Agricultural working machine

Abstract

To provide an agricultural machine capable of preventing an operator from mistaking or forgetting operation relating to start of work.SOLUTION: A display part 5 displays information relating to a plurality of fields. An operation part 7 receives a selection operation for one field out of the plurality of fields displayed by the display part 5. When the operation part 7 receives the selection operation for the one field and location information acquired by a positioning unit 4 corresponds to a position in the one field, a control part 21 causes the display part 5 to display a start button 201 for starting operation of a fertilizer distributor 3. When the operation part 7 receives the operation for the start button 201, the control part 21 starts operation of the fertilizer distributor 3 based on the work information of the one field stored in a storage part 22.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an agricultural machine. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a technique for displaying work information relating to a farm field (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-49871 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For example, when an operator performs fertilization work, the operator operates the fertilizer applicator mounted on the agricultural machine and then drives the agricultural machine in the field. At this time, there is a possibility that the operator will make an operation error or forget to operate the machine. If the operator makes an operation error or forgets to operate the machine, the agricultural machine will drive in the field without performing fertilization work.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an agricultural work machine that can prevent an operator from making operational errors or forgetting when starting work. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The agricultural work machine according to the present invention includes a traveling unit, a position acquisition unit, a working unit, a memory unit, a display unit, an operation unit, and a control unit. The position acquisition unit is disposed on the traveling unit and acquires position information. The working unit is supported by the traveling unit and works in a field. The memory unit stores work information related to each of the multiple fields. The display unit displays information related to the multiple fields. The operation unit accepts a selection operation for one of the multiple fields displayed by the display unit. When the operation unit accepts the selection operation for the one field and when the position information acquired by the position acquisition unit corresponds to a position within the one field, the control unit causes the display unit to display a work start notification screen for starting the operation of the working unit. When the operation unit accepts a start operation, the control unit causes the operation of the working unit to start based on the work information related to the one field stored in the memory unit. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an agricultural work machine that can prevent operational errors and omissions by an operator regarding the start of work. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a left side view showing a rice transplanter according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a rice transplanter according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of supply amount plan information in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of operation at the start of work of the rice transplanter according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a farm field list screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a work start notification screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of operation during work of the rice transplanter according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a work completion notification screen in the second embodiment. [Figure 9] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of operation during work of the rice transplanter according to the third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen during work in a modified example of the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference characters and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0010] <Embodiment 1> A rice transplanter 1 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 6. Fig. 1 is a left side view showing the rice transplanter 1 according to the first embodiment. The rice transplanter 1 is an example of an agricultural machine. In the first embodiment, the traveling direction of the rice transplanter 1 is the left direction on the paper surface of Fig. 1. In the following description, the left side in the traveling direction of the rice transplanter 1 may be referred to as the left, and the right side in the traveling direction of the rice transplanter 1 may be referred to as the right.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the rice transplanter 1 includes a running unit 2, a fertilizer applicator 3, a positioning unit 4, a display unit 5, a planting unit 6, an engine 10, a transmission case 11, front wheels 12, rear wheels 13, a driver's seat 14, a steering wheel 15, pedals 16, a bonnet 17, and a dashboard 18.

[0012] The traveling unit 2 is configured as a vehicle body of the rice transplanter 1. The traveling unit 2 travels in a farm field by power of an engine 10.

[0013] The front wheels 12 and the rear wheels 13 support the running unit 2. The front wheels 12 and the rear wheels 13 are provided in pairs on the left and right sides of the running unit 2. In the first embodiment, a vehicle speed sensor 19 is disposed on the axle of the front wheels 12. The vehicle speed sensor 19 detects the rotation of the axle to detect the running speed of the running unit 2. Note that the vehicle speed sensor 19 may be disposed in a position different from the front wheels 12.

[0014] The engine 10 is supported on the front side of the traveling part 2. The engine 10 is covered with a bonnet 17. The bonnet 17 is configured to be openable and closable. The engine 10 functions as a power source for the rice transplanter 1.

[0015] The power of the engine 10 is input to a transmission case 11. The power of the engine 10 is changed in speed by the transmission case 11 and transmitted to front wheels 12 and rear wheels 13. The power of the engine 10 is also transmitted to the planting section 6 via the transmission case 11.

[0016] An operator of the rice transplanter 1 sits in the driver's seat 14. The driver's seat 14 is disposed between the front wheels 12 and the rear wheels 13 in the front-rear direction of the traveling part 2. A dashboard 18 and a display unit 5 are disposed in front of the driver's seat 14. A steering wheel 15 is disposed on the dashboard 18.

[0017] The display unit 5 is configured with a display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. Also, a touch panel may be integrated on the surface of the liquid crystal display or the like. The touch panel is an example of an operation unit 7 that accepts operations by an operator. The operation unit 7 is not limited to a touch panel, and may be a hard switch, a hard button, or the like.

[0018] In the first embodiment, the display unit 5 is attached to the right side of the steering wheel 15 by a holder (not shown). The position of the display unit 5 is not limited thereto, and it may be disposed in a position where it can be seen by an operator seated in the driver's seat 14.

[0019] The handle 15 is attached to a steering column disposed in front of the driver's seat 14. An operator can instruct the traveling unit 2 to move straight or turn by gripping and turning the handle 15 with his or her hands.

[0020] The pedal 16 is disposed so as to protrude upward from the floor in front of the driver's seat 14. The operator operates the pedal 16 by stepping on the pedal 16 with the foot. In addition, a return spring (not shown) is attached to the pedal 16 for returning the pedal 16 when the operator releases the step on the pedal 16.

[0021] The operator commands the traveling unit 2 to travel by depressing the pedal 16 with the foot. Specifically, the operator commands the traveling unit 2 to speed up or slow down by changing the depth to which the operator depresses the pedal 16 with the foot. On the other hand, the operator commands the traveling unit 2 to stop traveling by removing the foot from the pedal 16.

[0022] The planting section 6 is disposed behind the traveling section 2. The planting section 6 plants seedlings in the field. The planting section 6 is connected to the traveling section 2 via a lifting link mechanism 61. The planting section 6 includes, for example, a planting unit 62 and a seedling carrying platform 63. A seedling mat is placed on the seedling carrying platform 63. The seedlings of the seedling mat placed on the seedling carrying platform 63 are supplied to the planting unit 62. The planting unit 62 plants the seedlings in the field.

[0023] A lifting cylinder 64 is disposed on the traveling section 2. The lifting cylinder 64 is driven to extend and retract, thereby lifting and lowering the planting section 6 up and down relative to the traveling section 2.

[0024] The fertilizer applicator 3 includes a fertilizer tank 31, a feed unit 32, an electric motor 33 (see FIG. 2), a transport hose 34, a blower 35, a feed body 36, and a fertilizer controller 37 (see FIG. 2). In the first embodiment, the fertilizer applicator 3 includes a plurality of fertilizer tanks 31 and the same number of feed units 32 as the fertilizer tanks 31. The fertilizer applicator 3 is an example of a working unit that is supported by the traveling unit 2 and works in a farm field, and performs the work of supplying agricultural materials to the farm field.

[0025] The fertilizer tank 31 is disposed at a position between the driver's seat 14 and the seedling carrier 63 in the front-rear direction of the traveling part 2. In the first embodiment, the fertilizer tank 31 stores, for example, powdered fertilizer. The powdered fertilizer is an example of an agricultural material.

[0026] The feeding unit 32 is connected to the lower part of the fertilizer tank 31. The feeding unit 32 feeds out the fertilizer supplied from the fertilizer tank 31 downwards in a predetermined amount at a time.

[0027] A path through which the fertilizer can pass is disposed inside the payout unit 32 (not shown). A payout body 36 having a generally disk shape is rotatably disposed in the path. That is, the payout unit 32 includes the payout body 36. The payout body 36 has a plurality of payout recesses formed therein (not shown) that can accommodate a predetermined amount of fertilizer. By rotating the payout body 36, the fertilizer accommodated in the payout recesses is paid out downstream of the path.

[0028] The electric motor 33 functions as a drive source for rotating the payout body 36 of the payout unit 32. The electric motor 33 is attached to the fertilizer applicator 3 at an appropriate position.

[0029] The conveying hose 34 is connected to the downstream side of the path disposed inside the payout unit 32. The conveying hose 34 is a flexible, elongated tubular member.

[0030] The blower 35 is disposed at an appropriate position close to the delivery unit 32. The blower 35 generates an air flow and sends the air flow to a path inside the delivery unit 32. As a result, the fertilizer delivered downstream of the path through the conveying hose 34 is supplied (applied) to the field.

[0031] The fertilization controller 37 controls the electric motor 33 to change the operating speed of the delivery body 36, thereby changing the amount of fertilizer delivered to the conveying hose 34 per unit time.

[0032] The positioning unit 4 acquires position information indicating the position of the rice transplanter 1. The positioning unit 4 includes, for example, a positioning antenna and a position information receiver. The positioning antenna receives signals from positioning satellites constituting a positioning system such as a global navigation satellite system (GNSS). The positioning signal received by the positioning antenna is input to the position information receiver. The position information receiver processes the input positioning signal to acquire position information indicating the position of the rice transplanter 1. The positioning unit 4 is an example of a position acquisition unit disposed on the traveling unit 2 and acquiring position information.

[0033] 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the rice transplanter 1 according to the embodiment 1. The rice transplanter 1 includes a travel unit 2, a fertilizer applicator 3, a positioning unit 4, a display unit 5, an operation unit 7, a vehicle speed sensor 19, and the like, as well as a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23.

[0034] The control unit 21 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor executes various processes defined by the computer programs by executing computer programs stored in the storage unit 22. The control unit 21 will be described in detail later.

[0035] The storage unit 22 has a memory such as a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a hard disk drive (HDD), or a solid state drive (SSD). The storage unit 22 stores a computer program executed by the control unit 21. The storage unit 22 also stores work information related to each of the multiple fields. The work information includes, for example, the position information of the field, the name of the field, supply amount plan information for the field, etc. The supply amount plan information will be described later.

[0036] The communication unit 23 performs wireless communication with the communication unit 71 included in the server 70. The communication unit 23 receives supply amount plan information created by the supply amount plan unit 72 included in the server 70 from the communication unit 71, and outputs the supply amount plan information to the control unit 21. The control unit 21 stores the supply amount plan information received by the communication unit 23 from the server 70 in the storage unit 22.

[0037] The server 70 includes a communication unit 71 and a supply amount planning unit 72. The communication unit 71 wirelessly communicates with the communication unit 23 of the rice transplanter 1. The communication unit 71 transmits the supply amount plan information created by the supply amount planning unit 72 to the communication unit 23.

[0038] The supply amount planning unit 72 creates supply amount plan information that defines a planned supply amount of agricultural materials for each of a plurality of areas (meshes) into which the field is divided. That is, the supply amount plan information includes location information indicating a plurality of areas set by dividing the field, and a supply amount (planned supply amount) defined for each area. The supply amount planning unit 72 may create the supply amount plan information using a well-known technique. For example, the supply amount planning unit 72 determines a planned supply amount of fertilizer for each area based on the fertility of the soil, the harvest amount of the previous year, etc.

[0039] 2 is configured to store the supply amount plan information received from the server 70 in the storage unit 22, but is not limited to this configuration. For example, the control unit 21 may read out the supply amount plan information stored in a storage medium such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory and store it in the storage unit 22. In addition, for example, the rice transplanter 1 may have a function equivalent to the supply amount plan unit 72, and the supply amount plan information created by the rice transplanter 1 may be stored in the storage unit 22.

[0040] The server 70 may store work information for each of the multiple fields. The server 70 may transmit work information to the rice transplanter 1 via the communication unit 71 in response to a request from the rice transplanter 1. The control unit 21 receives the work information from the rice transplanter 1 via the communication unit 23 before starting work in the field, and stores the received work information in the memory unit 22.

[0041] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the supply amount plan information M1 in the first embodiment. One supply amount plan information M1 is created for one farm field. In the supply amount plan information M1 shown in FIG. 3, a farm field area M2 corresponding to the area of ​​the farm field is set. The fertilization map M3 is configured to include the farm field area M2. The fertilization map M3 is a map that defines the amount (supply plan amount) of fertilizer, which is an example of agricultural materials, to be applied to each area shown by a rectangular frame. The fertilizer applicator 3 supplies agricultural materials to the area corresponding to the position of the rice transplanter 1 detected by the positioning unit 4 according to the supply plan amount defined for that area.

[0042] An average fertilizer amount area M4 is set outside the field area M2, i.e., outside the fertilization map M3. For the average fertilizer amount area M4, for example, a value obtained by averaging the planned supply amount for all areas of the fertilization map M3 is set. If the positioning accuracy of the positioning unit 4 is low, the traveling unit 2 may be erroneously detected as being located in the average fertilizer amount area M4 when it is actually located in the field area M2. Even in such a case, the fertilizer applicator 3 can supply agricultural materials to the field because the average fertilizer amount area M4 has been set. In this way, although the average fertilizer amount area M4 is actually outside the field, it is treated as being equivalent to being inside the field in terms of controlling the fertilizer applicator 3.

[0043] Outside the average fertilizer application amount area M4, an outside-field area M5 is set. The outside-field area M5 is actually outside the field, and is also treated as outside the field in terms of controlling the fertilizer applicator 3. Similarly to the outside-field area M5, the outside of the supply amount plan information M1 is also treated as outside the field.

[0044] Next, the operation of the rice transplanter 1 will be described using variable fertilization work as an example.

[0045] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of operation at the start of work of the rice transplanter 1 according to embodiment 1. In step S11, the control unit 21 causes the display unit 5 to display a farm field list screen.

[0046] 5 is a diagram showing an example of a field list screen 100 in the first embodiment. The control unit 21 generates the field list screen 100 that lists a plurality of fields, using work information related to each of the plurality of fields stored in the storage unit 22. In the illustrated example, the fields are listed in order of proximity to the current position of the traveling unit 2. That is, an X field button 101 that is closest to the current position of the rice transplanter 1, a Y field button 102 that is second closest, and a Z field button 103 that is third closest are listed. Note that, because variable fertilization work has already been completed only in the Z field, the display mode of the Z field button 103 is different from the display modes of the other buttons 101 and 102.

[0047] The worker selects the button corresponding to the field where variable fertilization work is to be performed, and presses the decision button 104. The operation unit 7 outputs the operation content performed by the worker to the control unit 21. When the worker presses the cancel button 105, for example, the screen returns to the screen that was displayed on the display unit 5 before the field list screen 100 was displayed.

[0048] 4, the operation unit 7 accepts an operation to select one field from the multiple fields displayed on the display unit 5. The operation unit 7 outputs the accepted operation content to the control unit 21.

[0049] In step S13, when the operation unit 7 accepts a selection operation for one farm field, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the position information of the rice transplanter 1 detected by the positioning unit 4 corresponds to a position within the one farm field.

[0050] For example, when the worker selects the X field, the control unit 21 determines whether the rice transplanter 1 is located in the field area M2 by referring to the supply amount plan information M1 of the X field stored in the storage unit 22. In the following, the description will be given assuming that the one field selected by the worker is the X field.

[0051] If the position of the rice transplanter 1 does not correspond to a position in the X field (step S13; No), the control unit 21 returns to the process of step S11. Then, the control unit 21 prompts the operator to reselect a field close to the current position from the field list screen 100. Alternatively, if the position of the rice transplanter 1 does not correspond to a position in the X field (step S13; No), the control unit 21 may cause the display unit 5 to display a warning such as "Outside the selected field." Alternatively, if the position of the rice transplanter 1 does not correspond to a position in the X field (step S13; No), the control unit 21 may wait until the position information of the rice transplanter 1 detected by the positioning unit 4 indicates a position in the X field.

[0052] If the position of the rice transplanter 1 corresponds to the position in the X field (step S13; Yes), the process of the control unit 21 proceeds to step S14. In step S14, the control unit 21 causes the display unit 5 to display a work start notification screen including a start button for starting the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3.

[0053] 6 is a diagram showing an example of a work start notification screen 200 in the first embodiment. The work start notification screen 200 is a screen for notifying an operator to perform an operation to start the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3. The work start notification screen 200 includes a start button 201 for starting the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3, and a cancel button 202 for returning to the previous screen. The operator presses the start button 201 when starting variable fertilization work in the X field.

[0054] In step S15 of FIG. 4, the operation unit 7 accepts an operation on the start button 201 of the work start notification screen 200. The operation unit 7 outputs the accepted operation content to the control unit 21. The operation on the start button 201 corresponds to a start operation. In this example, the touch panel constituting the operation unit 7 is configured to accept the start operation, but the operation unit 7 may be configured to accept a start operation using a hard switch or a hard button. As a specific example, when the planting clutch is operated to "ON" while the work start notification screen 200 is displayed, the control unit 21 treats this operation as a start operation. In this way, the control unit 21 can start the fertilization work by accepting an operation to start a predetermined work (for example, planting) other than the operation on the start button 201.

[0055] In step S16, when the operation unit 7 accepts an operation of the start button 201, the control unit 21 starts the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3 based on the supply amount plan information M1 for the X field stored in the memory unit 22. Since the work start notification screen 200 is presented to the operator when it is necessary to start the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3, it is possible to prevent the operator from making an operational error or forgetting to start a variable fertilization operation.

[0056] Next, the variable fertilization work performed by the fertilizer applicator 3 will be described. In step S16, the control unit 21 instructs the fertilization controller 37 to start the variable fertilization work. Then, the control unit 21 outputs to the fertilization controller 37 the traveling speed of the traveling unit 2 detected by the vehicle speed sensor 19 and the supply plan amount of the supply amount plan information M1 corresponding to the position of the rice transplanter 1 detected by the positioning unit 4. Alternatively, when the fertilization controller 37 receives an instruction to start the variable fertilization work, it may directly acquire position information from the positioning unit 4 without going through the control unit 21, and may also acquire the supply plan amount of the supply amount plan information M1 corresponding to the acquired position from the storage unit 22.

[0057] When the traveling speed of the traveling unit 2 is fast, the fertilizer application controller 37 controls the electric motor 33 to increase the operating speed of the feed body 36, thereby increasing the amount of fertilizer delivered to the conveying hose 34 per unit time. In addition, the fertilizer application controller 37 increases or decreases the operating speed of the feed body 36 according to the supply plan amount based on the supply amount plan information M1. On the other hand, when the traveling speed of the traveling unit 2 is slow, the fertilizer application controller 37 controls the electric motor 33 to decrease the operating speed of the feed body 36, thereby decreasing the amount of fertilizer delivered to the conveying hose 34 per unit time. In addition, the fertilizer application controller 37 increases or decreases the operating speed of the feed body 36 according to the supply plan amount based on the supply amount plan information M1. In this way, the fertilizer applicator 3 can change the amount of fertilizer per area to be applied to the field X based on the supply amount plan information M1, regardless of the traveling speed of the traveling unit 2.

[0058] As described above with reference to Figs. 1 to 6, the rice transplanter 1 includes the traveling section 2, the positioning unit 4, the fertilizer applicator 3, the memory unit 22, the display unit 5, the operation unit 7, and the control unit 21. The positioning unit 4 is disposed on the traveling section 2 and acquires position information. The fertilizer applicator 3 is supported by the traveling section 2 and works in the field. The memory unit 22 stores work information related to each of the multiple fields. The display unit 5 displays information related to the multiple fields. The operation unit 7 accepts a selection operation for one of the multiple fields displayed on the display unit 5. When the operation unit 7 accepts a selection operation for one of the fields and when the position information acquired by the positioning unit 4 corresponds to a position within one of the fields, the control unit 21 causes the display unit 5 to display a work start notification screen 200 that starts the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3. When the operation unit 7 accepts a start operation, the control unit 21 starts the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3 based on the work information for one field stored in the memory unit 22. In this way, the rice transplanter 1 presents the work start notification screen 200 to the operator when it is necessary to start the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3, so that it is possible to prevent the operator from making operational mistakes or forgetting to start work, and to start work reliably.

[0059] In addition, the rice transplanter 1 can confirm that the field selected by the operator matches the field in which the traveling part 2 is actually located. Therefore, when the work content differs for each field, such as variable fertilization work, it is possible to prevent the operator from making an operational error when starting work.

[0060] <Embodiment 2> The rice transplanter 1 according to the second embodiment has the same configuration as the rice transplanter 1 according to the first embodiment shown in Figs. 1 and 2, and therefore Figs. 1 and 2 will be used below.

[0061] Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of operation during work of the rice transplanter 1 according to the embodiment 2. The rice transplanter 1 starts work in step S16 in Fig. 4, and continues work in step S21 in Fig. 7. For example, the fertilization controller 37 controls the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3 based on the supply amount plan information M1 of the X field to perform variable fertilization work.

[0062] In step S22, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the position information of the rice transplanter 1 acquired by the positioning unit 4 corresponds to a position outside the X field. Specifically, the control unit 21 refers to the supply amount plan information M1 of the X field stored in the storage unit 22, and determines that the traveling unit 2 is located outside the X field when the traveling unit 2 is located either within the outside-field area M5 or outside the supply amount plan information M1.

[0063] If the position of the rice transplanter 1 does not correspond to a position outside the X field (step S22; No), that is, if the position of the rice transplanter 1 corresponds to a position within the X field, the control unit 21 determines that the variable fertilization work in the X field is continuing. Therefore, the processing of the control unit 21 returns to step S21.

[0064] If the position of the rice transplanter 1 corresponds to a position outside the X field (step S22; Yes), the control unit 21 determines that the variable fertilization work in the X field has ended and the rice transplanter 1 has moved outside the X field. Then, the processing of the control unit 21 proceeds to step S23. In step S23, the control unit 21 causes the display unit 5 to display a work end notification screen including an end button for ending the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3.

[0065] 8 is a diagram showing an example of a work end notification screen 300 in the second embodiment. The work end notification screen 300 is a screen for notifying the worker to perform an operation to end the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3. The work end notification screen 300 includes an end button 301 for ending the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3, and a cancel button 302 for returning to the previous screen. The worker presses the end button 301 when ending the variable fertilization work in the X field.

[0066] 7, the operation unit 7 accepts an operation on the end button 301 on the work end notification screen 300. The operation unit 7 outputs the accepted operation content to the control unit 21. The operation on the end button 301 corresponds to the end operation. Note that in this example, the touch panel constituting the operation unit 7 is configured to accept the end operation, but the operation unit 7 may be configured to accept the end operation using a hardware switch or a hardware button, etc.

[0067] In step S25, when the operation unit 7 accepts an operation on the end button 301, the control unit 21 ends the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3. That is, the fertilization controller 37 stops the operation of the electric motor 33. Since the work end notification screen 300 is presented to the operator when it is necessary to end the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3, it is possible to prevent the operator from making an operational error or forgetting to end the variable fertilization work.

[0068] As described above with reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, when the control unit 21 is controlling the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3 based on work information related to one farm field, if the position information acquired by the positioning unit 4 corresponds to a position outside one farm field, the control unit 21 causes the display unit 5 to display a work end notification screen 300 for ending the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3. When the operation unit 7 receives an end operation, the control unit 21 ends the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3. In this way, the rice transplanter 1 presents the work end notification screen 300 to the operator when it is necessary to end the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3, so that it is possible to prevent the operator from making an operational error or forgetting to end the work, and to ensure that the work is ended reliably.

[0069] <Embodiment 3> The rice transplanter 1 according to the third embodiment has the same configuration as the rice transplanter 1 according to the first embodiment shown in Figs. 1 and 2, and therefore Figs. 1 and 2 will be used below.

[0070] Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of operation of the rice transplanter 1 during work according to the embodiment 3. The rice transplanter 1 starts work in step S16 in Fig. 4, and continues work in step S31 in Fig. 9. For example, the fertilization controller 37 controls the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3 based on the supply amount plan information M1 for the X field to perform variable fertilization work.

[0071] For example, when the control unit 21 is controlling the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3 based on the supply amount plan information M1 for field X (step S31), assume that the worker finishes the variable fertilization work in field X and moves to another field (for example, field Y). In this case, the worker operates the operation unit 7 to display the field list screen 100 (see FIG. 5 ) on the display unit 5. The worker then operates to select the field Y button 102 and presses the decision button 104. The operation unit 7 outputs the received operation content to the control unit 21.

[0072] In step S32, the control unit 21 judges whether the operation unit 7 has received a selection operation for the field Y, which is different from the field X. If the operation unit 7 has not received a selection operation for the field Y (step S32; No), the control unit 21 judges that the variable fertilization work in the field X is continuing. Therefore, the process of the control unit 21 returns to step S31.

[0073] When the operation unit 7 receives a selection operation for a field Y different from the field X (step S32; Yes), the control unit 21 determines that the variable fertilization work in the field X is completed and the rice transplanter 1 has moved or will move to the next work target field, the field Y. Then, the process of the control unit 21 proceeds to step S33.

[0074] In step S33, when the operation unit 7 receives a selection operation for field Y different from field X, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the position information of the rice transplanter 1 detected by the positioning unit 4 corresponds to a position in field Y. Specifically, the control unit 21 refers to the supply amount plan information M1 for field Y stored in the memory unit 22 and determines whether or not the traveling unit 2 is located in the field area M2.

[0075] If the position of the rice transplanter 1 does not correspond to a position in the Y field (step S33; No), the control unit 21 returns to the process of step S32. Then, the control unit 21 prompts the operator to reselect a field close to the current position from the field list screen 100. Alternatively, if the position of the rice transplanter 1 does not correspond to a position in the Y field (step S33; No), the control unit 21 may cause the display unit 5 to display a warning such as "Outside the selected field." Alternatively, if the position of the rice transplanter 1 does not correspond to a position in the Y field (step S33; No), the control unit 21 may wait until the position information of the rice transplanter 1 detected by the positioning unit 4 indicates a position in the Y field.

[0076] If the position of the rice transplanter 1 corresponds to a position in the field Y (step S33; Yes), the control unit 21 determines that the variable fertilization work in the field X has ended and the rice transplanter 1 has moved to the field Y. Then, the processing of the control unit 21 proceeds to step S34. In step S34, the control unit 21 causes the display unit 5 to display a work end notification screen 300 including an end button 301 for ending the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3 (see FIG. 8).

[0077] The processes in steps S35 and S36 are the same as those in steps S24 and S25 in FIG.

[0078] In step S37, the control unit 21 causes the display unit 5 to display a work start notification screen 200 including a start button 201 for starting the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3 (see FIG. 6).

[0079] In step S38, the operation unit 7 accepts an operation on the start button 201 on the work start notification screen 200. The operation unit 7 outputs the accepted operation content to the control unit 21.

[0080] In step S39, if the operation unit 7 accepts an operation on the start button 201, the control unit 21 starts the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3 based on the supply amount plan information M1 for the Y field stored in the memory unit 22.

[0081] As described above with reference to Fig. 9, when the control unit 21 controls the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3 based on the work information related to one field, if the operation unit 7 receives a selection operation for a field other than one of the multiple fields, and if the position information acquired by the positioning unit 4 corresponds to a position in the other field, the control unit 21 causes the display unit 5 to display a work end notification screen 300 for ending the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3. When the operation unit 7 receives the end operation, the control unit 21 ends the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3. In this way, the rice transplanter 1 presents the work end notification screen 300 to the operator when it is necessary to end the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3, so that it is possible to prevent the operator from making an operation error or forgetting to end the work, and to ensure that the work is ended.

[0082] Furthermore, in addition to displaying the work end notification screen 300, the control unit 21 causes the display unit 5 to display the work start notification screen 200. When the operation unit 7 accepts a start operation, the control unit 21 causes the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3 to start based on work information related to another field stored in the memory unit 22. In this way, the rice transplanter 1 presents the work start notification screen 200 to the operator when it is necessary to start the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3, so that it is possible to prevent the operator from making operational errors or forgetting to start variable fertilization work, and to start work reliably.

[0083] 9, the control unit 21 displays the work end notification screen 300 and then the work start notification screen 200, but a screen including the contents of the work end notification screen 300 and the contents of the work start notification screen 200 may be displayed at once. Alternatively, the control unit 21 may display the work start notification screen 200 and then the work end notification screen 300.

[0084] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings (FIGS. 1 to 9). However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Modifications 1 to 4 are described below.

[0085] <Variation 1> In the first modification, an example of preventing operational errors regarding the stopping of work will be described.

[0086] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an in-work screen 400 in the first modified example of the third embodiment. In step S31, the control unit 21 causes the display unit 5 to display the in-work screen 400. The in-work screen 400 includes information 401 about the X field where variable fertilization work is being performed, information 402 indicating work details such as the current amount of fertilizer application, a variable button 403, a constant button 404, a stop button 405, and an adjustment button 406. For example, when the worker performs an operation to select the information 401 about the X field, the field list screen 100 (see Fig. 5) is displayed on the display unit 5.

[0087] The variable button 403 is a button for switching the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3 to variable fertilization operation. Because the fertilizer applicator 3 is currently performing variable fertilization operation, the display mode of the variable button 403 is different from the display modes of the other buttons 404, 405, and 406. The constant button 404 is a button for switching the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3 to constant fertilization operation. In constant fertilization operation, the fertilizer applicator 3 applies the same amount of fertilizer to all areas in the field. The stop button 405 is a button for stopping the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3. The metering button 406 is a button for switching the operation of the fertilizer applicator 3 to metering operation. In metering operation, the fertilizer applicator 3 adjusts the amount of fertilizer delivered to the conveying hose 34.

[0088] For example, when the stop button 405 is pressed during variable fertilization work in the X field, the control unit 21 judges whether or not the position information of the rice transplanter 1 detected by the positioning unit 4 corresponds to a position in the X field. When the position of the rice transplanter 1 corresponds to a position in the X field, the control unit 21 judges that there is a high possibility that pressing the stop button 405 was an operation error and that the variable fertilization work in the X field has not been completed. Then, the control unit 21 causes the display unit 5 to display a screen or the like that alerts the operator to the operation error. This allows the rice transplanter 1 to prevent the operator from making an operation error.

[0089] The application of the first modification is not limited to the third embodiment, but can be applied to the first and second embodiments.

[0090] <Variation 2> In the first to third embodiments, the variable fertilization work performed by the fertilizer applicator 3 is exemplified as an example of the work performed by the working unit, but other components may perform other work. For example, the control unit 21 may have a function as a working unit. In this case, for example, the control unit 21 performs the work of recording the work content, work progress, work date and time, etc. When the start button is pressed, the control unit 21 starts recording the work content, etc. performed on the field based on the work information of the field. In addition, when the end button is pressed, the control unit 21 stops recording the work content, etc. Alternatively, when the control unit 21 automatically switches from the work on the previous field to the work on the next field as in the third embodiment, it may stop recording the work content, etc. related to the previous field and start recording the work content, etc. related to the next field. The control unit 21 stores the work content, etc. performed on the field in the memory unit 22.

[0091] For example, the control unit 21 stores information such as whether or not variable fertilization work has been completed for each field in the memory unit 22. When the control unit 21 causes the display unit 5 to display a field list screen 100 (see FIG. 5), the control unit 21 causes the display unit 5 to distinguish between fields for which variable fertilization work has been completed and fields for which variable fertilization work has not been completed. On the field list screen 100 in FIG. 5, the display mode of the Z field button 103 for which variable fertilization work has been completed differs from the display mode of the X field button 101 and the Y field button 102 for which variable fertilization work has not been completed.

[0092] <Variation 3> In the first to third embodiments, the control unit 21 is configured to control the entire rice transplanter 1 including the working unit, but the unit controlling the working unit and the unit controlling the rice transplanter 1 may be separate. For example, the rice transplanter 1 includes a work instruction unit that instructs the work content (fertilizer amount, etc.) of the working unit and a work control unit that controls the operation of the working unit, in addition to the control unit 21 that controls the entire rice transplanter 1. The work instruction unit instructs the work control unit on the content and conditions of the work based on the position information and the information on the selected field. The work control unit controls the operation of the work machine based on the instruction of the work instruction unit and the state of the rice transplanter 1 (the position of the lever, the vehicle speed, etc.). The functions of the work instruction unit and the work control unit may be realized by one controller or two controllers.

[0093] <Modification 4> In the second and third embodiments, instead of displaying the work end notification screen 300, the control unit 21 may display a warning screen that warns the worker that he or she has gone outside the field.

[0094] In the above embodiment, the drawings are mainly schematic illustrations of the respective components for ease of understanding. Therefore, the thickness, length, etc. of each component shown in the drawings may differ from the actual ones for the convenience of drawing. [Industrial Applicability]

[0095] The present invention can be applied to agricultural machines such as rice transplanters and tractors. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 1. Rice transplanter (farm machinery) 2 Running part 3 Fertilizer application machine (work section) 4 Positioning unit (position acquisition part) 5 Display section 6 Planting section 7 Control section 10 Engine 11 Mission case 12 Front wheel 13 Rear wheel 14 Driver's seat 15 Handle 16 Pedals 17 Bonnet 18 Dashboard 19 Vehicle speed sensor 21 Control section 22 Memory section 23 Communications Department 31 Fertilizer tank 32 Payout section 33 Electric Motor 34 Conveyor hose 35 Blower 36 Propulsion body 37 Fertilizer Controller 61 Lifting link mechanism 62 Planting Unit 63 Seedling stand 64 Lifting cylinder 70 Servers 71 Communications Department 72 Supply Planning Department 100 Field list screen 101 X Field Button 102 Y Field Button 103 Z Field Button 104 Decision button 105, 202, 302 Cancel button 200 Work start notification screen 201 Start button 300 Work completion notification screen 301 Exit button 400 Working screen 401, 402 Information 403 Variable Button 404 Constant Button 405 Stop button 406 Volume adjustment button M1 Supply Plan Information M2 Field area M3 Fertilization Map M4 Average fertilizer application area M5 Off-field area

Claims

1. A running part; a position acquisition unit that is disposed on the traveling unit and acquires position information; A working unit supported by the traveling unit and working in a farm field; A storage unit that stores work information relating to each of the plurality of farm fields; A display unit that displays information about a plurality of farm fields; an operation unit that receives a selection operation for one of the plurality of farm fields displayed on the display unit; a control unit that displays a work start notification screen for starting the operation of the working unit on the display unit when the operation unit receives a selection operation for the one field when starting the operation of the working unit and when the position information acquired by the position acquisition unit corresponds to a position within the one field, and that starts the operation of the working unit based on work information for the one field stored in the storage unit when the operation unit receives a start operation; An agricultural machine equipped with

2. 2. The agricultural machine according to claim 1, wherein, when the control unit is controlling the operation of the working unit based on work information related to the one farm field, if the position information acquired by the position acquisition unit corresponds to a position outside the one farm field, the control unit causes the display unit to display a work end notification screen that terminates the operation of the working unit, and terminates the operation of the working unit when the operation unit accepts an end operation.

3. 2. The agricultural work machine according to claim 1, wherein, when the control unit is controlling the operation of the working unit based on work information related to the one field, if the operation unit receives a selection operation for a field other than the one field among the plurality of fields, and if the position information acquired by the position acquisition unit corresponds to a position within the other field, the control unit causes the display unit to display a work end notification screen for terminating the operation of the working unit, if the operation unit receives the end operation, terminates the operation of the working unit and displays the work start notification screen on the display unit, and if the operation unit receives a start operation, starts the operation of the working unit based on the work information related to the other field stored in the memory unit.

4. The working unit performs work of supplying agricultural materials to a field, The agricultural work machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the memory unit stores, as the work information, supply amount plan information in which a supply amount of the agricultural materials is determined for each area obtained by dividing a field into a plurality of areas.

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