Support system

Abstract

One or more support terminals appropriately support one or more work machines. [Solution] The support system comprises a support terminal that provides support to the work machine from outside the work machine, and a definition unit that defines a predetermined group including at least one work machine and at least one support terminal. The support terminals belonging to the group are capable of executing one or more support functions for the work machines belonging to the group. The definition unit also defines the assignment of one or more support functions to the support terminals belonging to the group for the work machines belonging to the group.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a support system for working machines such as agricultural machines and construction machines.

Background Art

[0002] The remote operation system disclosed in Patent Document 1 has an intercommunication function with each of a plurality of working machines and a remote operation device for remotely operating one of the plurality of working machines that is a remote operation target.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the remote operation system of Patent Document 1, since one remote operation device (support terminal) remotely operates one of the plurality of working machines (working machines) that is a remote operation target, there is a problem that the flexibility of the combination of the working machine and the remote operation device is poor and the support terminal cannot appropriately execute support.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve such problems of the prior art, and an object thereof is to provide a support system that can appropriately support one or more working machines by one or more support terminals.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A support system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a support terminal that provides support to a work machine from outside the work machine, and a definition unit that defines a predetermined group including at least one of the work machines and at least one of the support terminals, wherein a support terminal belonging to the group is capable of performing one or more support operations for the work machines belonging to the group. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the above support system, one or more support terminals can appropriately support one or more work machines. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the support system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram explaining the work equipment. [Figure 3] This is a schematic side view of the work machine. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of the lifting device from the rear. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram illustrating the support terminal. [Figure 6] This is a block diagram illustrating the management terminal. [Figure 7] This is a block diagram illustrating the support device. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing an example of a user table. [Figure 9] This is a diagram showing an example of a work machine table configuration. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of the first definition screen. [Figure 11] This is a diagram showing an example of a first group table. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of the second definition screen. [Figure 13] This is a diagram showing an example of a second group table. [Figure 14] This figure shows an example of the third definition screen. [Figure 15]It is a configuration diagram showing an example of an allocation table. [Figure 16] It is a schematic diagram for explaining the flow of various types of information in the first group of the first embodiment. [Figure 17] It is a schematic diagram for explaining the flow of various types of information in the second group of the first embodiment. [Figure 18] It is a diagram showing an example of the first support screen. [Figure 19] It is a diagram showing another example of the first support screen. [Figure 20] It is a diagram showing another example of the first support screen. [Figure 21] It is a diagram showing an example of the second support screen. [Figure 22] It is a diagram showing another example of the second support screen. [Figure 23] It is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the support system of the second embodiment. [Figure 24] It is a diagram showing an example of the fourth definition screen. [Figure 25] It is a configuration diagram showing an example of a group table. [Figure 26] It is a diagram showing an example of the fifth definition screen. [Figure 27] It is a schematic diagram for explaining the flow of various types of information in a predetermined group of the second embodiment. [Figure 28] It is a schematic diagram for explaining the flow of various types of information in the first group of the third embodiment. [Figure 29] It is a schematic diagram for explaining the flow of various types of information in the second group of the third embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] [[ID=P49]] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. [First Embodiment] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the support system S of the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the support system S includes a support terminal 2. The support terminal 2 is a terminal that provides support to the work machine 1 from outside the work machine 1. As shown in Figure 1, the support system S includes one or more support terminals 2, and the support terminals 2 can perform predetermined support operations for one or more work machines 1. First, the work machine 1 will be described in detail. <About work machine 1> Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating implement 1. Figure 3 is a schematic side view of implement 1. In the example shown in Figure 3, implement 1 represents a tractor. In the following explanation, implement 1 will be described using a tractor as an example, but implement 1 is not limited to a tractor and may be an agricultural vehicle such as a combine harvester or rice transplanter, or a construction vehicle such as a compact track loader or backhoe.

[0010] As shown in Figure 3, the work machine 1 is equipped with a vehicle body 11. The vehicle body 11 supports various devices and equipment installed on the work machine 1. The vehicle body 11 shown in Figure 3 is provided with a driver's seat 12 in which an operator can sit, and a protective mechanism 13 for protecting the driver's seat 12. The protective mechanism 13 is, for example, a cabin that surrounds the driver's seat 12. The protective mechanism 13 is not limited to a cabin, and may be a canopy or a rope erected behind the driver's seat 12.

[0011] Furthermore, the work machine 1 is equipped with a first operating device 14 (on-board operating device). The first operating device 14 is a device for operating each device and equipment equipped on the work machine 1. The first operating device 14 accepts manual operation by an operator. Specifically, the first operating device 14 is installed on the vehicle body 11. The first operating device 14 is installed around the driver's seat 12. Therefore, the first operating device 14 is a device operated by an operator riding in the work machine 1. Accordingly, by manually operating the first operating device 14, the work machine 1 can be operated by manual operation through said manual operation.

[0012] The first operating device 14 may be located elsewhere than around the driver's seat 12, and its placement is not limited to around the driver's seat 12.

[0013] As shown in Figure 3, the work machine 1 is equipped with a traveling device 15. The traveling device 15 is a device that supports the traveling vehicle body 11 so that it can move. The traveling device 15 provides propulsion to the traveling vehicle body 11 by being driven. Therefore, the traveling vehicle body 11 can move by the propulsion force generated by the traveling device 15.

[0014] The running gear 15 has multiple wheels 16. In the example shown in Figure 3, the multiple wheels 16 include front wheels 16F and rear wheels 16R. The front wheels 16F and rear wheels 16R are each provided in pairs, spaced apart in the width direction. Examples of wheels 16 include wheeled wheels 16 made of tires and crawler-type wheels 16. The number is not limited to four; it could be two, three, or anything else.

[0015] As shown in Figure 2, the work implement 1 is equipped with a power unit 17. The power unit 17 is a device capable of outputting power. The power unit 17 can output power to drive each device and mechanism of the work implement 1. The power unit 17 is mounted on the vehicle body 11.

[0016] In this embodiment, the power unit 17 includes a prime mover 18 and a transmission 19. The prime mover 18 is located at the front of the vehicle body 11. The transmission 19 is located at the rear of the vehicle body 11. The prime mover 18 is composed of, for example, a diesel engine. In other examples, the prime mover 18 may be composed of another internal combustion engine such as a gasoline engine, or an electric motor, etc. The prime mover 18 is operated by a first rotational speed control device 14a (for example, an accelerator pedal, etc.) included in the first operating device 14.

[0017] The transmission 19 can switch the propulsion force of the running gear 15 by switching the gear ratio. The transmission 19 can also switch the running gear 15 between forward and reverse. The transmission 19 has multiple gears for transmitting power, a shifter for changing the connection of the gears, and a clutch for switching between transmitting and disconnecting power. The transmission 19 switches the propulsion force of the running gear 15, as well as forward and reverse, using the gears, shifter, and clutch. As a result, the power generated by the prime mover 18 is transmitted to the running gear 15 by the transmission 19. Consequently, the running gear 15 is driven, causing the vehicle body 11 to move forward and backward. The transmission 19 is operated by a first gear shifting tool 14b (e.g., a gear shift lever) included in the first operating device 14.

[0018] Furthermore, the power unit 17 may also output power to other devices or equipment other than the running gear 15. For example, in addition to the running gear 15, the power unit 17 may also output power to drive the work device 25, which will be described later. Specifically, the power unit 17 outputs power to the output shaft 20 (PTO shaft). The transmission 19 transmits the power of the prime mover 18 to the output shaft 20. The output shaft 20 is connected to the work device 25 and drives the work device 25.

[0019] Furthermore, the power unit 17 outputs power to the hydraulic pump 21. The hydraulic pump 21 is driven by the power output from the prime mover 18 and discharges hydraulic fluid drawn in from the hydraulic fluid tank. The hydraulic pump 21 supplies hydraulic fluid to each hydraulic device of the work machine 1.

[0020] As shown in Figure 3, the work machine 1 is equipped with a steering device 22. The steering device 22 is a device that changes the steering direction and steering angle (rudder angle) of the work machine 1. In other words, the steering device 22 is a device that steers the work machine 1. In this embodiment, the steering device 22 is supplied with hydraulic fluid discharged from the hydraulic pump 21, and the steering direction and rudder angle are changed by this hydraulic fluid. The steering device 22 includes a steering control valve 22a, a steering cylinder 22b, and an arm 22c (knuckle arm).

[0021] The steering control valve 22a is supplied with hydraulic fluid discharged by the hydraulic pump 21 and adjusts the hydraulic fluid supplied to the steering cylinder 22b. The steering control valve 22a is a three-position changeable valve that can be switched by moving, for example, a spool. The steering control valve 22a is operated by the first steering control tool 14c (steering handle) included in the first operating device 14. Specifically, the steering control valve 22a is switched according to the direction of rotation (steering direction) of the rotating shaft (steering shaft) rotated by the first steering control tool 14c.

[0022] The steering cylinder 22b is driven by hydraulic fluid supplied from the steering control valve 22a. The steering cylinder 22b extends or retracts in one or the other widthwise direction depending on the switching position and opening degree of the steering control valve 22a.

[0023] The arm 22c is connected to the steering cylinder 22b and moves in accordance with the extension and retraction of the steering cylinder 22b, thereby changing the steering (steering direction and steering angle) of the front wheel 16F.

[0024] As shown in Figure 3, the work machine 1 is equipped with a braking device 23. The braking device 23 can brake the work machine 1 (traveling device 15). In this embodiment, the braking device 23 is supplied with hydraulic fluid discharged by the hydraulic pump 21, and operates using this hydraulic fluid to brake the traveling device 15. The braking device 23 also brakes at least the pair of front wheels 16F and the pair of rear wheels 16R. Either braking can be performed. The braking device 23 includes a master cylinder 23a, a hydraulic actuation unit 23b, and a braking control valve 23c. The braking device 23 also includes a braking mechanism 23d.

[0025] The master cylinder 23a operates the braking mechanism 23d by the pressure of the hydraulic fluid. The master cylinder 23a, for example, stores the hydraulic fluid discharged from the hydraulic pump 21 in an accumulator and operates the braking mechanism 23d by the pressure of the hydraulic fluid. The master cylinder 23a is operated by the first braking device 14d included in the first operating device 14. The first braking device 14d can be exemplified by a foot pedal type or a lever type operating device.

[0026] The master cylinder 23a is connected to the first braking device 14d via a connecting member, and operates in conjunction with the operation of the first braking device 14d. As a result, the master cylinder 23a supplies hydraulic fluid to the braking mechanism 23d and operates the braking mechanism 23d by applying pressure from the hydraulic fluid.

[0027] The hydraulic actuation unit 23b is operated by the supplied hydraulic fluid, moving the connecting member in the braking direction. The hydraulic actuation unit 23b is connected to a braking control valve 23c via an oil passage. The braking control valve 23c is supplied with hydraulic fluid discharged by the hydraulic pump 21 and adjusts the hydraulic fluid supplied to the hydraulic actuation unit 23b. The braking control valve 23c is a two-position switching valve that can be switched by moving, for example, a spool. Therefore, by changing the switching position of the braking control valve 23c, the hydraulic fluid acting on the hydraulic actuation unit 23b can be changed. As a result, the hydraulic actuation unit 23b can move the connecting member in the braking direction.

[0028] The braking mechanism 23d is capable of braking at least one of the pair of front wheels 16F and the pair of rear wheels 16R. The braking mechanism 23d is, for example, a disc-type brake. The braking mechanism 23d also has a brake piston, and the braking force is changed by the operation of the brake piston. Specifically, as the connecting member is operated in the braking direction and hydraulic fluid is supplied from the master cylinder 23a, the brake piston presses against the brake disc and brake plate, thereby increasing the braking force. On the other hand, as the connecting member is operated in the release direction and hydraulic fluid is returned to the master cylinder 23a, the brake piston moves away from the brake disc and brake plate, reducing the braking force.

[0029] It should be noted that the steering device 22 and braking mechanism 23d described above are merely examples, and their configurations are not limited to those described above. For example, although the case in which the steering device 22 and braking mechanism 23d are operated by supplied hydraulic fluid has been described, they may also be operated by other drive sources different from hydraulic equipment (e.g., electric actuators).

[0030] As shown in Figure 3, the work machine 1 is equipped with a coupling device 24. The coupling device 24 is a device to which the work implement 25 can be attached and detached. The coupling device 24 is provided at the front and / or rear of the vehicle body 11. In the example shown in Figure 3, the coupling device 24 is provided at the rear of the vehicle body 11. Therefore, the work machine 1 is coupled to the work implement 25 by the coupling device 24 and can move together with the work implement 25. In this embodiment, the coupling device 24 is a lifting device configured with a three-point linkage mechanism or the like. The lifting device 24 is operated by a first lifting operation tool 14e (e.g., a lifting lever) included in the first operating device 14. Note that the coupling device 24 is not limited to a lifting device 24 and may be configured with, for example, a swing drawbar or the like.

[0031] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the lifting device 24 from the rear. The lifting device 24 includes a lift arm 24a, a lower link 24b, a top link 24c, a lift rod 24d, and a lift cylinder 24e.

[0032] The front end of the lift arm 24a is supported on the upper rear of the vehicle body 11 so as to be able to swing upward or downward. The lift arm 24a swings (rises and falls) by the drive of the lift cylinder 24e. The lift cylinder 24e is composed of hydraulic equipment (hydraulic cylinder). As shown in Figure 2, the lift cylinder 24e is connected to the hydraulic pump 21 via a lift control valve 24f. The lift control valve 24f changes the hydraulic fluid supplied from the hydraulic pump 21 to the lift cylinder 24e or the hydraulic fluid discharged from the lift cylinder 24e in response to the operation of the first lifting device 14e, thereby extending and retracting the lift cylinder 24e.

[0033] As shown in Figure 4, the front end of the lower link 24b is supported on the lower rear of the vehicle body 11 so as to be able to swing upward or downward. The front end of the top link 24c is supported on the rear of the vehicle body 11, above the lower link 24b, so as to be able to swing upward or downward. The lift rod 24d connects the lift arm 24a and the lower link 24b. The rear ends of the lower link 24b and the top link 24c are formed in a hook shape.

[0034] When the lift cylinder 24e is driven (extends), the lift arm 24a moves up and down, and the lower link 24b, which is connected to the lift arm 24a via the lift rod 24d, also moves up and down. As a result, the work device 25 swings (moves up and down) upward or downward, with the front of the lower link 24b as the pivot point.

[0035] The work equipment 25 includes a tilling device for tilling, a ridging device for making ridges, a furrowing device for making furrows, a harvesting device for harvesting crops, a mowing device for cutting pasture grass, a spreading device for spreading pasture grass, a grass collecting device for collecting pasture grass, a shaping device for shaping pasture grass, a fertilizer spreading device for spreading fertilizer, a pesticide spraying device for spraying pesticides, a crop separation device, and a trolley capable of carrying materials, etc.

[0036] The working device 25 may be driven by power transmitted from the output shaft 20. The working device 25 may have hydraulic equipment driven by hydraulic fluid supplied from the hydraulic pump 21, and may be driven by said hydraulic equipment. The working device 25 may have an electric actuator driven by power supplied from a storage battery such as a battery, and may be driven by said electric actuator.

[0037] As shown in Figure 2, the work machine 1 is equipped with a first control device 31. The work machine 1 is also equipped with a first storage device 32.

[0038] The first control unit 31 includes one or more processors. The first control unit 31 is a controller for the work machine 1 and performs various controls related to the work machine 1. The first control unit 31 is communicated with each device and equipment mounted on the work machine 1 via an in-vehicle network such as CAN, ISOBUS, LIN, or FlexRay.

[0039] For example, the first control device 31 can control the driving, stopping, and rotational speed of the prime mover 18. The first control device 31 can control the transmission 19 to change the vehicle speed of the work implement 1 (vehicle body 11) and switch the work implement 1 between forward and reverse movement. The first control device 31 can control the transmission 19 to change the rotational speed of the output shaft 20 and control the driving of the work implement 25 connected to the output shaft 20. The first control device 31 can control the steering by the steering device 22 by controlling the steering control valve 22a. The first control device 31 can control the braking by the braking device 23 by controlling the braking control valve 23c. The first control device 31 can control the raising and lowering of the lifting device 24 by controlling the lifting control valve 24f.

[0040] Furthermore, if the work device 25 has an electric actuator, the first control device 31 may control the power supplied to the electric actuator to control the drive of the work device 25. Also, if the work device 25 has hydraulic equipment, the first control device 31 may control the drive of the work device 25 by controlling a control valve provided in the oil passage connecting the hydraulic pump 21 and the hydraulic equipment.

[0041] The first control device 31 includes one or more memories, various analog circuits, various digital circuits, etc. One or more memories store (remember) software programs and various information (data, signals, etc.) to be executed by one or more processors. The first control device 31 can read software programs from one or more memories using one or more processors and execute various processes based on said software programs. The first control device 31 may also execute various processes based on predetermined logic circuits using one or more processors.

[0042] Processors include, for example, CPUs (Central Processing Units), GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), DSPs (Digital Signal Processors), FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), and ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits).

[0043] Furthermore, the first control device 31 may perform various processes by having multiple physically separated processors cooperate with each other, and its configuration is not limited to the configuration described above. In such a case, the multiple processors are located in one or more computers that are physically separated from the work machine 1. These processors are installed and are connected to each other via networks such as the in-vehicle network, LAN, WAN, and the internet.

[0044] Furthermore, the software program may be stored in a first storage device 32 that is communicatively connected to the first control device 31, or in an external server device connected via the network, and then installed into the memory from there.

[0045] The first storage device 32 stores various information related to the work machine 1 in a read / write manner. The first storage device 32 includes non-volatile memory such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive). The first storage device 32 is connected to the first control device 31 in a communicative manner, and the first control device 31 can acquire various information stored in the first storage device 32.

[0046] As shown in Figure 2, the work machine 1 is equipped with a state detection device 33. The state detection device 33 detects the state (operating state) of the work machine 1. Specifically, the state detection device 33 includes various sensors installed on each device and equipment of the work machine 1. The state detection device 33 is connected to the first control device 31 in a communicative manner and can input detection results to the first control device 31. As a result, the first control device 31 can calculate (acquire) the operating state of the work machine 1 based on the detection results of the state detection device 33. Based on the calculated operating state of the work machine 1, the first control device 31 controls each device and equipment.

[0047] The state detection device 33 includes, for example, a water temperature sensor 33a, a fuel sensor 33b, a rotation sensor 33c, and a speed sensor 33d. The water temperature sensor 33a is a sensor that detects the temperature of the coolant that cools the prime mover 18. The fuel sensor 33b is a sensor that detects the remaining amount of fuel needed to drive the prime mover 18. The rotation sensor 33c is a sensor that detects the rotational speed of the prime mover 18. The speed sensor 33d is a sensor that detects the driving speed of the vehicle body 11.

[0048] Furthermore, the state detection device 33 includes a steering angle sensor 33e for detecting the steering angle of the steering device 22. The state detection device 33 also includes a braking detection sensor 33f for detecting the operating state of the braking device 23. The braking detection sensor 33f is, for example, a pressure sensor that detects the pressure of the hydraulic fluid acting on the brake piston.

[0049] The sensors and devices included in the state detection device 33 are not limited to the sensors described above, and their combinations and types are not limited to the configuration described above. The state detection device 33 may include sensors that detect each operating direction and operating amount of the first operating device 14 provided on the work machine 1. The state detection device 33 may also include a PTO rotation sensor that detects the rotational speed of the output shaft 20, a battery sensor that detects the voltage of a storage battery such as a battery, etc.

[0050] As shown in Figure 2, the work machine 1 is equipped with a first communication device 34. The first communication device 34 is the communication interface of the work machine 1 and includes a communication circuit. The first communication device 34 can communicate with the outside of the work machine 1 and inputs and outputs (sends and receives) various types of information. For example, the first communication device 34 can communicate directly or indirectly with the support device 4, which will be described later. The first communication device 34 communicates wirelessly with the outside world via a mobile phone network, the internet, wireless LAN, etc.

[0051] The work machine 1 is equipped with a sensing device 35. The sensing device 35 is a device that senses the environment around the work machine 1. The first control device 31 can detect workers, obstacles, etc., based on the sensing results of the sensing device 35. The first control device 31 may also estimate the position of the work machine 1 based on the sensing results (detected point cloud data) and environmental map information stored in the first storage device 32, etc.

[0052] The sensing device 35 includes an optical distance measuring sensor and a signal processing circuit, etc. An example of the optical distance measuring sensor in the sensing device 35 is a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) 37. The optical sensor in the sensing device 35 is composed of, for example, an imaging device 36 such as a camera or a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) 37.

[0053] The imaging device 36 is a CCD camera equipped with a CCD (Charge Coupled Devices) image sensor, and a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) It consists of a CMOS camera equipped with a metal-oxide-semiconductor image sensor. The imaging device 36 captures an image area around the work machine 1 and generates image information (data). The imaging device 36 can capture images of the front, left, rear, and right sides of the work machine 1, for example.

[0054] The imaging range that the imaging device 36 can capture is not particularly limited and may include the front and rear of the work machine 1, or it may include the inside of the protective mechanism 13. The signal processing circuit detects the presence or absence of an object, the position of the object, and the type of object, etc., based on the image information input from the imaging device 36.

[0055] The LiDAR-37 (laser sensor) emits pulsed measurement light (laser light) millions of times per second from a light source such as a laser diode. This measurement light is reflected by a rotating mirror and scanned horizontally or vertically, projecting it into a predetermined detection range (sensing range, e.g., 360°). The LiDAR-37 then receives the reflected light from the object using a photodetector. The signal processing circuit detects the distance to the object based on the time from when the LiDAR-37 emits the measurement light until the reflected light is received (Time of Flight (ToF) method).

[0056] In the example described above, the sensing device 35 is shown to have an optical distance measuring sensor, but instead of an optical distance measuring sensor, an acoustic distance measuring sensor (for example, an airborne ultrasonic sensor such as sonar) may be used. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the description will be based on the example where the work machine 1 is equipped with an imaging device 36 and a lidar 37 as the sensing device 35. In the following description, the imaging device 36 attached to the work machine 1 may be referred to as the "first imaging device".

[0057] As shown in Figure 2, the work machine 1 is equipped with a first sound collection device 38. The first sound collection device 38 is installed on the vehicle body 11 and is a device that detects sounds around the vehicle body 11. The first sound collection device 38 is, for example, a microphone attached to the protective mechanism 13. Specifically, the first sound collection device 38 is installed inside the protective mechanism 13.

[0058] The mounting position of the first sound collection device 38 is not limited to inside the protective mechanism 13, but may be outside the protective mechanism 13 (for example, in front of the cabin). The first sound collection device 38 is communicatively connected to the first control device 31 and can input detected sound information to the first control device 31.

[0059] As shown in Figure 2, the work machine 1 is equipped with a positioning device 39. The positioning device 39 is a device that performs positioning (detection of the position of the work machine 1) of the work machine 1. The positioning device 39 receives satellite signals from the satellite positioning system using a GNSS antenna and performs positioning of the work machine 1 using these satellite signals. For the sake of explanation, in the following description, the first control device 31 will be described mainly in the case where it obtains the position (vehicle body position) of the work machine 1 from the positioning results of the positioning device 39.

[0060] As described above, the work machine 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a first operating device 14 and can be operated by an operator manually operating the first operating device 14 (manual operation control). The work machine 1 may also be operated without manual operation control, in addition to or instead of manual operation of the first operating device 14 by an operator (manual operation control). For example, the work machine 1 may be operated based on information acquired by a state detection device 33 or the like.

[0061] For example, the work machine 1 may be operated by remote control (manual remote control). In other words, the first control device 31 may control the movement and operation of the work machine 1 by such remote control (remote operation control). In such a case, the first control device 31 controls the operation of the power unit 17 and the steering unit 22, etc., based on the operation signal (operation information) received from the outside by the first communication device 34 and the state of the work machine 1 detected by the state detection device 33.

[0062] Furthermore, the work machine 1 may be able to automatically control the vehicle speed of the traveling vehicle body 11 and the steering device 22. In other words, the first control device 31 may automatically control the vehicle speed of the traveling vehicle body 11 and the operation of the steering device 22, and automatically control the travel and work of the work machine 1 (automatic driving control). For example, the first control device 31 can perform line-type automatic driving control. In line-type automatic driving control, the first control device 31 controls the operation of the power unit 17 and the steering device 22, etc., so that the vehicle body moves along the planned travel line, based on the vehicle body position and a preset travel line.

[0063] Furthermore, the first control device 31 was capable of performing autonomous automatic driving control as an automatic driving control. It is also possible. In autonomous automatic driving control, the first control device 31 sets the steering direction and driving speed (velocity) of the vehicle body 11 based on the sensing results of the sensing device 35, and controls the operation of the power unit 17 and steering device 22, etc., so that the steering and driving speed are set.

[0064] Furthermore, the work machine 1 may be able to automatically control the steering device 22. In other words, the first control device 31 may automatically control the operation of the steering device 22 and automatically control the steering of the work machine 1 (automatic steering control). In automatic steering control, the first control device 31 controls the operation of the steering device 22 based on the vehicle body position and a preset planned travel line, so that the vehicle body position moves along the planned travel line. In such a case, the travel device 15 is operated by the first operating device 14 or by remote control.

[0065] For the sake of explanation, the following description will be based on the example where the work machine 1 can be switched to operate in one of the following modes: manual operation control, remote operation control, automatic operation control, or automatic steering control. Therefore, the first control device 31 (work machine 1) of this embodiment can be switched between a manual operation mode (first mode) operating with manual operation control, a remote operation mode (second mode) operating with remote operation control, an automatic driving mode (third mode) operating with automatic operation control, and an automatic steering mode (fourth mode) operating with automatic steering control.

[0066] Furthermore, the work machine 1 only needs to be operable by at least one of the first to fourth modes of operation control described above. For this reason, the modes that the first control device 31 can execute are not limited to all of the first to fourth modes. For example, if the work machine 1 is operable by either manual operation control or remote operation control, the first control device 31 can switch between either the first mode or the second mode. Also, if the work machine 1 is operable by either remote operation control or automatic operation control, the first control device 31 can switch between either the second mode or the third mode. <About support terminal 2> Support terminal 2 is a terminal located outside of work machine 1, used to provide support for work machine 1. Support terminal 2 is operated by operators such as workers. Operators who operate support terminal 2 include, in addition to workers, the manager of work machine 1, the owner of work machine 1, maintenance workers who perform maintenance work on work machine 1, administrative staff who contact maintenance workers, and sales representatives of dealers who sell work machine 1.

[0067] For example, the support terminal 2 is located at a distance (remote area) from the implement 1. In this embodiment, the remote area means an area that is at least outside the implement 1 and includes the area around the implement 1. In other words, the remote area may be an area outside the implement 1, excluding the inside of the protective mechanism 13. In such a case, an area of ​​about 1 meter around the implement 1 can also be called a remote area. Furthermore, when the implement 1 is located within a work area (field), the roads (e.g., farm roads) surrounding the work area can also be called a remote area.

[0068] The support terminal 2 may be a terminal that is fixed or movable to the outside of the work machine 1. Alternatively, the support terminal 2 may be a terminal that is detachably attached to the work machine 1 and can be taken outside of the work machine 1.

[0069] In the example shown in Figure 1, support terminal 2 is shown as a stationary terminal installed remotely from the work machine 1. However, support terminal 2 may also be a mobile terminal operated by the operator, such as a tablet or laptop computer.

[0070] Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating the support terminal 2. As shown in Figure 5, the support terminal 2 has a second control device 41. The support terminal 2 also has a second storage device 42. The second control device 41 is a processing circuit that includes one or more processors. The second control device 41 is the controller of the support terminal 2 and performs various controls related to the support terminal 2. The second control device 41 includes one or more memories, various analog circuits, various digital circuits, etc. One or more memories store (remember) software programs and various information to be executed by one or more processors. The second control device 41 can read software programs from one or more memories using one or more processors and execute various processes based on those software programs.

[0071] Furthermore, as described in the first control device 31, the second control device 41 may perform various processes based on predetermined logic circuits using one or more processors. Also, as described in the first control device 31, the second control device 41 may perform various processes by having multiple physically separated processors cooperate with each other, and its configuration is not limited to the configuration described above.

[0072] The second storage device 42 stores various types of information in a read-write manner. The second storage device 42 includes non-volatile memory such as an HDD or SSD. The second storage device 42 is communicated with the second control device 41, and the second control device 41 can acquire the various types of information stored in the second storage device 42.

[0073] As shown in Figure 5, the support terminal 2 has a second communication device 43. The second communication device 43 is the communication interface of the support terminal 2 and includes a communication circuit. The second communication device 43 can communicate with the outside of the support terminal 2 and inputs and outputs (sends and receives) various kinds of information. For example, the second communication device 43 can communicate directly or indirectly with the support device 4, which will be described later. The second communication device 43 performs wireless communication via the Internet, wireless LAN, mobile phone network, etc.

[0074] As shown in Figure 5, the support terminal 2 has a first display device 44. The first display device 44 is a device capable of displaying various types of information. The first display device 44 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, etc. The first display device 44 is controlled by the second control device 41. For example, the second control device 41 can control the first display device 44 to display information related to support for the work machine 1 on the first display device 44. In the following description, the first display device 44 may be simply referred to as the "display device". For this reason, it can be said that the support system S is equipped with the first display device 44 (display device).

[0075] As shown in Figure 5, the support terminal 2 has a first input device 45. The first input device 45 is an interface that receives input from the operator. Therefore, the operator can input predetermined instruction information to the support terminal 2 by operating the first input device 45.

[0076] The first input device 45 is, for example, an operating component such as a mouse or keyboard. The first input device 45 is operated by an operator and inputs instruction information based on that operation to the second control device 41. The second control device 41 accepts, for example, the setting of various information displayed on the first display device 44 or the input of instructions based on the instruction information input from the first input device 45.

[0077] The first input device 45 is not limited to a mouse or keyboard, but may be a touch panel provided on the first display device 44. In such a case, the first input device 45 is capable of detecting touch operations on the first display device 44 and inputs instruction information based on such touch operations to the second control device 41.

[0078] As shown in Figure 5, the support terminal 2 may have a second operating device 46. The second operating device 46 is a device for remotely operating each device and equipment provided by the work machine 1. The second operating device 46 accepts manual operation by an operator. For this reason, unlike the first operating device 14, the second operating device 46 is a device that can be operated by an operator (remote operator) who is not on board the work machine 1. It is preferable that the second operating device 46 has operating members similar to those of the first operating device 14.

[0079] For example, the second operating device 46 has a second rotation speed control device 46a (e.g., an accelerator pedal). The second rotation speed control device 46a is an operating member for remotely controlling the rotation speed of the prime mover 18. The second operating device 46 has a second gear shift control device 46b (e.g., a gear shift lever). The second gear shift control device 46b is an operating member for remotely controlling the gear shifting and forward / reverse movement of the transmission 19. The second operating device 46 has a second steering control device 46c (steering wheel). The second steering control device 46c is an operating member for remotely controlling the steering by the steering device 22. The second operating device 46 has a second braking control device 46d (brake pedal, parking brake). The second braking control device 46d is an operating member for remotely controlling the braking by the braking device 23. The second operating device 46 has a second lifting control device 46e (lifting lever). The second lifting control device 46e is used to remotely control the lifting of the lifting device 24. It is a structural component.

[0080] Furthermore, the second operating device 46 is not limited to the second rotation speed operating tool 46a and the second speed change operating tool 46b described above, and its type and combination are not particularly limited. For example, if the working device 25 is driven by another power source (such as hydraulic equipment or an electric actuator) in addition to, or instead of, the power transmitted from the output shaft 20, the second operating device 46 may have an operating member for operating the power source. Also, the second operating device 46 is not limited to a hardware-type operating member, and may have a software-type operating member displayed on the first display device 44.

[0081] Furthermore, if the support terminal 2 does not perform remote control of the work machine 1, it does not need to have the second operating device 46.

[0082] As shown in Figure 5, the support terminal 2 may have a second imaging device 47. The second imaging device 47 is provided on the support terminal 2 and is a device that captures images of the operator operating the support terminal 2. The second imaging device 47 consists of a CCD camera equipped with a CCD image sensor, a CMOS camera equipped with a CMOS image sensor, and the like. The second imaging device 47 is, for example, mounted on the front surface (the surface on which the display screen is shown) of the first display device 44 and can capture images of the face of the operator who is checking the screen (display screen) displayed on the first display device 44.

[0083] The second imaging device 47 captures images and generates image information (data). The second imaging device 47 is connected to the second control device 41 in a communication manner and can input the generated image information to the second control device 41. The mounting position of the second imaging device 47 is not limited to the first display device 44, and it may be provided separately on the support terminal 2.

[0084] As shown in Figure 5, the support terminal 2 may have a second sound collection device 48. The second sound collection device 48 is provided on the support terminal 2 and is a device that detects sounds in the vicinity of the support terminal 2. The second sound collection device 48 is, for example, a microphone attached to the first display device 44. For example, the second sound collection device 48 can detect voices emitted by the operator in the vicinity of the first display device 44 as sound information.

[0085] Specifically, the second sound collection device 48 is mounted on the front of the first display device 44, and the second sound collection device 48 is connected to the second control device 41 in a communicative manner, and can input detected sound information to the second control device 41. However, the mounting position of the second sound collection device 48 is not limited to the front of the first display device 44, and may be provided separately on the support terminal 2.

[0086] As shown in Figure 5, the support terminal 2 may have an audio output device 49. The audio output device 49 is provided on the support terminal 2 and is a device that outputs sound based on sound information. The audio output device 49 is, for example, a speaker attached to the first display device 44. For example, the audio output device 49 can output sound to an operator who is checking the first display device 44.

[0087] Specifically, the audio output device 49 is mounted on both sides of the first display device 44 in the width direction. The audio output device 49 is communicated with the second control device 41. The second control device 41 controls the audio output device 49 based on sound information and causes the audio output device 49 to output sound. Note that the mounting position of the audio output device 49 is not limited to both sides of the first display device 44 in the width direction, and may be provided separately on the support terminal 2 from the first display device 44. <Regarding Management Terminal 3> As shown in Figure 1, the support system S is equipped with a management terminal 3. The management terminal 3 is a terminal that can operate the assignment of support content to the work machine 1 from the support terminal 2. The management terminal 3 is operated by the administrator or owner of the work machine 1 (hereinafter, administrators and owners may be collectively referred to as "administrators, etc."). The management terminal 3 is located at a distance (remote location) from the work machine 1.

[0088] In the example shown in Figure 1, the management terminal 3 is exemplified as a stationary terminal installed remotely from the work machine 1. However, the management terminal 3 may also be a mobile terminal used by the administrator, such as a tablet or laptop computer.

[0089] Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating the management terminal 3. As shown in Figure 6, the management terminal 3 includes a third control device 51. The management terminal 3 also includes a third storage device 52. The third control device 51 is a processing circuit that includes one or more processors. The third control device 51 is the controller of the management terminal 3 and performs various controls related to the management terminal 3. The third control device 51 includes one or more memories, various analog circuits, various digital circuits, etc. One or more memories store (remember) software programs and various information to be executed by one or more processors. The third control device 51 can read software programs from one or more memories using one or more processors and execute various processes based on those software programs.

[0090] Furthermore, as described in the first control device 31, the third control device 51 may perform various processes based on predetermined logic circuits using one or more processors. Also, as described in the first control device 31, the third control device 51 may perform various processes by having multiple physically separated processors cooperate with each other, and its configuration is not limited to the configuration described above.

[0091] The third storage device 52 stores various types of information in a read-write manner. The third storage device 52 includes non-volatile memory such as an HDD or SSD. The third storage device 52 is connected to the third control device 51 in a communicative manner, and the third control device 51 can acquire various types of information stored in the third storage device 52.

[0092] As shown in Figure 6, the management terminal 3 is equipped with a third communication device 53. The third communication device 53 is the communication interface of the management terminal 3 and includes a communication circuit. The third communication device 53 can communicate with the outside of the management terminal 3 and inputs and outputs (sends and receives) various types of information. For example, the third communication device 53 can communicate directly or indirectly with the support device 4, which will be described later. The third communication device 53 performs wireless communication via the Internet, wireless LAN, mobile phone network, etc.

[0093] As shown in Figure 6, the management terminal 3 has a second display device 54. The second display device 54 is a device capable of displaying various types of information. The second display device 54 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, etc. The second display device 54 is controlled by the third control device 51. For example, the third control device 51 can control the second display device 54 to display information on the assignment of support content to the support terminal 2. In the following description, the second display device 54 may be simply referred to as the "display device". Therefore, it can be said that the support system S is equipped with a second display device 54 (display device).

[0094] As shown in Figure 6, the management terminal 3 has a second input device 55. The second input device 55 is an interface that receives operations from administrators, etc. Therefore, administrators, etc. can input predetermined instruction information into the management terminal 3 by operating the second input device 55.

[0095] The second input device 55 is, for example, an operating component such as a mouse or keyboard. The second input device 55 is operated by an administrator or the like, and inputs instruction information based on that operation to the third control device 51. The third control device 51 accepts, for example, the input operation of settings or instructions for various information displayed on the second display device 54 based on the instruction information input from the second input device 55.

[0096] The second input device 55 is not limited to a mouse or keyboard, but may be a touch panel provided on the second display device 54. In such a case, the second input device 55 is capable of detecting touch operations on the second display device 54 and inputs instruction information based on such touch operations to the third control device 51.

[0097] In addition to assigning support content to the support terminal 2, the management terminal 3 may also function as a terminal where administrators, etc., provide support to the work machine 1. In this case, the management terminal 3 also serves as the support terminal 2. At this time, the second control device 41 should be read as the third control device 51, and the second storage device 42 as the third storage device 52. The second storage device 42 should be read as the third storage device 52, and the second communication device 43 as the third communication device 53.

[0098] Furthermore, if the management terminal 3 also serves as the support terminal 2, the management terminal 3 is the second operating device. The management terminal 3 may have a 46. The management terminal 3 may have a second imaging device 47. The management terminal 3 may have a second sound collection device 48. The management terminal 3 may have an audio output device 49.

[0099] However, if the management terminal 3 does not also serve as the support terminal 2, it does not need to have a second operating device 46, etc. <Regarding support device 4> As shown in Figure 1, the support system S of this embodiment includes a support device 4. For example, the support device 4 is a fixed terminal such as a fixed computer that receives and manages various types of information transmitted from the work machine 1, the support terminal 2, and the management terminal 3. In this embodiment, the support device 4 transmits (provides) the various types of information received from the work machine 1, the support terminal 2, and the management terminal 3 to each of them. For this reason, the work machine 1, the support terminal 2, and the management terminal 3 communicate using a client-server method via the support device 4.

[0100] Support device 4 includes servers installed at the manufacturer (manufacturing company) that produces the work machine 1, servers installed at the dealer (sales and maintenance company) that sells and maintains the work machine 1, and servers installed at the rental company (rental company) that leases the work machine 1. Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating support device 4. As shown in Figure 7, support device 4 includes a fourth control device 61, a fourth storage device 62, and a fourth communication device 63.

[0101] The fourth control unit 61 is a processing circuit that includes one or more processors. The fourth control unit 61 performs various arithmetic operations. The fourth control unit 61 includes one or more memories, various analog circuits, various digital circuits, etc. One or more memories store (remember) software programs and various information to be executed by one or more processors. The fourth control unit 61 can read software programs from one or more memories using one or more processors and execute various operations based on those software programs.

[0102] Furthermore, as described in the first control device 31, the fourth control device 61 may perform various processes based on predetermined logic circuits using one or more processors. Also, as described in the first control device 31, the fourth control device 61 may perform various processes by having multiple physically separated processors cooperate with each other, and its configuration is not limited to the configuration described above.

[0103] The fourth storage device 62 stores various types of information in a read-write manner. The fourth storage device 62 includes non-volatile memory such as an HDD or SSD. The fourth storage device 62 is communicated with the fourth control device 61, and the fourth control device 61 can acquire various types of information stored in the fourth storage device 62.

[0104] For example, the fourth storage device 62 stores a user table T1 that manages user information about the user. A user can be an operator who operates the support terminal 2. For this reason, examples of users include the administrator of the work machine 1, the owner of the work machine 1, the worker who performs work using the work machine 1, the maintenance worker who performs maintenance work on the work machine 1, the administrative staff who contact the maintenance worker, and the sales representative of the dealer who sells the work machine 1.

[0105] Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of a user table T1. As shown in Figure 8, the user table T1 stores user information for each user, associating the username with user identification information (user ID). In addition to the username and user identification information, the user table T1 may also store login passwords, contact information, and user type as associated user information. Contact information includes, for example, email addresses and telephone numbers. User type refers to information indicating the type of user role, such as administrator, owner, worker, maintenance worker, office worker, and salesperson.

[0106] The user information stored in user table T1 is not limited to the example described above and may include other information such as each user's affiliation information (company or organization to which they belong). Furthermore, the user information may also include the IP address of the second communication device 43 of the support terminal 2 to which the user is logged in. For the sake of explanation, the following explanation will use the example where the user information contained in user table T1 is a username, user identification information, password, and email address.

[0107] Furthermore, the fourth storage device 62 manages the work equipment table T related to the work equipment 1. It stores 2. Figure 9 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the work equipment table T2. As shown in Figure 9, the work equipment table T2 stores the work equipment information for each work equipment 1, associating the work equipment name with the machine identification information (work equipment ID).

[0108] The work equipment information stored in the work equipment table T2 is not limited to the example described above and may also include other information such as the serial number of work equipment 1, the model of work equipment 1, and the IP address of the first communication device 34. For the sake of explanation, the following explanation will use the example where the work equipment information included in the work equipment table T2 is the work equipment name, machine identification information, and IP address.

[0109] The fourth storage device 62 may also store update files (update programs) for updating the software programs stored in the memory of the first control device 31 of the work machine 1. The update programs are stored in association with information such as the model of the work machine 1.

[0110] The information stored in the fourth storage device 62 is not limited to the examples described above, and may store other information. For example, the fourth storage device 62 may store first schedule information indicating the planned actions of each work machine 1. The first schedule information is information that associates the content of the planned actions of each work machine 1, the start date and time of the planned actions, and the end date and time of the planned actions. The planned actions of each work machine 1 are, for example, the planned work by that work machine 1. The planned actions of each work machine 1 are not limited to the planned work by that work machine 1, but may also include the planned transportation and maintenance of that work machine 1. The planned transportation of work machine 1 is, for example, the planned transportation of work machine 1 from one work area (first work area) to another work area (second work area). The planned maintenance of work machine 1 is the planned maintenance of work machine 1.

[0111] Furthermore, the fourth storage device 62 may store second schedule information indicating each user's planned activities. The second schedule information is information that associates the content of each user's planned activities, the start date and time of said activities, and the end date and time of said activities. Each user's planned activities are not limited to work schedules using the work machine 1, but may also include meeting schedules for online meetings in which the user participates, and other schedules (such as the user's business trip schedule or vacation schedule). Online meetings may be executed by the support device 4, or they may be online meeting services executed by other server devices.

[0112] The fourth communication device 63 is a communication interface for the support device 4 and includes a communication circuit. The fourth communication device 63 can communicate with the outside of the support device 4 and inputs and outputs (sends and receives) various information. The fourth communication device 63 performs wireless communication, for example, via the Internet, wireless LAN, mobile phone network, etc. In this embodiment, the fourth communication device 63 can communicate with the first communication device 34 of the work machine 1. The fourth communication device 63 can communicate with the second communication device 43 of the support terminal 2. The fourth communication device 63 can communicate with the third communication device 53 of the management terminal 3.

[0113] The fourth communication device 63 may also be able to communicate with communication devices other than the first communication device 34, the second communication device 43, and the third communication device 53. For example, the fourth communication device 63 may be able to communicate with a server device outside of the support device 4. The fourth communication device 63 can receive update programs from the server device. The update programs received by the fourth communication device 63 are stored in the fourth storage device 62. <Regarding the management of support services> In this embodiment, the support device 4 (fourth control device 61) manages the support content that the support terminal 2 performs on the work machine 1. Specifically, as shown in Figure 7, the fourth control device 61 has a definition unit 61a. In other words, the support system S is equipped with a definition unit 61a. The definition unit 61a consists of one or more processors provided in the fourth control device 61, and software programs stored in memory.

[0114] The definition unit 61a defines a predetermined group G. As shown in Figure 1, group G includes at least one work machine 1 and at least one support terminal 2. A support terminal 2 belonging to group G can execute one or more support functions for a work machine 1 belonging to group G. The definition unit 61a can define the assignment of one or more support functions to a support terminal 2 belonging to group G for a work machine 1 belonging to group G. As a result, the support terminal 2 can execute the support functions that have been assigned by the definition unit 61a for a work machine 1 belonging to the same group G.

[0115] In this embodiment, each user is associated with the support terminal 2 by logging in to the support terminal 2. Therefore, the definition unit 61a of this embodiment defines a group G that includes at least one support terminal 2 by defining a group G that includes at least one user. In other words, a support terminal 2 belonging to group G can be said to mean a support terminal 2 to which a user belonging to group G has logged in.

[0116] Furthermore, the definition unit 61a defines the assignment of support content to each user, thereby indirectly defining the assignment of support content to the support terminal 2 into which the user is logged. As a result, each user (operator) can use the support terminal 2 into which they are logged to execute the support content that has been defined for them.

[0117] The support content refers to support for the functions of the equipment possessed by the work machine 1. For example, the support content is performed by the communication of various information between a support terminal 2 belonging to group G and the work machine 1 belonging to group G. In other words, the assignment of support content by the definition unit 61a can be said to be the assignment of various information that each support terminal 2 can access in the work machine 1. Therefore, it can be said that the definition unit 61a defines the assignment of support content that the support terminal 2 belonging to group G can execute by defining information that the support terminal 2 belonging to group G can communicate with the work machine 1 belonging to group G.

[0118] Furthermore, the support may be performed by the communication of various types of information between one support terminal 2 (first support terminal 2A) belonging to group G and another support terminal 2 (second support terminal 2B) belonging to the same group G. In other words, the assignment of support content by the definition unit 61a can be said to be the assignment of various types of information that the first support terminal 2A can access the second support terminal 2B. Therefore, the definition unit 61a defines the assignment of support content that the first support terminal 2A can execute by defining information that the first support terminal 2A belonging to group G can communicate with the second support terminal 2B belonging to the same group G.

[0119] For example, the support includes remote operation of the work machine 1. Remote operation is support that assists the work and / or movement of the work machine 1 by allowing a user at a remote location to operate the work machine 1. When remote operation is assigned as the support content, the support terminal 2 receives manual operation from the operator via the second operating device 46, and can remotely operate the work machine 1 through this manual operation.

[0120] For example, remote control includes a first remote control (remote travel control) that remotely controls the travel of the work machine 1 (the propulsion force of the travel device 15). The first remote control is a remote control performed by manual operation of the second rotation speed control tool 46a and the second speed control tool 46b. When the first control device 31 in the second mode acquires operation information of the second rotation speed control tool 46a and the second speed control tool 46b, it controls the prime mover 18 and the transmission 19 based on said operation information.

[0121] Remote control may include a second remote control (remote steering control) for remotely controlling the steering (steering direction and steering angle) of the work machine 1. The second remote control is a remote control performed by manual operation of the second steering control device 46c. When the first control device 31 in the second mode acquires operation information of the second steering control device 46c, it controls the steering device 22 based on said operation information.

[0122] Remote operation may include a third remote operation (remote braking operation) that remotely controls the braking of the work machine 1 (the braking force of the braking device 23). The third remote operation is a remote operation performed by manually operating the second braking tool 46d. When the first control device 31 in the second mode acquires the operation information of the second braking tool 46d, it controls the braking device 23 based on that operation information.

[0123] Remote operation may include a fourth type of remote operation (remote work operation) in which the work device 25 is operated remotely. The fourth type of remote operation is a remote operation performed by manual operation of the second lifting device 46e or the like. When the first control device 31 in the second mode acquires operation information of the second lifting device 46e, it controls the lifting device 24 based on said operation information.

[0124] Furthermore, the remote operation may include a fifth remote operation (remote switching operation) that remotely switches between the modes of the first control device 31. The fifth remote operation is a remote operation performed by manual operation of a software-type operating element displayed on the first display device 44. When the first control device 31 acquires operation information of the operating element, it switches the mode based on that operation information.

[0125] The support may include remote configuration of the work machine 1. Remote configuration is support that allows a user of the work machine 1 at a remote location to change the settings of each function of the work machine 1, thereby assisting the work and / or movement of the work machine 1. When remote configuration is assigned as the support, the support terminal 2 receives input operations via the first input device 45 and can perform various settings of the work machine 1 based on these input operations. Examples of various settings for the work machine 1 include enabling or disabling functions of the work machine 1, and setting output limits for the power unit 17. Furthermore, when remote configuration is assigned as the support, the support terminal 2 may also update the software program of the first control device 31 using an update file.

[0126] The support may include remote monitoring of the work machine 1. Remote monitoring is support for assisting the work and / or movement of the work machine 1 by allowing a user at a remote location to monitor the work machine 1. When remote monitoring is assigned as support for the support terminal 2, the first display device 44 can display image information captured by the first imaging device 36. When remote monitoring is assigned as support for the support terminal 2, the first display device 44 can display the status of the work machine 1 detected by the status detection device 33. When remote monitoring is assigned as support for the support terminal 2, the audio output device 49 can output sound information detected by the first sound collection device 38 as audio.

[0127] The support may include voice communication between support terminals 2 belonging to group G. Voice communication is support that facilitates coordination between operators operating support terminals 2 belonging to group G, and provides work support using work machine 1. When voice communication is assigned as support, support terminal 2 transmits sound information detected by the second sound collection device 48, which can then be output as sound by the sound output device 49 of another support terminal 2 belonging to group G. When voice communication is assigned as support, support terminal 2 can receive sound information detected by the second sound collection device 48 of another support terminal 2 belonging to group G, which can then be output as sound by the sound output device 49.

[0128] Furthermore, if voice communication is assigned as the support service, support terminal 2 may transmit image information captured by the second imaging device 47 and cause the first display device 44 of another support terminal 2 belonging to group G to display the image information. In such a case, if voice communication is assigned as the support service, support terminal 2 may receive image information captured by the second imaging device 47 of another support terminal 2 belonging to group G and display the image information on the first display device 44.

[0129] The support may include sending and receiving text messages (chat function) between support terminals 2 belonging to group G. The chat function is a support function that facilitates coordination between operators of support terminals 2 belonging to group G by sending and receiving text messages between them, thereby providing work support by the work machine 1. When a support terminal 2 is assigned the chat function as support, it can send text messages entered by the first input device 45 and have the text messages displayed on the first display device 44 of other support terminals 2 belonging to group G. When a support terminal 2 is assigned the chat function as support, it can receive text messages entered by the first input device 45 of other support terminals 2 belonging to group G, and have the first display device 44 display the text messages.

[0130] Furthermore, definition unit 61a does not define the assignment of remote settings to users other than administrators, such as workers, among the support services. In other words, users without administrative privileges (support terminal 2) are restricted from performing remote settings on work machine 1.

[0131] Furthermore, the definition unit 61a may subdivide and assign remote operation, remote configuration, remote monitoring, voice calls, and chat functions included in the support content. Specifically, the definition unit 61a can individually (independently) assign the first to fifth remote operations, etc., among the remote operations. However, the combinations of support content that the definition unit 61a can individually assign are not limited to the examples described above, and the combinations may be changed as appropriate.

[0132] The support includes remote operation of work machine 1, remote settings of work machine 1, and remote monitoring of work machine 1. It includes at least one of these features. The following explanation uses the example of support services that include remote operation, remote configuration, remote monitoring, voice calls, and chat functionality.

[0133] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the definition unit 61a of this embodiment redefines the support content defined for assignment to the management terminal 3 to be assigned to the support terminal 2 belonging to group G. In other words, the definition unit 61a redefines the support content defined for assignment to users such as administrators to be assigned to other users belonging to group G.

[0134] In other words, in the initial state before the definition unit 61a defines the assignment of support content to the support terminal 2 belonging to group G, the support content for each work machine 1 is pre-assigned to the management terminal 3. Therefore, in the initial state, the support content for each work machine 1 is assigned to a user such as an administrator who manages that work machine 1. For example, the management terminal 3 (user such as an administrator) is pre-assigned remote operation, remote setting, and remote monitoring as support content for the work machine 1 managed by that user. Accordingly, the definition unit 61a transfers (assigns) the support content assigned to the management terminal 3 to each user.

[0135] In this embodiment, the definition unit 61a defines group G in response to operations from users with predetermined privileges (administrative privileges). For example, the definition unit 61a defines group G in response to operations from users whose user type is owner or administrator. Therefore, the definition unit 61a defines group G based on information entered by the support terminal 2 (management terminal 3) logged in by the administrator or the like. Furthermore, the definition unit 61a can be defined to assign support content to support terminals 2 belonging to group G based on information regarding the assignment of support content transmitted from the management terminal 3.

[0136] In the following explanation, we will use the example where, in the initial state, the support content for each work machine 1 is assigned to the management terminal 3. However, each support content does not necessarily have to be assigned to the management terminal 3 in advance. <Regarding Group 1 G1, First Support Item> In this embodiment, the definition unit 61a can define a first group G1 as group G, which includes one or more work machines 1 and one or more support terminals 2. The definition unit 61a defines one or more support terminals 2 connected to a predetermined access point, and one or more work machines 1 associated with said access point, as the first group G1. Specifically, the definition unit 61a generates an access point associated with at least one or more work machines 1. At this time, the definition unit 61a does not associate support terminals 2 (users) with access points in advance, but defines group G including support terminals 2 actually connected to access points as the first group G1.

[0137] The definition unit 61a obtains a definition instruction for the first group G1 based on the information entered by the management terminal 3. The definition unit 61a generates an access point in accordance with the definition instruction for the first group G1. Furthermore, when one or more support terminals 2 connect to the access point, the definition unit 61a defines the first group G1. Specifically, the definition unit 61a obtains information on the work machine 1 associated with the first group G1 (machine identification information) and user information (user identification information) based on the information entered by the management terminal 3, and defines the first group information by associating the access point information with the machine identification information and user identification information.

[0138] Information regarding the access point includes, for example, the access point's destination information and unique identification information (first group ID). The definition unit 61a generates the access point's destination information. For example, the definition unit 61a generates a unique URL (Uniform Resource Locator) for the first group G1 as the access point's destination information. The first group ID may also serve as the access point's destination information.

[0139] As a result, each user's logged-in support terminal 2 can connect to the access point based on the access point's connection information (URL, first group ID, etc.). In such a case, support terminals 2 (users) that are not pre-associated with an access point may also be configured to connect to the access point based on the connection information. The connection information for the access point is not limited to the URL or the first group ID, but may also include authentication codes and other information used to authenticate the connection to the access point.

[0140] Furthermore, the definition unit 61a defines the assignment of a predetermined first support content to a support terminal 2 belonging to the first group G1 as support content for a work machine 1 belonging to the first group G1. If there are multiple support terminals 2 belonging to the first group G1, the definition unit 61a defines the assignment of a common first support content to a first support terminal 2A and a second support terminal 2B belonging to the first group G1 as support content for a work machine 1 belonging to the first group G1. In other words, the definition unit 61a can define the assignment of a first support content to a single work machine 1 belonging to the first group G1 (first support terminal 2A), and define the assignment of the same first support content to the same work machine 1 to another support terminal 2 belonging to the first group G1 (second support terminal 2B).

[0141] Therefore, the first support content is support content that can be commonly executed by a support terminal 2 belonging to the first group G1 for work machine 1 belonging to the first group G1. In other words, the first support content is also support content that can be executed simultaneously by a support terminal 2 belonging to the first group G1 for multiple work machines 1 belonging to the first group G1. Furthermore, the first support content is also support content that can be executed simultaneously by multiple support terminals 2 belonging to the first group G1 for a common work machine 1 belonging to the first group G1.

[0142] In this embodiment, when defining the first group G1, the definition unit 61a automatically defines the first support content for each support terminal 2 (user) belonging to the first group G1. For example, the definition unit 61a associates the first support content with the first group information.

[0143] As a result, the definition unit 61a defines that, based on the definition instruction for the first group G1, it will assign the first support content to the support terminal 2 belonging to the first group G1. Therefore, the definition instruction for the first group G1 can be rephrased as information regarding the assignment of the first support content transmitted from the management terminal 3.

[0144] The definition unit 61a can define, for example, remote monitoring for a support terminal 2 belonging to the first group G1 as the first support content for a work machine 1 belonging to the first group G1. In other words, if multiple work machines 1 belong to the first group G1, one support terminal 2 belonging to the first group G1 can perform remote monitoring as the first support content for those multiple work machines 1. That is, one support terminal 2 may perform remote monitoring for multiple work machines 1 at the same time.

[0145] Furthermore, if multiple support terminals 2 belong to the first group G1, these multiple support terminals 2 can perform remote monitoring as a common first support service for the work machine 1. In other words, multiple support terminals 2 belonging to the first group G1 may perform remote monitoring of multiple work machines 1 at the same time.

[0146] In this embodiment, the first support service is described as remote monitoring, but the first support service may also include voice calls. Furthermore, the first support service may also include a chat function.

[0147] Figure 10 shows an example of the first definition screen M1. The first definition screen M1 is a screen that accepts input of various information used to define the first group G1. For this reason, the first definition screen M1 is displayed on the second display device 54 of the management terminal 3. The various information accepted by the first definition screen M1 is transmitted to the fourth control device 61 via the third communication device 53 and the fourth communication device 63. As a result, the definition unit 61a can define the first group G1 based on this various information.

[0148] When an administrator or other user operates the second input device 55, the third control device 51 causes the second display device 54 to display the first definition screen M1. In this embodiment, the third control device 51 requests display information, including image information for displaying the first definition screen M1, from the fourth control device 61 via the third communication device 53 and the fourth communication device 63. When the third communication device 53 receives the display information from the fourth communication device 63, the third control device 51 causes the second display device 54 to display the first definition screen M1 based on the display information.

[0149] Furthermore, the third control device 51 will process the programs, image information, etc. stored in the third storage device 52. Therefore, the first definition screen M1 may be displayed on the second display device 54.

[0150] As shown in Figure 10, the first definition screen M1 has a first machine input unit 101. The first machine input unit 101 receives input of one or more work machines 1 to be associated with an access point. For example, the first machine input unit 101 has an input field that receives input of information for identifying the work machine 1 (e.g., machine identification information).

[0151] The first aircraft input unit 101 may directly accept input of aircraft identification information, or it may indirectly accept input of aircraft identification information by accepting input of other work equipment information stored in the work equipment table T2 in association with the aircraft identification information. Alternatively, the first aircraft input unit 101 may display a list of work equipment 1 stored in the work equipment table T2 as options and accept input of the selection of work equipment 1. Administrators, etc., can input work equipment 1 by selecting work equipment 1 from the list displayed on the first aircraft input unit 101.

[0152] The first definition screen M1 has a first user input section 102. The first user input section 102 accepts input from one or more users who share access point connection information. For example, the first user input section 102 has an input field that accepts input of information to identify the user (e.g., user identification information).

[0153] The first user input unit 102 may directly accept input of user identification information, or it may indirectly accept input of user identification information by accepting input of other user information stored in the user table T1 in association with user identification information. Alternatively, the first user input unit 102 may display a list of users stored in the user table T1 as options and accept input of the selection of a user. Administrators and others can input user information by selecting a user from the list displayed in the first user input unit 102.

[0154] Furthermore, the first definition screen M1 may have a first time input unit 103. The first time input unit 103 accepts input of time information relating to the first group G1. For example, the first time input unit 103 accepts input of at least one of a start time and an end time as time information relating to the first group G1. In this embodiment, the first time input unit 103 accepts input of both a start time and an end time. The start time is the date and time on which the support terminal 2 belonging to the first group G1 is scheduled to start providing support for the work machine 1 belonging to the first group G1. The end time is the date and time on which the support terminal 2 belonging to the first group G1 is scheduled to end providing support for the work machine 1 belonging to the first group G1.

[0155] The first definition screen M1 may also present the work machine 1 that can be input to the first machine input unit 101 based on the time information received by the first time input unit 103. For example, when at least one of the start time and end time is entered into the first time input unit 103, the management terminal 3 transmits the information entered into the first time input unit 103 to the fourth control device 61 via the third communication device 53 and the fourth communication device 63.

[0156] The fourth control device 61 refers to the information received by the fourth communication device 63 and the first schedule information stored in the fourth storage device 62, and extracts work machines 1 for which no action schedule is set for at least one of the input start time and end time. For example, the fourth control device 61 extracts work machines 1 for which no action schedule is set for the time period from the input start time to the end time. The fourth control device 61 transmits the extracted work machine 1 information (e.g., machine identification information), or display information for presenting the work machine 1, etc., to the management terminal 3 via the fourth communication device 63 and the third communication device 53.

[0157] As a result, the management terminal 3 updates the first definition screen M1 of the second display device 54 based on the information received by the third communication device 53, and the first machine input unit 101 displays a list of work machines 1 extracted by the fourth control device 61 as options, and can present work machines 1 for which no action schedule is set at the time entered in the first time input unit 103. Administrators and others can input work machines 1 by selecting work machine 1 from the list displayed on the first machine input unit 101.

[0158] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, the first definition screen M1 is a screen that can be input to the first aircraft input unit 101. Instead of displaying the work machine 1, the first time input unit 103 may display a predetermined notification based on the time information it has received and the first machine input unit 101 has received. For example, when a work machine 1 with an action scheduled for the time entered in the first time input unit 103 is entered into the first machine input unit 101, the first definition screen M1 displays an error message such as "There is an appointment," or "Please select a different date and time, or change the work machine." Also, when a work machine 1 without an action scheduled for the time entered in the first time input unit 103 is entered into the first machine input unit 101, the first definition screen M1 may display a message such as "It is available."

[0159] The first definition screen M1 may present users who can input into the first user input unit 102 based on the time information received by the first time input unit 103. For example, when at least one of the start time and end time is entered into the first time input unit 103, the management terminal 3 transmits the information entered into the first time input unit 103 to the fourth control device 61 via the third communication device 53 and the fourth communication device 63.

[0160] The fourth control device 61 refers to the information received by the fourth communication device 63 and the second schedule information stored in the fourth storage device 62, and extracts users for whom no action is scheduled in at least one of the input start time and end time. For example, the fourth control device 61 extracts users for whom no action is scheduled in the time period from the input start time to the end time. The fourth control device 61 transmits the extracted user information (e.g., user identification information) or display information for presenting the user to the management terminal 3 via the fourth communication device 63 and the third communication device 53.

[0161] As a result, the management terminal 3 updates the first definition screen M1 of the second display device 54 based on the information received by the third communication device 53, and the first user input unit 102 displays a list of users extracted by the fourth control device 61 as options, and can present users for whom no action schedule is set at the time entered in the first time input unit 103. Administrators and others can input users by selecting a user from the list displayed in the first user input unit 102.

[0162] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, instead of displaying users who can be entered into the first user input unit 102, the first definition screen M1 may display a predetermined notification based on the time information received by the first time input unit 103 and the user received by the first user input unit 102. For example, if a user who has an action scheduled for the time entered into the first time input unit 103 is entered into the first user input unit 102, the first definition screen M1 will display an error message such as "You have an appointment," or "Please select a different date and time, or change the user." Also, if a user who does not have an action scheduled for the time entered into the first time input unit 103 is entered into the first user input unit 102, the first definition screen M1 may display a message such as "Available."

[0163] The first definition screen M1 has a first confirmation button 104. The first confirmation button 104 is a display image that can be operated by the second input device 55. When the first confirmation button 104 is operated, it confirms the various information that has been input on the first definition screen M1. When the first confirmation button 104 is operated, the management terminal 3 transmits the various information that has been input on the first definition screen M1 to the fourth control device 61 via the third communication device 53 and the fourth communication device 63.

[0164] When the fourth communication device 63 receives the various information, the definition unit 61a generates first group information based on the received information. In this embodiment, the definition unit 61a generates an access point and a first group ID, and generates a unique URL for the first group G1 as connection destination information for the access point. The definition unit 61a acquires one or more aircraft identification information, one or more user identification information, and time information that the first definition screen M1 has received as input. Based on this, the definition unit 61a associates the first group ID, connection destination information, one or more aircraft identification information, one or more user identification information, and time information and generates first group information.

[0165] Furthermore, the definition unit 61a associates other information with the information described above to form the first group information Reports may be generated. For example, in addition to these, the definition unit 61a may define first group information by associating it with information such as the work site, such as the field, where the work by the implement 1 is performed, and the details of the work.

[0166] Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the first group table T3. As shown in Figure 11, the first group table T3 stores the first group ID, connection destination information, one or more aircraft identification information, one or more user identification information, time information, and first support content corresponding to each first group G1.

[0167] When the definition unit 61a defines the first group information, the fourth control unit 61 may notify the user of connection destination information based on one or more user identification pieces included in the first group G1. For example, the fourth control unit 61 refers to the user table T1 stored in the fourth storage device 62 and obtains the email address corresponding to one or more user identification pieces included in the first group information. The fourth control unit 61 also generates (creates) a notification email containing or attaching the connection destination information and sends the notification email to the obtained email address.

[0168] When the definition unit 61a generates the first group information, the fourth control device 61 may update the first schedule information based on the first group information. Specifically, the fourth control device 61 stores the information contained in the first group information as the action schedule for the work machine 1 corresponding to one or more machine identification pieces contained in the first group information. For example, the fourth control information stores the action schedule for the work machine 1 in the time information contained in the first group information in the first schedule information.

[0169] Furthermore, when the definition unit 61a generates the first group information, the fourth control device 61 may update the second schedule information based on the first group information. Specifically, the fourth control device 61 stores the information contained in the first group information as the user's action schedule corresponding to one or more user identification pieces of information contained in the first group information. For example, the fourth control information stores the user's action schedule in the time information contained in the first group information in the second schedule information. The fourth control device 61 may also store information such as the connection destination information of the first group information, one or more work machines 1, other users, workplace, and work content in the schedule information as the user's action schedule. <Regarding Group 2, G2> In this embodiment, the definition unit 61a can define a second group G2 which includes one or more work machines 1 and one or more support terminals 2 from among the support terminals 2 and work machines 1 belonging to the first group G1. In other words, the definition unit 61a can define a group G included within the first group G1 as the second group G2. Therefore, as shown in Figure 1, the second group G2 can be said to be a group G that is below the first group G1.

[0170] The number of second groups G2 that the definition unit 61a can define for a given first group G1 is not particularly limited. For this reason, the definition unit 61a may define one second group G2 that includes one or more work machines 1 and one or more support terminals 2 from among the support terminals 2 and work machines 1 belonging to the first group G1, and other second groups G2.

[0171] The definition unit 61a defines one or more support terminals 2 and one or more work machines 1, extracted from the support terminals 2 and work machines 1 belonging to the first group G1, as the second group G2. That is, the support terminals 2 included in the second group G2 are connected to the access points corresponding to the first group information. Also, the work machines 1 included in the second group G2 are associated with the access points corresponding to the first group information.

[0172] Specifically, the definition unit 61a obtains a definition instruction for the second group G2 based on the information entered on the management terminal 3. The definition unit 61a generates identification information (second group ID) for the second group G2 in accordance with the definition instruction for the second group G2. The definition unit 61a also obtains information about the work machine 1 associated with the second group G2 (machine identification information) and user information (user identification information) based on the information entered on the management terminal 3. As a result, the definition unit 61a defines second group information that associates the second group ID, machine identification information, and user identification information.

[0173] The definition unit 61a defines the support terminal 2 belonging to the second group G2, and the definition unit 61a defines the support terminal 2 belonging to the second group G2. The system defines the assignment of a predetermined second support content as the support content for the work machine 1. Specifically, if multiple support terminals 2 belong to the second group G2, the definition unit 61a can define different assignments of second support content for the first support terminal 2A and the second support terminal 2B belonging to the second group G2, respectively, as the support content for the work machine 1 belonging to the second group G2. In other words, if the definition unit 61a defines the assignment of a second support content for one work machine 1 belonging to the second group G2 (first support terminal 2A), it does not define the assignment of the same second support content for the same work machine 1 to the other support terminals 2 belonging to the second group G2 (second support terminal 2B).

[0174] Furthermore, the definition unit 61a may define the assignment of a common third support content to support terminals 2 belonging to the second group G2 as support content for work machines 1 belonging to the second group G2. Specifically, the definition unit 61a defines the assignment of a common third support content to the first support terminal 2A and the second support terminal 2B belonging to the second group G2 as support content for work machines 1 belonging to the second group G2. In other words, the definition unit 61a can define the assignment of a third support content to one support terminal 2 (first support terminal 2A) belonging to the second group G2 for one work machine 1 belonging to the second group G2, and further define the assignment of the same third support content to another support terminal 2 (second support terminal 2B) belonging to the second group G2 for the same work machine 1.

[0175] The definition unit 61a can assign at least one of the remote operations included in the support content to different support terminals 2 individually as the second and third support content. The definitions of the second and third support content by the definition unit 61a will be explained in detail below. <Regarding the second support package> The definition unit 61a can define that the second support content should be assigned to the support terminal 2 belonging to the second group G2, based on information regarding the assignment of the second support content entered by an administrator or the like by operating the management terminal 3. Based on the information entered by the management terminal 3, the definition unit 61a obtains the second group ID, aircraft identification information, and user identification information corresponding to the second support content. The definition unit 61a associates the second group ID, aircraft identification information, user identification information, and the second support content and generates assignment information. In addition to the above-mentioned information, the definition unit 61a may also associate other information to generate the assignment information.

[0176] For example, in this embodiment, if the definition unit 61a defines the assignment of support content (first remote control, remote driving operation) or steering support content (second remote control, remote steering operation) for driving the work machine 1 belonging to the second group G2 to the first support terminal 2A belonging to the second group G2, it does not define the assignment of support content (first remote control, remote driving operation) or steering support content (second remote control, remote steering operation) for driving the work machine 1 assigned to the first support terminal 2A to the second support terminal 2B belonging to the second group G2.

[0177] Specifically, the definition unit 61a can define a first remote operation as a second support service for a work machine 1 belonging to the second group G2, for a support terminal 2 belonging to the second group G2. In other words, if the definition unit 61a defines the assignment of a first remote operation as a second support service for a work machine 1 belonging to the second group G2 for a support terminal 2 (first support terminal 2A) belonging to the second group G2, it does not define the assignment of a first remote operation as a second support service for the same work machine 1 for another support terminal 2 (second support terminal 2B) belonging to the second group G2.

[0178] Therefore, a support terminal 2 belonging to the second group G2 that is assigned the first remote control for one work machine 1 can perform the first remote control for that work machine 1. As a result, multiple support terminals 2 cannot perform the first remote control for the same work machine 1 at the same time. This prevents multiple operators from remotely controlling the movement of the work machine 1 at the same time.

[0179] Furthermore, the definition unit 61a may define a second remote operation for a support terminal 2 belonging to the second group G2 as a second support content for a work machine 1 belonging to the second group G2. In other words, the definition unit 61a may define a second remote operation for a support terminal 2 belonging to the second group G2. If the first support terminal 2A) defines the assignment of a second remote control as the second support content for a work machine 1 belonging to the second group G2, then the other support terminal 2 (second support terminal 2B) belonging to the second group G2 does not define the assignment of a second remote control as the second support content for the same work machine 1.

[0180] Therefore, a support terminal 2 belonging to the second group G2 that is assigned a second remote control for one work machine 1 can perform the second remote control for that work machine 1. As a result, multiple support terminals 2 cannot perform the second remote control for the same work machine 1 at the same time. This prevents multiple operators from remotely controlling the steering of the work machine 1 at the same time.

[0181] Furthermore, the second support content that the definition unit 61a can assign to the support terminal 2 belonging to the second group G2 is not limited to the first remote operation and the second remote operation, but may include other remote operations, etc.

[0182] For example, the definition unit 61a may define a fourth remote operation as a second support service for a work machine 1 belonging to the second group G2, for a support terminal 2 belonging to the second group G2. In other words, if the definition unit 61a defines the assignment of a fourth remote operation as a second support service for a work machine 1 belonging to the second group G2 for a support terminal 2 (first support terminal 2A) belonging to the second group G2, it does not define the assignment of a fourth remote operation as a second support service for the same work machine 1 for another support terminal 2 (second support terminal 2B) belonging to the second group G2.

[0183] Therefore, a support terminal 2 belonging to the second group G2 that is assigned the fourth remote operation to one work machine 1 can perform the fourth remote operation to that work machine 1. As a result, multiple support terminals 2 cannot perform the fourth remote operation on the same work machine 1 at the same time. This prevents multiple operators from remotely controlling the work device 25 at the same time.

[0184] Furthermore, the definition unit 61a may define a fifth remote operation as a second support service for a work machine 1 belonging to the second group G2, for a support terminal 2 belonging to the second group G2. In other words, if the definition unit 61a defines the assignment of a fifth remote operation as a second support service for a work machine 1 belonging to the second group G2 (first support terminal 2A), it does not define the assignment of a fifth remote operation as a second support service for the same work machine 1 for another support terminal 2 belonging to the second group G2 (second support terminal 2B).

[0185] Therefore, a support terminal 2 belonging to the second group G2 that is assigned the fifth remote operation for one work machine 1 can perform the fifth remote operation for that work machine 1. For this reason, multiple support terminals 2 cannot perform the fifth remote operation on the same work machine 1 at the same time. This prevents multiple operators from remotely switching each mode of the first control device 31 at the same time. <Regarding the third support package> As described above, the third support content is support that can be commonly executed by support terminal 2 belonging to the second group G2 for work machine 1 belonging to the second group G2. Therefore, the third support content is also support that can be executed simultaneously by support terminal 2 belonging to the second group G2 for multiple work machines 1 belonging to the second group G2. Furthermore, the third support content is also support that can be executed simultaneously by multiple support terminals 2 belonging to the second group G2 for a common work machine 1 belonging to the second group G2.

[0186] In this embodiment, when defining the second group G2, the definition unit 61a automatically defines the third support content for each support terminal 2 (user) belonging to the second group G2. For example, the definition unit 61a associates the third support content with the second group information.

[0187] As a result, the definition unit 61a defines that, based on the definition instructions for the second group G2, the third support content should be assigned to the support terminal 2 belonging to the second group G2. Therefore, the definition instructions for the second group G2 can be rephrased as information regarding the assignment of the third support content transmitted from the management terminal 3.

[0188] For example, the definition unit 61a of this embodiment can define a support function (third remote control) that brakes the work machine 1 to a support terminal 2 belonging to the second group G2, as a third support function for the work machine 1 belonging to the second group G2. Therefore, if there are multiple support terminals 2 belonging to the second group G2, the definition unit 61a defines the assignment of the third remote control as a third support function for the work machine 1 belonging to the second group G2 to both the first support terminal 2A belonging to the second group G2 and the second support terminal 2B belonging to the second group G2.

[0189] Therefore, if multiple work machines 1 belong to the second group G2, one support terminal 2 belonging to the second group G2 can perform the third remote operation as the third support service for those multiple work machines 1. Also, if multiple support terminals 2 belong to the second group G2, those multiple support terminals 2 can perform the third remote operation as the third support service for a common work machine 1. As a result, the braking of the work machine 1 can be remotely controlled by multiple operators at the same time.

[0190] Furthermore, the third support content that the definition unit 61a can assign to a support terminal 2 belonging to the second group G2 is not limited to the third remote operation, but may include other remote operations, etc. For example, the definition unit 61a can define remote monitoring as the third support content for a work machine 1 belonging to the second group G2 for a support terminal 2 belonging to the second group G2. In other words, if there are multiple work machines 1 belonging to the second group G2, one support terminal 2 belonging to the second group G2 can perform remote monitoring as the third support content for those multiple work machines 1. Also, if there are multiple support terminals 2 belonging to the second group G2, those multiple support terminals 2 can perform remote monitoring as the third support content for a common work machine 1. That is, multiple support terminals 2 belonging to the second group G2 may perform remote monitoring for multiple work machines 1 at the same time.

[0191] Furthermore, the third support service may include voice calls. Additionally, the third support service may include a chat function.

[0192] Figure 12 shows an example of the second definition screen M2. The second definition screen M2 is a screen that accepts input of various information used to define the second group G2. For this reason, the second definition screen M2 is displayed on the second display device 54 of the management terminal 3. The various information accepted by the second definition screen M2 is transmitted to the fourth control device 61 via the third communication device 53 and the fourth communication device 63. As a result, the definition unit 61a can define the second group G2 based on this various information.

[0193] When an administrator or other user operates the second input device 55, the third control device 51 causes the second definition screen M2 to be displayed on the second display device 54. For example, when the first confirmation button 104 is operated while the second display device 54 is displaying the first definition screen M1, the third control device 51 controls the second display device 54 to transition the screen display from the first definition screen M1 to the second definition screen M2.

[0194] The second definition screen M2 is a screen for defining the second group G2, which corresponds to the first group G1 defined based on the various information received as input by the first definition screen M1. In other words, the second definition screen M2 is a screen for defining the second group G2 within the first group G1. Therefore, the second definition screen M2 corresponds to the first group G1 defined using the first definition screen M1 before the transition.

[0195] Furthermore, the third control device 51 may display the second definition screen M2 at any time in response to operations on the second input device 55 by an administrator or the like.

[0196] In this embodiment, the third control device 51 requests display information, including image information for displaying the second defined screen M2, from the fourth control device 61 via the third communication device 53 and the fourth communication device 63. When the third communication device 53 receives the display information from the fourth communication device 63, the third control device 51 causes the second display device 54 to display the second defined screen M2 based on the display information.

[0197] The third control device 51 may also cause the second definition screen M2 to be displayed on the second display device 54 based on programs, image information, etc., stored in the third storage device 52.

[0198] As shown in Figure 12, the second definition screen M2 has a second aircraft input unit 106. The aircraft input unit 106 receives input from one or more work machines 1 that correspond to the second group G2. For example, the second aircraft input unit 106 has an input field for receiving input of information to identify the work machine 1 (e.g., aircraft identification information).

[0199] The second machine input unit 106 may display a list of work machines 1 belonging to the first group G1 corresponding to the second definition screen M2 as options, and accept input for selecting a work machine 1. In this case, the second machine input unit 106 displays work machines 1 belonging to the first group G1 as options based on the machine identification information of the work machine 1 associated with the first group ID. Administrators, etc., can input work machine 1 by selecting work machine 1 from the list displayed on the second machine input unit 106.

[0200] The second aircraft input unit 106 may directly accept the input of aircraft identification information, or it may indirectly accept the input of aircraft identification information by accepting the input of other work equipment information stored in association with aircraft identification information in the work equipment table T2.

[0201] The second definition screen M2 has a second user input section 107. The second user input section 107 accepts input from one or more users associated with the second group G2. For example, the second user input section 107 has an input field that accepts input of information to identify the user (e.g., user identification information).

[0202] The second user input unit 107 may display a list of users belonging to the first group G1 corresponding to the second definition screen M2 as options, and accept the user's selection input. In this case, the second user input unit 107 displays users belonging to the first group G1 as options based on the user identification information of the user associated with the first group ID. Administrators and others can input user information by selecting a user from the list displayed on the second user input unit 107.

[0203] The second user input unit 107 may directly accept input of user identification information, or it may indirectly accept input of user identification information by accepting input of other user information stored in the user table T1 in association with user identification information.

[0204] The second definition screen M2 has a second confirmation button 108. The second confirmation button 108 is a display image that can be operated by the second input device 55. When the second confirmation button 108 is operated, it confirms the various information that has been input on the second definition screen M2. When the second confirmation button 108 is operated, the management terminal 3 transmits the various information that has been input on the second definition screen M2 to the fourth control device 61 via the third communication device 53 and the fourth communication device 63.

[0205] When the fourth communication device 63 receives the various information, the definition unit 61a generates second group information based on the received information. The definition unit 61a generates a second group ID. The definition unit 61a acquires one or more aircraft identification information and one or more user identification information that the second definition screen M2 has received as input. As a result, the definition unit 61a associates the first group ID, the second group ID, one or more aircraft identification information, one or more user identification information, and the third support content to generate second group information. Once the definition unit 61a defines the second group information, the fourth storage device 62 stores the second group information in the second group table T4.

[0206] Furthermore, the definition unit 61a may generate second group information by associating other information in addition to the information described above. For example, the definition unit 61a may define second group information by associating information such as the work site, such as the field, where the work by the implement 1 is performed, and the details of the work, in addition to the above.

[0207] Figure 13 is a diagram showing an example of the second group table T4. As shown in Figure 13, the second group table T4 stores the first group ID of the first group G1 corresponding to each second group G2, the second group ID corresponding to each second group G2, one or more aircraft identification information, one or more user identification information, and third support content in association with each other.

[0208] In this embodiment, the explanation will be given using the example where the fourth storage device 62 stores the second group table T4 separately from the first group table T3, but it is also possible to store a single table that integrates the first group table T3 and the second group table T4. In total, the fourth storage device 62 stores the second group information in association with the first group information.

[0209] Figure 14 shows an example of the third definition screen M3. The third definition screen M3 is a screen that accepts input of various information used to define the assignment of the second support content to the work machine 1 belonging to the second group G2 to the support terminal 2 belonging to the second group G2. For this reason, the third definition screen M3 is displayed on the second display device 54 of the management terminal 3. The various information accepted by the third definition screen M3 is transmitted to the fourth control device 61 via the third communication device 53 and the fourth communication device 63. As a result, the definition unit 61a can define the second support content to the support terminal 2 belonging to the second group G2 based on the various information.

[0210] When an administrator or other user operates the second input device 55, the third control device 51 causes the second display device 54 to display the third definition screen M3. For example, when the second confirmation button 108 is operated while the second display device 54 is displaying the second definition screen M2, the third control device 51 controls the second display device 54 to transition the screen display from the second definition screen M2 to the third definition screen M3. In this case, the third definition screen M3 is a screen for defining the second support content of the support terminal 2 belonging to the second group G2, which is defined based on the various information that the second definition screen M2 has received as input. For this reason, the third definition screen M3 corresponds to the second group G2 defined using the second definition screen M2 before the transition.

[0211] Furthermore, the third control device 51 may display the third definition screen M3 at any time in response to operations on the second input device 55 by an administrator or the like.

[0212] In this embodiment, the third control device 51 requests display information, including image information for displaying the third definition screen M3, from the fourth control device 61 via the third communication device 53 and the fourth communication device 63. When the third communication device 53 receives the display information from the fourth communication device 63, the third control device 51 causes the second display device 54 to display the third definition screen M3 based on the display information.

[0213] The third control device 51 may also cause the second display device 54 to display the third definition screen M3 based on the program, image information, etc., stored in the third storage device 52.

[0214] As shown in Figure 14, the third definition screen M3 has a first machine selection unit 111. The first machine selection unit 111 accepts the selection input of one or more work machines 1 belonging to the second group G2. The first machine selection unit 111 displays a list of work machines 1 belonging to the second group G2 corresponding to the third definition screen M3 as options, and accepts the selection input of the work machine 1. In this case, the first machine selection unit 111 displays work machines 1 belonging to the second group G2 as options based on the machine identification information of the work machine 1 associated with the second group ID. Administrators, etc., can input the selection input of a work machine 1 by selecting a work machine 1 from the list displayed on the first machine selection unit 111.

[0215] The third definition screen M3 has a first assignment selection unit 112. The first assignment selection unit 112 accepts input for the assignment of second support content for a work machine 1 belonging to the second group G2 to a support terminal 2 (user) belonging to the same second group G2. For example, the first assignment selection unit 112 accepts selection input from a support terminal 2 (user) for each second support content for a work machine 1 selected in the first machine selection unit 111.

[0216] For example, in the example shown in Figure 14, the first assignment selection unit 112 includes an input field for receiving input from a support terminal 2 (user) to assign a first remote operation, second remote operation, fourth remote operation, and fifth selection operation to a single work machine 1. The input fields of the first assignment selection unit 112 each display a list of users belonging to the second group G2 corresponding to the third definition screen M3 as options, and accept selection input from the user. In such a case, the first assignment selection unit 112 displays users belonging to the second group G2 as options based on the machine identification information of the work machine 1 associated with the second group ID. Administrators, etc., can input the assignment of each second support content to each support terminal 2 (user) by selecting a user from the list displayed in the first assignment selection unit 112.

[0217] The third definition screen M3 has a third confirmation button 113. The third confirmation button 113 is a display image that can be operated by the second input device 55. When the third confirmation button 113 is operated, the various information that has been input on the third definition screen M3 is confirmed. The system accepts the input. When the third confirmation button 113 is pressed, the management terminal 3 transmits the various information received on the third definition screen M3 to the fourth control device 61 via the third communication device 53 and the fourth communication device 63. In this case, if the support terminal 2 (user) is not assigned to the second support content for the work machine 1 belonging to the second group G2, the third confirmation button 113 may be configured not to accept operation.

[0218] When the fourth communication device 63 receives the various information, the definition unit 61a defines the second support content for the support terminal 2 based on the received information. The definition unit 61a associates the second group ID, the aircraft identification information, the user identification information, and the second support content and generates it as assignment information. Once the definition unit 61a defines the assignment information, the fourth storage device 62 stores the assignment information in the assignment table T5.

[0219] Furthermore, the definition unit 61a may generate assignment information by associating it with other information in addition to the information described above. For example, the definition unit 61a may define the assignment information by associating it with user identification information assigned to each third support content in addition to the above.

[0220] Figure 15 is a diagram showing an example of an assignment table T5. As shown in Figure 15, the assignment table T5 stores the second group ID corresponding to each second group G2, the aircraft identification information, and the user identification information assigned to each second support content, in association with each other. <Regarding the implementation of support measures> Next, the execution of support by the support terminal 2 will be described. As shown in Figure 7, in this embodiment, the server (fourth control device 61) has a support control unit 61b. In other words, the support system S is equipped with a support control unit 61b. The support control unit 61b consists of one or more processors provided in the fourth control device 61, and software programs stored in memory.

[0221] The support control unit 61b controls the transmission and reception of various information required for a support terminal 2 belonging to group G, as defined by the definition unit 61a, to perform support operations for a work machine 1 belonging to group G. Specifically, the support control unit 61b controls the transmission and reception of various information required for a support terminal 2 belonging to the first group G1 to perform support operations (first support operations) based on the first group table T3 stored in the fourth storage device 62. Furthermore, the support control unit 61b controls the transmission and reception of various information required for a support terminal 2 belonging to the second group G2 to perform support operations (second support operations, third support operations) based on the second group table T4 and assignment table T5 stored in the fourth storage device 62.

[0222] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating the flow of various information in the first group G1 of the first embodiment. Figure 16 shows a state in which each user has logged into the support terminal 2 and the support terminal 2 is connected to the access point corresponding to the first group G1. Figure 16 also shows a state in which the work machine 1 associated with the access point is connected to this access point.

[0223] As shown in Figure 16, when one or more work machines 1 have established communication with an access point corresponding to the first group G1, the work machine 1 transmits image information captured by the first imaging device 36 to the support device 4. The work machine 1 transmits image information to the support device 4 via the first communication device 34 and the fourth communication device 63. The work machine 1 transmits the status of the work machine 1 detected by the status detection device 33 to the support device 4. The work machine 1 transmits sound information to the support device 4 via the first communication device 34 and the fourth communication device 63. The work machine 1 transmits sound information detected by the first sound collection device 38 to the support device 4. The work machine 1 transmits sound information to the support device 4 via the first communication device 34 and the fourth communication device 63.

[0224] When the support control unit 61b receives various information from one or more work machines 1 connected to the access point, it provides (transmits) the information to each support terminal 2 according to the support content assigned to that terminal. In this embodiment, since the first support content is assigned to the support terminal 2 belonging to the first group G1, the support control unit 61b provides various information to the support terminal 2 according to the first support content.

[0225] In detail, the support device 4 (support control unit 61b) transmits image information captured by the first imaging device 36 to the support terminal 2 according to the first support content (remote monitoring). The support device 4 transmits the image information captured by the first imaging device 36 to the support terminal 2. Image information is transmitted to the support terminal 2 via the communication device 63 and the second communication device 43. The support device 4 (support control unit 61b) transmits the status of the work machine 1 detected by the status detection device 33 to the support terminal 2 according to the first support content (remote monitoring). The support device 4 transmits sound information to the support terminal 2 via the fourth communication device 63 and the second communication device 43. The support device 4 (support control unit 61b) transmits sound information detected by the first sound collection device 38 to the support terminal 2 according to the first support content (remote monitoring). The support device 4 transmits sound information to the support terminal 2 via the fourth communication device 63 and the second communication device 43.

[0226] Based on the above, the support terminal 2 belonging to the first group G1 can perform the first support action (remote monitoring) based on various information provided by the support device 4 (support control unit 61b).

[0227] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating the flow of various information in the second group G2. When one or more support terminals 2 have established communication with an access point corresponding to the first group G1, the support terminals 2 belonging to the second group G2 transmit operation information received by the second operating device 46 to the support device 4. The support terminals 2 transmit operation information via the second communication device 43 and the fourth communication device 63. The support terminals 2 transmit sound information detected by the second sound collection device 48 to the support device 4. The support terminals 2 transmit sound information to the support device 4 via the second communication device 43 and the fourth communication device 63. The support terminals 2 transmit image information captured by the second imaging device 47 to the support device 4. The support terminals 2 transmit image information to the support device 4 via the second communication device 43 and the fourth communication device 63. The support terminals 2 transmit text messages entered by the first input device 45 to the support device 4. The support terminals 2 transmit text messages to the support device 4 via the second communication device 43 and the fourth communication device 63.

[0228] When the support control unit 61b receives various information from one or more work machines 1 and one or more support terminals 2 belonging to the second group G2, it provides (transmits) each piece of information to the support terminals 2 according to the support content assigned to each support terminal 2. Furthermore, when the support control unit 61b receives operation information from one or more support terminals 2 belonging to the second group G2, it transmits the operation information to the work machine 1 belonging to the second group G2 according to the support content assigned to each support terminal 2.

[0229] The support control unit 61b refers to the assignment table T5 stored in the fourth storage device 62, refers to the second support content assigned to each support terminal 2, and transmits operation information to the work machine 1 according to the second support content. In addition, since the support terminal 2 belonging to the second group G2 is assigned a third support content, the support control unit 61b provides (transmits) various information to the support terminal 2 according to the third support content. The support control unit 61b also transmits various information to the work machine 1 according to the third support content.

[0230] In detail, the support device 4 (support control unit 61b) transmits operation information from the second operating device 46 to the work machine 1 belonging to the second group G2, according to the second support content. The support device 4 refers to the assignment table T5 to identify the work machine 1 corresponding to the second support content and transmits operation information to the work machine 1 via the fourth communication device 63 and the first communication device 34.

[0231] For example, if the support device 4 receives operation information from a support terminal 2 to which a second support function (remote control) is assigned, it transmits the operation information related to the first remote control to the work machine 1 corresponding to the second support function. Therefore, if the support device 4 receives operation information from a support terminal 2 to which a second support function (remote control) is not assigned, it does not transmit the operation information related to the remote control to the work machine 1 corresponding to the second support function.

[0232] Therefore, as an example of the second type of support, if individual remote operations are assigned to support terminal 2, and a first remote operation for one work machine 1 (first work machine 1A) is assigned to one support terminal 2 (first support terminal 2A), the support device 4 transmits operation information related to the first remote operation to the first work machine 1A. The support device 4 does not transmit operation information related to the second remote operation to the first work machine 1A. The support device 4 does not transmit operation information related to the first remote operation to the other work machine 1 (second work machine 1B).

[0233] Furthermore, the support device 4 (support control unit 61b) transmits operation information of the second braking device 46d to the work machine 1 according to the third support content (third remote operation). The support device 4 is connected to the fourth communication device 6 Operation information regarding the third remote operation is transmitted to the work machine 1 via 3 and the first communication device 34.

[0234] Furthermore, the support device 4 (support control unit 61b) transmits image information captured by the first imaging device 36 to the support terminal 2 according to the third support content (remote monitoring). The support device 4 transmits image information to the support terminal 2 via the fourth communication device 63 and the second communication device 43. The support device 4 (support control unit 61b) transmits the status of the work machine 1 detected by the status detection device 33 to the support terminal 2 according to the third support content (remote monitoring). The support device 4 transmits sound information to the support terminal 2 via the fourth communication device 63 and the second communication device 43. The support device 4 (support control unit 61b) transmits sound information detected by the first sound collection device 38 to the support terminal 2 according to the third support content (remote monitoring). The support device 4 transmits sound information to the support terminal 2 via the fourth communication device 63 and the second communication device 43.

[0235] Furthermore, the support device 4 (support control unit 61b) transmits image information captured by the second imaging device 47 of one support terminal 2 (first support terminal 2A) belonging to the second group G2 to another support terminal 2 (second support terminal 2B) belonging to the second group G2, according to the third support content (voice call). The support device 4 transmits the image information to the second support terminal 2B via the fourth communication device 63 and the second communication device 43. The support device 4 (support control unit 61b) transmits sound information detected by the second sound collection device 48 of the first support terminal 2A belonging to the second group G2 to the second support terminal 2B belonging to the second group G2, according to the third support content (voice call). The support device 4 transmits the sound information to the second support terminal 2B via the fourth communication device 63 and the second communication device 43.

[0236] Then, the support device 4 (support control unit 61b) transmits the text message entered in the first input device 45 of one support terminal 2 (first support terminal 2A) belonging to the second group G2 to another support terminal 2 (second support terminal 2B) belonging to the second group G2, according to the third support content (chat function).

[0237] As described above, among the support terminals 2 belonging to the second group G2, the support terminal 2 to which the second support content is assigned can execute the second support content by transmitting information related to remote operation corresponding to the second support content to the work machine 1 via the support device 4 (support control unit 61b). The support terminal 2 belonging to the second group G2 can execute the third support content by transmitting information related to the third remote operation corresponding to the third support content to the work machine 1 via the support device 4 (support control unit 61b). In addition, the support terminal 2 belonging to the second group G2 can execute the third support content (remote monitoring, voice call, and chat function), etc., based on various information provided by the support device 4 (support control unit 61b).

[0238] Therefore, if multiple support terminals 2 belong to the second group G2, when remote operation is assigned as the second support service to the first support terminal 2A belonging to the second group G2 (group G), the third support service (remote monitoring) is assigned to the second support terminal 2B belonging to the same second group G2 (group G), so that remote operation and remote monitoring are performed at the same time.

[0239] Figure 18 shows an example of the first support screen M4. The first support screen M4 is the screen on which the support terminal 2 belonging to the first group G1 executes the support content. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first support screen M4 is the screen for executing the first support content.

[0240] The first support screen M4 shown in Figure 18 is a screen for performing remote monitoring as the first support function. When an operator operates the first input device 45, the second control device 41 displays the first support screen M4 on the first display device 44. For example, when the support terminal 2 connects to the access point, the second control device 41 displays the first support screen M4 on the first display device 44 based on various information received via the second communication device 43 and the fourth communication device 63.

[0241] As shown in Figure 18, the first support screen M4 has a first monitoring display unit 121. The first monitoring display unit 121 is a display area that shows information corresponding to remote monitoring. For example, the first monitoring display unit 121 includes windows 122a and 122b that display image information captured by the first imaging device 36. In the example shown in Figure 18, the first monitoring display unit 121 includes a window 122a that shows a forward-facing image captured from inside the protection mechanism 13 in front of the work machine 1, and a window 122b that shows a rearward-facing image captured from behind the work machine 1.

[0242] Furthermore, the first monitoring display unit 121 may also include a window 122c that displays the status of the work machine 1 detected by the status detection device 33. In the example shown in Figure 18, the first monitoring display unit 121 includes a window 122c that indicates the vehicle speed, direction of travel (forward or reverse), gear position, etc. of the work machine 1.

[0243] In the example shown in Figure 18, the first monitoring display unit 121 displays information for only one work machine 1 from among the work machines 1 belonging to the first group G1. Therefore, if there are multiple work machines 1 belonging to the first group G1, the information (image information, status of work machine 1) displayed on the first monitoring display unit 121 may be switchable for each work machine 1. In such a case, the first monitoring display unit 121 includes a display image (first switching device 123) that can accept operation, and the second control device 41 switches and displays the work machine 1 displayed on the first monitoring display unit 121 in response to the operation of the first switching device 123.

[0244] Figure 19 shows another example of the first support screen M4. When multiple work machines 1 belong to the first group G1, the first monitoring display unit 121 may simultaneously display information (image information, status of work machines 1) corresponding to remote monitoring of multiple work machines 1 belonging to the first group G1, as shown in Figure 19. In the example shown in Figure 19, the first monitoring display unit 121 includes a window 122A that displays information corresponding to remote monitoring of one work machine 1 (first work machine 1A) belonging to the first group G1, and a window 122B that displays information corresponding to remote monitoring of another work machine 1 (second work machine 1B) belonging to the first group G1.

[0245] In the example shown in Figure 19, the first monitoring display unit 121 simultaneously displays information corresponding to the remote monitoring of two work machines 1. However, the number of work machines 1 that the first monitoring display unit 121 can simultaneously display information for is not limited to two.

[0246] As shown in Figures 18 and 19, the first support screen M4 has a first connection display unit 124. The first connection display unit 124 is a display area that shows other support terminals 2 (users) connected to the access point corresponding to the first group G1. For example, the first connection display unit 124 includes a window 125 that displays other users as icons 125a.

[0247] As shown in Figures 18 and 19, the first support screen M4 has a group display section 126. The group display section 126 is a display area that shows the second group G2 corresponding to the first group G1. For example, the group display section 126 includes a window 127 that displays the second group G2 within the first group G1 using a button 127a.

[0248] Furthermore, the second group G2 displayed on the group display unit 126 can be operated by the first input device 45, and in response to such operation, it may be possible to request participation in each second group G2. Therefore, when the group display unit 126 receives such a request, the second control device 41 (support terminal 2) transmits information regarding the request to the support device 4. As a result, when the fourth communication device 63 receives information regarding the request, the fourth control device 61 notifies the management terminal 3 that the request has been made. In such a case, the administrator or the like can change the definition of the second group G2 by operating the management terminal 3 and the second definition screen M2.

[0249] As explained above, the first support screen M4 can display the support terminal 2 belonging to group G (first group G1) and the work machine 1 belonging to group G (first group G1) using the first monitoring display unit 121 and the first connection display unit 124. Therefore, the display device (first display device 44) can display the support terminal 2 belonging to group G and the work machine 1 belonging to group G.

[0250] Figure 20 shows another example of the first support screen M4. As shown in Figure 20, the first support screen M4 may have a transition control device 128 (entry button). The transition control device 128 is a display image for accepting an operation to transition to the second support screen M5. In other words, the transition control device 128 is an operation device that accepts the start of the execution of support content for the work machine 1 belonging to the second group G2 from the support terminal 2. Therefore, among the support terminals 2 belonging to the first group G1, the first support screen M4 of the first display device 44 of the support terminal 2 belonging to the second group G2 displays the transition control device 128 as shown in Figure 20. On the other hand, among the support terminals 2 belonging to the first group G1, the first support screen M4 of the first display device 44 of the support terminal 2 that does not belong to the second group G2 does not display the transition control device 128.

[0251] Therefore, among the support terminals 2 belonging to the first group G1, the support terminals belonging to the second group G2 On the first support screen M4 of the first display device 44 of terminal 2, the transition operation tool 128 as shown in Figure 20 is displayed. On the other hand, among the support terminals 2 belonging to the first group G1, the first support screen M4 of the first display device 44 of the support terminal 2 that does not belong to the second group G2 does not display the transition operation tool 128.

[0252] The first support screen M4 described using Figures 18 to 20 is merely an example, and the first support screen M4 is not limited to the examples shown in Figures 18 to 20.

[0253] The second support screen M5 is the screen on which support terminal 2, belonging to the second group G2, executes the support content. In this embodiment, the second support screen M5 is mainly the screen on which to execute the third support content. Figure 21 is a diagram showing an example of the second support screen M5. The second support screen M5 is the screen on which support terminal 2, belonging to the second group G2, executes the support content. Therefore, in this embodiment, the second support screen M5 is the screen on which to execute the third support content.

[0254] The second support screen M5 shown in Figure 21 is a screen for performing remote monitoring, voice calls, and chat functions as the third support function. When an operator operates the first input device 45, the second control device 41 displays the second support screen M5 on the first display device 44. For example, when an operator operates the first input device 45, the second control device 41 displays the second support screen M5 on the first display device 44 based on various information received via the second communication device 43 and the fourth communication device 63.

[0255] As shown in Figure 21, the second support screen M5 has a second monitoring display unit 131. The second monitoring display unit 131 is a display area that shows information corresponding to remote monitoring. For example, the second monitoring display unit 131 includes windows 132a and 132b that display image information captured by the first imaging device 36. In the example shown in Figure 21, the second monitoring display unit 131 includes a window 132a that shows a forward-facing image captured from inside the protection mechanism 13 in front of the work machine 1, and a window 132b that shows a rearward-facing image captured from behind the work machine 1.

[0256] Furthermore, the second monitoring display unit 131 may include a window 132c that displays the status of the work machine 1 as detected by the status detection device 33. In the example shown in Figure 21, the second monitoring display unit 131 includes a window 132c that shows the vehicle speed, direction of travel (forward or reverse), gear position, etc., of the work machine 1.

[0257] In the example shown in Figure 21, the second monitoring display unit 131 displays information for only one work machine 1 from among the work machines 1 belonging to the second group G2. Therefore, if there are multiple work machines 1 belonging to the second group G2, the information (image information, status of work machine 1) displayed on the second monitoring display unit 131 may be switched for each work machine 1.

[0258] In such a case, the second monitoring display unit 131 includes a display image (second switching tool 133) capable of receiving an operation. As the second switching tool 133 is operated, the second control device 41 switches and displays the working machine 1 displayed on the second monitoring display unit 131. Also, the working machine 1 displayed on the second monitoring display unit 131 may be an operation target for remote operation. For this reason, when the second operation device 46 is operated, the second control device 41 transmits operation information corresponding to the working machine 1 displayed on the second monitoring display unit 131 to the support device 4.

[0259] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing another example of the second support screen M5. When a plurality of working machines 1 belong to the second group G2, as shown in FIG. 22, the second monitoring display unit 131 may simultaneously show information (image information, state of the working machine 1) corresponding to remote monitoring of the plurality of working machines 1 among the working machines 1 belonging to the second group G2. In the example shown in FIG. 22, the second monitoring display unit 131 includes a main display area 132A (first display area) showing information corresponding to remote monitoring of one working machine 1 (first working machine 1A) belonging to the second group G2, and a sub-display area 132B (second display area) showing information corresponding to remote monitoring of another working machine 1 (second working machine 1B) belonging to the second group G2. As shown in FIG. 22, the main display area 132A is larger than the sub-display area 132B. Also, the main display area 132A is arranged at the center of the second support screen M5, and the sub-display area 132B is arranged outside the main display area 132A.

[0260] Note that the working machine 1 displayed in the main display area 132A is an operation target for remote operation. For this reason, the working machine 1 displayed in the sub-display area 132B is not an operation target for remote operation. For this reason, when the second operation device 46 is operated, the second control device 41 transmits operation information corresponding to the working machine 1 displayed in the main display area 132A to the support device 4.

[0261] Also, in the example shown in FIG. 22, a case where the second monitoring display unit 131 simultaneously displays information corresponding to remote monitoring of two working machines 1 is shown, but the number of working machines 1 that the second monitoring display unit 131 can simultaneously display is not limited to two.

[0262] As shown in Figures 21 and 22, the second support screen M5 has a call display unit 134. The call display unit 134 is a display area that shows information corresponding to a voice call. For example, the call display unit 134 includes a window 135 that displays image information captured by the second imaging device 47 of another support terminal 2.

[0263] As shown in Figures 21 and 22, the second support screen M5 has a chat display unit 136. The chat display unit 136 is a display area that shows information corresponding to the chat function. For example, the chat display unit 136 includes a window 137 that displays text messages entered by the second input device 55 of another support terminal 2.

[0264] As shown in Figures 21 and 22, the second support screen M5 has a second connection display unit 138. The second connection display unit 138 is a display area that shows other support terminals 2 (users) belonging to the second group G2. For example, the second connection display unit 138 includes a window 139 that displays other users by their usernames.

[0265] As shown in Figures 21 and 22, the second support screen M5 may display a software-type operating component that accepts operations to execute the support content assigned to the support terminal 2. An example of such an operating component is the display image 140 that accepts manual operations for the fifth remote operation (remote switching operation).

[0266] Furthermore, the second support screen M5 is operated by the first input device 45, and in response to this operation, it may accept a request for the assignment of the second support content. At this time, in addition to the assignment of the second support content, it may also accept a request for the mapping of a new work machine 1 to the second group G2 (group G). Therefore, when the second support screen M5 accepts these requests, the second control device 41 (support terminal 2) transmits information regarding the requests to the support device 4. When the fourth communication device 63 receives information regarding the requests, the fourth control device 61 notifies the management terminal 3 that the requests have been made. In such a case, the administrator or the like can change the definition of the assignment of the second support content by operating the management terminal 3 and the third definition screen M3.

[0267] As explained above, the second support screen M5 can display the support terminal 2 belonging to group G (second group G2) and the work machine 1 belonging to group G (second group G2) using the second monitoring display unit 131 and the second connection display unit 138. Therefore, the display device (first display device 44) can display the support terminal 2 belonging to group G and the work machine 1 belonging to group G.

[0268] Furthermore, a support terminal 2 belonging to the first group G1 can perform the first support action on a work machine 1 belonging to the first group G1. Also, a support terminal 2 belonging to the second group G2 can perform the second and third support actions on a work machine 1 belonging to the second group G2. [Second Embodiment] Figure 23 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the support system S of the second embodiment. In the support system S of the first embodiment described above, the definition unit 61a defines the first group G1 and the second group G2, and defines the assignment of the second support content to the support terminal 2 belonging to the second group G2 as an example. However, as shown in Figure 23, the definition unit 61a of the second embodiment differs in that it defines the assignment of the second support content to the support terminal 2 belonging to the first group G1, but does not define the second group G2. That is, when a plurality of support devices 4 belong to group G (first group G1), the definition unit 61a defines the assignment of different second support content to the first support terminal 2A and the second support terminal 2B belonging to group G, respectively, as support content for the work machine 1 belonging to group G.

[0269] The following describes the support system S of the second embodiment, comparing it to the embodiment described above (the first embodiment). The explanation will focus on the different configurations, and components common to the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations will be omitted. In addition, in the second embodiment, the first group G1 will be simply referred to as "group G".

[0270] In the second embodiment, the definition unit 61a defines one or more support terminals 2 connected to a predetermined access point, and one or more work machines 1 associated with the access point, as a group G. The definition unit 61a obtains a definition instruction for the group G based on information input by the management terminal 3. The definition unit 61a also generates an access point in accordance with the definition instruction for the group G. Furthermore, the definition unit 61a obtains information on the work machine 1 associated with the group G (machine identification information) and user information (user identification information) based on information input by the management terminal 3, and defines group information that associates information on the access point (e.g., a unique URL or group ID for the group G), the machine identification information, and the user identification information.

[0271] Furthermore, the definition unit 61a defines the assignment of a predetermined second support content to a support terminal 2 belonging to group G as support content for a work machine 1 belonging to group G. Specifically, if there are multiple support terminals 2 belonging to group G, the definition unit 61a can define different assignments of second support content to the first support terminal 2A and the second support terminal 2B belonging to group G as support content for a work machine 1 belonging to group G. In other words, if the definition unit 61a defines the assignment of a second support content to one work machine 1 belonging to group G (first support terminal 2A), it does not define the assignment of the same second support content to the other support terminals 2 belonging to group G (second support terminal 2B).

[0272] Specifically, in this embodiment, the definition unit 61a can define that it assigns the second support content to the support terminal 2 belonging to group G based on information regarding the assignment of the second support content entered by an administrator or the like by operating the management terminal 3. For example, if the definition unit 61a defines the assignment of support content for driving the work machine 1 belonging to group G (first remote operation, remote driving operation) or support content for steering (second remote operation, remote steering operation) to the first support terminal 2A belonging to group G, it does not define the assignment of support content for driving the work machine 1 (first remote operation, remote driving operation) or support content for steering (second remote operation, remote steering operation) that was assigned to the first support terminal 2A to the second support terminal 2B belonging to group G.

[0273] Furthermore, the definition unit 61a may define the assignment of a common third support content to support terminals 2 belonging to group G as support content for work machines 1 belonging to group G. Specifically, the definition unit 61a defines the assignment of a common third support content to a first support terminal 2A belonging to group G and a second support terminal 2B belonging to group G as support content for work machines 1 belonging to group G. In other words, even if the definition unit 61a defines the assignment of a third support content for a work machine 1 belonging to group G to one support terminal 2 (first support terminal 2A) belonging to group G, it can define the assignment of the same third support content for that work machine 1 to another support terminal 2 (second support terminal 2B) belonging to group G.

[0274] In this embodiment, when defining group G, the definition unit 61a automatically defines the third support content for each support terminal 2 (user) belonging to group G. For example, the definition unit 61a associates the third support content with group information.

[0275] For example, the definition unit 61a of this embodiment can define a third support function (third remote control) to brake the work machine 1 to a support terminal 2 belonging to group G, as a third support function for the work machine 1 belonging to group G. Therefore, if there are multiple support terminals 2 belonging to group G, the definition unit 61a defines the assignment of the third remote control as a third support function for the work machine 1 belonging to group G to both the first support terminal 2A belonging to group G and the second support terminal 2B belonging to group G.

[0276] Since the second and third support contents were explained in detail in the first embodiment, a detailed explanation in the second embodiment will be omitted.

[0277] Figure 24 shows an example of the fourth definition screen M6. The fourth definition screen M6 is for group G This is a screen for receiving the input of various information used to define []. For this reason, the fourth definition screen M6 is displayed on the second display device 54 of the management terminal 3. The various information received by the fourth definition screen M6 is transmitted to the fourth control device 61 via the third communication device 53 and the fourth communication device 63. Thereby, the definition unit 61a can define the group G based on the various information.

[0278] When an administrator or the like operates the second input device 55, the third control device 51 causes the second display device 54 to display the fourth definition screen M6. In the present embodiment, the third control device 51 requests the fourth control device 61 for display information including image information for displaying the fourth definition screen M6 via the third communication device 53 and the fourth communication device 63. When the third communication device 53 receives the display information from the fourth communication device 63, the third control device 51 causes the second display device 54 to display the fourth definition screen M6 based on the display information.

[0279] Note that the third control device 51 may cause the second display device 54 to display the fourth definition screen M6 by using a program, image information, etc. stored in the third storage device 52.

[0280] As shown in FIG. 24, the fourth definition screen M6 has a third aircraft input unit 141. The third aircraft input unit 141 receives the input of one or more working machines 1 associated with an access point. Note that since the third aircraft input unit 141 has the same configuration as the first aircraft input unit 101 of the first definition screen M1, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0281] The fourth definition screen M6 has a third user input unit 142. The third user input unit 142 receives the input of one or more users who share the connection information of the access point. Note that since the third user input unit 142 has the same configuration as the first user input unit 102 of the first definition screen M1, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0282] Furthermore, the fourth definition screen M6 may have a second time input unit 143. The second time input unit 143 accepts input of time information relating to group G. For example, the second time input unit 143 accepts input of at least one of a start time and an end time as time information relating to group G. In this embodiment, the second time input unit 143 accepts input of both a start time and an end time. The start time is the date and time on which the support terminal 2 belonging to group G is scheduled to start supporting the work machine 1 belonging to group G. The end time is the date and time on which the support terminal 2 belonging to group G is scheduled to end supporting the work machine 1 belonging to group G. Note that the second time input unit 143 has the same configuration as the first time input unit 103 of the first definition screen M1, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0283] Furthermore, similar to the first definition screen M1, the fourth definition screen M6 may, instead of displaying the work machine 1 that can be input to the third machine input unit 141, display a predetermined notification based on the time information received by the second time input unit 143 and the work machine 1 that the third machine input unit 141 has received. Also, the fourth definition screen M6 may display users that can be input to the third user input unit 142 based on the time information received by the second time input unit 143.

[0284] The fourth definition screen M6 has a fourth confirmation button 144. The fourth confirmation button 144 is a display image that can be operated by the second input device 55. When the fourth confirmation button 144 is operated, it confirms the various information that has been input on the fourth definition screen M6. When the fourth confirmation button 144 is operated, the management terminal 3 transmits the various information that has been input on the fourth definition screen M6 to the fourth control device 61 via the third communication device 53 and the fourth communication device 63.

[0285] When the fourth communication device 63 receives the various information, the definition unit 61a generates group information based on the received information. In this embodiment, the definition unit 61a generates an access point and a group ID, and generates a unique URL for group G as the connection destination information for the access point. The definition unit 61a acquires one or more aircraft identification information, one or more user identification information, and time information that the fourth definition screen M6 has received as input. Based on this, the definition unit 61a associates the group ID, connection destination information, one or more aircraft identification information, one or more user identification information, time information, and third support content to generate group information. Once the definition unit 61a defines the group information, the fourth storage device 62 stores the group information in the group table T6.

[0286] Furthermore, the definition unit 61a may generate group information by associating it with other information in addition to the information described above. For example, the definition unit 61a may define group information by associating it with information such as the work site, such as a field, where the work by the implement 1 is performed, and the details of the work.

[0287] Figure 25 is a diagram showing an example of a group table T6. As shown in Figure 25, the group table T6 stores the group ID, connection destination information, one or more aircraft identification information, one or more user identification information, and third support content corresponding to each group G in association with each other.

[0288] When the definition unit 61a defines group information, the fourth control unit 61 may notify the user of connection destination information based on one or more user identification pieces included in the group G. For example, the fourth control unit 61 refers to the user table T1 stored in the fourth storage device 62 and obtains the email address corresponding to one or more user identification pieces included in the group information. The fourth control unit 61 also generates (creates) a notification email containing or attaching the connection destination information and sends the notification email to the obtained email address.

[0289] When the definition unit 61a generates group information, the fourth control device 61 may update the first schedule information based on the group information. Specifically, the fourth control device 61 stores the information contained in the group information as the action schedule for the work machine 1 corresponding to one or more machine identification pieces contained in the group information. For example, the fourth control information stores the action schedule for the work machine 1 in the time information contained in the group information in the first schedule information.

[0290] Furthermore, when the definition unit 61a generates group information, the fourth control device 61 may update the second schedule information based on the group information. Specifically, the fourth control device 61 stores the information contained in the group information as the user's action schedule corresponding to one or more user identification pieces of information contained in the group information. For example, the fourth control information stores the user's action schedule in the second schedule information, based on the time information contained in the group information. The fourth control device 61 may also store information such as the connection destination information of the group information, one or more work machines 1, other users, workplace, and work content in the schedule information as the user's action schedule.

[0291] Figure 26 shows an example of the fifth definition screen M7. The fifth definition screen M7 is a screen that accepts input of various information used to define the assignment of the second support content to the work machine 1 belonging to group G to the support terminal 2 belonging to group G. For this reason, the fifth definition screen M7 is displayed on the second display device 54 of the management terminal 3. The various information accepted by the fifth definition screen M7 is transmitted to the fourth control device 61 via the third communication device 53 and the fourth communication device 63. As a result, the definition unit 61a can define the second support content to the support terminal 2 belonging to group G based on the various information.

[0292] When an administrator or other user operates the second input device 55, the third control device 51 causes the second display device 54 to display the fifth definition screen M7. For example, when the fourth confirmation button 144 is operated while the second display device 54 is displaying the fourth definition screen M6, the third control device 51 controls the second display device 54 to transition the screen display from the fourth definition screen M6 to the fifth definition screen M7. In such a case, the fifth definition screen M7 is a screen for defining the second support content of the support terminal 2 belonging to group G, which is defined based on the various information that the fourth definition screen M6 has received as input. For this reason, the fifth definition screen M7 corresponds to group G defined using the fourth definition screen M6 before the transition.

[0293] Furthermore, the third control device 51 may display the fifth definition screen M7 at any time in response to operations on the second input device 55 by an administrator or the like.

[0294] In this embodiment, the third control device 51 requests display information, including image information for displaying the fifth definition screen M7, from the fourth control device 61 via the third communication device 53 and the fourth communication device 63. When the third communication device 53 receives the display information from the fourth communication device 63, the third control device 51 causes the second display device 54 to display the fifth definition screen M7 based on the display information.

[0295] Furthermore, the third control device 51 will process the programs, image information, etc. stored in the third storage device 52. Therefore, the fifth definition screen M7 may be displayed on the second display device 54.

[0296] As shown in Figure 26, the fifth definition screen M7 has a second machine selection unit 146. The second machine selection unit 146 accepts the selection input of one or more work machines 1 belonging to group G. Since the second machine selection unit 146 has the same configuration as the first machine selection unit 111 of the third definition screen M3, a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0297] The fifth definition screen M7 has a second assignment selection unit 147. The second assignment selection unit 147 accepts input for the assignment of the second support content for the work machine 1 belonging to group G to the support terminal 2 (user) belonging to group G. Since the second assignment selection unit 147 has the same configuration as the first assignment selection unit 112 of the third definition screen M3, a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0298] The fifth definition screen M7 has a fifth confirmation button 148. The fifth confirmation button 148 is a display image that can be operated by the second input device 55. When the fifth confirmation button 148 is operated, it confirms the various information that has been input on the fifth definition screen M7. When the fifth confirmation button 148 is operated, the management terminal 3 transmits the various information that has been input on the fifth definition screen M7 to the fourth control device 61 via the third communication device 53 and the fourth communication device 63. In this case, if the support terminal 2 (user) is not assigned to the second support content for the work machine 1 belonging to group G, the fifth confirmation button 148 may be configured not to accept operation.

[0299] Based on the above, when the fourth communication device 63 receives the various information, the definition unit 61a defines the second support content for the support terminal 2 based on the received information. The definition unit 61a associates the group ID, the aircraft identification information, the user identification information, and the second support content and generates it as assignment information. Once the definition unit 61a defines the assignment information, the fourth storage device 62 stores the assignment information in the assignment table T5. Note that the assignment table T5 in the second embodiment can be obtained by replacing the second group ID in the assignment table T5 of the first embodiment with the group ID, so a detailed explanation is omitted. <Regarding the implementation of support measures> Next, the execution of support by the support terminal 2 will be described. In the second embodiment, the support control unit 61b controls the transmission and reception of various information necessary for the support terminal 2 belonging to group G to execute the support (second support content, third support content) based on the group table T6 and assignment table T5 stored in the fourth storage device 62.

[0300] Figure 27 is a schematic diagram illustrating the flow of various types of information in a predetermined group G in the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 27, when one or more work machines 1 have established communication with an access point corresponding to group G, the work machine 1 transmits image information captured by the first imaging device 36 to the support device 4.

[0301] As shown in Figure 27, when one or more support terminals 2 have established communication with an access point corresponding to group G, the support terminals 2 belonging to group G transmit the operation information, etc., received by the second operating device 46 to the support device 4.

[0302] When the support control unit 61b receives various information from one or more work machines 1 and one or more support terminals 2 belonging to group G, it provides (transmits) each piece of information to the support terminals 2 according to the support content assigned to each support terminal 2. Furthermore, when the support control unit 61b receives operation information from one or more support terminals 2 belonging to group G, it transmits the operation information to the work machines 1 belonging to group G according to the support content assigned to each support terminal 2.

[0303] The support control unit 61b refers to the assignment table T5 stored in the fourth storage device 62, refers to the second support content assigned to each support terminal 2, and transmits operation information to the work machine 1 according to the second support content. In addition, since the support terminal 2 belonging to group G is assigned a third support content, the support control unit 61b provides (transmits) various information to the support terminal 2 according to the third support content. The support control unit 61b also transmits various information to the work machine 1 according to the third support content.

[0304] In detail, the support device 4 (support control unit 61b) transmits the operation information of the second operating device 46 to the work machine 1 belonging to group G, according to the second support content. Also, the support device 4 (support control unit 61b) transmits the operation information of the second operating device 46 to one support terminal 2 belonging to group G, according to the third support content (voice call). The second imaging device 47 of the first support terminal 2A transmits the image information captured by the second imaging device 47 to another support terminal 2 (second support terminal 2B) belonging to group G. The support device 4 (support control unit 61b) transmits the sound information detected by the second sound collection device 48 of the first support terminal 2A belonging to group G to the second support terminal 2B belonging to group G, according to the third support content (voice call). Then, the support device 4 (support control unit 61b) transmits the text message entered by the first input device 45 of one support terminal 2 (first support terminal 2A) belonging to group G to another support terminal 2 (second support terminal 2B) belonging to group G, according to the third support content (chat function).

[0305] As described above, among the support terminals 2 belonging to group G, the support terminal 2 to which the second support content is assigned can execute the second support content by transmitting information related to remote operation corresponding to the second support content to the work machine 1 via the support device 4 (support control unit 61b). The support terminal 2 belonging to group G can execute the third support content by transmitting information related to the third remote operation corresponding to the third support content to the work machine 1 via the support device 4 (support control unit 61b). In addition, the support terminal 2 belonging to group G can execute the third support content (remote monitoring, voice call, and chat function), etc., based on various information provided by the support device 4 (support control unit 61b).

[0306] Furthermore, when the support terminal 2 belonging to group G connects to the access point, the second control device 41 displays the second support screen M5 on the first display device 44 based on various information received via the second communication device 43 and the fourth communication device 63 (see Figures 21 and 22). Therefore, in the second embodiment, the second support screen M5 is the screen on which the support terminal 2 belonging to group G executes the support content.

[0307] As explained above, the support terminal 2 belonging to group G can execute the second support content and the third support content on the work machine 1 belonging to group G. [Third Embodiment] In the first and second embodiments of the support system S, the case in which the work machine 1, support terminal 2, and management terminal 3 communicate using a client-server method was described. In contrast, the support system S of the third embodiment differs in that the work machine 1 and support terminal 2 communicate using a P2P (Peer to Peer) method. Therefore, in the third embodiment, when the definition unit 61a defines a group G or defines the support content, the support terminal 2 belonging to the group G communicates directly with the work machine 1 belonging to the group G.

[0308] The following description of the support system S of the third embodiment will focus on its configurations that differ from those of the embodiments described above (the first and second embodiments). Components common to the first and second embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations will be omitted. In the following description, the support system S of the third embodiment will be described using the case where the definition unit 61a defines the first group G1 and the second group G2, similar to the definition unit 61a of the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the case in which the work machine 1 and the support terminal 2 communicate using a P2P method, and the support terminals 2 also communicate with each other using a P2P method, will be described, but the support terminals 2 may also communicate with each other using a client-server method, similar to the first and second embodiments.

[0309] In the third embodiment, the first communication device 34 of the work machine 1 can communicate wirelessly with the second communication device 43 of the support terminal 2 via a mobile phone network, the internet, wireless LAN, etc. Furthermore, the second communication device 43 of one support terminal 2 (first support terminal 2A) can communicate wirelessly with the second communication device 43 of another support terminal 2 (second support terminal 2B) via a mobile phone network, the internet, wireless LAN, etc. The user table T1 of the third embodiment stores the IP address of the second communication device 43 of the support terminal 2 as user information. Specifically, the user information includes the IP address of the second communication device 43 of the support terminal 2 to which each user is logged in.

[0310] In the support system S of the third embodiment, the first control device 31 and the second control device 41 control the transmission and reception of various information required for the support terminal 2 to execute the support content. Specifically, the first control device 31 refers to the first group table T3 stored in the fourth storage device 62, and the support terminal 2 belonging to the first group G1 executes the support content (first support content). The second control device 41 controls the transmission and reception of various information required for the support terminal 2 belonging to the first group G1 to perform the support content (first support content) by referring to the first group table T3 stored in the fourth storage device 62.

[0311] Furthermore, the first control device 31 refers to the second group table T4 and the assignment table T5 stored in the fourth storage device 62 and controls the transmission and reception of various information required for the support terminal 2 belonging to the second group G2 to execute the support content (second support content, third support content). The second control device 41 refers to the second group table T4 and the assignment table T5 stored in the fourth storage device 62 and controls the transmission and reception of various information required for the support terminal 2 belonging to the second group G2 to execute the support content (second support content, third support content).

[0312] Figure 28 is a schematic diagram illustrating the flow of various information in the first group G1 of the third embodiment. Figure 28 shows a state in which each user logs into the support terminal 2, and the support terminal 2 belonging to the first group G1 and the work machine 1 belonging to the first group G1 are connected in a communicative manner. The support terminal 2 belonging to the first group G1 establishes communication with the work machine 1 belonging to the first group G1 based on the IP address of the first communication device 34 included in the work machine table T2.

[0313] As shown in Figure 28, in this embodiment, the work machine 1 (first control device 31) belonging to the first group G1 transmits image information captured by the first imaging device 36 to each support terminal 2 belonging to the first group G1 according to the first support content (remote monitoring) assigned to each support terminal 2 belonging to the first group G1. The work machine 1 belonging to the first group G1 transmits image information captured by the first imaging device 36 to the support terminal 2 belonging to the first group G1 according to the first support content (remote monitoring). The work machine 1 belonging to the first group G1 transmits image information to the support terminal 2 belonging to the first group G1 via the first communication device 34 and the second communication device 43. The work machine 1 belonging to the first group G1 transmits the status of the work machine 1 belonging to the first group G1, detected by the status detection device 33, to the support terminal 2 belonging to the first group G1 according to the first support content (remote monitoring). The work machine 1 belonging to the first group G1 transmits sound information to the support terminal 2 belonging to the first group G1 via the first communication device 34 and the second communication device 43. The work machine 1 belonging to the first group G1 transmits sound information detected by the first sound collection device 38 to the support terminal 2 belonging to the first group G1, according to the first support content (remote monitoring). The work machine 1 belonging to the first group G1 transmits sound information to the support terminal 2 belonging to the first group G1 via the first communication device 34 and the second communication device 43.

[0314] As described above, the support terminal 2 belonging to the first group G1 can perform the first support action (remote monitoring) based on various information provided by the work machine 1 belonging to the first group G1. In the third embodiment as well, similar to the first embodiment, the support terminal 2 belonging to the first group G1 should display the first support screen M4 based on the various information received.

[0315] Figure 29 is a schematic diagram illustrating the flow of various information in the second group G2 of the third embodiment. Figure 29 shows a state in which each user logs into the support terminal 2, and the support terminals 2 belonging to the second group G2 and the work machine 1 belonging to the second group G2 are connected in a communicative manner. Figure 29 also shows a state in which the support terminals 2 belonging to the second group G2 are connected in a communicative manner to each other. One support terminal 2 belonging to the second group G2 (first support terminal 2A) establishes communication with another support terminal 2 belonging to the first group G1 (second support terminal 2B) based on the IP address of the second communication device 43 included in the user table T1.

[0316] As shown in Figure 29, in this embodiment, the support terminal 2 (second control device 41) belonging to the second group G2 transmits operation information of the second operating device 46 to the work machine 1 belonging to the second group G2, according to the second support content (remote operation) assigned to each support terminal 2 belonging to the second group G2. The support terminal 2 refers to the assignment table T5 to identify the work machine 1 corresponding to the second support content and transmits the operation information to the work machine 1 via the second communication device 43 and the first communication device 34.

[0317] For example, support terminal 2, which is assigned the second support function (remote control), transmits operation information related to the first remote control to the work machine 1 corresponding to the second support function. Therefore, support terminal 2, which is not assigned the second support function (remote control), does not transmit operation information related to the said remote control to the work machine 1 corresponding to the second support function.

[0318] Therefore, as an example of the second type of support, if individual remote operations are assigned to support terminal 2, then when a first remote operation for one work machine 1 (first work machine 1A) is assigned to one support terminal 2 (first support terminal 2A), the first support terminal 2A transmits operation information related to the first remote operation to the first work machine 1A. The second support terminal 2B does not transmit operation information related to the second remote operation to the first work machine 1A. The first support terminal 2A does not transmit operation information related to the first remote operation to the other work machine 1 (second work machine 1B).

[0319] Furthermore, the support terminal 2 (second control device 41) belonging to the second group G2 transmits operation information for the second braking device 46d to the work machine 1 according to the third support content (third remote operation) assigned to each support terminal 2 belonging to the second group G2. The support terminal 2 transmits operation information related to the third remote operation to the work machine 1 via the second communication device 43 and the first communication device 34.

[0320] As shown in Figure 29, in this embodiment, the work machine 1 (first control device 31) belonging to the second group G2 transmits various information to each support terminal 2 belonging to the second group G2 according to the third support content (remote monitoring) assigned to each support terminal 2 belonging to the second group G2. The work machine 1 belonging to the second group G2 transmits image information captured by the first imaging device 36 to the support terminal 2 belonging to the second group G2 according to the third support content (remote monitoring). The work machine 1 belonging to the second group G2 transmits image information to the support terminal 2 belonging to the second group G2 via the first communication device 34 and the second communication device 43 according to the third support content (remote monitoring). The work machine 1 belonging to the second group G2 transmits the status of the work machine 1 belonging to the second group G2 detected by the status detection device 33 to the support terminal 2 belonging to the second group G2 according to the third support content (remote monitoring). The work machine 1 belonging to the second group G2 transmits sound information to the support terminal 2 belonging to the second group G2 via the first communication device 34 and the second communication device 43. The work machine 1 belonging to the second group G2 transmits the sound information detected by the first sound collection device 38 to the support terminal 2 belonging to the second group G2, in accordance with the third support content (remote monitoring). The work machine 1 belonging to the second group G2 transmits the sound information to the support terminal 2 belonging to the second group G2 via the first communication device 34 and the second communication device 43.

[0321] Furthermore, one support terminal 2 belonging to the second group G2 (first support terminal 2A, second control device 41) transmits image information captured by the second imaging device 47 to another support terminal 2 belonging to the same second group G2 (second support terminal 2B) in accordance with the third support content (voice call). The first support terminal 2A transmits the image information to the second support terminal 2B via the fourth communication device 63 and the second communication device 43. One support terminal 2 belonging to the second group G2 (first support terminal 2A, second control device 41) transmits sound information detected by the second sound collection device 48 to another support terminal 2 belonging to the same second group G2 (second support terminal 2B) in accordance with the third support content (voice call). Support terminal 2 transmits the sound information to the second support terminal 2B via the fourth communication device 63 and the second communication device 43. Then, one support terminal 2 (first support terminal 2A, second control device 41) belonging to the second group G2 sends the text message entered by the first input device 45 to another support terminal 2 (second support terminal 2B) belonging to the same second group G2, according to the third support content (chat function).

[0322] As described above, among the support terminals 2 belonging to the second group G2, the support terminal 2 to which the second support content is assigned can directly transmit information regarding remote operation corresponding to the second support content to the work machine 1 and execute the second support content. The support terminal 2 belonging to the second group G2 can execute the third support content by directly transmitting information regarding the third remote operation corresponding to the third support content to the work machine 1. In addition, the support terminal 2 belonging to the second group G2 can execute the third support content (remote monitoring) based on remote monitoring information transmitted directly from the work machine 1. Furthermore, one support terminal 2 belonging to the second group G2 (first support terminal 2A) can execute the third support content (voice call and chat function) based on sound information and text messages transmitted directly from another support terminal 2 (second support terminal 2B).

[0323] Therefore, if multiple support terminals 2 belong to the second group G2, when remote operation is assigned as the second support service to the first support terminal 2A belonging to the second group G2 (group G), the third support service (remote monitoring) is assigned to the second support terminal 2B belonging to the same second group G2 (group G), so that remote operation and remote monitoring are performed at the same time. (Other variations) In the embodiments described above, the support system S is equipped with multiple support terminals 2, and the support terminals 2 are capable of providing support to multiple work machines 1. However, the number of support terminals 2 equipped in the support system S, and the number of work machines 1 that the support terminals 2 can provide support to, are not particularly limited. For this reason, the support system S may be equipped with only one support terminal 2. Furthermore, the support terminal 2 may be capable of providing support to only one work machine 1.

[0324] Furthermore, although the implement 1 was described using a tractor equipped with a driver's seat 12 and a protective mechanism 13 as an example in the embodiments described above, an implement 1 that can be operated by at least one of remote operation control and automatic operation control does not necessarily have to be equipped with devices and equipment such as a driver's seat 12, a protective mechanism 13, and a first operating device 14, which are necessary for an operator to board the implement 1 and manually operate the implement 1.

[0325] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment explained the case in which the definition unit 61a is provided in the support device 4, the definition unit 61a does not have to be provided in the support device 4. For example, the second control device 41 of the support terminal 2 may have the definition unit 61a, the third control device 51 of the management terminal 3 may have the definition unit 61a, or the first control device 31 of the work machine 1 may have the definition unit 61a. In addition, the definition unit 61a may be provided in control devices other than the second control device 41 and the third control device 51. Moreover, each function of the definition unit 61a may be distributed and provided in different control devices.

[0326] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the work machine 1 is equipped with a driver's seat 12 and can be switched to a manual operation mode in which an operator seated in the driver's seat 12 operates the first operating device 14. However, the work machine 1 does not have to be manually operable. In such a case, the work machine 1 does not have to be equipped with a driver's seat 12, a protective mechanism 13, and the first operating device 14, etc.

[0327] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment explained the case in which the first schedule information and the second schedule information are stored in the fourth storage device 62 of the support device 4, the support device 4 may also refer to the first schedule information and / or the second schedule information managed by another server device. In such a case, the first schedule information and / or the second schedule information are managed by a schedule management service executed by the other server device.

[0328] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment explained the case in which time information (start time and end time) for the first group G1 is defined, time information for the second group G2 may be defined instead, or in addition to this. The time information for the second group G2 is defined for the time period between the start time and the end time of the first group G1.

[0329] A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a support system S as described in the following items. (Item 1) A support system S comprising a support terminal 2 that provides support to the work machine 1 from outside the work machine 1, and a definition unit 61a that defines a predetermined group G including at least one of the work machines 1 and at least one of the support terminals 2, wherein a support terminal 2 belonging to the group G is capable of performing one or more support functions for the work machine 1 belonging to the group G.

[0330] According to the support system S related to item 1, one or more support terminals 2 belonging to group G defined by the definition unit 61a can provide support to one or more work machines 1 belonging to group G. Therefore, there is no limit to the number of work machines 1 that one support terminal 2 can support, or to the number of support terminals 2 that can support one work machine 1. For this reason, by defining group G in the definition unit 61a, one or more support terminals 2 can appropriately support one or more work machines 1. (Item 2) The definition unit 61a defines the assignment of one or more of the support contents to the work machine 1 belonging to group G to the support terminal 2 belonging to group G, as described in item 1 of the support system Tem S.

[0331] According to the support system S related to item 2, a support terminal 2 belonging to group G can perform various types of support on a single work machine 1. In other words, if multiple support terminals 2 belong to group G, each support terminal 2 can perform different types of support on a single work machine 1. Furthermore, if multiple work machines 1 belong to group G, a single support terminal 2 can perform different types of support on each work machine 1. (Item 3) The definition unit 61a defines one or more support terminals 2 connected to a predetermined access point and one or more work machines 1 associated with the access point as a first group G1, and defines the assignment of a predetermined first support content to the support terminals 2 belonging to the first group G1 as the support content for the work machines 1 belonging to the first group G1, as described in item 2 of the support system S.

[0332] According to the support system S related to item 3, the support terminal 2 can perform the first support content for the work machine 1 belonging to the first group G1 by connecting to the access point of the first group G1. Therefore, the support terminal 2 can provide support to the work machine 1 belonging to the first group G1 by the relatively simple process of connecting to the access point. (Item 4) The definition unit 61a defines the support system S described in item 3, which defines the assignment of the common first support content as the support content for the work machine 1 belonging to the first group G1 to the first support terminal 2A and the second support terminal 2B belonging to the first group G1.

[0333] According to the support system S related to item 4, the first support terminal 2A and the second support terminal 2B can perform common support operations on the same work machine 1 belonging to the first group G1 simply by connecting to the access point of the first group G1. Therefore, the flexibility of support provided to the work machine 1 by the support terminals 2 (first support terminal 2A and second support terminal 2B) can be improved. (Item 5) The definition unit 61a defines one or more support terminals 2 and one or more work machines 1 extracted from the support terminals 2 and work machines 1 belonging to the first group G1 as the second group G2, and defines the assignment of predetermined second support content as support content for the support terminals 2 belonging to the second group G2 to the work machines 1 belonging to the second group G2, as described in item 3 or 4 of the support system S.

[0334] According to the support system S related to item 5, the definition unit 61a defines a second group G2 which is a subdivision of the first group G1, thereby assigning different roles to the support terminals 2 belonging to the second group G2 and the support terminals 2 belonging to the first group G1. This improves the usability of each support terminal 2. (Item 6) The support system S described in item 5 defines the assignment of different second support contents to the first support terminal 2A and the second support terminal 2B belonging to the second group G2, respectively, as support contents for the work machine 1 belonging to the second group G2, in the definition unit 61a.

[0335] According to the support system S related to item 6, each support terminal 2 belonging to the second group G2 performs a different support (second support content), thus preventing conflicts in support content between the first support terminal 2A and the second support terminal 2B. Therefore, support for the work machine 1 can be smoothly provided by the first support terminal 2A and the second support terminal 2B. (Item 7) When the definition unit 61a defines the assignment of support content for driving or steering the work machine 1 belonging to the second group G2 to the first support terminal 2A belonging to the second group G2, the definition unit 61a defines the assignment of support content for driving or steering the work machine 1 belonging to the second group G2 to the second support terminal 2B belonging to the second group G2 The support system S described in item 6 does not define the assignment of support content for driving or steering the work machine 1 assigned to A.

[0336] According to the support system S related to item 7, it is possible to suppress conflicts in the support content related to driving and steering between the first support terminal 2A and the second support terminal 2B. Therefore, it is possible to suppress confusion in the support for the work machine 1 between the first support terminal 2A and the second support terminal 2B. (Item 8) The definition unit 61a defines the support system S according to item 6 or 7, which defines the assignment of a common third support content as the support content for the work machine 1 belonging to the second group G2 to the first support terminal 2A and the second support terminal 2B belonging to the second group G2.

[0337] According to the support system S related to item 8, the first support terminal 2A and the second support terminal 2B can perform not only different support content (second support content) but also common support content (third support content). Therefore, the flexibility of support provided to the work machine 1 by the support terminals 2 (first support terminal 2A and second support terminal 2B) can be improved. (Item 9) The support system S described in item 8 defines the assignment of support content to brake the work machine 1 as the third support content for the work machine 1 belonging to the second group G2 to both the first support terminal 2A belonging to the second group G2 and the second support terminal 2B belonging to the second group G2, in the definition unit 61a.

[0338] According to the support system S related to item 9, the first support terminal 2A and the second support terminal 2B can compete to provide braking support. Therefore, for example, in an emergency, if it is desired to slow down or stop the work machine 1, both the first support terminal 2A and the second support terminal 2B can provide braking support for the work machine 1. (Item 10) The definition unit 61a defines the support system S described in item 2, which assigns different second support contents to the first support terminal 2A and the second support terminal 2B belonging to the group G, respectively, as support contents for the work machine 1 belonging to the group G.

[0339] According to the support system S related to item 10, each support terminal 2 belonging to group G performs a different support (second support content), thus preventing conflicts in support content between the first support terminal 2A and the second support terminal 2B. Therefore, the first support terminal 2A and the second support terminal 2B can smoothly provide support to the work machine 1. (Item 11) The support system S according to item 10, wherein the definition unit 61a defines the assignment of support content for driving or steering a work machine 1 belonging to group G to a first support terminal 2A belonging to group G, and does not define the assignment of support content for driving or steering the work machine 1 assigned to the first support terminal 2A to a second support terminal 2B belonging to group G.

[0340] According to the support system S related to item 11, it is possible to suppress conflicts in the support content related to driving and steering between the first support terminal 2A and the second support terminal 2B. Therefore, it is possible to suppress confusion in the support for the work machine 1 between the first support terminal 2A and the second support terminal 2B. (Item 12) The definition unit 61a defines the support system S described in item 10 or item 11, which defines the assignment of a common third support content as the support content for the work machine 1 belonging to group G to the first support terminal 2A and the second support terminal 2B belonging to group G.

[0341] According to the support system S related to item 12, the first support terminal 2A and the second support terminal 2B can perform not only different support content (second support content) but also common support content (third support content). Therefore, support terminal 2 (first support terminal 2A and second support terminal 2B) This improves the flexibility of support provided to the work machine 1. (Item 13) The support system S described in item 12 defines the assignment of support content to brake the work machine 1 as the third support content for the work machine 1 belonging to group G to both the first support terminal 2A belonging to group G and the second support terminal 2B belonging to group G, the support system S described in item 12.

[0342] According to the support system S related to item 13, the first support terminal 2A and the second support terminal 2B can compete to provide braking support. Therefore, for example, in an emergency, if it is desired to slow down or stop the work machine 1, both the first support terminal 2A and the second support terminal 2B can provide braking support for the work machine 1. (Item 14) Once the definition of group G or the definition of support content is performed by the definition unit 61a, the support terminal 2 belonging to group G communicates directly with the work machine 1 belonging to group G with the support system S described in any one of items 2 to 13.

[0343] According to the support system S related to item 14, the support terminal 2 and the work machine 1 communicate directly without going through other communication devices, thus suppressing communication delays and enabling the support to be executed relatively quickly. (Item 15) The support system S is described in any one of items 2 to 14, wherein the management terminal 3 is used to assign the support content to the support terminal 2, and the definition unit 61a redefines the support content defined for assignment to the management terminal 3 to be assigned to the support terminal 2 belonging to group G.

[0344] According to the support system S related to item 15, the support content originally assigned to the management terminal 3 can be redefined for each support terminal 2. Therefore, the support content of the management terminal 3 can be distributed to the support terminals 2 belonging to group G. As a result, the administrator operating the management terminal 3 can appropriately create a work plan using the work machine 1. (Item 16) A support system S according to any one of items 2 to 14, comprising a management terminal 3 that assigns the support content to the support terminal 2, wherein the definition unit 61a defines that the support content should be assigned to the support terminal 2 belonging to group G based on information regarding the assignment of support content transmitted from the management terminal 3.

[0345] According to the support system S related to item 16, the management terminal 3 can distribute and assign support content to the support terminals 2 belonging to group G. This allows the administrator operating the management terminal 3 to appropriately create a work plan using the work machine 1. (Item 17) The support provided is a support system S described in any one of items 1 to 16, which is support for the functions of the equipment of the work machine 1.

[0346] According to the support system S related to item 17, the support terminal 2 belonging to group G can perform each support action for each piece of equipment on the work machine 1. Therefore, the flexibility of support provided to the work machine 1 by the support terminal 2 can be improved. (Item 18) The support system S described in any one of items 1 to 17 includes at least one of the following: remote operation of the work machine 1, remote setting of the work machine 1, and remote monitoring of the work machine 1.

[0347] According to the support system S related to item 18, one or more support terminals 2 can appropriately perform at least one of remote operation, remote setting, and remote monitoring on one or more work machines 1 belonging to group G as defined by the definition unit 61a. (Item 19) The second support service is assigned to the first support terminal 2A belonging to group G and is remote control of the work machine 1 belonging to group G, and the third support service is assigned to the second support terminal 2B belonging to group G and is remote monitoring of the work machine 1. The remote operation and remote monitoring are performed at the same time, and the support system S is described in item 12, or in any one of items 13 to 18 that directly or indirectly reference item 12.

[0348] According to the support system S described in item 19, the work machine 1 can be remotely operated by the first support terminal 2A, while the work machine 1 can be remotely monitored by the second support terminal 2B. Therefore, the worker operating the first support terminal 2A and the worker operating the second support terminal 2B can cooperate appropriately. (Item 20) A support system S according to any one of items 1 to 19, comprising a support terminal 2 belonging to group G and display devices 44, 54 that display work machines 1 belonging to group G.

[0349] According to the support system S related to item 20, the worker can easily identify the support terminal 2 and work machine 1 belonging to group G by checking the displays on the display devices 44 and 54.

[0350] Although the present invention has been described above, the embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of symbols]

[0351] 1: Work machine 2: Support terminal 2A: First support terminal 2B: Second support terminal 3: Management terminal 44: 1st display device (display device) 54:Second display device (display device) 61a: Definition part G: Group G1: Group 1 G2: Group 2 S: Support System

Claims

1. A support terminal that assists the work machine from outside the work machine, The system comprises a definition unit that defines a predetermined group including at least one of the aforementioned work machines and at least one of the aforementioned support terminals, A support terminal belonging to the group is a support system capable of performing one or more support actions for a work machine belonging to that group.

2. The support system according to claim 1, wherein the definition unit defines the assignment of one or more of the support contents to the work machines belonging to the group to the support terminals belonging to the group.

3. The definition section is, One or more support terminals connected to a predetermined access point, and one or more work machines associated with said access point are defined as a first group, The support system according to claim 2, which defines the assignment of a predetermined first support content as the support content for a work machine belonging to the first group to a support terminal belonging to the first group.

4. The support system according to claim 3, wherein the definition unit defines the assignment of a common first support content as support content for work machines belonging to the first group to a first support terminal and a second support terminal belonging to the first group.

5. The definition section is, One or more support terminals and one or more work machines extracted from the support terminals and work machines belonging to the first group are defined as the second group. The support system according to claim 3, which defines the assignment of a predetermined second support content as the support content for a work machine belonging to the second group to a support terminal belonging to the second group.

6. The support system according to claim 5, wherein the definition unit defines the assignment of different second support contents to the first support terminal and the second support terminal belonging to the second group, respectively, as support contents for work machines belonging to the second group.

7. The support system according to claim 6, wherein the definition unit defines the assignment of support content for driving or steering a work machine belonging to the second group to a first support terminal belonging to the second group, but does not define the assignment of support content for driving or steering the work machine assigned to the first support terminal to a second support terminal belonging to the second group.

8. The support system according to claim 6, wherein the definition unit defines the assignment of a common third support content as the support content for work machines belonging to the second group to a first support terminal and a second support terminal belonging to the second group.

9. The support system according to claim 8, wherein the definition unit defines to both the first support terminal belonging to the second group and the second support terminal belonging to the second group the assignment of support content to brake the work machine as the third support content for the work machine belonging to the second group.

10. The support system according to claim 2, wherein the definition unit defines the assignment of different second support contents to a first support terminal and a second support terminal belonging to the group, respectively, as support contents for work machines belonging to the group.

11. The support system according to claim 10, wherein the definition unit defines the assignment of support content for driving or steering a work machine belonging to the group to a first support terminal belonging to the group, but does not define the assignment of support content for driving or steering the work machine assigned to the first support terminal to a second support terminal belonging to the group.

12. The support system according to claim 10, wherein the definition unit defines the assignment of a common third support content as the support content for work machines belonging to the group to a first support terminal and a second support terminal belonging to the group.

13. The support system according to claim 12, wherein the definition unit defines the assignment of support content to brake a work machine as the third support content for a work machine belonging to the group to both the first support terminal belonging to the group and the second support terminal belonging to the group.

14. The support system according to claim 2, wherein once a group or support content is defined by the definition unit, a support terminal belonging to the group communicates directly with a work machine belonging to the group.

15. The support terminal is equipped with a management terminal for assigning the support content, The support system according to claim 2, wherein the definition unit redefines the support content for which the assignment to the management terminal is defined to be assigned to the support terminals belonging to the group.

16. The support terminal is equipped with a management terminal for assigning the support content, The support system according to claim 2, wherein the definition unit defines that it assigns the support content to support terminals belonging to the group based on information regarding the assignment of support content transmitted from the management terminal.

17. The support system according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the support provided is support for the functions of the equipment of the work machine.

18. The support system according to claim 17, wherein the support includes at least one of the following: remote operation of the work machine, remote setting of the work machine, and remote monitoring of the work machine.

19. The second support service described above is assigned to the first support terminal belonging to the group, and is remotely controlled by a work machine belonging to that group. The third support service described above is assigned to the second support terminal belonging to the group, and is remote monitoring of the work machine. The support system according to claim 12, wherein the remote operation and the remote monitoring are performed at the same time.

20. The support system according to claim 1, comprising a support terminal belonging to the group and a display device for displaying work machines belonging to the group.

Images