Method for creating electronic maps for scattering

Abstract

To provide a spraying electronic map creation method which does not require a dedicated device, etc., and thereby can be relatively easily introduced.SOLUTION: A spraying electronic map creation method includes: a farm field input step of inputting, onto an electronic map 10, one or more spraying target farm fields 11 to be sprayed with a spraying material by an unmanned aircraft; an image output step of outputting the electronic map as inputting image data 20; a detail information input step of inputting, onto an inputting layer 21 superimposed on the inputting image data, marks 22a, 22b and 22c of three or more respective spots, farm field numbers 23, flying directions 24 of the unmanned aircraft, a moving route 25 of an operator, spraying material supply spots 27, fuel supply spots 28, and attention spots 29; a detail information map data output step of geo-referencing the inputting layer to the marks to output the inputting layer as detail information map data 40; and a map creation step of capturing the detail information map data into the electronic map and superimposing the detail information map data as a detailed information map layer 41 on the electronic map to create a spraying electronic map 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for creating an electronic spray map used when spraying pesticides, fertilizers, etc. on a field by an unmanned aerial vehicle, and a spraying method using the created electronic spray map. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, with the aim of improving the efficiency of assigning data on agricultural material spraying operations to spraying equipment, JP 2017-224224 A discloses a technology for processing image data of aerial photographs of a field to create map data for spraying operations. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-224224 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires dedicated equipment or software to create map data, making it difficult to introduce unless it is a relatively large farm or company. Furthermore, Patent Document 1 does not mention cooperation between the operator, assistant, and supply staff.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and has as its object to provide a method for creating an electronic map for distribution and a method for distribution that do not require any dedicated device or the like and can be introduced relatively easily. Another object of the present invention is to provide a spraying method that allows the operator, assistant, and supply person to work together efficiently. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The method for creating an electronic map for distribution according to the present invention comprises the steps of: a field input step of inputting into the electronic map one or more target fields to which the spraying material is to be sprayed by the unmanned aerial vehicle from among a plurality of fields displayed on the electronic map capable of displaying the current position; an image output step of outputting the electronic map into which the spraying target field has been input as input image data; a detailed information input step for inputting detailed information, such as three or more markers, a field number indicating the spraying order of the target field, the flight direction of the unmanned aerial vehicle within the target field, the route taken by the pilot of the unmanned aerial vehicle, a spray supply location where the spray material will be supplied to the unmanned aerial vehicle, and a refueling location where the unmanned aerial vehicle will be refueled if necessary, and points to be aware of during spraying work, into an input layer overlaid on the input image data; a detailed information map data output step of georeferencing the input layer that has passed through the detailed information input step based on the landmarks and outputting it as detailed information map data; a map creation step of creating an electronic map for spraying, in which the detailed information map data is imported into the electronic map and overlaid as a detailed information map layer, thereby displaying the spray target field and the detailed information; The present invention is characterized by comprising:

[0007] According to the method for creating an electronic map for spraying of the present invention, in the detailed information input step, various detailed information is input into an input layer overlaid on image data. Because this input layer is image data, detailed information can be input using general-purpose software. Furthermore, the detailed information map data is map data with location information attached, and by importing it into an electronic map, it can be easily overlaid and displayed on the electronic map. This eliminates the need for dedicated devices or software. Furthermore, the created electronic map for spraying displays detailed information such as the field number, the operator's travel route, and spray supply locations, allowing workers to work efficiently by referring to this detailed information.

[0008] A preferred example of the method for creating an electronic map for distribution of the present invention is: The flight direction is indicated by a single straight line.

[0009] According to a preferred example of the method for creating an electronic map for scattering of the present invention, the flight direction is shown by a single straight line, so that both the pilot and the assistant can intuitively view the electronic map for scattering, thereby reducing errors during scattering operations.

[0010] A preferred example of the method for creating an electronic map for distribution of the present invention is: In the detailed information input step, a movement path of an assistant positioned on the opposite side of the pilot at the end of the flight direction is also input.

[0011] According to a preferred example of the method for creating an electronic map for scattering of the present invention, the route of movement of the assistant is also recorded, so that even if the assistant is inexperienced, he or she can perform the scattering work without any problems.

[0012] A preferred example of the method for creating an electronic map for distribution of the present invention is: In the field input step, a spray area of ​​each of the spray target fields is calculated, The spray supply points and the fuel supply points are determined by integrating the calculated spray areas.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment of the method for creating an electronic map for scattering of the present invention, the remaining amount of material and fuel to be scattered can be determined to some extent from the accumulated scattering area, so that the locations for replenishing material and refueling can be determined relatively accurately.

[0014] The spraying method of the present invention comprises: A method for disseminating information using an electronic map for dissemination created by the above-described method for creating an electronic map for dissemination of the present invention, comprising: Three people, a pilot who operates the unmanned aerial vehicle, an assistant who assists the pilot, and a supply person who delivers materials or fuel to the unmanned aerial vehicle, individually use the electronic map for scattering, The pilot flies the unmanned aerial vehicle based on the field number and the flight direction while checking his / her current location, sprays the spraying material on the target field using the unmanned aerial vehicle, and moves based on the pilot's movement path to land the unmanned aerial vehicle at the next spraying material supply location or the refueling location. The assistant, while checking his / her current position, positions himself / herself at a position where he / she can see the end of the flight direction opposite to the pilot, and moves in accordance with the pilot's instructions for the field number while informing the pilot of the timing of the turn of the unmanned aerial vehicle and, as necessary, the points of caution and information to be aware of. The supply officer is characterized in that, while checking his / her current location, he / she gets ahead of the unmanned aerial vehicle and waits at the spray supply location or the refueling location.

[0015] The spraying method of the present invention comprises: The three people, the pilot who operates the unmanned aerial vehicle, the assistant who assists the pilot, and the supply person who prepares the spray material or fuel for the unmanned aerial vehicle, individually use an electronic spraying map that shows, in addition to the current location, detailed information such as the target field to which the spray material will be applied, the field number indicating the spraying order for the target field, the flight direction of the unmanned aerial vehicle within the target field, the movement path of the pilot of the unmanned aerial vehicle, the spray material supply location where the unmanned aerial vehicle will be supplied with the spray material, and the refueling location where the unmanned aerial vehicle will be refueled if necessary, and the points to be careful of during the spraying operation, The pilot flies the unmanned aerial vehicle based on the field number and the flight direction while checking his / her current location, sprays the spraying material on the target field using the unmanned aerial vehicle, and moves based on the pilot's movement path to land the unmanned aerial vehicle at the next spraying material supply location or the refueling location. The assistant is positioned in a position where the end of the flight direction opposite the pilot can be seen, and moves in accordance with the pilot's instructions for the field number while informing the pilot of the turn of the unmanned aerial vehicle and, as necessary, the points and information to be careful of; The supply officer is characterized by waiting at the spray supply location or the refueling location ahead of the unmanned aerial vehicle.

[0016] A preferred example of the spraying method of the present invention is The assistant's movement path is shown on the scatter electronic map, and the assistant moves along the assistant's movement path.

[0017] According to these spraying methods of the present invention, it becomes easier for the pilot, assistant, and supply person to work together based on detailed information, making it less likely that mistakes such as choosing the wrong spraying location will occur, and allowing for more efficient spraying operations. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] As described above, the method for creating and distributing electronic maps for distribution according to the present invention does not require any dedicated equipment and can be relatively easily introduced. Furthermore, the operator, assistant, and supply staff can work together efficiently. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is an example of an electronic map used in an embodiment of a method for creating an electronic map for distribution according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a field input step. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a detailed information input step. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a detailed information map data output step. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a map creation step. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for creating an electronic map for distribution. [Figure 7] A flow chart explaining the movements of the operator in the spraying method according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a flow chart illustrating the actions of an assistant and a supply clerk in a spraying method according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of a method for creating an electronic map for distribution and a method for distribution according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, the method for creating an electronic map for distribution will be described, and then the method for distribution will be described.

[0021] 6, the method for creating an electronic map for scattering according to this embodiment includes a field input step S1020, an image output step S1030, a detailed information input step S1040, a detailed information map data output step S1050, and a map creation step S1060. In addition, before or after these steps, steps of displaying an electronic map S1010 and displaying an electronic map for scattering S1070 can be added on a terminal device (not shown) such as a smartphone, tablet, or PC (personal computer).

[0022] The electronic map display S1010 is realized by displaying an electronic map 10 showing multiple fields 12 on the screen of the terminal device, as shown in Fig. 1. In this case, an electronic map 10 using a satellite image can also be used as the map to be displayed. Any commonly available electronic map 10 can be used as this electronic map 10, but an electronic map 10 that allows an arbitrary range to be selected and drawn and the area of ​​the selected range to be automatically calculated, and an electronic map 10 that displays the current position of the terminal device are preferable. In this embodiment, for example, App Annie's Measure Map Pro is used as this electronic map 10.

[0023] Next, in field input step S1020, as shown in FIG. 2, one or more target fields 11 to which the spraying product will be applied by an unmanned aerial vehicle (not shown) in this spraying operation are selected and input from among the multiple fields 12 shown on the electronic map 10 displayed on the screen of the terminal device. This input operation can be performed, for example, by tapping the corners of the target field 11 and selecting the area inside the polygon connecting the tapped points. Here, the selected multiple target fields 11 are shown shaded. At this time, the area of ​​each target field 11 is also calculated simultaneously. The unmanned aerial vehicle can be, for example, a helicopter or multicopter remotely controlled by radio. The sprayed product can be pesticides, fertilizer, etc.

[0024] Next, in image output step S1030, the electronic map 10 into which the spraying target field 11 shown in Figure 2 has been input is output as input image data 20 in image data format such as GIF or PNG. This operation can be performed, for example, by taking a screen capture of the electronic map 10 displayed on the screen of a terminal device to output the input image data 20. As described above, although this input image data 20 is in image data format, it looks the same as the electronic map 10 shown in Figure 2.

[0025] Next, as shown in FIG. 3, a detailed information input step S1040 is performed. First, the input image data 20 is imported into image editing software, and then the input layer 21 is overlaid on top of it using the functions of the image editing software. Next, various detailed information is input into the input layer 21 while referring to the input image data 20. Note that in this figure, the input image data 20 and the input layer 21 are shown as a single entity. This detailed information input work can be done using commonly available drawing software or image editing software. The detailed information also includes markers 22a, 22b, 22c, field number 23, unmanned aerial vehicle flight direction 24, pilot's movement path 25, assistant's movement path 26, spray supply location 27, refueling location 28, and caution area 29.

[0026] The markers 22a, 22b, and 22c are provided at three or more locations and are used for georeferencing in a later process. In this example, the markers 22a, 22b, and 22c are provided at the corners of the roofs of the factories 32a, 32b, and 32c, respectively.

[0027] The field number 23 indicates the spraying order for the spraying target fields 11. Here, the multiple spraying target fields 11 are roughly divided into a first group G1 and a second group G2, and a spraying order is determined for each of these groups G1 and G2, with the field number 23 represented by a circled number. This spraying order is determined in such a way that the flight of the unmanned aerial vehicle and the movement of the pilot operating the unmanned aerial vehicle are carried out quickly.

[0028] The flight direction 24 of the unmanned aerial vehicle is the direction in which the unmanned aerial vehicle mainly flies within the target field 11. In this embodiment, this flight direction 24 is represented by a single line, and the unmanned aerial vehicle flies parallel to this line, turning at the edge of the target field 11 as necessary to make a round trip.

[0029] The operator's travel path 25 is the path taken by the operator of the unmanned aerial vehicle to move to the next target field 11 as the spraying operation progresses. This operator's travel path 25 is set to connect adjacent target fields 11 by the shortest distance possible, while allowing the operator to visually observe the target field 11 and the end of the flight direction 24. The start point 30a of the operator's travel path 25 is represented by a white circle, and the end point 31a is represented by a black circle. These white and black circles can also be used as takeoff and landing locations for the unmanned aerial vehicle in the target fields 11 grouped into groups G1 and G2.

[0030] The assistant's path 26 is a path for the assistant located at the end of the flight direction 24 opposite the pilot. This is because the pilot has difficulty seeing the opposite end of the target field 11, and so the assistant must provide instructions for turning the unmanned aerial vehicle and warnings about passing vehicles to the pilot. The assistant's path 26 is a path for the assistant to move to an optimal position from which the assistant can visually see the opposite end of the target field 11 without getting lost. The start point 30b and end point 31b of the assistant's path 26 are not required because they can be seen by looking at the start point 30a and end point 31a of the pilot's path 25, but in this embodiment, they are represented by arrows. Instead of arrows, they may be represented by white and black circles, as with the pilot's path 25. In this embodiment, the pilot's path 25 is represented by a solid line, and the assistant's path 26 is represented by a dashed line.

[0031] The spraying material supply point 27 is a location where the unmanned aerial vehicle is supplied with spraying materials such as fertilizer and pesticides. This spraying material supply point 27 is set at a location where the remaining amount of spray material loaded on the unmanned aerial vehicle becomes low by accumulating the spraying area, which is the area of ​​each spraying target field 11 calculated in field input step S1020, in order of field number 23. The refueling point 28 is a location where the unmanned aerial vehicle is refueled. Like the spraying material supply point 27, this refueling point 28 is also set at a location where the remaining fuel becomes low by accumulating the spraying area.

[0032] Caution points 29 describe points where care should be taken during spraying work. These caution points 29 include, for example, places where sprayed materials must not scatter, such as houses, parking lots, roads with heavy traffic, and aquaculture farms, as well as electric wires that the unmanned aerial vehicle may come into contact with. Note that refueling points 28 and caution points 29 are not required fields and can be entered as needed.

[0033] Next, in detailed information map data output step S1050, as shown in FIG. 4, the input layer 21 into which detailed information was input in the detailed information input step S1040 is extracted as image data. Next, the input layer 21 is georeferenced based on the landmarks 22a, 22b, and 22c and output as detailed information map data 40. Specifically, software corresponding to georeferencing is first opened. Next, the software is used to display the map and input layer 21 corresponding to FIGS. 1 to 3. Next, the location information of the factories 32a, 32b, and 32c (see FIGS. 1 to 3) that are the origin of the landmarks 22a, 22b, and 22c in the input layer 21 (image data) shown in FIG. 4 is assigned to each of the landmarks 22a, 22b, and 22c, which are provided in three or more locations. Next, the input layer 21 is converted from image data into map data in MMP format, KML format, or mbtiles format, and output as detailed information map data 40. In this embodiment, for example, software called MapTiler by MIERUNE Co., Ltd. is used for this task.

[0034] Next, in map creation step S1060, the detailed information map data 40 shown in FIG. 5(A) is read into the electronic map 10 (the same as that shown in FIG. 2) into which the spraying target field 11 shown in FIG. 5(B) has been input, and is overlaid as a detailed information map layer 41. Then, the electronic map 10 automatically aligns the positions of the landmarks 22a, 22b, 22c with the factories 32a, 32b, 32c based on the position information assigned to the landmarks 22a, 22b, 22c, and creates and displays the electronic map for spraying 1 shown in FIG. 5(C). Note that in FIG. 5(C), the detailed information map layer 41 and the electronic map 10 are shown integrally. The created electronic map for spraying 1 can also be displayed on a terminal device to allow the user to know his or her current location.

[0035] In the above-described method for creating an electronic map for spraying, if the electronic map 10 has a function for inputting characters, lines, etc., it is possible to input some or all of these directly into the electronic map 10 in the detailed information input step S1040, rather than into the input image data 20. In such a case, the image output step S1030, the detailed information map data output step S1050, and the map creation step S1060 are unnecessary. It is also possible to perform some or all of the steps in the method for creating an electronic map for spraying while actually inspecting the area around the field 11 to be sprayed.

[0036] Next, an embodiment of a scattering method using the electronic map for scattering 1 created by the above-mentioned method for creating an electronic map for scattering will be described with reference to Figures 3, 7, and 8. To be precise, the electronic map for scattering 1 is that shown in Figure 5(C), but since it looks the same as Figure 3, Figure 3 will be referred to here.

[0037] As a premise, the spraying method of this embodiment involves at least three people: a pilot, an assistant, and a supply person. Each of these three people carries a terminal device running the electronic spraying map 1 that displays their current location, and a radio (not shown) with which they can communicate with each other. The three people then gather near the starting point 30a of the pilot's travel route 25 displayed on the electronic spraying map 1. In this example, the target field 11 is divided into a first group G1 and a second group G2, so the three people first gather at the starting point 30a of the first group G1. The terminal device carried by the pilot is fixed to a controller for remotely operating the unmanned aerial vehicle using a bracket or the like (neither of which is shown), and the pilot can operate the unmanned aerial vehicle while viewing the screen of the terminal device.

[0038] Next, the movements of the pilot piloting the unmanned aerial vehicle will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 7. First, since there is a spraying material supply point 27 near the starting point 30a, the pilot supplies the unmanned aerial vehicle with the spraying material received from the supply person, or the supply person supplies the unmanned aerial vehicle with the spraying material (hereinafter, this may be simply referred to as "supplying"; the same applies to the refueling point 28). Next, the pilot causes the unmanned aerial vehicle to take off (S2010). Then, of the unmanned aerial vehicle's unsprayed target fields 11, the pilot selects the target field 11 with the lowest field number 23 (S2020). In this example, the pilot is spraying the target fields 11 in the first group G1, and selects the target field 11 indicated by the circled number 1 (hereinafter, the field numbers 23 indicated by the circled numbers may be referred to as "1, 2, 3, etc.").

[0039] Next, the pilot flies the unmanned aerial vehicle along flight direction 24 to spray the product (S2030). "Along flight direction 24" means flying parallel to flight direction 24, and may fly back and forth multiple times within target field 11 as necessary. Next, it is determined whether all of target field 11 has been sprayed (S2040). Here, it is determined whether all of target field 11 for spraying No. 1 has been sprayed. If spraying is not yet complete, the pilot continues spraying by flying the unmanned aerial vehicle back and forth along flight direction 24 (S2030). When spraying is complete, the pilot proceeds to the next step.

[0040] Next, it is determined whether there are any spraying material supply points 27 or refueling points 28 (S2050). In this case, there are no spraying material supply points 27 or refueling points 28, so the process proceeds to the next step S2060. In the next step, it is determined whether all of the spraying target fields 11 have been sprayed (S2060). In this case, spraying target fields 11 numbered 2 and below remain in the first group G1, so the process returns to step S2020. In step S2020, of the unsprayed spraying target fields 11, the spraying target field 11 with the lowest field number 23 is selected, so the spraying target field 11 with field number 23 is selected. The operator then moves along the operator's movement path 25 and repeats steps S2020 to S2060.

[0041] By repeating the above steps, when spraying of the spray target field 11 with field number 23 number 5 is completed, a spray material supply point 27 and a refueling point 28 are located at that location. Therefore, the process proceeds in the direction of "yes" in the determination of step S2050, the unmanned aerial vehicle lands, and the spray material and fuel are replenished (S2070). Next, it is determined whether all of the spray target fields 11 have been sprayed. In this case, since there are still spray target fields 11 with field numbers 23 number 6 and onward remaining in the first group G1, the process proceeds to step S2010, and the unmanned aerial vehicle is taken off. The above steps are then repeated to complete spraying up to the spray target field 11 with field number 23 number 11. Next, in step S2060, it is determined whether all target fields 11 have been sprayed, and since all target fields 11 in group G1 have been sprayed, the unmanned aerial vehicle is landed and the operation is completed (S2090, S2100). Next, the same operation can be performed in the target fields 11 in the second group G2.

[0042] In this way, by attaching a terminal device to the controller and displaying the electronic spraying map 1 on that terminal device, the operator can obtain real-time information on the target field 11, flight direction 24, caution areas 29, etc. This allows the operator to perform spraying work while checking the necessary information with minimal eye movement, allowing them to concentrate on the spraying work. This enables safe and highly efficient spraying work.

[0043] Next, the work of the assistant will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 8(A). To summarize the relationship between the operator and the assistant, the operator monitors one end of the edge of the target field 11 in the flight direction 24, while the assistant monitors the other end of the flight direction 24. More specifically, the assistant moves to the current target field 11 in accordance with the flight timing of the unmanned aerial vehicle (S3010). The assistant moves while viewing the electronic map for spraying 1 and his / her current position displayed on the electronic map for spraying 1. Next, the assistant moves to a position at the end of the unmanned aerial vehicle's flight direction 24 where the side opposite the operator can be seen (S3020). Specifically, the assistant moves to the vicinity of the starting point 30b of the assistant's movement path 26, which is near the target field 11 for spraying whose field number 23 is No. 1. The assistant then instructs the operator via radio when to turn the unmanned aerial vehicle flying along the flight direction 24 (S3030). The timing of this turn is generally when the unmanned aerial vehicle approaches the edge of the field 11 to be sprayed.

[0044] The assistant also provides the driver with information about points of caution 29, shown in speech bubbles in Figure 3, as well as caution information about nearby vehicles and people, as appropriate. Then, once spraying of the target field 11 has been completed, the assistant follows the driver's instructions and moves to the next target field 11 to be sprayed, which has been assigned field number 23 (S3040). At this time, it is preferable to move along the assistant's movement route 26. This process is repeated until spraying of all target fields 11 in the first group G1 has been completed, and then the same process is repeated for the target fields 11 in the second group G2.

[0045] In this way, the assistant sees the same electronic spraying map 1 as the pilot and can also see his or her own current position, allowing the assistant to give accurate instructions to the pilot. Also, because the assistant can quickly grasp the current and next target fields 11 for spraying, he or she can concentrate on instructing the unmanned aerial vehicle to turn and communicating points of caution 29. This allows for safe and efficient spraying work.

[0046] Next, the work of the supply worker will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 8(B). The supply worker drives a vehicle loaded with spray material and, if necessary, fuel. The supply worker then moves to the spray target field 11 that has not been sprayed and has the lowest field number 23 among the spray material resupply points 27 or refueling points 28 (S4010). In Figure 3, the spray target field 11 with field number 23 number 1 has a spray material resupply point 27, so the supply worker moves to that point and waits. Then, when the unmanned aerial vehicle lands at that point, the supply worker resupplies the unmanned aerial vehicle with spray material (S4020). The supply worker then moves ahead to the next spray material resupply point 27 or refueling point 28 (S4030). In this example, the supply worker moves to the spray target field 11 with field number 23 number 5 and waits for the unmanned aerial vehicle to arrive. This is repeated until spraying is completed in the target fields 11 of the first group G1, and then the same work is repeated in the target fields 11 of the second group G2. The supply officer also carries a walkie-talkie, so he can understand which target field 11, field number 23, is currently being worked on by talking with the operator and his assistant. He also carries a terminal device that displays the electronic spraying map 1, so he can also know his current location.

[0047] In this way, by looking at the same electronic spraying map 1 as the operator, the supply person can know the spray supply points 27 or fuel supply points 28 and can make arrangements for supply. In addition, since the field number 23, the operator's movement route 25, etc. are also shared, it is possible to take action in advance, making it possible to carry out spraying work safely and efficiently.

[0048] As described above, the method for creating an electronic map for distribution according to this embodiment does not require a dedicated system or the work of taking aerial photographs, etc. Furthermore, because the input image data 20 is acquired from the actual electronic map 10, there is no distortion due to perspective, as occurs in images taken from the air. Furthermore, during the georeferencing process, location information is assigned to the landmarks 22a, 22b, and 22c provided in the image data (input layer 21) and output as map data (detailed information map data 40). This allows the detailed information and the actual electronic map 10 to be accurately superimposed simply by subsequently loading the map data into the electronic map 10. This also eliminates the need for manual correction and superimposition of misalignments between the landmarks 22a, 22b, and 22c of the detailed information and the targets (factories 32a, 32b, and 32c) that are the basis for the landmarks 22a, 22b, and 22c displayed on the electronic map 10. Furthermore, because the detailed information is written into the image data, it can be easily and precisely written using general-purpose image editing software, etc. This allows the electronic map for distribution 1 to be created easily and accurately using a terminal device such as a general-purpose PC, tablet, or smartphone.

[0049] The electronic map for distribution 1 also includes a route 26 for the assistant to travel, enabling the assistant to travel without getting lost.

[0050] Furthermore, the spraying area can be accurately determined by the spraying area for the spraying points 27 and the refueling points 28. This allows the spraying and refueling of the unmanned aerial vehicle to be carried out at the optimal timing, making the spraying operation more efficient.

[0051] Furthermore, according to the spraying method of this embodiment, the pilot, assistant, and supply worker each work with a terminal device displaying the electronic spraying map 1, which displays their current location. This allows each worker to intuitively understand their route, standing position, and tasks, allowing for efficient work. For example, in the past, the pilot would mistake the target field 11, the assistant would lose sight of the target field 11 that they were supposed to visually inspect, and arrive late to their correct position, or the supply worker would follow the pilot because they were unaware of the spray supply point 27 or refueling point 28, or wait in a completely unrelated location, delaying preparations for replenishment. Furthermore, in the past, communication and thinking outside of the unmanned aircraft spraying operation, such as instructing the flight direction 24 and guiding to the next target field 11, was required, making it difficult to concentrate on the spraying operation and posing safety issues. However, the spraying method of this embodiment solves these problems, allowing the pilot, assistant, and supply worker to work together safely and quickly.

[0052] The above-described method for creating an electronic map for distribution and the method for distribution are merely examples of the present invention, and the configurations thereof can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 1··Electronic maps for scattering, 10. Electronic map, 11. Target field for spraying, 12. Field, 20··Input image data, 21··Input layer, 22a, 22b, 22c··Landmarks, 23··Field number, 24··Flight direction, 25··Pilot's movement path, 26··Assistant's movement path, 27··Spray supply location, 28··Fuel supply location, 29··Caution location, 30a, 30b··Start point, 31a, 31b··End point, 32a, 32b, 32c··Factory (target), G1··First group, G2··Second group, 40··Detailed map data, 41··Detailed map layer,

Claims

1. a field input step of inputting into the electronic map one or more target fields to which the spraying material is to be sprayed by the unmanned aerial vehicle from among a plurality of fields displayed on the electronic map capable of displaying the current position; an image output step of outputting the electronic map into which the spraying target field has been input as input image data; a detailed information input step for inputting detailed information, such as three or more markers, a field number indicating the spraying order of the target field, the flight direction of the unmanned aerial vehicle within the target field, the route of travel of the pilot of the unmanned aerial vehicle, a spray supply location where the spray material is replenished to the unmanned aerial vehicle, and a refueling location where the unmanned aerial vehicle is refueled if necessary, and points to be aware of during spraying work, into an input layer overlaid on the input image data; a detailed information map data output step of georeferencing the input layer that has passed through the detailed information input step based on the landmarks and outputting it as detailed information map data; a map creation step of creating an electronic map for spraying, in which the detailed information map data is imported into the electronic map and overlaid as a detailed information map layer, thereby displaying the spray target field and the detailed information; A method for creating an electronic map for distribution, comprising:

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said flight direction is indicated by a single line.

3. 3. The method for creating an electronic map for distribution according to claim 1, wherein the detailed information input step also inputs a movement path of an assistant positioned at an end of the flight direction opposite the pilot.

4. In the field input step, a spray area of ​​each of the spray target fields is calculated, 4. The method for creating an electronic map for scattering according to claim 1, wherein the scattering material supply locations and the refueling locations are determined by integrating the calculated scattering areas.

Images