work vehicle 10 has begun automatic traveling. Note that, in consideration of the safety of the traveling of the work vehicle 10, the operation control unit 21 may permit acceptance of an operation to set a turning path on the condition that the work vehicle 10 has stopped automatic traveling or decelerated.

[0107] Furthermore, the operation control unit 21 may restrict operations for setting a turning path after the work vehicle 10 has started autonomous traveling. For example, the operation control unit 21 may permit acceptance of an operation to change the turning path only for the work path in the inner area Fa, or may permit acceptance of an operation to change the turning path only for the circuit path in the headland area Fb. Furthermore, after the work vehicle 10 has started autonomous traveling, the operation control unit 21 may permit a change from a turning path that prioritizes work efficiency to a turning path that prioritizes safety, and prohibit a change from a turning path that prioritizes safety to a turning path that prioritizes work efficiency.

[0108] Incidentally, as shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, there are cases where the outer periphery of the field F is inclined with respect to the work path Ra. In this case, as shown in FIG. 16A, the work vehicle 10 is more likely to run onto a ridge A1 than in the field F shown in FIG. 8. Therefore, when the priority mode is set to the safety priority mode, the operation control unit 21 sets the distance of the reverse path r1 after traveling straight along the work path Ra to a length that corresponds to the angle of inclination of the outer periphery, as shown in FIG. 16B. Specifically, the operation control unit 21 sets the distance of the reverse path r1 to be longer the smaller the angle θ (see FIG. 16B) formed between the work direction and the outer periphery. This makes it possible to ensure an area in which the work vehicle 10 can turn, allowing the work vehicle 10 to turn safely without going beyond the field F.

[0109] In another embodiment of the present invention, the operation control unit 21 may lower the safety functions of the work vehicle 10 when the work efficiency priority mode is set compared to the safety functions of the work vehicle 10 when the safety priority mode is selected. For example, the operation control unit 21 may output a control instruction to the work vehicle 10 so that the detection area of ​​the obstacle detection unit 17 when the work efficiency priority mode is set is narrower than the detection area of ​​the obstacle detection unit 17 when the safety priority mode is set. This makes it possible to prevent the safety functions of the work vehicle 10 from operating more than necessary when the work efficiency priority mode is set, resulting in a decrease in work efficiency. In other words, the operation control unit 21 may increase the safety functions of the work vehicle 10 when the safety priority mode is set compared to the safety functions of the work vehicle 10 when the work efficiency priority mode is selected.

[0110] The functions of the operation control unit 21 according to this embodiment may be included in the vehicle control device 11 of the work vehicle 10. That is, in the above-described embodiment, the operation control unit 21 corresponds to the route setting system according to the present invention, but the route setting system according to the present invention may be configured by the work vehicle 10 alone. Also, the route setting system according to the present invention may be configured to include the work vehicle 10 and the operation terminal 20. Also, the functions of the operation control unit 21 may be included in a server capable of communicating with the operation terminal 20.

[0111] [Notes on the Invention] The following is a summary of the invention extracted from the embodiments. Note that the configurations and processing functions described in the following supplementary notes can be selected and combined as desired.

[0112] <Appendix 1> setting a predetermined turning path from among a plurality of turning paths having different turning methods for each of a plurality of work processes included in a work area in which the work vehicle is to be automatically driven along a target path; setting the target path including the turning path set for each of the plurality of work processes and a work path set according to the work area; A routing method to perform.

[0113] <Appendix 2> accepting a first user operation to select a predetermined turning path from among the plurality of turning paths; setting a turning path selected by the first user operation for each of the plurality of work processes; 2. A routing method as described in Appendix 1.

[0114] <Appendix 3> receiving the first user operation for each of a plurality of perimeters that form the work area; 2. A routing method as described in Appendix 2.

[0115] <Appendix 4> When the turning paths of different turning methods are set for the respective plurality of outer perimeters, the respective plurality of outer perimeters are displayed in different display modes on the operation screen. 4. A route setting method according to claim 2 or 3.

[0116] <Appendix 5> the working area includes an inner area in which the work vehicle travels back and forth, and an outer area in which the work vehicle travels in a circular motion along the periphery of the working area, accepting a second user operation for selecting the number of laps to be performed in the outer region; A route setting method according to any one of Supplementary Notes 2 to 4.

[0117] <Appendix 6> When a predetermined number of times is selected as the number of laps in the second user operation, the first user operation can be accepted. 5. A routing method as described in Appendix 5.

[0118] <Appendix 7> The predetermined number of times is the number of times that the total working width for the predetermined number of times is less than the width that allows the robot to turn from the first working path in the inner area to the second working path without traveling backward. 7. A routing method as described in Appendix 6.

[0119] <Appendix 8> the working area includes an inner area in which the work vehicle travels back and forth, and an outer area in which the work vehicle travels in a circular motion along the periphery of the working area, the plurality of turning paths include a first turning path that causes the work vehicle to turn in the outer region of a first predetermined width, and a second turning path that causes the work vehicle to turn in the outer region of a second predetermined width that is narrower than the first predetermined width, a first turning mode corresponding to the first turning path and a second turning mode corresponding to the second turning path are displayed so as to be selectable in response to the first user operation; A route setting method according to any one of Supplementary Notes 2 to 7.

[0120] <Appendix 9> The first turning path has a starting point set at a first position, and the second turning path has a starting point set at a second position that is more outer than the first position. 9. A routing method as described in Appendix 8.

[0121] <Appendix 10> A safety function of the work vehicle when the second swing mode is selected is reduced to be lower than a safety function of the work vehicle when the first swing mode is selected. 9. A routing method as described in Appendix 8.

[0122] <Appendix 11> permitting acceptance of the first user operation after the work vehicle has started autonomous traveling; A route setting method according to any one of Supplementary Notes 2 to 10. [Explanation of symbols]

[0123] 1:Automated driving system 10: Work vehicle 11: Vehicle control device 12: Storage section 13: Body 14: Work equipment 15: Communications Department 16: Positioning device 17: Obstacle detection unit 20: Operation terminal 21: Operation control section 111: Driving processing unit 112: Detection processing unit 211: Display processing unit 212: Reception processing unit 213: Setting processing section 214: Output processing section A1: Ridge F: Field (working area) Fa: inner area Fb: Headland area (outer area) R: Target route Ra: Work path Rb: Working path

Claims

1. a work area in which a work vehicle is automatically driven along a target route, the work area including an inner area in which the work vehicle is driven to and fro, and an outer area in which the work vehicle is driven in a circular motion; and receiving a lap number selection operation for selecting the number of laps for circular motion in the outer area of ​​the work area; setting the target route in the outer region based on the number of laps selected by the lap number selection operation; A routing method to perform.

2. a circuit path included in the target route is set for the outer area based on the number of laps selected by the lap number selection operation; The route setting method according to claim 1 .

3. In the number of turns selection operation, one turn or two turns can be selected as the number of turns. The route setting method according to claim 1 .

4. a first selection section for setting the number of revolutions to one revolution and a second selection section for setting the number of revolutions to two revolutions are displayed side by side on the setting screen; The route setting method according to claim 3 .

5. When one lap is selected as the number of laps in the lap number selection operation, a selection operation regarding a turning method for the round-trip traveling can be accepted. The route setting method according to claim 3 .

6. Planting work is performed while the work vehicle is automatically traveling in each of the inner area and the outer area. The route setting method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. a reception processing unit that receives a lap number selection operation for selecting the number of laps for circling in an outer area of ​​a work area in which a work vehicle is automatically driven along a target route, the work area including an inner area in which the work vehicle is driven to and fro, and an outer area in which the work vehicle is driven to circle; a setting processing unit that sets the target route in the outer region based on the number of laps selected by the lap number selection operation; A routing system comprising:

8. a work area in which a work vehicle is automatically driven along a target route, the work area including an inner area in which the work vehicle is driven to and fro, and an outer area in which the work vehicle is driven in a circular motion; and receiving a lap number selection operation for selecting the number of laps for circular motion in the outer area of ​​the work area; setting the target route in the outer region based on the number of laps selected by the lap number selection operation; A routing program for causing one or more processors to execute the above.

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