Agricultural support system and agricultural support method

Abstract

This agricultural assistance system assists agricultural work performed by at least one agricultural machine. The agricultural assistance system comprises a control device that controls the movement of the at least one agricultural machine. If there is reception of a signal, from a terminal device, for requesting assistance for agricultural work in a field, the control device causes the at least one agricultural machine to move to the field and assist the agricultural work in the field.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an agricultural support system and an agricultural support method. [Background technology]

[0002] Research and development is underway to automate work vehicles such as tractors used in farm fields. For example, work vehicles that run with automatic steering using positioning systems such as the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), which enables precise positioning, have been put into practical use. Work vehicles that not only automatically steer but also automatically control speed have also been put into practical use.

[0003] Patent Documents 1 and 2 each disclose a technique for improving the efficiency of agricultural work by coordinating multiple work vehicles. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-108407 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-12134 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] According to the techniques disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, multiple work vehicles can work in a field in cooperation with each other, thereby enabling the work to be carried out efficiently. However, even in this case, progress of the work may fall behind the work schedule, and assistance with the farm work may be required.

[0006] The present disclosure provides a technique that makes it easier for agricultural machines to assist in agricultural work in fields. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This specification discloses the solutions described in the following items.

[0008] [Item 1] An agricultural support system that supports agricultural work by one or more agricultural machines, a control device for controlling the operation of the one or more agricultural machines; An agricultural support system in which, when the control device receives a signal from a terminal device requesting assistance with agricultural work in the field, the control device moves the one or more agricultural machines to the field and assists in the agricultural work in the field.

[0009] [Item 2] The control device Controlling the operation of a first agricultural machine included in the one or more agricultural machines; 2. The agricultural support system according to claim 1, wherein when the signal is received from the terminal device while a second agricultural machine is performing agricultural work in the field, the agricultural support system causes the first agricultural machine to move to the field and assist the second agricultural machine in the agricultural work.

[0010] [Item 3] The control device controlling the operation of each of a first agricultural machine and a second agricultural machine included in the one or more agricultural machines; 2. The agricultural support system according to item 1, wherein, when the signal is received from the terminal device, the first agricultural machine and the second agricultural machine are caused to move to the field and assist in agricultural work in the field.

[0011] [Item 4] Item 3. The agricultural support system according to item 2, wherein, when the control device receives the signal from the terminal device, the control device causes the first agricultural machine, which is stopped at a storage location, to move to the field, and after agricultural work in the field is completed, causes the first agricultural machine to move to the storage location.

[0012] [Item 5] Item 3. The agricultural support system according to item 2, wherein, when the control device receives the signal from the terminal device, the control device causes the first agricultural machine stopped at a first storage location to move to the field, and after agricultural work in the field is completed, causes the first agricultural machine to move to a second storage location different from the first storage location.

[0013] [Item 6] Item 6. The agricultural support system according to item 5, wherein, when the control device receives the signal from the terminal device, the control device causes the first agricultural machine, which is stopped at a first storage location, to move to the field, and after farm work in the field is completed, causes the first agricultural machine to move to the second storage location, which is located at a distance from the field shorter than the distance from the field to the first storage location.

[0014] [Item 7] The control device Controlling the operation of a third agricultural machine included in the one or more agricultural machines; Item 3. The agricultural support system according to item 2, wherein the control device causes the first or third agricultural machine to move to the field based on the positional relationship between the location of the first agricultural machine, the location of the third agricultural machine, and the field when the signal is received from the terminal device.

[0015] [Item 8] 8. The agricultural support system according to Item 7, wherein when the first agricultural machine is stopped at a first storage location and the third agricultural machine is stopped at a second storage location that is located at a distance from the field longer than the distance from the field to the first storage location, the control device causes the first agricultural machine to move from the first storage location to the field when the control device receives the signal from the terminal device.

[0016] [Item 9] Item 8. The agricultural support system according to Item 7, wherein when the third agricultural machine is stopped at a first storage location and the first agricultural machine is performing agricultural work in another field that is closer to the field than the distance from the field to the first storage location, the control device causes the first agricultural machine to move from the other field to the field when the control device receives the signal from the terminal device.

[0017] [Item 10] Item 8. The agricultural support system according to Item 7, wherein, when the first agricultural machine is performing agricultural work in another field different from the first agricultural machine and the third agricultural machine is performing agricultural work in a further field that is further away from the first agricultural machine than the other field, upon receiving the signal from the terminal device, the control device causes the first agricultural machine to move from the other field to the first agricultural machine's field.

[0018] [Item 11] a storage device; 11. The agricultural support system according to any one of items 1 to 10, wherein the control device creates a work log including at least one piece of information on the work content, work time, and type of agricultural machine of the agricultural work performed by the one or more agricultural machines in the field, and records the work log in the storage device.

[0019] [Item 12] Item 12. The agricultural support system according to item 11, wherein the control device transmits data of the work log to the terminal device.

[0020] [Item 13] Item 13. The agricultural support system according to item 11 or 12, wherein the control device calculates the usage fee for the one or more agricultural machines based on the work log and transmits billing information to the terminal device.

[0021] [Item 14] 14. The agricultural support system according to any one of items 1 to 13, wherein the control device manages a schedule of agricultural work to be performed by the one or more agricultural machines.

[0022] [Item 15] Item 15. The agricultural support system according to item 14, wherein the control device, when receiving the signal from the terminal device, updates a schedule of farm work to be performed by the one or more agricultural machines when it decides to move the one or more agricultural machines to the field.

[0023] [Item 16] An agricultural support system that supports agricultural work by agricultural machinery, a control device that controls the operation of each of the first agricultural machine and the second agricultural machine; The control device managing a schedule of agricultural work to be performed by the second agricultural machine; an agricultural support system that, when the second agricultural machine is performing agricultural work in a field and it is determined that the agricultural work by the second agricultural machine is behind schedule, moves the first agricultural machine to the field to assist the agricultural work being performed by the second agricultural machine.

[0024] [Item 17] 1. An agricultural support method for supporting agricultural work by one or more agricultural machines, the method comprising: controlling operation of the one or more agricultural machines; receiving a signal requesting assistance with agricultural work in the field, the signal being transmitted from a terminal device; When the signal is received, causing the one or more agricultural machines to move to the field and assist in agricultural work in the field; An agricultural support method that uses a computer to perform the above.

[0025] [Item 18] An agricultural support method for supporting agricultural work by an agricultural machine, the method being implemented in a computer, comprising: Controlling the operation of each of the first agricultural machine and the second agricultural machine; managing a schedule of agricultural work to be performed by the second agricultural machine; When the second agricultural machine is performing agricultural work in a field and it is determined that the agricultural work by the second agricultural machine is behind schedule, the first agricultural machine is moved to the field to assist the agricultural work performed by the second agricultural machine; An agricultural support method that uses a computer to perform the above.

[0026] A general or specific aspect of the present disclosure may be realized by an apparatus, a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium, or any combination thereof. The computer-readable storage medium may include a volatile storage medium or a non-volatile storage medium. An apparatus may be composed of multiple devices. When an apparatus is composed of two or more devices, the two or more devices may be located in a single device or may be located separately in two or more separate devices. [Effects of the Invention]

[0027] According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to facilitate assistance with agricultural work in fields by agricultural machines. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration example of an agricultural support system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic hardware configuration of a server computer. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic hardware configuration of a terminal device. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of the appearance of an agricultural machine according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 1 is a side view schematically illustrating an example of an agricultural machine with a work implement attached thereto. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an agricultural machine. [Figure 7]FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of an agricultural machine that performs positioning using RTK-GNSS. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of an agricultural machine that automatically travels along a target route in a farm field. [Figure 9] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of steering control during automatic driving executed by the control device. [Figure 10A] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an agricultural machine traveling along a target route. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an agricultural machine at a position shifted to the right from a target path. [Figure 10C] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an agricultural machine at a position shifted to the left from a target path. [Figure 10D] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an agricultural machine facing in an oblique direction relative to a target path. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a situation in which a plurality of agricultural machines are automatically traveling inside a field and on roads outside the field. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a work schedule setting screen displayed on a display device of the terminal device. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a farm work schedule created by the server. [Figure 14] 1 is a flowchart illustrating the steps of an example of an agricultural support method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15A] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of assistance for agricultural work in a field by an agricultural machine. [Figure 15B] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of assistance for agricultural work in a field by an agricultural machine. [Figure 16] 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of a control device of a first agricultural machine, a control device of a second agricultural machine, and a control device of a server. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a situation in which a manager in the vicinity of the field uses a terminal device to manage the progress of work in the field being performed by a second agricultural machine. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display of the progress of work displayed on the display of the terminal device. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a usage statement displayed on a terminal device after using the agricultural work support service. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of a control device for a first agricultural machine, a control device for a second agricultural machine, a terminal device, and a control device for a server when a user requests assistance with agricultural machine work from a terminal device used by the user. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a situation in which a farm worker is carrying a terminal device while performing manual work in a farm field. [Figure 22] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the control device of the first agricultural machine, the terminal device, and the control device of the server when an operator uses the terminal device to request assistance for work. FIG. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a situation in which a manager in the vicinity of a field is using a terminal device to manage the progress of work in the field being performed by a second agricultural machine, and is receiving assistance with agricultural work from one or more agricultural machines. [Figure 24A] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example in which, after farm work in a field is completed, the first agricultural machine is moved to a storage location different from the storage location where the first agricultural machine was parked. [Figure 24B] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example in which, after farm work in a field is completed, the first agricultural machine is moved to a storage location different from the storage location where the first agricultural machine was parked. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example in which, after farm work in a field is completed, the first agricultural machine is moved to a storage location different from the storage location where the first agricultural machine was parked. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example in which an agricultural machine in the first storage location is moved to the field when the first storage location is closer to the field than the second storage location. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example in which, when another field is closer to the field than the storage location, an agricultural machine performing farm work in the other field is moved to the field. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example in which, when another field is closer to the field than the storage location, an agricultural machine performing farm work in the other field is moved to the field. [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example in which an agricultural machine performing farm work in another field is moved to the other field when the other field is closer to the other field than the other field. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described. However, more detailed descriptions than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters and redundant descriptions of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following description and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. Note that the inventors provide the accompanying drawings and the following description to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and do not intend for them to limit the subject matter described in the claims. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0030] The following embodiments are examples, and the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. For example, the numerical values, shapes, materials, steps, step order, display screen layout, etc. shown in the following embodiments are merely examples, and various modifications are possible as long as no technical contradiction occurs. Furthermore, one aspect can be combined with another aspect as long as no technical contradiction occurs.

[0031] In this disclosure, "agricultural machinery" refers to machinery used for agricultural purposes. Examples of agricultural machinery include tractors, harvesters, rice transplanters, riding cultivators, vegetable transplanters, mowers, seed sowing machines, fertilizer applicators, and field mobile robots. Not only can a work vehicle such as a tractor function alone as "agricultural machinery," but the entire work vehicle and an implement attached to or towed by the work vehicle can also function as one "agricultural machinery." Agricultural machinery performs agricultural tasks on the ground in a field, such as plowing, sowing seeds, pest control, fertilizing, planting crops, or harvesting. These agricultural tasks are sometimes simply referred to as "work."

[0032] In this disclosure, "autonomous driving" refers to controlling the movement of an agricultural machine through the action of a control device, without manual operation by a driver. Agricultural machines that perform autonomous driving are sometimes called "autonomous agricultural machines" or "robotic agricultural machines." During autonomous driving, not only the movement of the agricultural machine but also its agricultural work operations may be automatically controlled. When the agricultural machine is a vehicle-type machine, the traveling of the agricultural machine through autonomous driving is referred to as "autonomous driving." The control device may control at least one of the following operations required for the movement of the agricultural machine: steering, adjusting the movement speed, and starting and stopping the movement. When controlling a work vehicle equipped with a work implement, the control device may control operations such as raising and lowering the work implement and starting and stopping its operation. Autonomous driving movement may include not only movement of the agricultural machine toward a destination along a predetermined route, but also movement of the agricultural machine following a tracking target. An autonomously driving agricultural machine may have the function of moving partially based on user instructions. Furthermore, an autonomously driving agricultural machine may operate in a manual driving mode in which it moves through manual operation by the driver, in addition to an autonomous driving mode. Steering an agricultural machine by the action of a control device, without manual operation, is called "automatic steering." Part or all of the control device may be external to the agricultural machine. Control signals, commands, data, and the like may be communicated between the agricultural machine and a control device external to the agricultural machine. An agricultural machine that performs automatic driving may move autonomously while sensing the surrounding environment, without a human being being involved in controlling the movement of the agricultural machine. An agricultural machine capable of autonomous movement can travel unmanned within a field or outside a field (e.g., on a road). During autonomous movement, the machine may detect obstacles and take action to avoid them.

[0033] An agricultural support system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is substantially realized as a computer system. The agricultural support system includes a control device that controls the operation of one or more agricultural machines. By utilizing the agricultural support system, users can enjoy agricultural work support services. Examples of agricultural work support services include an agricultural machine sharing service. When the control device receives a signal requesting assistance with agricultural work in a field from a terminal device, the control device causes one or more agricultural machines to move to the field and assist with the agricultural work in the field. In the following description, the signal requesting assistance with agricultural work may be referred to as a "request signal."

[0034] The control device may be, for example, a computer including one or more processors and one or more memories. In this case, the processor can achieve desired processing by sequentially executing computer programs stored in the memory. The control device may be mounted on the agricultural machine, or may be installed in a location remote from the agricultural machine, such as the home or business of a user who monitors the agricultural machine, or a management center that manages the agricultural machine. One of multiple electronic control units (ECUs) mounted on the agricultural machine may have the function of the control device, or an ECU mounted on one of multiple agricultural machines may be used as a master computer, and the master computer may function as the control device. Alternatively, an external server computer or edge computer that communicates with the agricultural machine via a network may function as the control device. Furthermore, a terminal device may have the function of the control device. Examples of terminal devices include a stationary computer, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, etc.

[0035] A control device according to one aspect of the present disclosure controls the operation of a first agricultural machine included in one or more agricultural machines, and when a request signal is received from a terminal device used by a user while a second agricultural machine is performing agricultural work in a field, causes the first agricultural machine to move to the field and assist the agricultural work being performed by the second agricultural machine. Alternatively, the control device may control the operation of each of the first agricultural machine and the second agricultural machine included in the one or more agricultural machines, and when a request signal is received from the terminal device used by the user, causes the first agricultural machine and the second agricultural machine to move to the field and assist the agricultural work in the field.

[0036] When agricultural workers perform farm work manually or manually operate agricultural machinery, work progress can fall behind the original work schedule. Even when unmanned agricultural machinery performs farm work according to a work schedule created by a farmer, work progress can fall behind the original work schedule due to various factors, such as field conditions, weather changes, and deterioration of agricultural machinery parts or implements. For example, tasks such as rice planting or harvesting require intensive work in a short period of time, and the larger the field area, the more likely work schedule delays are to occur. Conventionally, when a work schedule is delayed, a manager (e.g., a farm owner) who manages the entire farm work can communicate with one or more workers and request assistance from them. The requested workers could assist with the work manually or using agricultural machinery owned by the manager. However, the scope of requests for assistance may be limited to workers employed by the manager. Furthermore, since agricultural machinery is the personal property of the manager or other person, if someone else wants to use the agricultural machinery, they must obtain permission through negotiation or other means.

[0037] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, even if a work schedule is delayed, it may be easy to make up for the delay by receiving assistance with agricultural work from agricultural machines. For example, by connecting multiple agricultural machine groups each belonging to different owners to an agricultural support system, it becomes possible to realize agricultural machine sharing between different groups. A farm worker belonging to one group can request assistance with agricultural work from agricultural machines belonging to other groups. However, assistance requests from users are not limited to cases where a work schedule is delayed. A user can request assistance with agricultural work as needed, such as when they want to accelerate agricultural work in order to bring the work schedule forward.

[0038] A control device according to another aspect of the present disclosure may, when receiving a request signal from a terminal device used by a farm worker while the farm worker is performing manual work in a field, cause the agricultural machine to move to the field and assist the farm worker in the manual work. In this example, too, it becomes easy to make up for delays by having the agricultural machine assist the farm work.

[0039] A control device according to yet another aspect of the present disclosure controls the operation of a first agricultural machine and a second agricultural machine. The control device manages a schedule for agricultural work to be performed by the second agricultural machine, and if the control device determines that the agricultural work by the second agricultural machine is behind schedule while the second agricultural machine is performing agricultural work in a field, the control device causes the first agricultural machine to move to the field and assist the agricultural work being performed by the second agricultural machine. This example can provide a technology that fully automates the assistance of agricultural work in a field by an autonomously operating agricultural machine.

[0040] [1. Structure of the agricultural support system] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of an agricultural support system 1000 according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic hardware configuration of a server computer 100. The agricultural support system 1000 includes a server computer 100 (hereinafter referred to as "server 100") and one or more terminal devices 200. A plurality of agricultural machines 300 may be connected to the agricultural support system 1000 via a wired or wireless network 60 so as to be able to communicate with each other. FIG. 1 shows a connection example in which three agricultural machines 300 are connected to the agricultural support system 1000 via the network 60. However, the number of agricultural machines 300 connected to the agricultural support system 1000 is arbitrary. The agricultural support system 1000 may further include one or more edge computers from the viewpoint of reducing communication delays or distributing network loads. In this embodiment, a part of the server 100 functions as a control device.

[0041] For example, a plurality of agricultural machines owned by a manager can be connected to the agricultural support system 1000. Alternatively, a plurality of agricultural machine groups each belonging to a different manager can be connected to the agricultural support system 1000.

[0042] (Server 100) The server 100 may be a computer installed in a location remote from the agricultural machine 300. The server 100 includes a communication device 10, a control device 20, and a storage device 30. These components are connected to each other via a bus so that they can communicate with each other. The server 100 may function as a cloud server that processes request signals, manages schedules for farm work performed by the agricultural machine 300, and supports agriculture by utilizing data stored in storage.

[0043] The communication device 10 is a communication module for communicating with the terminal device 200 and the agricultural machine 300 via the network 60. For example, the communication device 10 can perform wired communication in accordance with communication standards such as IEEE1394 (registered trademark) or Ethernet (registered trademark). The communication device 10 can perform wireless communication in accordance with the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard or the Wi-Fi standard, or cellular mobile communication such as 3G, 4G, or 5G.

[0044] The control device 20 includes, for example, a processor 21, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 22, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 23. Software (or firmware) for the processor 21 to execute at least one process may be implemented in the ROM 22. Such software may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as an optical disk, sold as packaged software, or provided to users via a network 60.

[0045] The processor 21 is a semiconductor integrated circuit and includes a central processing unit (CPU). The processor 21 may be implemented by a microprocessor or a microcontroller. The processor 21 sequentially executes a computer program stored in a ROM 22, which describes a group of instructions for executing at least one process, to achieve the desired process.

[0046] In addition to or instead of the processor 21, the control device 20 may include an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) equipped with a CPU, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an ASSP (Application Specific Standard Product), or a combination of two or more circuits selected from these circuits.

[0047] The ROM 22 is, for example, a writable memory (e.g., a PROM), a rewritable memory (e.g., a flash memory), or a read-only memory. The ROM 22 stores a program that controls the operation of the processor 21. The ROM 22 does not need to be a single recording medium, but may be a collection of multiple recording media. Some of the collection of multiple recording media may be removable memories.

[0048] The RAM 23 provides a working area for temporarily loading, at boot time, the control program stored in the ROM 22. The RAM 23 does not have to be a single recording medium, but may be a collection of multiple recording media.

[0049] The storage device 30 mainly functions as database storage. An example of the storage device 30 is cloud storage. The storage device 30 is, for example, a magnetic storage device or a semiconductor storage device. An example of a magnetic storage device is a hard disk drive (HDD). An example of a semiconductor storage device is a solid state drive (SSD). However, the storage device 30 may also be an external storage device connected to the server 100 via a network 60.

[0050] (Terminal device 200) FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic hardware configuration of the terminal device 200. As shown in FIG.

[0051] The terminal device 200 includes an input device 210, a display device 220, a processor 230, a ROM 240, a RAM 250, a storage device 260, and a communication device 270. These components are connected to each other via a bus so that they can communicate with each other.

[0052] The input device 210 is a device for converting instructions from a user into data and inputting the data to a computer. Examples of the input device 210 are a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch panel. Examples of the display device 220 are a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The processor 230, ROM 240, RAM 250, storage device 260, and communication device 270 are the same as those described in the hardware configuration example of the server 100, and therefore will not be described here.

[0053] [2. Example of agricultural machinery configuration] Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the agricultural machine 300 in this embodiment. Fig. 5 is a side view schematically showing an example of the agricultural machine 300 with the work implement 400 attached. The agricultural machine 300 in this embodiment is an agricultural tractor (work vehicle) with the work implement 400 attached. The agricultural machine 300 is not limited to a tractor, and does not necessarily have to be equipped with the work implement 400.

[0054] As shown in Fig. 5, the agricultural machine 300 includes a vehicle body 101, a prime mover (engine) 102, and a speed change device (transmission) 103. The vehicle body 101 is provided with tires 104 (wheels) and a cabin 105. The tires 104 include a pair of front wheels 104F and a pair of rear wheels 104R. A driver's seat 107, a steering device 106, an operation terminal 153, and a group of switches for operation are provided inside the cabin 105. When the agricultural machine 300 does not travel on public roads, one or both of the front wheels 104F and the rear wheels 104R may be crawlers instead of tires.

[0055] The agricultural machine 300 shown in FIG. 5 further includes a plurality of cameras 155. The cameras 155 may be provided, for example, on the front, rear, left, and right sides of the agricultural machine 300. The cameras 155 capture images of the environment around the agricultural machine 300 and generate image data. The images captured by the cameras 155 may be transmitted to a terminal device 200 for remote monitoring. The images may be used to monitor the agricultural machine 300 when it is unmanned. The cameras 155 may also be used to generate images for recognizing white lines, signs, indications, or surrounding obstacles when the agricultural machine 300 is traveling on a road.

[0056] The agricultural machine 300 further includes a positioning device 130. The positioning device 130 includes a GNSS receiver. The GNSS receiver includes an antenna that receives signals from GNSS satellites and a processing circuit that determines the position of the agricultural machine 300 based on the signals received by the antenna. The positioning device 130 receives GNSS signals transmitted from GNSS satellites and performs positioning based on the GNSS signals. GNSS is a general term for satellite positioning systems such as GPS (Global Positioning System), QZSS (Quasi-Zenith Satellite System, for example, Michibiki), GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou. In this embodiment, the positioning device 130 is provided on top of the cabin 105, but may be provided in another position.

[0057] The positioning device 130 may include an inertial measurement unit (IMU). Signals from the IMU can be used to complement the position data. The IMU can measure the tilt and minute movements of the agricultural machine 300. By complementing the position data based on satellite signals with data acquired by the IMU, the performance of positioning can be improved.

[0058] The agricultural machine 300 illustrated in FIG. 5 further includes a LiDAR sensor 156. In this example, the LiDAR sensor 156 is disposed on the lower front surface of the vehicle body 101. The position of the LiDAR sensor 156 may be elsewhere. While the agricultural machine 300 is moving, the LiDAR sensor 156 repeatedly outputs sensor data indicating the distance and direction of each measurement point on an object present in the surrounding environment, or the two-dimensional or three-dimensional coordinate values ​​of each measurement point. The sensor data output from the LiDAR sensor 156 is processed by a control device of the agricultural machine 300. The control device can perform processing such as generating an environmental map based on the sensor data using an algorithm such as SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping). The generation of the environmental map may be executed by another computer, such as the server 100, external to the agricultural machine 300. The sensor data output from the LiDAR sensor 156 may also be used to detect obstacles.

[0059] The positioning device 130 may use data acquired by the camera 155 or the LiDAR sensor 156 for positioning. If there are features that function as characteristic points in the environment in which the agricultural machine 300 travels, the position of the agricultural machine 300 can be estimated with high accuracy based on the data acquired by the camera 155 or the LiDAR sensor 156 and an environmental map that is pre-recorded in a storage device. By using the data acquired by the camera 155 or the LiDAR sensor 156 to correct or complement position data based on satellite signals, the position of the agricultural machine 300 can be identified with higher accuracy.

[0060] The agricultural machine 300 is further provided with a plurality of obstacle sensors 136. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the obstacle sensors 136 are provided in front of and behind the cabin 105. The obstacle sensors 136 are used to detect surrounding obstacles during autonomous driving and to stop or detour around them.

[0061] The prime mover 102 may be, for example, a diesel engine. An electric motor may be used instead of a diesel engine. The transmission 103 can change the propulsive force and travel speed of the agricultural machine 300 by changing speeds. The transmission 103 can also switch the agricultural machine 300 between forward and reverse.

[0062] The steering device 106 includes a steering wheel, a steering shaft connected to the steering wheel, and a power steering device that assists steering by the steering wheel. The front wheels 104F are steerable wheels, and the traveling direction of the agricultural machine 300 can be changed by changing the turning angle (also referred to as the "steering angle"). The steering angle of the front wheels 104F can be changed by operating the steering wheel. The power steering device includes a hydraulic device or an electric motor that supplies an assisting force for changing the steering angle of the front wheels 104F. When automatic steering is performed, the steering angle is automatically adjusted by the force of the hydraulic device or electric motor under control of a control device arranged in the agricultural machine 300.

[0063] A coupling device 108 is provided at the rear of the vehicle body 101. The coupling device 108 includes, for example, a three-point support device (also referred to as a "three-point link" or "three-point hitch"), a PTO (Power Take Off) shaft, a universal joint, and a communication cable. The coupling device 108 allows the work implement 400 to be attached to and detached from the agricultural machine 300. The agricultural machine 300 can make the work implement 400 perform a predetermined task while towing the work implement 400. The coupling device 108 may be provided at the front of the vehicle body 101. In that case, the work implement can be connected to the front of the agricultural machine 300.

[0064] 5 is a rotary tiller, but the work machine 400 is not limited to a rotary tiller. Any work machine, such as a seeder (seed sowing machine), a spreader (fertilizer applicator), a transplanter, a mower (grass cutting machine), a harvester (harvesting machine), a sprayer, or a harrow, can be connected to the agricultural machine 300 and used.

[0065] The agricultural machine 300 illustrated in Fig. 5 is capable of being driven by a driver, but may be capable of being driven only in an unmanned manner. In that case, components that are required only for driven operation, such as the cabin 105, the steering device 106, and the driver's seat 107, may not be provided in the agricultural machine 300. The unmanned agricultural machine 300 can travel autonomously or by being remotely controlled by a user.

[0066] 6 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the agricultural machine 300. The agricultural machine 300 and the work implement 400 can communicate with each other via a communication cable included in the coupling device 108.

[0067] The agricultural machine 300 in the example of FIG. 6 includes a camera 155, a positioning device 130, an obstacle sensor 136, and an operation terminal 153, as well as a drive unit 140, a steering wheel sensor 150, a turning angle sensor 151, an axle sensor 152, an operation switch group 154, a control system 160, and a communication device 190.

[0068] The positioning device 130 includes a GNSS receiver 131 and an inertial measurement unit 135. The control system 160 includes a storage device 170 and a control device 180. The control device 180 includes a plurality of electronic control units 181 to 185. Note that Fig. 6 shows components that are relatively highly related to the automatic driving operation of the agricultural machine 300, and does not show other components.

[0069] The GNSS receiver 131 in the positioning device 130 receives satellite signals transmitted from multiple GNSS satellites and generates GNSS data based on the satellite signals. The GNSS data may be generated in a predetermined format, such as the NMEA-0183 format. The GNSS data may include, for example, values ​​indicating the identification number, elevation angle, azimuth angle, and reception strength of each satellite from which the satellite signal is received.

[0070] The positioning device 130 shown in FIG. 6 performs positioning of the agricultural machine 300 using RTK (Real Time Kinematic)-GNSS. FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of an agricultural machine 300 performing positioning using RTK-GNSS. Positioning using RTK-GNSS uses satellite signals transmitted from multiple GNSS satellites 50 as well as correction signals transmitted from a reference station 80. The reference station 80 may be installed near the field on which the agricultural machine 300 travels (for example, within 1 km of the agricultural machine 300). The reference station 80 generates correction signals, for example, in RTCM format, based on the satellite signals received from the multiple GNSS satellites 50 and transmits them to the positioning device 130. The RTK receiver 137 includes an antenna and a modem and receives the correction signals transmitted from the reference station 80. The processing circuit 138 of the positioning device 130 corrects the positioning results obtained by the GNSS receiver 131 based on the correction signals. Using RTK-GNSS makes it possible to perform positioning with an accuracy of, for example, a few centimeters. Position information including information on latitude, longitude, and altitude is acquired by highly accurate positioning using RTK-GNSS. The positioning device 130 calculates the position of the agricultural machine 300 at a frequency of, for example, approximately 1 to 10 times per second.

[0071] The positioning method is not limited to RTK-GNSS, and any positioning method (such as interferometric positioning or relative positioning) that can obtain position information with the required accuracy can be used. For example, positioning may be performed using a Virtual Reference Station (VRS) or a Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS). If position information with the required accuracy can be obtained without using a correction signal transmitted from the reference station 80, the position information may be generated without using a correction signal. In this case, the positioning device 130 does not need to be equipped with the RTK receiver 137.

[0072] The positioning device 130 in this embodiment further includes an IMU 135. The IMU 135 includes a three-axis acceleration sensor and a three-axis gyroscope. The IMU 135 may also include a direction sensor such as a three-axis geomagnetic sensor. The IMU 135 functions as a motion sensor and can output signals indicating various quantities such as the acceleration, velocity, displacement, and attitude of the agricultural machine 300. The positioning device 130 can estimate the position and orientation of the agricultural machine 300 with higher accuracy based on the signal output from the IMU 135 in addition to the GNSS signal and correction signal. The signal output from the IMU 135 can be used to correct or complement the position calculated based on the satellite signal and correction signal. The IMU 135 outputs signals at a higher frequency than the GNSS receiver 131. Using the high-frequency signals, the processing circuit 138 can measure the position and orientation of the agricultural machine 300 at a higher frequency (for example, 10 Hz or higher). Instead of the IMU 135, a three-axis acceleration sensor and a three-axis gyroscope may be separately provided. The IMU 135 may be provided as a device separate from the positioning device 130 .

[0073] 6, the processing circuit 138 calculates the position of the agricultural machine 300 based on signals output from the GNSS receiver 131, the RTK receiver 137, and the IMU 135. The processing circuit 138 may further estimate or correct the position of the agricultural machine 300 based on data acquired by the camera 155 or the LiDAR sensor 156. By utilizing the data acquired by the camera 155 or the LiDAR sensor 156, the accuracy of positioning can be further improved.

[0074] The calculation of the position may be performed by another device, not limited to the positioning device 130. For example, the control device 180 or an external computer may acquire output data from each receiver and each sensor required for positioning, and estimate the position of the agricultural machine 300 based on that data.

[0075] The camera 155 is an imaging device that captures images of the environment around the agricultural machine 300. The camera 155 includes an image sensor, such as a charge coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS). The camera 155 may also include an optical system including one or more lenses and a signal processing circuit. The camera 155 captures images of the environment around the agricultural machine 300 while the agricultural machine 300 is traveling, and generates image (e.g., video) data. The camera 155 can capture video at a frame rate of, for example, 3 frames per second (fps) or higher. The images generated by the camera 155 can be used, for example, when a remote monitor uses the terminal device 200 to check the environment around the agricultural machine 300. The images generated by the camera 155 may be used for positioning or obstacle detection. As shown in FIG. 5, multiple cameras 155 may be provided at different positions on the agricultural machine 300, or a single camera may be provided. A visible light camera that generates a visible light image and an infrared camera that generates an infrared image may be provided separately. Both a visible light camera and an infrared camera may be provided as cameras that generate images for surveillance. The infrared camera can also be used to detect obstacles at night.

[0076] The obstacle sensor 136 detects objects present around the agricultural machine 300. The obstacle sensor 136 may include, for example, a laser scanner or an ultrasonic sonar. The obstacle sensor 136 outputs a signal indicating the presence of an obstacle when an object is present closer than a predetermined distance from the obstacle sensor 136. Multiple obstacle sensors 136 may be provided at different positions on the agricultural machine 300. For example, multiple laser scanners and multiple ultrasonic sonars may be arranged at different positions on the agricultural machine 300. By providing such a large number of obstacle sensors 136, it is possible to reduce blind spots in monitoring obstacles around the agricultural machine 300.

[0077] The drive device 140 includes various devices necessary for the travel of the agricultural machine 300 and the drive of the work implement 400, such as the aforementioned prime mover 102, transmission 103, differential device including a differential lock mechanism, steering device 106, and coupling device 108. The prime mover 102 includes an internal combustion engine such as a diesel engine. The drive device 140 may include an electric motor for traction instead of or in addition to the internal combustion engine.

[0078] The steering wheel sensor 150 measures the rotation angle of the steering wheel of the agricultural machine 300. The turning angle sensor 151 measures the turning angle of the front wheels 104F, which are steered wheels. The measurement values ​​of the steering wheel sensor 150 and the turning angle sensor 151 are used for steering control by the control device 180.

[0079] The axle sensor 152 measures the rotational speed of the axle connected to the tire 104, i.e., the number of rotations per unit time. The axle sensor 152 may be a sensor that uses, for example, a magnetoresistive element (MR), a Hall element, or an electromagnetic pickup. The axle sensor 152 outputs a numerical value that indicates, for example, the number of rotations per minute (unit: rpm) of the axle. The axle sensor 152 is used to measure the speed of the agricultural machine 300.

[0080] The storage device 170 includes one or more storage media such as a flash memory or a magnetic disk. The storage device 170 stores various data generated by the sensors and the control device 180. Information on an environmental map including public roads inside and outside the field and a target route is recorded in advance in the storage device 170. When one or more of the multiple ECUs included in the control device 180 function as the control device 20 according to this embodiment, for example, a schedule of farm work to be performed by the agricultural machine 300, work log data, billing information, and the like can be stored in the storage device 170.

[0081] The control device 180 includes multiple ECUs. The multiple ECUs include, for example, an ECU 181 for speed control, an ECU 182 for steering control, an ECU 183 for work implement control, an ECU 184 for automatic driving control, and an ECU 185 for route creation. The ECU 181 controls the speed of the agricultural machine 300 by controlling the prime mover 102, the transmission 103, and the brakes included in the drive unit 140. The ECU 182 controls the steering of the agricultural machine 300 by controlling the hydraulic device or the electric motor included in the steering device 106 based on measurement values ​​of the steering wheel sensor 150. The ECU 183 controls the operation of the three-point linkage, PTO shaft, and the like included in the coupling device 108 to cause the work implement 400 to perform a desired operation. The ECU 183 also generates signals to control the operation of the work implement 400 and transmits the signals from the communication device 190 to the work implement 400. The ECU 184 performs calculations and controls to achieve autonomous driving based on signals output from the positioning device 130, the steering wheel sensor 150, the turning angle sensor 151, and the axle sensor 152. During autonomous driving, the ECU 184 transmits a speed command value to the ECU 181 and transmits a steering angle command value to the ECU 182. The ECU 181 changes the speed of the agricultural machine 300 by controlling the prime mover 102, the transmission 103, or the brake in response to the speed command value. The ECU 182 changes the steering angle by controlling the steering device 106 in response to the steering angle command value. The ECU 185 controls communication with other devices via the communication device 190. For example, the ECU 185 creates a target route for the agricultural machine 300 and records it in the storage device 170.

[0082] When the control device 20 of the server 100 receives a request for assistance with agricultural work and decides to have the agricultural machine 300 parked in a storage area assist with agricultural work in a field, the ECU 185 may, for example, receive location information of the field to be assisted sent from the control device 20, and create a target route from the current location to the field to be assisted based on the received location information.

[0083] Through the functions of these ECUs, the control device 180 realizes automatic driving, determination of a target route, and communication with other devices. During automatic driving, the control device 180 controls the drive device 140 based on the position of the agricultural machine 300 measured or estimated by the positioning device 130 and the target route stored in the storage device 170. In this way, the control device 180 can cause the agricultural machine 300 to travel along the target route.

[0084] The multiple ECUs included in the control device 180 can communicate with each other in accordance with a vehicle bus standard such as CAN (Controller Area Network). In FIG. 6, each of the ECUs 181 to 185 is shown as an individual block, but the functions of each of these may be realized by multiple ECUs. Also, an on-board computer that integrates at least some of the functions of the ECUs 181 to 185 may be provided. The control device 180 may be provided with ECUs other than the ECUs 181 to 185, and any number of ECUs may be provided depending on the functions. For example, the control device 180 may further include an ECU used to manage access of the agricultural machine 300 to the field. Each ECU includes a control circuit including one or more processors.

[0085] The communication device 190 is a circuit that communicates with the communication IF of the work machine 400. The communication device 190 transmits and receives signals that comply with the ISOBUS standard, such as ISOBUS-TIM, between the communication IF of the work machine 400. This makes it possible to cause the work machine 400 to perform a desired operation and to obtain information from the work machine 400.

[0086] The operation terminal 153 is a terminal through which a user performs operations related to the traveling of the agricultural machine 300 and the operation of the implement 400, and is also referred to as a virtual terminal (VT). The operation terminal 153 may include a display device such as a touch screen and / or one or more buttons. The display device may be, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display. By operating the operation terminal 153, a user can perform various operations, such as switching the automatic driving mode on / off, recording or editing an environmental map, setting a target route, and switching the implement 400 on / off. At least some of these operations can also be realized by operating the operation switch group 154. The operation terminal 153 may be configured to be detachable from the agricultural machine 300. A user located remote from the agricultural machine 300 may operate the detached operation terminal 153 to control the operation of the agricultural machine 300. Instead of the operation terminal 153, the user may operate a computer on which necessary application software is installed, such as the terminal device 200, to control the operation of the agricultural machine 300. The operation terminal 153 can also be used as a terminal device for transmitting a request signal to the server 100.

[0087] [3.Automatic driving operation] First, an example of the operation of the agricultural machine 300 for automatic travel will be described.

[0088] FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of an agricultural machine 300 that automatically travels within a field along a target route. In this example, the field includes a work area 72 where the agricultural machine 300 performs work using the implement 400 and a headland 74 located near the outer periphery of the field. The user can set in advance which areas on the field map correspond to the work area 72 and the headland 74. The target route in this example includes multiple parallel main routes P1 and multiple turning routes P2 that connect the multiple main routes P1. The main routes P1 are located within the work area 72, and the turning routes P2 are located within the headland 74. Although each main route P1 shown in FIG. 8 is a straight route, each main route P1 may also include a curved portion. The dashed line in FIG. 8 represents the working width of the implement 400. The working width is set in advance and recorded in the storage device 170. The working width may be set and recorded by the user operating the operation terminal 153. Alternatively, the working width may be automatically recognized and recorded when the implement 400 is connected to the agricultural machine 300. The spacing between the multiple main paths P1 may be set to match the working width. A target path may be created based on a user operation before automatic operation is started. For example, the target path may be created so as to cover the entire working area 72 in the field. The agricultural machine 300 automatically travels along a target path such as that shown in FIG. 8, making repeated round trips from the start point of the work to the end point of the work. Note that the target path shown in FIG. 8 is merely an example, and the target path may be defined in any manner.

[0089] Next, an example of control by the control device 180 during automatic operation will be described.

[0090] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of steering control during automatic driving executed by the control device 180. The control device 180 performs automatic steering by executing the operations of steps S121 to S125 shown in FIG. 9 while the agricultural machine 300 is traveling. The speed is maintained at, for example, a preset speed. While the agricultural machine 300 is traveling, the control device 180 acquires data indicating the position of the agricultural machine 300 generated by the positioning device 130 (step S121). Next, the control device 180 calculates the deviation between the position of the agricultural machine 300 and the target route (step S122). The deviation represents the distance between the position of the agricultural machine 300 at that time and the target route. The control device 180 determines whether the calculated deviation of the position exceeds a preset threshold value (step S123). If the deviation exceeds the threshold value, the control device 180 changes the steering angle by changing the control parameters of the steering device included in the drive device 140 so as to reduce the deviation. If the deviation does not exceed the threshold value in step S123, the operation of step S124 is skipped. In the following step S125, the control device 180 determines whether or not a command to end the operation has been received. The command to end the operation can be issued, for example, when a user remotely instructs the agricultural machine 300 to stop automatic driving, or when the agricultural machine 300 reaches its destination. If a command to end the operation has not been issued, the process returns to step S121, and the same operation is executed based on a newly measured position of the agricultural machine 300. The control device 180 repeats the operations of steps S121 to S125 until a command to end the operation is issued. The above operations are executed by the ECUs 182 and 184 in the control device 180.

[0091] 9, the control device 180 controls the drive device 140 based only on the deviation between the position of the agricultural machine 300 identified by the positioning device 130 and the target route, but the control may also take into consideration the deviation in orientation. For example, when the orientation deviation, which is the angular difference between the orientation of the agricultural machine 300 identified by the positioning device 130 and the direction of the target route, exceeds a preset threshold, the control device 180 may change a control parameter (for example, a steering angle) of the steering device of the drive device 140 in accordance with the deviation.

[0092] An example of steering control by the control device 180 will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 10A to 10D.

[0093] FIG. 10A is a diagram showing an example of the agricultural machine 300 traveling along a target route P. FIG. 10B is a diagram showing an example of the agricultural machine 300 at a position shifted to the right from the target route P. FIG. 10C is a diagram showing an example of the agricultural machine 300 at a position shifted to the left from the target route P. FIG. 10D is a diagram showing an example of the agricultural machine 300 facing in an inclined direction with respect to the target route P. In these figures, the pose indicating the position and orientation of the agricultural machine 300 measured by the positioning device 130 is expressed as r(x, y, θ). (x, y) are coordinates representing the position of the reference point of the agricultural machine 300 in the XY coordinate system, which is a two-dimensional coordinate system fixed to the Earth. In the examples shown in FIGS. 10A to 10D, the reference point of the agricultural machine 300 is at a position where the GNSS antenna on the cabin is installed, but the position of the reference point is arbitrary. θ is an angle representing the measured orientation of the agricultural machine 300. In the illustrated example, the target path P is parallel to the Y axis, but in general, the target path P is not necessarily parallel to the Y axis.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 10A, if the position and orientation of the agricultural machine 300 do not deviate from the target path P, the control device 180 maintains the steering angle and speed of the agricultural machine 300 without changing them.

[0095] As shown in Fig. 10B, when the position of the agricultural machine 300 has shifted to the right from the target route P, the control device 180 changes the steering angle so that the traveling direction of the agricultural machine 300 tilts to the left and approaches the route P. At this time, the speed may also be changed in addition to the steering angle. The magnitude of the steering angle can be adjusted, for example, in accordance with the magnitude of the position deviation Δx.

[0096] As shown in Fig. 10C, when the position of the agricultural machine 300 has shifted to the left from the target route P, the control device 180 changes the steering angle so that the traveling direction of the agricultural machine 300 tilts to the right and approaches the route P. In this case, too, the speed may be changed in addition to the steering angle. The amount of change in the steering angle may be adjusted according to the magnitude of the position deviation Δx, for example.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 10D , when the position of the agricultural machine 300 is not significantly deviated from the target path P but the heading is different from the direction of the target path P, the control device 180 changes the steering angle so as to reduce the azimuth deviation Δθ. In this case, the speed may also be changed in addition to the steering angle. The magnitude of the steering angle may be adjusted, for example, according to the magnitudes of the position deviation Δx and the azimuth deviation Δθ. For example, the smaller the absolute value of the position deviation Δx, the greater the amount of change in the steering angle according to the azimuth deviation Δθ. When the absolute value of the position deviation Δx is large, the steering angle will be changed significantly to return to the path P, which inevitably increases the absolute value of the azimuth deviation Δθ. Conversely, when the absolute value of the position deviation Δx is small, it is necessary to bring the azimuth deviation Δθ closer to zero. For this reason, it is appropriate to relatively increase the weight of the azimuth deviation Δθ (i.e., the control gain) used to determine the steering angle.

[0098] Control techniques such as PID control or MPC control (model predictive control) can be applied to the steering control and speed control of the agricultural machine 300. By applying these control techniques, it is possible to smooth the control that brings the agricultural machine 300 closer to the target path P.

[0099] If an obstacle is detected by one or more obstacle sensors 136 while the agricultural machine 300 is traveling, the control device 180 stops the agricultural machine 300. When an obstacle is detected, the control device 180 may control the drive device 140 so as to avoid the obstacle. The control device 180 can also detect objects (e.g., other vehicles or pedestrians) that are located relatively far from the agricultural machine 300 based on data output from the LiDAR sensor 156. The control device 180 can also realize automatic traveling on public roads by performing speed control and steering control so as to avoid detected objects.

[0100] In this embodiment, the agricultural machine 300 can travel autonomously inside and outside the field without any driver. FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a situation in which a plurality of agricultural machines 300 are traveling autonomously inside the field F and on a road 76 outside the field F. Information on an environmental map of the inside of the field and outside the field, including public roads, and a target route is recorded in the storage device 170. The environmental map and the target route are generated, for example, by the ECU 185 of the control device 180. When the agricultural machine 300 travels on a public road, the agricultural machine 300 travels along the target route with the implement 400 raised while sensing the surroundings using sensing devices such as the camera 155 and the LiDAR sensor 156. The target route may be changed during travel depending on the situation.

[0101] [4. Creating a work schedule] The agricultural machine 300 in this embodiment automatically moves between fields and performs agricultural work in each field in accordance with a work schedule recorded in a storage device installed in the agricultural machine 300. The work schedule includes information about a plurality of agricultural works to be performed over a plurality of work days. Specifically, the work schedule may be a database including information indicating which agricultural machine will perform which agricultural work in which field at what time for each work day. The work schedule may be created by the processor 21 of the server 100 based on information input by a user using the terminal device 200. An example of a method for creating a work schedule will be described below.

[0102] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen 760 displayed on the display device 220 of the terminal device 200. In response to a user's operation using the input device 210, the processor 230 of the terminal device 200 starts an application for creating a schedule and causes the display device 220 to display a setting screen 760 such as that shown in Fig. 12. The user can input information necessary for creating a work schedule on this setting screen 760.

[0103] 12 shows an example of a settings screen 760 for when tilling with fertilizer application is performed as agricultural work in a rice field. The settings screen 760 is not limited to the one shown in the figure and can be modified as appropriate. The settings screen 760 in the example of FIG. 12 includes a date setting section 762, a crop plan selection section 763, a field selection section 764, an operation selection section 765, a worker selection section 766, a time setting section 767, a machine selection section 768, a fertilizer selection section 769, and an application amount setting section 770.

[0104] The date setting section 762 displays the date input by the input device 210. The input date is set as the date on which the farm work will be carried out.

[0105] The crop plan selection unit 763 displays a list of names of crop plans created in advance. The user can select a desired crop plan from the list. Crop plans are created in advance for each type and variety of crop and recorded in the storage device 30 of the server 100. A crop plan is a plan for which crops are to be planted in which fields. A crop plan is created by a manager or the like who manages multiple fields before the crops are planted in the fields. A field is a plot of land where crops are to be cultivated (i.e., planted). In the example of Figure 4, a crop plan for the rice variety "Koshihibuki" is selected. In this case, the content set on the setting screen 760 is associated with the crop plan for "Koshihibuki."

[0106] The field selection section 764 displays the fields in the environmental map. The user can select any field from the displayed fields. In the example of FIG. 12, the portion showing "Field A" is selected. In this case, the selected "Field A" is set as the field where agricultural work will be performed.

[0107] The work selection section 765 displays a number of farming works required to cultivate the selected crop. The user can select one farming work from among the multiple farming works. In the example of FIG. 12, "plowing" is selected from among the multiple farming works. In this case, the selected "plowing" is set as the farming work to be performed.

[0108] The worker selection section 766 displays workers who have been registered in advance. The user can select one or more workers from the multiple workers displayed. In the example of FIG. 12, "Worker B, Worker C" are selected from the multiple workers. In this case, the selected "Worker B, Worker C" are set as the workers in charge of performing or managing the agricultural work. In this embodiment, since the agricultural machine performs the agricultural work automatically, the worker does not actually perform the agricultural work, but may simply remotely monitor the agricultural work performed by the agricultural machine.

[0109] The time setting section 767 displays the work time input from the input device 210. The work time is specified by a start time and an end time. The input work time is set as the scheduled time for the farm work to be performed.

[0110] The machine selection unit 768 is a section for setting the agricultural machine to be used in the agricultural work. The machine selection unit 768 may display, for example, the ID (identification information), type or model of the agricultural machine pre-registered by the server 100, and the type or model of the implement that can be used. The user can select a specific machine from the displayed machines. In the example of FIG. 12, an implement with the model number "NW4511" has been selected. In this case, that implement is set as the machine to be used in the agricultural work.

[0111] The fertilizer selection section 769 displays the names of multiple fertilizers that have been registered in advance by the server 100. The user can select a specific fertilizer from the multiple fertilizers displayed. The selected fertilizer is set as the fertilizer to be used in the farm work.

[0112] The dispersion amount setting section 770 displays a numerical value input from the input device 210. The input numerical value is set as the dispersion amount.

[0113] When the crop plan, field, agricultural work, worker, work time, fertilizer, and application amount are entered on the setting screen 760 and "Register" is selected, the communication device 270 of the terminal device 200 transmits the entered information to the server 100. The processor 21 of the server 100 stores the received information in the storage device 30. Based on the received information, the processor 21 creates a schedule of agricultural work to be performed by each agricultural machine, and stores the schedule in the storage device 30.

[0114] The information on agricultural work managed by the server 100 is not limited to the information described above. For example, the type and amount of pesticide to be used in the field may be set on the setting screen 760. Information on agricultural work other than the agricultural work shown in FIG. 12 may also be set.

[0115] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an agricultural work schedule created by the server 100. The schedule in this example includes information indicating, for each registered agricultural machine, the date and time the agricultural work will be performed, the field, the work content, and the implement to be used. In addition to the information shown in FIG. 13, the schedule may also include information such as pesticides or the amount of pesticide to be sprayed, depending on the work content. In accordance with this schedule, the processor 21 of the server 100 issues agricultural work instructions to the agricultural machine 300. The schedule may be downloaded by the control device of the agricultural machine 300 and also stored in the storage device of the agricultural machine 300. In this case, the control device of the agricultural machine 300 may autonomously start operating in accordance with the schedule stored in the storage device.

[0116] [5. Operation of the agricultural support system]

[0117] (5.1. Overview of agricultural support methods) The agricultural support method of this embodiment is implemented in the control device 20 of the server 100. Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing the steps of an example of the agricultural support method of this embodiment. This agricultural support method includes waiting for a request for agricultural work support from the terminal device 200 or the operation terminal 153 (step S10), determining the agricultural machine 300 to provide support for the agricultural work according to the type of agricultural work in the field where the support is to be provided (step S20), waiting for the agricultural machine 300 to complete support for the agricultural work (step S30), and transmitting billing information to the terminal device 200 or the operation terminal 153 (step S40).

[0118] (5.2. Operation of the control device) Next, an example of the operation of the server 100 (mainly the control device 20) and the agricultural machine 300 will be described with reference to Figures 15A and 15B. The one or more agricultural machines 300 connected to the agricultural support system 1000, which will be described below, include a first agricultural machine 300A and a second agricultural machine 300B. However, the one or more agricultural machines 300 may include three or more agricultural machines.

[0119] The first agricultural machine 300A and the second agricultural machine 300B in this embodiment refer to the work schedule transmitted from the server 100 and move, for example, from a storage location to a field indicated in the work schedule. The first agricultural machine 300A and the second agricultural machine 300B travel autonomously on a road leading from the storage location to the field and also perform work in the field automatically. Note that the first agricultural machine 300A and the second agricultural machine 300B may also be manually driven from the storage location to the field and perform work in the field under manual operation by a driver.

[0120] 15A and 15B are diagrams each illustrating an overview of assistance in farm work in a field by the agricultural machine 300. Each of FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrates a field map showing a field area including a plurality of fields including a field F1, a storage location 510, and a management center 520. FIG. 15A shows a state in which a first agricultural machine 300A is parked in the storage location 510. FIG. 15B shows a state in which the first agricultural machine 300A is assisting a second agricultural machine 300B in work in the field F1. The agricultural machine may be stored in a locked storage location. The storage location may be, for example, a barn at the home of the agricultural machine owner or a garage at the farmer's business premises.

[0121] In Fig. 15A, a target route R2a for the second agricultural machine 300B to perform agricultural work in the field F1 is shown by a dashed arrow. Fig. 15B shows a target route for the first agricultural machine 300A and the second agricultural machine 300B to work in the field F1 in cooperation with each other. More specifically, a target route R1 for the first agricultural machine 300A to perform agricultural work in the field F1 in response to a request for assistance, and a target route R2b for the second agricultural machine 300B to continue work in the field F1 are each shown by a dashed arrow. In Figs. 15A and 15B, routes that have already been traveled along the target routes are shown by solid lines.

[0122] When the first agricultural machine 300A and the second agricultural machine 300B are each driven autonomously, a target route for traveling to the field and / or a target route for performing agricultural work while traveling within the field may be created manually or automatically before the autonomous driving begins. Once the target route is determined, the first agricultural machine 300A and the second agricultural machine 300B each travel automatically along the target route. Information on an environmental map including public roads within and outside the field and the target route is pre-recorded in a storage device included in a control system provided in the agricultural machine 300. When the agricultural machine 300 travels on public roads, the agricultural machine 300 can travel along the target route with the implement raised while sensing the surroundings using sensing devices such as a camera and a LiDAR sensor.

[0123] In the example shown in FIG. 15A, the second agricultural machine 300B has moved from the storage location 510 to the field F1 and is performing agricultural work. The first agricultural machine 300A and one or more other agricultural machines are parked at the storage location 510 in preparation for supporting agricultural work in the field. The control device 180 of the first agricultural machine 300A controls the operation of the first agricultural machine 300A. The control device 180 of the second agricultural machine 300B controls the operation of the second agricultural machine 300B. Hereinafter, the control device 180 of the first agricultural machine 300A and the control device 180 of the second agricultural machine 300B will be distinguished by being referred to as the "control device 180A" and the "control device 180B," respectively. Furthermore, the request signal transmitted from the operation terminal 153 or the terminal device 200 to the control device 20, and the request signal transmitted from the control device 20 to the control device 180A will be distinguished by being referred to as the "first request signal" and the "second request signal," respectively.

[0124] 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the control device 180A of the first agricultural machine 300A, the control device 180B of the second agricultural machine 300B, and the control device 20 of the server 100. However, the operation of each device in the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0125] (Step S200) First, a first request signal is transmitted from the operation terminal 153 of the second agricultural machine 300B to the control device 20. The first request signal includes position information of the second agricultural machine 300B that has requested assistance with agricultural work.

[0126] (Step S201) The control device 20 refers to the position information of the second agricultural machine 300B and the environmental map stored in the storage device 30, and identifies the field F1 in which the second agricultural machine 300B is located. The control device 20 also refers to the work schedule, and determines, for example, an agricultural machine to be used for work assistance from one or more agricultural machines 300 parked in the storage location 510.

[0127] For example, when the control device 20 receives a first request signal from the operation terminal 153, the control device 20 refers to the environmental map and identifies the position of the field F1 from the position information of the second agricultural machine 300B equipped with the operation terminal 153 that transmitted the first request signal. The control device 20 also refers to the work schedule and determines an agricultural machine that was not performing agricultural work when the first request signal was received, for example, the first agricultural machine 300A parked in the storage location 510, as the agricultural machine to provide work assistance. For example, the control device 20 can determine, from among the multiple agricultural machines 300 parked in the storage location 510, an agricultural machine that is suited to work in the field F1 or an agricultural machine equipped with an implement suited to work in the field F1, based on information necessary for assistance regarding the type of agricultural machine or the agricultural work item included in the work schedule.

[0128] (Step S202) In response to the first request signal, the control device 20 transmits to the control device 180A a second request signal including a command to move the first agricultural machine 300A to the field F1 where the second agricultural machine 300B is located. For example, the control device 20 transmits a second request signal including position information of the field F1 to the control device 180A of the first agricultural machine 300A parked in the storage location 510.

[0129] (Step S203) When the control device 20 has determined the agricultural machine to be caused to perform work assistance, it notifies the second agricultural machine 300B that the agricultural machine to be caused to perform work assistance has been determined.

[0130] (Step S204) The second agricultural machine 300B performs agricultural work by automatically traveling in the field F1 along the target route R2a until the target route R2a is changed. Upon receiving the notification from the control device 20, the control device 180B changes the target route required for the automatic operation of the second agricultural machine 300B in the field F1. Upon receiving the notification from the control device 20, the control device 180B changes the target route R2a in the field F1 to a target route R2b.

[0131] As shown in FIG. 15A, before the first request signal is transmitted from the operation terminal 153 of the second agricultural machine 300B to the control device 20, a target route R2a for the second agricultural machine 300B is set in the field F1. The target route R2a includes a start point ST2 where work starts, an end point EN2 where work ends, and a traveling direction indicated by an arrow in the figure. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 15B, after receiving a notification from the control device 20, the control device 180B changes the target route R2a to a target route R2b. The control device 180B moves the original end point EN2 included in the target route R2a to an arbitrary position on the target route R2a closer to the start point ST2, and sets a new end point EN2, thereby creating the target route R2b. In other words, the control device 180B creates the target route R2b by shortening the original length of the target route R2a (the length from the start point ST2 to the end point EN2).

[0132] (Step S205) Upon receiving the second request signal, the control device 180A starts control to move the first agricultural machine 300A to the field F1. Upon receiving the second request signal from the control device 20, the control device 180A creates a target route R1 for the first agricultural machine 300A to perform agricultural work in the field F1, which is the support destination.

[0133] The control device 180A may acquire the target route R2a for the second agricultural machine 300B via the server 100, and create a target route R1 using the target route R2a. The control device 180A may create the target route R1 by setting an end point EN2 on the target route R2a as the start point ST1 of the target route R1, and setting any point on the target route R2a as the end point EN1 of the target route R1. The control device 180A also creates a target route for traveling between the storage location 510 and the field F1.

[0134] (Step S206) The control device 180A causes the first agricultural machine 300A to automatically travel along the target route R1. When the first agricultural machine 300A reaches the start point ST1, the control device 180A activates the implement to cause the first agricultural machine 300A to start working from the start point ST1. The control device 180A controls the operation of the steering device 106 and the like, thereby causing the first agricultural machine 300A to automatically travel and work in the direction of travel along the target route R1.

[0135] (Step S207) The control device 180B causes the second agricultural machine 300B to automatically travel along the target route R2b. The control device 180B controls the operation of the steering device 106 and the like, thereby causing the second agricultural machine 300B to work while automatically traveling in the traveling direction along the target route R2b.

[0136] In this way, once the creation of the target routes R2b and R1 in the field F1 is completed, the second agricultural machine 300B performs work while automatically driving along the target route R2b, and the first agricultural machine 300A moves from the storage location 510 to the field F1 and then performs work while automatically driving along the target route R1.

[0137] In the example of the operation described above, the control device 180A receives, via the server 100, the second request signal transmitted by the control device 20 in response to the first request signal transmitted from the operation terminal 153. However, the control device 180A may receive the first request signal directly from the operation terminal 153 without via the server 100. In this case, when the control device 180A receives the first request signal from the operation terminal 153, it may refer to the environmental map and identify the position of the field F1 from the position information of the second agricultural machine 300B equipped with the operation terminal 153 that transmitted the first request signal. When the control device 180A receives the first request signal, it starts control to move the first agricultural machine 300A to the field F1. Furthermore, as described above, the control device 180B changes the target route required for the automatic operation of the second agricultural machine 300B in the field F1.

[0138] In the example of the operation described above, the control device 180A and the control device 180B each create a target route by themselves after receiving the second request signal and notification from the control device 20, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the control device 20 may create target routes R1 and R2b for the first agricultural machine 300A and the second agricultural machine 300B after receiving the first request signal from the control device 180, and transmit the created target routes R1 and R2b to the control device 180A and the control device 180B, respectively. Furthermore, the first request signal is transmitted from the operation terminal 153 mounted on the agricultural machine 300, but instead, the first request signal may be transmitted from the terminal device 200 used by a manager or the like.

[0139] An example of transmitting a first request signal from the terminal device 200 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0140] Fig. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a situation in which a manager 70 in the vicinity of the field F1 is managing the progress of work being performed in the field F1 by the second agricultural machine 300B using the terminal device 200. Fig. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of the display of the progress of work as displayed on the display of the terminal device 200.

[0141] The manager 70 can monitor the second agricultural machine 300B from within the field F1 or from the vicinity of the field F1 using the terminal device 200. When managing the progress of work performed by the second agricultural machine 300B, the manager 70 can easily check whether a work delay has occurred, for example, from the display of the work progress on the terminal device 200.

[0142] The work progress display 201 in the example shown in FIG. 18 includes a bar chart that displays the actual progress against the original work schedule as a percentage (%). The display 201 may include, for example, a selection display portion that allows the user to select whether or not to use the agricultural work support service. In the example shown, when the manager 70 selects "Yes," a first request signal is transmitted from the terminal device 200 to the control device 20. In response to the first request signal from the terminal device 200, the control device 20 transmits, for example, a second request signal to the first agricultural machine 300A parked in the storage location 510, indicating a request for support with the work of the second agricultural machine 300B, and commands the first agricultural machine 300A to move to the field F1 where the second agricultural machine 300B is located. The control device 180A may cause the first agricultural machine 300A to move to the field F1 in accordance with the command.

[0143] After the agricultural work in the field F1 is completed, the control device 20 transmits to the first agricultural machine 300A the location information of the original storage location 510 as the location information of the destination, and commands the first agricultural machine 300A to return to the storage location 510. The control device 180A may cause the first agricultural machine 300A to move to the storage location 510 in accordance with the command.

[0144] 19 is a diagram showing an example of usage details displayed on the terminal device 200 after using the agricultural work support service. The control device 20 may create a work log including at least one piece of information about the work content, work time, and type of agricultural machine of the work support performed by the agricultural machine 300, and record the work log in the storage device 30. For example, in response to a request from the manager M1, the control device 20 may create a work log including information about the work content, work time, and type of agricultural machine of the agricultural work performed in the field F1 by a first agricultural machine 300A owned by a manager M2 different from the manager M1, and transmit data of the created work log to the terminal device 200 of the manager M1.

[0145] The control device 20 may calculate the usage fee for the agricultural machine 300 based on the work log and transmit billing information including the usage fee to the terminal device 200 of the administrator M1. By displaying the billing information 202 illustrated in FIG. 18 on the terminal device 200, the administrator M1 can be prompted to pay the usage fee for the agricultural work support service. The agricultural work support service may be a pay-as-you-go service in which the usage fee is calculated according to the working time and the type of agricultural machine, or a subscription-based flat-rate service. For example, a user can use the agricultural work support service for a certain period of time by paying a flat-rate usage fee. This may realize, for example, a subscription-based agricultural machine sharing service.

[0146] Fig. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the control device 180A of the first agricultural machine 300A, the control device 180B of the second agricultural machine 300B, the terminal device 200, and the control device 20 of the server 100 when a user requests assistance with work by an agricultural machine from the terminal device 200. However, the operation of each in the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to this. In Fig. 20, processes similar to those shown in Fig. 16 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0147] As shown in Fig. 20, a first request signal is transmitted from the terminal device 200 to the control device 20 (step S210). The first request signal includes location information of the assistance destination field F1 where the user using the terminal device 200 is located. The control device 20 refers to the location information of the assistance destination field F1 and the environmental map stored in the storage device 30, and identifies the field F1 where the user is located. The control device 20 also refers to the work schedule, and determines, for example, the first agricultural machine 300A parked in the storage location 510 as the agricultural machine that will provide work support (step S211).

[0148] FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a farm worker 71 carrying a terminal device 200 while performing manual work in the field F1. The farm worker 71 can grasp the progress of the work he or she is performing, for example, from the work progress display on the terminal device 200. If the farm worker 71 requests assistance with the farm work, the farm worker 71 may use the terminal device 200 to send a first request signal to the control device 20 requesting assistance with the farm work in the field F1. In response to the first request signal from the terminal device 200, the control device 20 may send a second request signal to, for example, the first agricultural machine 300A parked in the storage location 510, indicating a request for assistance with the manual work being performed by the farm worker 71 in the field F1, and may instruct the first agricultural machine 300A to move to the field F1 where the farm worker 71 is working. After the farm work in the field F1 is completed, the control device 20 may send a command to the control device 180 indicating that the original storage location 510 is the destination of the move. The control device 180A may cause the first agricultural machine 300A to move to the original storage location 510 in accordance with the command.

[0149] Fig. 22 is a diagram showing an example of the operations of the control device 180A of the first agricultural machine 300A, the terminal device 200, and the control device 20 of the server 100 when an operator requests assistance for work using the terminal device 200. However, the operations of each in the embodiment of the present disclosure are not limited to this. In Fig. 22, processes similar to those shown in Fig. 20 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0150] 22, after the control device 20 identifies the first agricultural machine 300A through steps S210 and S211, it transmits a second request signal to the control device 180A. In this case, the second request signal includes, for example, information indicating that no agricultural machine is working in the field F1 that is the support destination, or information indicating that the request requires manual support by a worker.

[0151] As shown in FIG. 22, the control device 180A can communicate with the terminal device 200 (step S212) to obtain from the terminal device 200 the unworked area in the field F1 where no work has been performed, and create a target route R1 in the unworked area (step S220).

[0152] FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a manager 70 in the vicinity of a field F1 is using a terminal device 200 to manage the progress of work in the field F1 being performed by a second agricultural machine 300B, and is receiving assistance with agricultural work from one or more agricultural machines 300.

[0153] In this embodiment, when the control device 20 receives a first request signal from the terminal device 200, it transmits a second request signal to the first agricultural machine 300A and the third agricultural machine 300C that are capable of moving to the field F1, requesting them to assist in the work on the field F1. The agricultural machines 300A to 300C can accelerate the work on the field F1 by performing the same agricultural work.

[0154] 24A and 24B are diagrams illustrating an example in which, after farm work in the field F1 is completed, the first agricultural machine 300A is moved to a storage location different from the storage location where the first agricultural machine 300A was parked. Each of FIGS. 24A and 24B illustrates a field map showing a field area including a plurality of fields including the field F1, a first storage location 510A, a second storage location 510B, and a management center 520. In this embodiment, the first and second storage locations 510A and 510B may be owned by different managers. For example, when a manager M1 requests assistance with farm work, a manager M2 may own the first storage location 510A, and a manager M3 may own the second storage location 510B.

[0155] When the control device 20 receives the first request signal from the terminal device 200, it transmits a second request signal to the first agricultural machine 300A stopped at the first storage location 510A, requesting assistance in the field F1. As illustrated in Fig. 24B , when the first agricultural machine 300 has finished work in the field F1 and the original storage location 510A is full with other agricultural machines 300 and there is no storage space, the control device 20 may transmit a command to the control device 180A to move the first agricultural machine 300A to the second storage location 510B, which has remaining storage space.

[0156] FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating another example in which, after agricultural work in the field F1 is completed, the first agricultural machine 300A is moved to a storage location different from the storage location where the first agricultural machine 300A was parked.

[0157] When the control device 20 receives the first request signal from the terminal device 200, the control device 20 may transmit a second request signal to the control device 180A to cause the first agricultural machine 300A, which is stopped at the first storage location 510A, to move to the field F1. After the agricultural work in the field F1 is completed, the first agricultural machine 300A may move to the second storage location 510B. In this example, the distance from the field F1 to the second storage location 510B is shorter than the distance from the field F1 to the first storage location 510A. When the first agricultural machine 300 has completed work in the field F1, if there is available storage space in the second storage location 510B, the control device 20 may cause the first agricultural machine 300 to move to the second storage location 510B. This control can shorten the time it takes for the agricultural machine 300 to return to the storage location.

[0158] The storage device 30 of the server 100 may store in advance data on division polygons, each of which contains spatial information and attribute information representing the position on the earth (i.e., geographic coordinates) and shape of each field. A "division polygon" is field division information created for each plot based on the shape of the field, such as an aerial photograph or satellite image. "Geographic coordinates" refer to a position in a geographic coordinate system that expresses a position on the earth using latitude and longitude, or a projected coordinate system that projects three-dimensional coordinates on the earth onto a two-dimensional plane and expresses a position on the earth using XY coordinates. For example, the control device 20 may determine the coordinates in the geographic coordinate system of each vertex that defines the shape of the field area or storage location based on the division polygon, and then calculate the centroid coordinates of the shape of the field area or storage location based on the determined coordinates. The control device 20 can calculate the distance from a field to another field or from a field to a storage location, for example, as the Euclidean distance or Manhattan distance between two centroid coordinate points.

[0159] The control device 20 in this embodiment may transmit a second request signal to the first agricultural machine 300A or the third agricultural machine 300C determined based on the positional relationship between the location of the first agricultural machine 300A, the location of the third agricultural machine 300C, and the field F1 at the time of receiving the first request signal, instructing the first agricultural machine 300A or the third agricultural machine 300C to move to the field F1.

[0160] FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the agricultural machine 300 in the first storage location 510A is moved to the field F1 when the first storage location 510A is closer to the field F1 than the second storage location 510B.

[0161] In this example, one or more agricultural machines 300 are parked at each of the first storage location 510A and the second storage location 510B. The distance from the field F1 to the second storage location 510B is longer than the distance from the field F1 to the first storage location 510A. In this case, when the first agricultural machine 300A is parked at the first storage location 510A and the third agricultural machine 300C is parked at the second storage location 510B, the control device 20 may determine that the first agricultural machine 300A is the agricultural machine to be moved to the field F1, i.e., the support destination, upon receiving a first request signal from the terminal device 200.

[0162] 27 and 28 are diagrams illustrating an example in which an agricultural machine 300 performing farm work in the field F2 is moved to the field F1 when another field F2 is closer to the field F1 than the storage location 510.

[0163] In this example, the distance from the field F1 to the field F2 is shorter than the distance from the field F1 to the storage location 510. In this case, when the third agricultural machine 300C is parked at the storage location 510 and the first agricultural machine 300A is performing farm work in the field F2, if the control device 20 receives a first request signal from the terminal device 200, the control device 20 may determine that the first agricultural machine 300A is the agricultural machine to be moved to the field F1, i.e., the support destination.

[0164] After the first agricultural machine 300A has finished work in the field F1, the control device 20 commands the control device 180A to move the first agricultural machine 300A from the field F2 to the field F1. The control device 180A moves the first agricultural machine 300A to the field F1 in accordance with the command. The control in this example is effective, for example, in cases where moving an agricultural machine that is about to finish work in another field to the field after the work has finished can ultimately start assisting with agricultural work sooner, rather than moving an agricultural machine that is stopped in a storage location to the field, or in cases where moving an agricultural machine that has finished work earlier than planned to the field can ultimately start assisting with agricultural work sooner.

[0165] 28, when one or more agricultural machines 300 other than the first agricultural machine 300A are working in the field F1, the control device 20 may cause the first agricultural machine 300A to move to the field F1 without waiting for the work in the field F1 to be completed. The control device 20 can cause the agricultural machines 300 other than the first agricultural machine 300A to continue working in the field F1.

[0166] FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the agricultural machine 300 performing farm work in the field F2 is moved to the field F1 when the field F2 is closer to the field F1 than the field F3.

[0167] In this example, there is no agricultural machine 300 parked in the storage location 510. The distance from the field F3 to the field F1 is longer than the distance from the field F1 to the field F2. In this case, when the first agricultural machine 300A is performing agricultural work in the field F2 and the third agricultural machine 300C is performing agricultural work in the field F3, if the control device 20 receives a first request signal from the terminal device 200, the control device 20 commands the control device 180A to move the first agricultural machine 300A from the field F2 to the field F1. In accordance with the command, the control device 180 moves the first agricultural machine 300A to the field F1. It is preferable that the control device 20 designates the field F1 as the destination of the first agricultural machine 300A after the first agricultural machine 300A has finished working in the field F2. The control in this example is effective when all agricultural machines parked in the storage area have been called in to assist with farm work and have left.

[0168] According to the above-described example, the control device mounted on the agricultural machine controls automatic driving to move one or more agricultural machines to a field when a request for assistance is received from a terminal device or an operation terminal. However, instead of this, the control device of the server may control automatic driving to move one or more agricultural machines to a field when a request for assistance is received from a terminal device or an operation terminal. In this case, automatic driving of the agricultural machine can be realized by remote control from the server.

[0169] A system providing various functions in the embodiments can also be retrofitted to an agricultural machine that does not have those functions. Such a system can be manufactured and sold independently of the agricultural machine. A computer program used in such a system can also be manufactured and sold independently of the agricultural machine. The computer program can be provided, for example, by being stored on a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium. The computer program can also be provided by downloading via a telecommunications line (for example, the Internet). [Industrial Applicability]

[0170] The technology of the present disclosure can be applied to agricultural machinery such as tractors, harvesters, rice transplanters, riding tillers, vegetable transplanters, mowers, seed sowing machines, fertilizer applicators, or agricultural robots. [Explanation of symbols]

[0171] 10: communication device, 20: control device, 21: processor, 22,240: ROM, 23,250: RAM, 30,170,260: storage device, 60: network, 70: administrator, 71: farm worker, 100: server computer, 100: server, 101: vehicle body, 102: prime mover, 103: transmission, 104: tires, 105: cabin, 106: steering device, 107: driver's seat, 108: coupling device, 130: positioning device, 131: GNSS receiver, 135: inertial measurement unit, 136: obstacle sensor, 140: drive unit, 150: steering wheel sensor 151: turning angle sensor, 152: axle sensor, 153: operation terminal, 154: operation switch group, 155: camera, 156: LiDAR sensor, 160: control system, 180: control device, 181 to 185: electronic control unit (ECU), 200: terminal device, 210: input device, 220: display device, 230: processor, 270: communication device, 300: agricultural machine, 300A: first agricultural machine, 300B: second agricultural machine, 300C: third agricultural machine, 400: implement, 510: storage location, 520: management center, 1000: agricultural support system, F1 to F3: fields

Claims

1. An agricultural support system that supports agricultural work by one or more agricultural machines that perform ground work, a control device for controlling the operation of the one or more agricultural machines; An agricultural support system in which, when the control device receives a signal from a terminal device requesting assistance with agricultural work in a field, the control device causes the one or more agricultural machines located outside the field to move to the field and assist with the agricultural work in the field.

2. The control device Controlling the operation of a first agricultural machine included in the one or more agricultural machines; 2. The agricultural support system according to claim 1, wherein, when the signal is received from the terminal device while a second agricultural machine is performing agricultural work in the field, the first agricultural machine is caused to move to the field and assist the second agricultural machine in the agricultural work.

3. The control device controlling the operation of each of a first agricultural machine and a second agricultural machine included in the one or more agricultural machines; 2. The agricultural support system according to claim 1, wherein, when the signal is received from the terminal device, the first agricultural machine and the second agricultural machine are caused to move to the field and assist in agricultural work in the field.

4. 3. The agricultural support system according to claim 2, wherein, when the control device receives the signal from the terminal device, the control device causes the first agricultural machine, which is stopped at a storage location, to move to the field, and after agricultural work in the field is completed, causes the first agricultural machine to move to the storage location.

5. 3. The agricultural support system according to claim 2, wherein, when the control device receives the signal from the terminal device, the control device causes the first agricultural machine stopped at a first storage location to move to the field, and after agricultural work in the field is completed, causes the first agricultural machine to move to a second storage location different from the first storage location.

6. 6. The agricultural support system according to claim 5, wherein, when the control device receives the signal from the terminal device, the control device causes the first agricultural machine stopped at a first storage location to move to the field, and after agricultural work in the field is completed, causes the first agricultural machine to move to the second storage location which is located at a distance from the field shorter than a distance from the field to the first storage location.

7. The control device controlling the operation of a third agricultural machine included in the one or more agricultural machines; 3. The agricultural support system according to claim 2, wherein the control device causes the first or third agricultural machine to move to the field based on a positional relationship between a location of the first agricultural machine, a location of the third agricultural machine, and the field when the signal is received from the terminal device.

8. 8. The agricultural support system according to claim 7, wherein when the first agricultural machine is stopped at a first storage location and the third agricultural machine is stopped at a second storage location that is located at a distance from the field longer than a distance from the field to the first storage location, the control device causes the first agricultural machine to move from the first storage location to the field when the control device receives the signal from the terminal device.

9. When the control device receives the signal from the terminal device while the third agricultural machine is stopped at a first storage location and the first agricultural machine is performing agricultural work in another field that is closer to the field than the distance from the field to the first storage location, The agricultural support system according to claim 7 , wherein one agricultural machine is moved from the other field to the field.

10. 8. The agricultural support system according to claim 7, wherein, when the first agricultural machine is performing agricultural work in another field different from the field and the third agricultural machine is performing agricultural work in a further field that is further away from the field than the distance from the other field, the control device causes the first agricultural machine to move from the other field to the field upon receiving the signal from the terminal device.

11. a storage device; 11. The agricultural support system according to claim 1, wherein the control device creates a work log including at least one piece of information regarding the work content, work time, and type of agricultural machine of the agricultural work performed by the one or more agricultural machines in the field, and records the work log in the storage device.

12. The agricultural support system according to claim 11 , wherein the control device transmits data of the work log to the terminal device.

13. 13. The agricultural support system according to claim 11, wherein the control device calculates a usage fee for the one or more agricultural machines based on the work log and transmits billing information to the terminal device.

14. The agricultural support system according to claim 1 , wherein the control device manages a schedule of agricultural work to be performed by the one or more agricultural machines.

15. 15. The agricultural support system according to claim 14, wherein the control device, when receiving the signal from the terminal device, updates a schedule of farm work to be performed by the one or more agricultural machines when it has decided to move the one or more agricultural machines to the field.

16. An agricultural support system that supports agricultural work by agricultural machinery, a control device that controls the operation of each of the first agricultural machine and the second agricultural machine; The control device managing a schedule of agricultural work to be performed by the second agricultural machine; an agricultural support system that, when the second agricultural machine is performing agricultural work in a field and it is determined that the agricultural work by the second agricultural machine is behind schedule, moves the first agricultural machine to the field to assist the agricultural work being performed by the second agricultural machine.

17. 1. An agricultural support method for supporting agricultural work by one or more agricultural machines performing ground work, the method comprising: controlling operation of the one or more agricultural machines; receiving a signal transmitted from a terminal device requesting assistance with agricultural work in a field; When the signal is received, the one or more agricultural machines located outside the field are caused to move to the field and assist in agricultural work in the field. An agricultural support method that uses a computer to perform the above.

18. An agricultural support method for supporting agricultural work by an agricultural machine, the method being implemented in a computer, comprising: Controlling the operation of each of the first agricultural machine and the second agricultural machine; managing a schedule of agricultural work to be performed by the second agricultural machine; When the second agricultural machine is performing agricultural work in a field, if it is determined that the agricultural work by the second agricultural machine is behind schedule, the first agricultural machine is moved to the field. and operating the second agricultural machine to assist the agricultural work performed by the second agricultural machine. An agricultural support method that uses a computer to perform the above.

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