Agricultural work support system

Abstract

To provide an agricultural work support system that allows input of a base amount of materials for field use. [Solution] An agricultural work support system according to one embodiment includes a control device that has map information of a field and manages the amount of materials supplied to the field, wherein the control device generates sections by dividing the field area into a mesh based on the map information of the field, and provides a plurality of input methods as a method for inputting the amount of materials for each section in a single batch.

Description

Technical Field

[0006]

[0001] The present invention relates to an agricultural work support system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a technique is known in which a field area is divided into mesh-shaped sections, and an appropriate fertilization amount (material amount) for each section is set (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above setting of the material amount, there is a method in which the user manually inputs the material amount in advance. However, since it is necessary to input values for all sections, problems remain in the UI (user interface). Therefore, there has been a demand for an agricultural work support system that can input a base material amount in inputting the material amount of a field.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an agricultural work support system that can input a base material amount in inputting the material amount of a field.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, an agricultural work support system (100) according to one embodiment is an agricultural work support system (100) that has map information (Fm) of a field (F) and a control device (130) that manages the amount of materials supplied to the field (F), wherein the control device (130) generates a mesh-like division of the field (F) area based on the map information (Fm) of the field (F) and provides a plurality of input methods as a method for inputting the amount of materials for each section (M) in a single batch. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one embodiment, the agricultural work support system can input a base amount of materials when inputting the amount of materials in the field. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an overview of the agricultural work support system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the functions of the work control device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a plan view showing a seedling transplanter traveling within a field. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a grid-like division of the area. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a single input to the plots corresponding to the headlands. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the input of material quantities based on planning data. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the input of material quantities based on historical data. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the travel process of a seedling transplanter. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the travel process of a seedling transplanter. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the travel process of a seedling transplanter. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the travel process of a seedling transplanter. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the traveling process of the seedling transplanter. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the automatic traveling speed setting screen. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the speed return distance screen. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the warning screen of the weeding machine unit. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is an explanatory diagram showing the warning screen of the weeding machine unit. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is an explanatory diagram showing the warning screen of the weeding machine unit. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is an explanatory diagram showing the warning screen of the weeding machine unit. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is an explanatory diagram showing the warning screen of the weeding machine unit. [Figure 20] Figure 20 is an explanatory diagram showing the storage of the line drawing marker.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, the agricultural work support system according to the embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. Note that the components in the following embodiments include those that can be replaced by those skilled in the art, or those that are substantially the same, that is, those within the so-called equivalent range. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be variously modified and implemented without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0010] First, the overall configuration of the agricultural work support system 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overview of the agricultural work support system 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functions of the work control device 160 according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the seedling transplanter 1 traveling in the field F.

[0011] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the farming operation support system 100 includes an information processing device 130. The information processing device 130 is an example of a control device that manages the amount of materials, which is the amount of materials supplied to the farmland F. Here, the materials refer to materials used in farming operations, such as fertilizers, chemicals, and water. In the farmland F, for example, the seedling transplanter 1 performs operations.

[0012] The seedling transplanter 1, which is a work vehicle, includes a traveling vehicle body 2, a seedling planting unit 3, and a fertilizer applicator 4. The traveling vehicle body 2 is capable of traveling in the farmland F. The seedling planting unit 3 is mounted, for example, on the rear part of the traveling vehicle body 2 and plants seedlings in the farmland F. The fertilizer applicator  4 has its main body part arranged on the upper side of the rear part of the traveling vehicle body 2 and supplies fertilizer in the farmland F. Note that the above example is just an example, and it is not particularly limited as long as it is a work vehicle capable of supplying materials in the farmland F.

[0013] The traveling vehicle body 2 includes an engine and a power transmission device. The engine is the power source of the traveling vehicle body 2 and is also the power source of the seedling planting unit 3 and the fertilizer applicator 4. The engine is a heat engine such as a diesel engine or a gasoline engine. The power transmission device has a clutch that can connect the engine and the drive wheels, and when such a clutch is in the engaged state, the power of the engine is transmitted to the drive wheels. Also, when the clutch is in the neutral state, the connection between the engine and the drive wheels is released, and the power of the engine is not transmitted to the drive wheels. That is, when the clutch is in the neutral state, the seedling transplanter 1 decelerates. Also, the traveling vehicle body 2 can freely travel within the farmland F.

[0014] [[ID=?1]] The agricultural work support system 100 further includes a work control device 160 as a control device. The work control device 160 consists of a controller 150, which will be described later and is mounted on the seedling transplanter 1, as well as a tablet terminal 140, which is an example of a portable terminal device that is an information processing device that can be brought into the seedling transplanter 1. In this embodiment of the agricultural work support system 100, the work control device 160 is described as being configured to include the controller 150 and the tablet terminal 140, but the work control device 160 may be configured to include only one of the controller 150 and the tablet terminal 140.

[0015] The agricultural work support system 100 is constructed such that, for example, multiple seedling transplanters 1 can connect to each other via a communication network 110 and at least one information processing device 130. Each seedling transplanter 1 is equipped with a work control device 160.

[0016] The information processing device 130 includes a processing unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that functions as a control unit, a storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), or HDD (Hard Disk Drive) that functions as a memory unit, and a computer equipped with input / output devices. The memory unit stores various types of information, which will be described later.

[0017] Here, the information processing device 130, for example, a server 130a or a personal computer 130b, is connected to the work control device 160 (controller 150 and tablet terminal 140) via the communication network 110.

[0018] The information processing device 130 has map information Fm (see Figure 4) of the field F where the seedling transplanter 1 works. The map information Fm includes location information of field F and shape information indicating the shape of field F.

[0019] The controller 150, which constitutes the work control device 160, is configured as a computer, similar to the information processing device 130 described above. The controller 150 is connected to various ECUs (Electronic Control Units) 11 (see Figure 2) that control each system mounted on the work vehicle, such as the engine and the running gear. Details of the controller 150 will be described later using Figure 2.

[0020] The controller 150 works in cooperation with various ECUs 11 to have an automatic driving mode for automatically driving the seedling transplanter 1 and a manual driving mode for manual operation by an operator (driver) on board. It can also control the lifting and lowering of the seedling planting unit 3, the opening and closing of the power transmission switch that controls the clutch engagement state, and the operation of the drive system.

[0021] Furthermore, the controller 150 can automatically drive the seedling transplanter 1 along a set travel path (for example, travel path L described later (see Figures 10 to 12)) based on position information from the GNSS control device 120, which is a positioning device.

[0022] The tablet terminal 140 is also a type of computer in terms of its configuration, and comprises a control unit 143 and a touch panel 142 which integrates a display unit for displaying various information and an operation unit for receiving various input operations.

[0023] Here, the work control device 160 will be described. The seedling transplanter 1 in the agricultural work support system 100 can be controlled by electronic control. The seedling transplanter 1 has a controller 150 mounted on the vehicle body 2. The tablet terminal 140, which together with the controller 150 constitutes the work control device 160, can be brought into or attached to the vehicle body 2. The tablet terminal 140 and the controller 150 can be connected, for example, by a short-range wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). Alternatively, the tablet terminal 140 and the controller 150 may be configured to be connected by a wired connection.

[0024] The controller 150, like the information processing device 130 described above, is equipped with a processing unit having a CPU, a storage device such as ROM, RAM, and HDD, and an input / output device. Each device is connected to the others and can exchange signals with them.

[0025] The controller 150 is connected to various ECUs 11, an operating mode selection switch 12, various actuators 170, various sensors 172, a GNSS control device 120, and a display device 124. Additionally, the controller 150 is connected to a communication unit 151 for communicating with the tablet terminal 140.

[0026] The driving mode selection switch 12 is a switch for switching between an automatic driving mode in which the seedling transplanter 1 is driven automatically (automatic driving) and a manual driving mode in which it is driven manually by an operator (manual driving), and is provided, for example, on the vehicle body 2.

[0027] Furthermore, the various actuators 170 include, for example, various cylinders such as a lifting cylinder for raising and lowering the seedling planting unit 3, and various motors such as a throttle motor for adjusting the intake volume of the engine.

[0028] Furthermore, the various sensors 172 include, for example, a rotation speed sensor and a steering angle sensor. Four rotation speed sensors are provided, corresponding to the left and right front wheels and rear wheels of the vehicle body 2, and they detect the rotation speed of the left and right front wheels and rear wheels, respectively. The steering angle sensor detects the amount of steering input to the steering device, i.e., the amount of steering input (steering angle) of the front wheels.

[0029] When the automatic driving mode is selected via the driving mode selection switch 12, the controller 150 can automatically perform seedling planting work in field F with an operator riding in the vehicle body 2, while repeatedly moving straight and turning along a set driving path. As described above, the controller 150 acquires the current position information and turning position information of the seedling transplanter 1 from the GNSS control device 120 located above the vehicle body 2. The GNSS control device 120 can perform positioning and timing by receiving radio waves from navigation satellites S orbiting overhead.

[0030] The display device 124 may be located, for example, in front of the steering wheel and capable of displaying various information. The display device 124 may be configured as a touch panel, as will be described later.

[0031] The tablet terminal 140, which together with the controller 150 constitutes the work control device 160, comprises a control unit 143 and a touch panel 142, as described above. The tablet terminal 140 also includes a terminal communication unit 144 that corresponds to the communication unit 151 on the vehicle body 2 side.

[0032] The tablet terminal 140 is configured as an input device that accepts input operations from the operator directed to the controller 150. Alternatively, the display device 124 may be configured as an input device by being a touch panel, or the mouse and keyboard of the personal computer 130b may be configured as an input device. Information entered by the input device is sent to the information processing device 130 via the communication network 110.

[0033] Next, Figures 4 to 7 will be used to explain how to input material quantities for a mesh-like section M. Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a mesh-like section M. Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a single input to a section M corresponding to a headland. Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the input of material quantities based on planning data D1. Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the input of material quantities based on historical data D2.

[0034] As shown in Figure 4, the information processing device 130 (for example, server 130a) creates a grid-like partition M based on the map information Fm. In this embodiment, each partition M is set to be a square of a predetermined size, as an example. Furthermore, the partition M in this embodiment is configured to allow input of material quantities. Note that the shape of the partition M is not limited to a square, and can also be a rectangle.

[0035] The agricultural work support system 100 provides multiple input methods for batch inputting the amount of materials for each plot M. The actual application of the input material amounts can be achieved by using the known technology of a map-linked variable-rate fertilizer transplanter.

[0036] As a method for inputting material quantities in bulk, it may be possible to input the same material quantity for all plots M at once. For example, the information processing device 130 inputs the material quantities entered by the user using an input device for all plots M at once. For example, the user may input material quantities based on their past experience using an input device. According to the agricultural work support system 100 of the present invention, if the user basically wants to use a uniform material quantity for all plots M, but wants to manually change the material quantity for some plots, the burden of input can be reduced.

[0037] As shown in Figure 5, after all values ​​have been entered at once, it may be possible to input the same amount of material only for section M (lightly shaded area) corresponding to the headland of field F. For example, if the soil at the headland of field F is poor and crops are prone to lodging if they grow too much, it is possible to input a reduced amount of fertilizer only for section M corresponding to the headland of field F. For example, the system may be configured so that each time the user presses a button provided as an input device, the amount of material in section M corresponding to the headland of field F is reduced by a predetermined percentage. Section M corresponding to the headland of field F is pre-set in the information processing device 130. Therefore, the user can input the amount of material for section M corresponding to the headland of field F simply by using the input device to input the amount of material for section M corresponding to the headland of field F.

[0038] In this embodiment, the section M corresponding to the headland of field F is the outermost section M of field F. However, the section M corresponding to the headland of field F is not limited to the outermost section M of field F, but may also include sections M one section M, two sections M, or other sections inward from the outermost section M of field F, and can be arbitrarily set.

[0039] Traditionally, the headland is where the vehicle 2 turns, so the field depth (depth of the topsoil layer) of field F tends to be deeper. Therefore, some users manually reduce the amount of fertilizer applied only to the headland to prevent crop lodging. Users who perform fertilization in this manner can easily create a plan for the amount of fertilizer applied to field F by inputting only the necessary information, namely the "total amount of fertilizer" and the "amount of fertilizer applied to the headland."

[0040] As shown in Figure 6, as a method for inputting material quantities in bulk, the information processing device 130 may acquire planning data D1, which is work plan data for field F, and input material quantities based on planning data D1. Planning data D1 is data created by, for example, Zarbio® Field Manager or Agrinote®. Planning data D1 includes material quantity data for each location within field F. The information processing device 130 inputs the material quantity data included in planning data D1 for all plots M in bulk. This reduces the input burden for users who basically want to apply materials based on planning data D1 from an external service or external tool, but want to manually change some material quantities.

[0041] As shown in Figure 7, as a method for inputting material quantities in bulk, the information processing device 130 may acquire past data D2, which is past work data for the same field F, and input material quantities based on past data D2. For example, past data D2 is data on material quantities for each location within field F, based on the results of data measurement performed on field F in real-time variable rate fertilization. The information processing device 130 inputs the material quantity data from past data D2 for all plots M in bulk. After that, the user can manually input the material quantity for the plot M of the location they wish to change. Real-time variable rate fertilization is a method in which the average value and standard deviation of field depth and fertility are measured by teaching at the start of the work, and variable rate fertilization is performed based on the measured field depth information and fertility information. Past data D2 is data calculated based on the measured field depth information and fertility information.

[0042] Past data D2 may include at least one of the following: field depth information for field F, and field fertility information for field F. The user may be able to select the information to be used from among "field depth information and field fertility information for field F", "field depth information only for field F", and "field fertility information only for field F" using the input device.

[0043] Specifically, the historical data D2 may be configured to use only the field depth information of field F. The fertility information of field F is affected by the pre-field fertilization work performed by the tractor, so the reliability of the historical data D2 may be poor. The field depth information is also affected by plowing, but it tends to reflect the original hardpan characteristics of field F relatively well. If the user so desires, the information processing device 130 can input the material quantity data of the historical data D2, which uses only the field depth information of field F, for all plots M at once. After that, the user can manually input the plots M for the parts they wish to change.

[0044] Furthermore, the historical data D2 for field F may be configured to use only soil fertility information. Traditionally, some users may want to plan the amount of materials based only on the fertility within field F. The information processing device 130 can, if desired by the user, input the material quantity data from the historical data D2, which uses only the soil fertility information of field F, for all plots M at once. After that, the user can manually input the plots M for the parts they wish to change.

[0045] With the agricultural work support system 100 configured as described above, the user can select a base amount of materials according to the intended use when inputting the amount of materials for field F.

[0046] Next, Figures 8 to 12 will be used to explain the processing steps of the seedling transplanter 1 during field work. Figures 8 to 12 are explanatory diagrams showing the travel process of the seedling transplanter 1. In Figures 8 to 12, the position of the seedling transplanter 1 in motion is indicated as position P.

[0047] Figure 8(a) is a plan view showing the seedling transplanter 1 during teaching. Figure 8(a) is a plan view showing the screen of the display device 124 of the seedling transplanter 1 in Figure 8(a). Figure 9(a) is a plan view showing the seedling transplanter 1 after it has been switched to automatic driving mode after teaching is complete. Figure 9(b) is a plan view showing the screen of the display device 124 of the seedling transplanter 1 in Figure 9(a). Figure 10(a) is a plan view showing the seedling transplanter 1 in a round trip. Figure 10(b) is a plan view showing the screen of the display device 124 of the seedling transplanter 1 in Figure 10(a). Figure 11(a) is a plan view showing the seedling transplanter 1 in an inner circumference journey. Figure 11(b) is a plan view showing the screen of the display device 124 of the seedling transplanter 1 in Figure 11(a). Figure 12(a) is a plan view showing the seedling transplanter 1 after it has completed an inner circumference journey. Figure 12(b) is a plan view showing the screen of the display device 124 of the seedling transplanter 1 in Figure 12(a).

[0048] As shown in Figures 8 to 11, the display device 124 can display the process of the automatic travel of the vehicle body 2. The controller 150 causes the display device 124 to display the process in progress and whether or not the process has been completed. In this embodiment, the seedling transplanter 1 is capable of ride-on robot travel, with a user (operator) on board. As shown in Figures 8(a) and 9(a), in ride-on robot travel, first, teaching is performed by manually driving the vehicle body 2 around three sides of the field F under the operation of the operator. As shown in Figure 10(a), the round-trip process is performed by the vehicle body 2 automatically traveling back and forth within the area inside the three sides of the field F. As shown in Figures 11(a) and 12(a), the inner circumference process is performed by the vehicle body 2 automatically traveling around the inner circumference of the three sides of the field F.

[0049] As shown in Figure 8(b), the monitor screen of the display device 124 is provided with a screen that displays the travel process and operation process of the seedling transplanter 1. The screen of the display device 124 changes in accordance with the progress of the robot's travel process. The monitor screen of the display device 124 is provided with a teaching image 125a and an image 126a indicating whether teaching is complete or not, a round-trip travel image 125b and an image 126b indicating whether the round-trip travel is complete or not, an inner circumference travel image 125c and an image 126c indicating whether the inner circumference travel is complete or not.

[0050] For example, as shown in Figure 8(b), during teaching, the teaching image 125a is displayed in a predetermined color to indicate that teaching is in progress. Display images 126a to 126c are displayed in predetermined colors to indicate that each step is not yet complete. As shown in Figure 9(b), when teaching is complete, display image 126a is displayed in a predetermined color to indicate that teaching is complete. As shown in Figures 9(b) and 10(b), when a round-trip step is performed, the round-trip step image 125b is displayed in a predetermined color. As shown in Figure 11(b), when a round-trip step is completed, display image 126b is displayed in a predetermined color to indicate that the round-trip step is complete. As shown in Figure 11(b), when an inner-circuit step is performed, the inner-circuit step image 125c is displayed in a predetermined color. As shown in Figure 12(b), when an inner-circuit step is completed, display image 126c is displayed in a predetermined color to indicate that the inner-circuit step is complete.

[0051] Conventionally, in the case of a riding-type robotic seedling transplanter 1, the travel procedure differs from conventional procedures, making it difficult for users to understand. There is a conventional technology that displays the travel route of the seedling transplanter 1, and by checking the screen of a smartphone or tablet application, the shape of the field F, the distance traveled, and the area where rice planting has been completed can be read. However, since this is displayed on a smartphone or tablet application, it is troublesome as it requires operation each time. With the agricultural work support system 100 of the present invention, the entire robot travel process can be understood without checking the application screen, thus providing a sense of security.

[0052] Furthermore, teaching is absolutely necessary for robot operation, and the round-trip and inner-circuit processes for automatic operation are indispensable steps. The work process is performed in the order of teaching, round-trip process, and inner-circuit process. According to the agricultural work support system 100 of this application, the user can understand how far along the work process is.

[0053] For example, during round-trip and inner-circuit journeys, the vehicle 2 automatically travels along multiple travel paths L. The order in which the vehicle 2 automatically travels along these multiple travel paths L is set. The controller 150 displays the total number of multiple travel paths L and the order of the travel paths L currently being traveled on the display device 124, as well as the remaining time required for automatic travel on the display device 124. For the sake of explanation, the total number of multiple travel paths L and the order of the travel paths L currently being traveled do not correspond in Figures 10(a) and 10(b), 11(a) and 11(b), and 12(a) and 12(b).

[0054] Specifically, the controller 150 displays the total number of travel paths L for the round trip and inner loop, as well as the order of the currently traveled travel path L, in display image 127 to the right of the round trip image 125b. Conventionally, the round trip is a process of repeating work, and it is difficult to accurately grasp the progress of the work compared to teaching and inner loop. With the agricultural work support system 100 of the present invention, the user can grasp how much work has been completed in the round trip. In addition, knowing the number of remaining travel paths L makes it easy to predict the number of times seedlings will need to be replenished.

[0055] Furthermore, the controller 150 displays an image 128 showing the remaining time required for automatic driving. According to the agricultural work support system 100 of this invention, knowing the estimated remaining work time allows for more efficient work by assistants and work before and after rice planting. The work of assistants refers to tasks such as placing seedling trays from the ridge onto the seedling transplanter 1.

[0056] The controller 150 first calculates the distance of each travel path L in order to calculate the time required for the remaining automatic travel. The controller 150 can calculate the distance of each travel path L by calculating the start and end positions of the location information. The controller 150 then adds up the distances of each travel path L. Then, the controller 150 subtracts the distance to the current travel path L and calculates the time required to travel the total distance of the remaining travel paths L at the current work speed setting (for example, a setting where the work speed changes in 1 to 5 stages). Note that the controller 150 performs the calculation at regular intervals to avoid the calculation process becoming too heavy. For example, the controller 150 may perform the calculation process once every 20 seconds.

[0057] Next, Figures 13 and 14 will be used to explain the speed setting at the start of automatic operation of the seedling transplanter 1. Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the automatic operation speed setting screen 129. Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the speed recovery distance screen 131.

[0058] In the ride-on robot seedling transplanter 1, acceleration and deceleration are performed automatically. If the acceleration and deceleration are controlled in the same way as in conventional unmanned robotic rice transplanters, the shock felt by the user riding on it may be too strong. Therefore, the ride-on robot seedling transplanter 1 requires control that allows for gradual changes in speed.

[0059] As shown in Figure 13, the seedling transplanter 1 may be configured to have an automatic travel speed setting screen 129 on the display device 124, allowing the speed at the start of automatic travel to be changed. The speed change may be configured to be set in 1 to 5 steps, similar to the operation of a seesaw switch. Conventionally, in a ride-on robot seedling transplanter 1, the speed during automatic travel is increased and decreased by operating a seesaw switch on a panel switch. Since the automatic travel speed starts at the lowest speed each time, the manually changed speed is maintained in the same field F, but when moving to a different field F, an increase in speed operation is required each time the field F changes. According to the seedling transplanter 1 of the present invention, the number of seesaw switch operations can be reduced.

[0060] As shown in Figure 14, the seedling transplanter 1 may be configured to have a speed recovery distance screen 131 on the display device 124, allowing the user to change the distance required to reach the set speed after automatic driving begins. In a ride-on robot seedling transplanter 1, the degree of acceleration during automatic driving will vary depending on the user. It is expected that some users will find it slow if the acceleration is gradual, while others will find the impact too strong if the acceleration is rapid. The agricultural work support system 100 of this application can provide an automatic driving experience tailored to the preferences of different users. The seedling transplanter 1 may also be configured to be adjusted by time (seconds) rather than distance.

[0061] Next, Figures 15 to 19 will be used to explain the warning display for the weeding machine of the seedling transplanter 1. Figures 15 to 19 are explanatory diagrams showing the warning screen of the weeding machine unit. In the following explanation, the seedling transplanter 1 has interchangeable work unit components, such as the planting unit for planting seedlings and the weeding machine unit for weeding. The following explanation will focus on the case where the work unit is the weeding machine.

[0062] Figure 15(a) is an explanatory diagram showing the warning screen 132 of the weeding machine unit on the display device 124. Figure 15(b) is an explanatory diagram showing the warning screen 181 of the weeding machine unit on the remote controller. Figure 16(a) is an explanatory diagram showing the warning screen 133 of the weeding machine unit on the display device 124. Figure 16(b) is an explanatory diagram showing the warning screen 183 of the weeding machine unit on the remote controller. Figure 17(a) is an explanatory diagram showing the warning screen 134 of the weeding machine unit on the display device 124. Figure 17(b) is an explanatory diagram showing the warning screen 184 of the weeding machine unit on the remote controller. Figure 18(a) is an explanatory diagram showing the warning screen 135 of the weeding machine unit on the display device 124. Figure 18(b) is an explanatory diagram showing the warning screen 185 of the weeding machine unit on the remote controller. Figure 19(a) is an explanatory diagram showing the warning screen 136 of the weeding machine unit on the display device 124. Figure 19(b) is an explanatory diagram showing the warning screen 186 of the weeding machine unit on the remote controller.

[0063] The seedling transplanter 1 may be equipped with a switch or sensor capable of detecting when the plant count sub-speed is in the "weeding machine" position. As shown in Figure 15(a), if the planting clutch is engaged while the plant count sub-speed is not in the "weeding machine" position, the controller 150 may display a warning screen 132 on the display device 124 prompting the user to set the plant count sub-speed to "weeding machine". As shown in Figure 15(b), if the seedling transplanter 1 is a robotic rice transplanter, the remote controller's display unit 180 may also display a similar warning screen 181. Performing weeding work while the plant count sub-speed is not in the "weeding machine" position may place a high load on the implement, but the seedling transplanter 1 of this invention can issue a warning if weeding work is performed while the plant count sub-speed is not in the "weeding machine" position. Currently, the harness automatically identifies whether the implement is a weeding machine.

[0064] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 16(a), if the planting clutch is engaged while the planting number switching lever is not in the "50 / 60 position", the controller 150 may display a warning screen 133 on the display device 124 prompting the user to move the planting number switching lever to the "50 / 60 position". As shown in Figure 16(b), if the seedling transplanter 1 is a robotic rice transplanter, the remote controller's display unit 180 may also display a similar warning screen 183. Performing weeding work while the planting number switching lever is not in the "50 / 60 position" may place a high load on the work machine unit, but with the seedling transplanter 1 of this invention, a warning can be issued if weeding work is performed while the planting number switching lever is not in the "50 / 60" position.

[0065] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 17(a), the controller 150 may display a warning screen 134 on the display device 124 prompting the user to reduce the vehicle speed if the planting clutch is engaged while the current vehicle speed exceeds the regulated vehicle speed (for example, 1.00 [m / s]). As shown in Figure 17(b), in the case of a robotic rice transplanter, the remote controller's display unit 180 may also display a similar warning screen 184. Conventionally, operating a weeding machine at high speed may cause the safety clutch to activate or significantly reduce the weeding effect, but with the seedling transplanter 1 of the present invention, a warning can be issued when the weeding machine is operated at high speed.

[0066] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 18(a), the controller 150 may be configured to display a warning screen 135 on the display device 124 prompting the user to raise the planting unit if the planting clutch is engaged while the planting unit is lowered. As shown in Figure 18(b), in the case of a robotic rice transplanter, the remote controller's display unit 180 may also be configured to display a similar warning screen 185. If the machine is driven and travel is started with the weeding machine lowered, the safety clutch may be activated. The procedure is to drive the implement while traveling and drop it onto the field surface. According to the seedling transplanter 1 of the present invention, a warning can be issued if the machine is driven and travel is started with the weeding machine lowered.

[0067] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 19(a), the seedling transplanter 1 may be configured to display a warning screen 136 on the display device 124 prompting the user to lower the planting unit while driving if the planting unit is lowered while the vehicle body 2 is stopped. As shown in Figure 19(b), in the case of a robotic rice transplanter, the remote controller's display unit 180 may also display a similar warning screen 186. Conventionally, if the drive and driving start with the weeding machine lowered, the safety clutch may activate. The procedure is to lower the implement onto the field surface while driving. According to the seedling transplanter 1 of the present invention, a warning can be issued if the drive and driving start with the weeding machine lowered.

[0068] Next, Figure 20 will be used to explain how the line marking marker 20 of the seedling transplanter 1 is stored. Figure 20 is an explanatory diagram showing how the line marking marker 20 is stored.

[0069] Figure 20(a) is a perspective view of the vicinity of the line marker 20 as seen from the side of the vehicle body 2. Figure 20(b) is a side view of the line marker 20 fixed by the marker stopper 26. Figure 20(c) is a side view of the line marker 20 in its retracted state. Note that in Figure 20(a), the first arm portion 23, the second arm portion 24, the third arm portion 25 and the marker stopper 26 are not shown.

[0070] The base end 22 of the line marking marker 20 has a pivot portion 22a that can rotate about an axis in the vertical direction. In Figure 20(a), the base end 22 of the arm 21 of the line marking marker 20 is rotated toward the rear of the vehicle body 2. When the line marking marker 20 is used, the base end 22 of the line marking marker 20 is rotated toward the left and right outward direction of the vehicle body 2.

[0071] As shown in Figure 20, the seedling transplanter 1 may be configured to store the line marking marker 20 in two stages. The seedling transplanter 1 is configured to have hinges between the first arm section 23 and the second arm section 24, and between the second arm section 24 and the third arm section 25, and to be fixed and released by a marker stopper 26. The marker stopper 26 is released and becomes rotatable when the ratchet section 27 is pushed inward in the left-right direction of the machine. Conventionally, the seedling transplanter 1 is equipped with an auxiliary step 28 as a step for the operator to place their feet on when getting on and off the machine, but it was sometimes difficult to get on and off because the space between the line marking marker 20 and the frame 19 was narrow. According to the seedling transplanter 1 of the present invention, the line marking marker 20 bends in two stages, which widens the space for the operator to pass through, making it easier for the operator to get on and off.

[0072] Further effects and modifications can be readily derived by those skilled in the art. Therefore, broader aspects of the present invention are not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments expressed and described above. Accordingly, various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit or scope of the overall concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0073] 1 Seedling transplanter 2. Running vehicle 100 Agricultural work support systems 124 Display device D1 Planning Data D2 Historical Data Field F Fm Map Information L Driving route Section M

Claims

1. An agricultural work support system that has map information of a field and a control device that manages the amount of materials supplied to the field, The control device generates a grid-like division of the field area based on the map information of the field, and provides a plurality of input methods for inputting the amount of materials for each of these divisions in a single batch, as an agricultural work support system.

2. The system includes an input device that can input the amount of the aforementioned materials, The agricultural work support system according to claim 1, wherein, as a method for inputting the amount of materials in bulk, the input device allows the same amount of materials to be input to all of the plots in bulk.

3. The agricultural work support system according to claim 2, wherein after the same amount of material is input for all of the fields at once, the input device allows the same amount of material to be input for only the plots corresponding to the headlands of the field at once.

4. As a method for inputting the quantity of materials in bulk, the control device acquires planning data, which is data for the work plan in the field, and inputs the quantity of materials based on the planning data, in the agricultural work support system according to claim 1.

5. The agricultural work support system according to claim 1, wherein, as a method for inputting the quantity of materials in bulk, past data which is past work data for the same field is acquired, and the quantity of materials based on said past data is input.

6. The agricultural work support system according to claim 5, wherein the aforementioned past data includes at least one of the field depth information and the field fertility information.

7. The system is equipped with a display device capable of displaying the process of the vehicle's automatic movement in the aforementioned field, The agricultural work support system according to claim 1, wherein the control device causes the display device to show the process in progress and whether or not the process has been completed.

8. The aforementioned process includes a process in which the vehicle automatically travels along a plurality of travel paths. The aforementioned multiple travel paths are set in an order in which the vehicle will automatically travel. The agricultural work support system according to claim 7, wherein the control device causes the total number of the plurality of travel routes and the order of the travel routes in progress to be displayed on the display device, and also displays the remaining time required for automatic driving on the display device.

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