Work control method, work control system, and program

Abstract

To increase the degree of optimization to user's needs, in performing authentication for controlling a work device.SOLUTION: A work control method includes steps of: acquiring authentication information including device information for authenticating an object work device which works in a farm field, and function information for authenticating an object function which becomes an execution object among a plurality of functions used for controlling the object work device; validating the object function among the plurality of functions on the basis of the function information on the authentication information; and generating control information for controlling the object work device by the validated object function. The work control method may include the step of outputting the control information for controlling the object work device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9A

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a work control method, a work control system, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Today, with the increasing need for agricultural automation, technologies for controlling work devices operating in a field have been developed. In order to control a work device, it may be necessary to authenticate which work device to control and what functions to use.

[0003] In relation to this, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for selecting one of a plurality of work devices captured by wireless connection from a terminal device and automatically connecting the selected work device to the terminal device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the technique of Patent Document 1, the terminal device itself is automatically connected to and associated with one of a plurality of work devices. Therefore, even when the control terminal has a plurality of functions or a plurality of pieces of control information, the entire function of the control terminal is authenticated with the work device. In this case, the user has to bear the cost (for example, usage fees and operation effort) for the entire function and information of the terminal device. Therefore, the conventional work control system was less compatible with the needs of the user when performing authentication for controlling a work device.

[0006] In view of the above situation, an object of the present disclosure is to improve the degree of optimization to the needs of the user when performing authentication for controlling a work device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The means for solving the problem are described below using the numbers and symbols used in the embodiments for carrying out the invention. These numbers and symbols are added in parentheses for reference to show an example of the correspondence between the claims and the embodiments for carrying out the invention. Therefore, the claims should not be interpreted restrictively because of the parenthetical statements.

[0008] The work control method according to this embodiment includes acquiring authentication information which includes device information for authenticating target work devices (30a-1, 30b-2) to be used in a field, and function information for authenticating target functions (134a-1, 134b-1) to be executed from among a plurality of functions (134a-1, 134a-2, 134b-1, 134b-2) used to control the target work device (30a-1); activating the target function (134a-1) from among the plurality of functions (134a-1, 134a-2, 134b-1, 134b-2) based on the function information of the authentication information; generating control information for controlling the target work device (30a-1) using the activated target function (134a-1); and outputting control information for controlling the target work device (30a-1).

[0009] The work control system according to this embodiment includes: an acquisition unit (110) that acquires authentication information including device information for authenticating a target work device (30a-1) to be used in a field, and function information for authenticating a target function unit to be executed from among a plurality of function units used to control the target work device (30a-1); a management unit (120) that activates a target function unit (134a-1, 134b-1) from among a plurality of function units (134a-1, 134a-2, 134b-1, 134b-2) based on the function information of the authentication information; a control unit (130a, 130b) that generates control information for controlling the target work device (30a-1) using the activated target function units (134a-1, 134b-1); and an output unit that outputs control information for controlling the target work device.

[0010] The program according to this embodiment causes the computer to acquire authentication information including device information for authenticating target work devices (30a-1, 30b-2) to be used in a field, and function information for authenticating target functions (134a-1, 134b-1) to be executed from among a plurality of functions (134a-1, 134a-2, 134b-1, 134b-2) used to control the target work device (30a-1); activate the target function (134a-1) from among the plurality of functions (134a-1, 134a-2, 134b-1, 134b-2) based on the function information of the authentication information; generate control information for controlling the target work device (30a-1) using the activated target function (134a-1); and output control information for controlling the target work device (30a-1). [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the above embodiment, the degree to which authentication for controlling the work device is optimized to the user's needs can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a work control system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This block diagram shows the configuration of a terminal device according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] This block diagram shows the configuration of a server device according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a work apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a terminal device, a server device, and a work device according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of configuration information according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of credential information according to one embodiment. [Figure 8]This is a flowchart illustrating the process of setting credentials performed by a work control system according to one embodiment. [Figure 9A] This is a flowchart illustrating the process by which a work control system according to one embodiment controls a work device. [Figure 9B] This is a flowchart illustrating the process by which a work control system according to one embodiment controls a work device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] (First Embodiment) The work control system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in Figure 1, the work control system 1 comprises a terminal device 10, a server device 20, and one or more work devices 30. The terminal device 10 is communicated with the server device 20 and the work devices 30 via a network NT. Examples of the network NT include the internet and an intranet.

[0014] In the example shown in Figure 1, the working device 30 includes a first type of working device 30a for performing a first agricultural operation in the field, and a second type of working device 30b for performing a second agricultural operation in the field. The first type of working device 30a is, for example, a tractor capable of towing agricultural machinery 40. Hereafter, when distinguishing between individual first type working devices 30a, a number may be added to the end, such as working device 30a-1, working device 30a-2, ...

[0015] In the first type of working device 30a in FIG. 1, different agricultural machines 40 capable of performing different types of agricultural operations may be provided respectively. For example, the working device 30a-1 is provided with an agricultural machine 40-1 capable of performing a first agricultural operation on a first crop (for example, soybeans) in a workable manner, and the working device 30a-2 is provided with an agricultural machine 40-2 capable of performing a second agricultural operation different from the first agricultural operation on the first crop in a workable manner. As an example, the agricultural machine 40-1 is a rotary tiller for tilling the soil, and the agricultural machine 40-2 is a spraying device for spraying pesticides and herbicides. Alternatively, agricultural machines 40 capable of performing operations according to crops and agricultural operations, such as a loader for scooping up harvested products, compost, etc. and a transport platform, may be provided in the working device 30a. In addition, the agricultural machine 40 provided in the working device 30a may be replaceable. For example, the agricultural machine 40-2 may be provided in the working device 30a-1, and the agricultural machine 40-1 may be provided in the working device 30a-2, respectively.

[0016] The second type of working device 30b is, as an example, a self-propelled vehicle (for example, a combine) that performs a third operation (for example, a crop harvesting operation) in a field. When distinguishing each of the second type of working devices 30b, numbers may be appended to the end, such as working device 30b-1, working device 30b-2,.... The working device 30b of the present embodiment has a mechanical part capable of performing a third operation on a plurality of crops (for example, rice as the second crop and wheat as the third crop) that can be cultivated in a field.

[0017] The work control system 1 of this embodiment automatically controls the operation of the work device 30 by using one or more of the functional units (for example, the functions of the first control unit 130a and the second control unit 130b in FIG. 5) having a plurality of control functions provided in the terminal device 10. For example, the terminal device 10 authenticates a target function to be executed that corresponds to the work device 30 to be controlled (for example, the work device 30a-1) among the plurality of work devices 30. The target function to be executed corresponds to, for example, the type of crop for which agricultural work is performed or the type of agricultural work (for example, tilling) performed by the agricultural machine 40 provided in the work device 30a-1 to be controlled. The terminal device 10 generates control information for controlling the work device 30a-1 based on the authenticated target function and outputs it to the work device 30a-1.

[0018] In this way, when controlling the work device 30, the work control system 1 enables the functions (for example, the functions corresponding to the work device 30a-1 to be controlled) that the user needs among the plurality of control functions of the terminal device 10. Therefore, the work control system 1 previously grants the usage qualifications (for example, as a result of being sold有偿) for the functions that the user needs among the plurality of control functions of the terminal device 10. Based on the granted usage qualifications, the user enables the control functions necessary for controlling the work device 30 to be controlled among the plurality of control functions provided in the terminal device 10. On the other hand, since the user does not need to enable unnecessary control functions, there is no need to have usage qualifications for those functions. For this reason, the work control system 1 can reduce costs (for example, the cost for purchasing or continuing the right to enable, the trouble of user operation) for enabling unnecessary control functions. Thus, the work control system 1 is highly optimized to the user's needs when controlling the work device 30.

[0019] The configuration of the work control system 1 is described below. As shown in Figure 2, the terminal device 10 included in the work control system 1 comprises an input / output device 12, an arithmetic unit 14, a communication device 16, and a storage device 18. The terminal device 10 is, for example, a tablet terminal or a notebook computer carried by the user of the work device 30. Alternatively, in cases where the work device 30 is controlled remotely, the terminal device 10 may be a stationary computer such as a personal computer.

[0020] The input / output device 12 receives information for the arithmetic unit 14 to perform the processing described later. The input / output device 12 also outputs the results of the processing performed by the arithmetic unit 14. The input / output device 12 includes various input and output devices, such as a microphone, display, speaker, and touch panel.

[0021] The communication device 16 is connected to the network NT in a communicative manner and communicates with external devices (e.g., work devices 30 and server device 20) of the terminal device 10 via the network NT. The communication device 16 transfers information obtained from multiple work devices 30 and server device 20 to the arithmetic unit 14. It also transfers information generated by the arithmetic unit 14 to either the work devices 30 or server device 20, or both. The communication device 16 includes a communication interface that enables communication with external devices via wireless communication systems such as wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or cellular communication. If the terminal device 10 is a stationary computer device, the communication device 16 may include wired communication devices such as a NIC (Network Interface Card) or USB (Universal Serial Bus).

[0022] The storage device 18 stores a program P1 and the like, which includes various data and instructions for the work control system 1 of this embodiment to execute at least a part of the processing described later. The storage device 18 is used as a non-transitory tangible storage medium for storing this data and instructions. The program P1 may be provided as a computer program product recorded on a computer-readable storage medium M1. Alternatively, the storage medium M1 may be a storage device of an external server that stores the program P1. In this case, the data including the program P1 may be provided as a computer program product that can be downloaded from the server.

[0023] The arithmetic unit 14 activates control functions for controlling the work device 30, and reads and executes a program P1 from the storage device 18, which includes instructions and data for outputting control information to control the work device 30 using the activated control functions. For example, the arithmetic unit 14 includes a central processing unit (CPU).

[0024] In this embodiment, the server device 20 may be a computer device such as a server computer or a personal computer.

[0025] As shown in Figure 3, the server device 20 includes an input / output device 22, an arithmetic unit 24, a communication device 26, and a storage device 28.

[0026] The input / output device 22 receives information for the arithmetic unit 24 to perform the processing described later. The input / output device 22 also outputs the results of the processing performed by the arithmetic unit 24. The input / output device 22 includes various input and output devices, such as a keyboard, mouse, microphone, display, speaker, and touch panel.

[0027] The communication device 26 is connected to the network NT in a communicative manner and communicates with external devices (e.g., terminal device 10 and work device 30) of the server device 20 via the network NT. The communication device 26 transfers information acquired from external devices to the arithmetic unit 24. It also transfers information generated by the arithmetic unit 24 to external devices. The communication device 26 includes various interfaces such as NIC and USB.

[0028] The storage device 28 stores a program P2, which includes various data and instructions for the work control system 1 of this embodiment to execute at least a part of the processing described later. The storage device 28 is used as a non-temporary storage medium for storing this data and instructions. The program P2 may be provided together with the program P1, or separately, as a computer program product recorded on a computer-readable storage medium M2. Alternatively, the storage medium M2 may be a storage device of an external server that stores the program P2. In this case, the data including the program P2 may be provided as a computer program product that can be downloaded from the server.

[0029] The arithmetic unit 24 reads from the storage device 28 and executes a program P2 containing instructions and data for outputting information to the terminal device 10 for authenticating the functions of the terminal device 10 and the work device 30. For example, the arithmetic unit 24 includes a central processing unit (CPU).

[0030] In this embodiment, the work device 30 is a vehicle that performs work in the field. As shown in Figure 4, the work device 30 includes an input / output device 32, an arithmetic unit 34, a communication device 36, and a storage device 38 as an on-board computer device for the work device 30. The work device 30 further includes an operating device 39.

[0031] The operating device 39 includes various machines for the work device 30 to perform agricultural work. The operating device 39 may include, for example, a prime mover that generates power, and a device that uses the power generated by the prime mover to perform agricultural work. Specific examples of the operating device 39 may include the engine of the work device 30. If an agricultural machine 40 is attached to the work device 30 (for example, a first type of work device 30a), the operating device 39 may transmit power generated by its prime mover to the agricultural machine 40 so that the agricultural machine 40 can perform agricultural work. Also, if the work device 30 (for example, a second type of work device 30b) performs agricultural work using its own functions without relying on the agricultural machine 40, the operating device 39 may include a device that performs agricultural work (for example, a combine harvester).

[0032] The input / output device 32 receives information for the arithmetic unit 34 to perform the processing described later. The input / output device 32 also outputs the results of the processing performed by the arithmetic unit 34. The input / output device 32 includes various input and output devices, such as a display, speaker, and touch panel. The input / output device 32 may be omitted.

[0033] The communication device 36 is connected to the network NT in a communicative manner and communicates with external devices (e.g., terminal device 10 and server device 20) of the work device 30 via the network NT. The communication device 36 transfers information acquired from external devices to the arithmetic unit 34. It also transfers information generated by the arithmetic unit 34 to external devices. The communication device 36 includes a communication interface that enables communication with external devices via wireless communication systems such as wireless LAN or cellular communication.

[0034] The storage device 38 stores a program P3, which includes various data and instructions for the work control system 1 of this embodiment to execute at least a part of the processing described later. The storage device 38 is used as a non-temporary storage medium for storing this data and instructions. Program P3 may be provided as a computer program product recorded on a computer-readable storage medium M3, together with programs P1 and P2, or separately. Alternatively, the storage medium M3 may be a storage device of an external server that stores program P3. In this case, the data including program P3 may be provided as a computer program product that can be downloaded from the server.

[0035] The arithmetic unit 34 communicates with the terminal device 10 and reads and executes a program P3 from the storage device 38, which contains instructions and data for performing agricultural work based on the control information output by the terminal device 10. For example, the arithmetic unit 34 may include an ECU (Electronic Control Unit).

[0036] Furthermore, the work device 30 may include a sensor device that repeatedly acquires its own position and current time (e.g., date, hour, minute, second, etc.) using a positioning system such as the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). The work device 30 may use this sensor device to measure its own position and time, for example, at a predetermined interval (e.g., every 5 seconds). The work device 30 may also output information indicating the measured position and time of the work device 30 to external devices (e.g., terminal device 10 and server device 20).

[0037] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the terminal device 10, server device 20, and work device 30 of the work control system 1 realize the functional units shown in Figure 5. As an example, the arithmetic unit 14 of the terminal device 10 realizes the functions of an information acquisition unit 110, a management unit 120, a plurality of control units (for example, a first control unit 130a and a second control unit 130b), a control output unit 140, and an information storage unit 160 by executing program P1. The first control unit 130a includes an authentication unit 132a and a plurality of functional units (for example, functional unit 134a-1 and functional unit 134a-2) used to control the work device 30 as a functional unit. The second control unit 130b includes an authentication unit 132b and a plurality of functional units (for example, functional unit 134b-1 and functional unit 134b-2) used to control the work device 30 as a functional unit.

[0038] In the following, when multiple control units, including the first control unit 130a and the second control unit 130b, are not distinguished from each other, they may simply be referred to as the control unit 130. Similarly, when multiple functional units of the first control unit 130a, including functional units 134a-1 and 134a-2, are not distinguished individually, they may simply be referred to as functional unit 134a. Likewise, when multiple functional units of the second control unit 130b, including functional units 134b-1 and 134b-2, are not distinguished, they may simply be referred to as functional unit 134b. When functional units of the control unit 130, including functional units 134a and 134b, are not distinguished, they may simply be referred to as functional unit 134.

[0039] Furthermore, the arithmetic unit 24 of the server device 20 realizes the qualification setting unit 210 and the information storage unit 220 by reading and executing program P2. The arithmetic unit 34 of the work device 30 realizes the functional units of the work device 30 described later (for example, the communication unit 310 shown in Figure 5) by reading and executing program P3. In addition, the arithmetic unit 34 realizes the work unit 320 shown in Figure 5, for example, by executing program P3 and controlling the operating device 39.

[0040] The functions of each functional unit will be described below with reference to Figure 5. The information storage unit 220 of the server device 20 stores configuration information D1a and credential information D1b. Configuration information D1a is used to grant the user the right to use the functions of the functional unit 134 (for example, an authentication key for authenticating the functional unit 134). Configuration information D1a is information indicating each functional unit 134, the control unit 130 having each functional unit 134, the work equipment 30 associated with the function of the functional unit 134, agricultural work, and agricultural products, as shown in Figure 6, for example. In the example shown in Figure 6, the setting information D1a stores the following information in association with each other: "Functional Unit" indicating each functional unit 134, "Control Unit ID" indicating the control unit 130 having the functional unit 134, "Working Device Type" indicating the type of working device 30 that can be controlled using the function of the functional unit 134, "Crop" indicating the agricultural work corresponding to the function of the functional unit 134, and "Work" indicating the agricultural work corresponding to the function of the functional unit 134.

[0041] For example, "Functional Unit" is an identifier indicating the functional unit 134 that has the function of that row (for example, functional unit 134a-1, functional unit 134a-2, functional unit 134b-1, or functional unit 134b-2). "Control Unit ID" is an identifier indicating the control unit 130 that has the functional unit 134 of that row (for example, the first control unit 130a or the second control unit 130b). "Working Device Type" is information indicating the type of working device 30 that corresponds to the functional unit 134 of that row (for example, the first type working device 30a or the second type working device 30b). "Agricultural Work" is information indicating which crop the functional unit 134 corresponds to. "Work" is information indicating what type of agricultural work the functional unit 134 corresponds to.

[0042] The first and second lines of the setting information D1a in Figure 6 define a functional unit 134 used to control a "first type" work device 30 (e.g., work device 30a) which is a control unit 130 (e.g., first control unit 130a) whose "control unit ID" is "first control unit". For example, the first line indicates that the control unit 130 of the "first control unit" (e.g., first control unit 130a) can use the functions of the "first functional unit" (e.g., functional unit 134a-1) to control a "first type" work device 30 (e.g., first type work device 30a) and perform a "first operation" (e.g., first agricultural operation) on a "first crop" (e.g., the first crop mentioned above). The second line indicates that the control unit 130 of the "first control unit" can use the functions of the "second functional unit" (for example, functional unit 134a-2) to control the "first type" work device 30b and perform the "second operation" (for example, the second agricultural operation) on the "first crop". In other words, the multiple functional units 134 of the first control unit 130a each correspond to different agricultural operations.

[0043] Lines 3 and 4 of the configuration information D1a define the functional units 134 used to control a "second type" work device 30 (e.g., work device 30b) that is part of a control unit 130 (e.g., second control unit 130b) whose "control unit ID" is "second control unit". For example, line 3 indicates that the control unit 130 of the "second control unit" (e.g., second control unit 130b) can use a "third functional unit" (e.g., functional unit 134b-1) to control a "second type" work device 30 (e.g., second type work device 30b) and perform a "third operation" (e.g., third agricultural work) on a "second crop" (e.g., second crop). Line 4 indicates that the control unit 130 of the "second control unit" can use a "fourth functional unit" (e.g., functional unit 134b-2) to control a "second type" work device 30b and perform a "third operation" on a "third crop" (e.g., third crop). In other words, each of the multiple functional units 134 of the second control unit 130b corresponds to a different crop.

[0044] The credential information D1b in Figure 5 shows authentication information that includes device information for authenticating the work device 30 to be controlled (also called the target work device), and function information for authenticating the functional unit 134 that has a function (also called the target function) to be executed in order to control the work device 30. The work control system 1 of this embodiment uses the authentication key defined in each row of the credential information D1b in Figure 7 as the authentication information. As an example, as shown in Figure 7, the credential information D1b stores the identifier of the authentication key for that row (e.g., "key ID"), information that identifies the control unit 130 including the functional unit 134 that has the function to be executed (e.g., "control unit ID"), information for authenticating the work device 30 to be controlled (e.g., "device information"), and information for authenticating the functional unit 134 that has the function to be executed (e.g., "function information"). As an example, "device information" is device information for authenticating the work device 30 to be controlled. Also, "function information" is function information for authenticating the functional unit 134 that is executed. For example, a functional unit 134 that a user is authorized to use stores an authentication key corresponding to the credential information D1b.

[0045] In the example in Figure 7, the information in one line of credential information D1b is an authentication key for activating the functional unit that controls one work device 30. The "Key ID" is the identifier of the authentication key in that line. The "Control Unit ID" is the identifier of the control unit 130 (e.g., the first control unit 130a or the second control unit 130b) that uses the authentication key in that line. The "Device Information" includes the "Work Device ID," which indicates the identifier of the work device 30 that is controlled by the control unit 130 indicated by the "Control Unit ID," and the "Communication Key," which contains information used to authenticate communication with the work device 30. The "Communication Key" includes, for example, information for communication authentication of the work device 30 (e.g., an electronic certificate). The "Device Information" is information for authenticating communication with the controlled work device 30 working in the field.

[0046] Furthermore, "Function Information" includes "Function ID." The "Function ID" is the identifier of the function unit 134 that the user is authorized to activate for the work device 30 indicated by the "Work Device ID." The "Function ID" indicates the function unit 134 that can be activated with the authentication key for that row (for example, the function unit that the user is authorized to use) out of all the function units 134 that can be used to control the work device 30. The "Function ID" is used in the process described later to authenticate the function of the function unit 134 that corresponds to that identifier. In other words, "Function Information" is information for authenticating the function unit 134 that has the function to be executed among the multiple functions that control the work device 30 to be controlled.

[0047] The credential setting unit 210 of the server device 20 in Figure 5 performs credential setting processing (for example, credential information D1b in Figure 7) which includes an authentication key for enabling the functions of the terminal device 10, based on the setting information D1a and information obtained from an external device (for example, the terminal device 10 or an external sales server) or user input using the input / output device 22 of the server device 20. Through this setting processing, the credential setting unit 210 generates an authentication key for enabling the functions of the function unit 134 (for example, function unit 134a-1) that corresponds to the controlled work device 30 (for example, work device 30a-1) among the multiple function units 134.

[0048] The information storage unit 160 of the terminal device 10 in Figure 5 stores one or more first individual information D2a and one or more second individual information D2b. Each of the one or more first individual information D2a corresponds to one of the first type work devices 30a. For example, the first individual information D2a includes first individual information D2a-1 corresponding to work device 30a-1 and first individual information D2a-2 corresponding to work device 30a-2. Also, each of the one or more second individual information D2b corresponds to one of the second type work devices 30b. For example, the second individual information D2b includes second individual information D2b-1 corresponding to work device 30b-1 and second individual information D2b-2 corresponding to work device 30b-2. Hereinafter, when the first individual information D2a and the second individual information D2b are not distinguished, they may simply be referred to as individual information D2.

[0049] Each individual piece of information D2 includes information used to generate control information for controlling the corresponding work device 30. For example, each individual piece of information D2 includes information related to the route the corresponding work device 30 travels. For example, each individual piece of information D2 may include information about past routes traveled by the corresponding work device 30, a route template, or parameters for generating a route. For example, as parameters for generating control information, individual piece of information D2 may include information about the performance of the work device 30, such as the minimum turning radius and maximum speed of the work device 30, or information about the performance of the agricultural machinery 40 attached to the work device 30, such as the working width and operating speed of the agricultural machinery 40.

[0050] The information acquisition unit 110 of the terminal device 10 acquires authentication information (for example, the authentication key for credential information D1b) and result information, which will be described later, from the information storage unit 220 of the server device 20 and the communication unit 310 of the work device 30. The information acquisition unit 110 also acquires pre-stored information (for example, first individual information D2a, second individual information D2b, etc.) from the information storage unit 160, etc. Furthermore, the information acquisition unit 110 may acquire information indicating user input received using the input / output device 12. The information acquisition unit 110 supplies the acquired information to each functional unit, such as the management unit 120, the first control unit 130a, and the second control unit 130b.

[0051] The management unit 120 manages the multiple control units 130 (first control unit 130a and second control unit 130b) of the terminal device 10 based on authentication information acquired by the information acquisition unit 110 and information indicating user input. For example, the management unit 120 activates the control unit 130 (for example, the first control unit 130a or the second control unit 130b) indicated by user input using the input / output device 12. The management unit 120 also supplies authentication information to the activated control unit 130.

[0052] In this embodiment, each of the multiple control units 130 is an individual application that generates control information for controlling a corresponding type of work device 30. For example, the first control unit 130a uses the first individual information D2a to generate control information for controlling a first type of work device 30a. On the other hand, the second control unit 130b generates control information for controlling a second type of work device 30b. Each of the multiple control units 130 has an authentication unit 132 and one or more functional units 134.

[0053] The authentication unit 132 executes a part of the process of authenticating the work device 30 to be controlled from among the multiple work devices 30 based on the authentication information. For example, the authentication unit 132a of the first control unit 130a executes a part of the process of authenticating communication with the work device 30 to be controlled (for example, work device 30a-1) from among the multiple work devices 30a, based on the authentication information, as the process of authenticating the first type of work device 30a. The authentication unit 132b of the second control unit 130b executes a part of the process of authenticating communication with the work device 30b to be controlled (for example, work device 30b-1) from among the multiple work devices 30b, based on the authentication information, as the process of authenticating the second type of work device 30b.

[0054] For example, the authentication unit 132 outputs to the work device 30 device information (for example, information including the "communication key" in Figure 7) used for authenticating communication with the controlled work device 30 from the authentication information. The authentication unit 132 also obtains the authentication result of the communication performed by the communication unit 310 of the controlled work device 30 based on the authentication information, and starts communication with the work device 30 based on the authentication result.

[0055] Furthermore, the authentication unit 132, based on the authentication information, specifically the functional information (for example, information including the "Function ID" in Figure 7) used to authenticate the functional unit 134 to be executed among the multiple functional units 134 that control the work device 30 to be controlled, executes an authentication process to activate the functional unit 134 to be executed (for example, functional unit 134a-1) among the functional units 134 of the activated control unit 130.

[0056] The control unit 130 includes one or more functional units 134, for example, as functional units (e.g., software modules or libraries) for generating control information. As an example, the functional unit 134 includes specific logic or algorithms used when generating control information for the work device 30.

[0057] For example, consider a case where work device 30a-1 is equipped with agricultural machinery 40-1 that performs a first agricultural operation on a first crop, and work device 30a-2 is equipped with agricultural machinery 40-2 that performs a second agricultural operation on the first crop. As mentioned above, for example, first individual information D2a-1 corresponds to work device 30a-1, and first individual information D2a-2 corresponds to work device 30a-2. In this case, functional unit 134a-1 has the function of generating control information for work device 30a-1 to perform a first agricultural operation on the first crop using agricultural machinery 40-1, using first individual information D2a. Functional unit 134a-2 has the function of generating control information for work device 30a-2 to perform a second agricultural operation on the first crop, which is of a different type from the first agricultural operation, using agricultural machinery 40-2, using first individual information D2a-2.

[0058] For example, the functional unit 134a-1, corresponding to the fact that the work device 30a-1 is equipped with an agricultural machine 40-1 (e.g., a rotary tiller) for performing a first type of agricultural work (e.g., tilling the soil), uses the first individual information D2a-1 to generate control information such that the work device 30a-1 moves along a route for performing the first type of agricultural work. Similarly, the functional unit 134a-2, corresponding to the fact that the work device 30a-2 is equipped with an agricultural machine 40-2 (e.g., a spraying device) for performing a second type of agricultural work (e.g., spraying pesticides), uses the first individual information D2a-2 to generate control information such that the work device 30a-2 moves along a route for performing the second type of agricultural work. In this way, each of the functions of the multiple functional units 134a of the first control unit 130a corresponds to at least one of the multiple agricultural work performed by the multiple first type of work devices 30a (e.g., agricultural work performed by the multiple agricultural machines 40 provided on the work device 30a).

[0059] Regarding the second control unit 130b, consider the case where the work device 30b-1 has the function of performing a third agricultural operation on a second crop, and the work device 30b-2 has the function of performing a third agricultural operation on a third crop. In this case, the functional unit 134b-1 has the function of generating control information for the work device 30b-1 to perform a third agricultural operation on the second crop using the second individual information D2b-1. The functional unit 134b-2 has the function of generating control information for the third agricultural operation on the third crop using the second individual information D2b-2. Thus, each of the functions of the multiple functional units 134 of the second control unit 130b corresponds to at least one of the crops that the work device 30b can work on (for example, the second crop or the third crop).

[0060] The first control unit 130a and the second control unit 130b transmit the generated control information to the control output unit 140.

[0061] The control output unit 140 outputs the control information generated by the first control unit 130a and the second control unit 130b to the work device 30a to be controlled.

[0062] The communication unit 310 of the work device 30 works in cooperation with the authentication unit of the control unit 130 (for example, authentication unit 132a or authentication unit 132b) to authenticate communication between the work device 30 and the terminal device 10. If authentication is successful, it executes communication between the work device 30 and the terminal device 10. For example, the communication unit 310 receives control information output by the control output unit 140.

[0063] The work unit 320 controls the operating device 39 based on control information received by the communication unit 310 to perform predetermined agricultural work (for example, the first or second agricultural work performed by the first type of work device 30a, or the third agricultural work performed by the second type of work device 30b, etc.). When an agricultural machine 40 is attached to the work device 30 (for example, work device 30a), the work unit 320 controls the agricultural machine 40 to perform agricultural work in conjunction with the operating device 39 of the work device 30. Alternatively, if the operating device 39 of the work device 30 (for example, work device 30b) is capable of performing agricultural work independently, the work unit 320 uses the operating device 39 to perform agricultural work.

[0064] (Operation of work control system 1) The work control system 1 controls the work device 30 by executing the processes shown in Figures 8, 9A, and 9B, which are examples of work control methods, based on the functional configuration described above. For example, when the information acquisition unit 110 receives user input via the input / output device 12 to start setting the credential information D1b (for example, input to start purchasing an authentication key for a certain functional unit 134), the work control system 1 starts the process of setting the credential information D1b shown in Figure 8.

[0065] First, in step S102, the information acquisition unit 110 acquires information indicating the work device 30 controlled by the function unit 134 for which a new authentication key is to be purchased. For example, the information acquisition unit 110 uses the input / output device 12 to receive user input information specifying the type of work device 30 to be controlled. The information acquisition unit 110 then outputs the acquired user input information to the server device 20 via the communication device 16. As an example, this user input information indicates the work device 30 controlled by the function unit 134 for which a new usage license is to be purchased (for example, a first-type work device 30a-1, work device 30a-2, a second-type work device 30b-1, or work device 30b-2).

[0066] Next, in step S104, the credentials setting unit 210 of the server device 20 acquires information related to the candidate functions that are the target of the authentication key to be purchased (or renewed). In this embodiment, the credentials setting unit 210 acquires information indicating the agricultural work and crops that can be performed with the work device 30 acquired in step S102 as information related to the candidate functions. For example, the credentials setting unit 210 extracts rows from the setting information D1a in Figure 6 in which the "work device" matches the type acquired in step S102. For example, if information specifying a first type of work device 30a was acquired in step S104, the credentials setting unit 210 extracts the information in rows 1 and 2 of Figure 6. The information in rows 1 and 2 of Figure 6 includes information indicating "first work" and "second work" as agricultural work corresponding to functions for which the qualification to use the first type of work device 30a can be purchased, and information indicating "first crop" as the crop. On the other hand, if information specifying the second type of work device 30b was obtained in step S104, the qualification setting unit 210 extracts the information shown in lines 3-4 of Figure 6. The information shown in lines 3-4 of Figure 6 includes information indicating "third work" as a farming operation corresponding to the functions available for purchase for the second type of work device 30b, and information indicating "second crop" and "third crop" as farming operations. The qualification setting unit 210 outputs the extracted information to the terminal device 10 via the communication device 26.

[0067] Next, in step S106, the information acquisition unit 110 of the terminal device 10 acquires information related to the function that the user is purchasing. In this embodiment, the information acquisition unit 110 acquires information indicating the agricultural work and crops corresponding to the function to be purchased as information related to the function to be purchased.

[0068] For example, the information acquisition unit 110 uses the touch panel of the input / output device 12 to receive user input, allowing the user to select the desired farm work and crop from among the farm work and crops corresponding to multiple functions of the displayed purchase candidates. To this end, the information acquisition unit 110 first displays at least one of the farm work and crops corresponding to multiple functions of the purchase candidates on the touch panel of the input / output device 12. For example, the information acquisition unit 110 displays the combinations of "crops" and "work" included in the rows extracted in step S104 on the touch panel of the input / output device 12 in a selectable manner. As an example, in the "work device type" information in Figure 6, corresponding to the first type of work device 30a, "first crop" and "first work," and "first crop" and "second work" are stored, so the information acquisition unit 110 displays information indicating the combinations of "first crop" and "first work," and "first crop" and "second work" on the touch panel of the input / output device 12 in a selectable manner.

[0069] Alternatively, if the "working device type" information in Figure 6 corresponds to the second type of working device 30b and the combinations of "second crop" and "third task," and "third crop" and "third task" are stored, the information acquisition unit 110 displays information on the touch panel of the input / output device 12 that allows selection of combinations of "second crop" and "third task," and "third crop" and "third task."

[0070] The information acquisition unit 110 then uses the touch panel of the input / output device 12 to receive user input, in which the user selects the farming task and crop they wish to perform from among the multiple farming tasks and crops corresponding to the functions of the displayed purchase candidates. The information acquisition unit 110 then acquires information indicating the farming task and crop corresponding to the function to be purchased. The farming task and crop selected by the user input correspond to the function of the authentication key to be purchased. The information acquisition unit 110 outputs the acquired user input information to the server device 20 via the communication device 16.

[0071] Next, in step S108, the qualification setting unit 210 of the server device 20 updates the qualification information D1b based on information related to the function to be purchased. First, the qualification setting unit 210 obtains information indicating the function to be purchased based on the user input information indicating the farm work and crops obtained in step S106. For example, if information indicating the combination of "first crop" and "first work" was obtained in step S104, the "first function" (corresponding to the function of function unit 134a-1) of the "first control unit" (corresponding to the first control unit 130a) stored in the row of that combination in the setting information D1a of Figure 6 is identified as the function to be purchased. If, in the setting information D1a, the functions of multiple function units 134 correspond to the combination obtained in step S104, the qualification setting unit 210 may display the authentication keys of these multiple function units 134 functions as purchase candidates in a manner that can be selected by the input / output device 22, and accept user input to specify which one to purchase.

[0072] For example, if the qualification setting unit 210 purchases a qualification for a new work device 30a-1, it may add a new row to the qualification information D1b in Figure 7 corresponding to the authentication key of the functional unit 134 of the first control unit 130a (for example, functional unit 134a-1 or functional unit 134a-2) indicated by the information obtained in step S106, for the work device 30 indicated by the information obtained in step S102. Furthermore, if an authentication key for work device 30a-1 already exists in the qualification information D1b, the qualification setting unit 210 may add information indicating the function of the newly purchased functional unit 134 to the "Function Information" column of that authentication key.

[0073] Next, in step S110, the information acquisition unit 110 of the terminal device 10 determines whether the purchase (or renewal) has been completed. For example, if the input / output device 12 of the terminal device 10 receives user input indicating that the purchase (or renewal) of the authentication key will continue, the information acquisition unit 110 determines that the purchase (or renewal) process is not yet complete (step S110: NO). In this case, the information acquisition unit 110 repeats the process from step S102 for the next purchase target. On the other hand, if the information acquisition unit 110 obtains user input indicating that the purchase (or renewal) of the authentication key will be terminated, it determines that the purchase (or renewal) process has been completed (step S110: YES). In this case, the information acquisition unit 110 terminates the process shown in Figure 8. For example, the information acquisition unit 110 may output information indicating that the purchase has been completed to the server device 20 via the communication device 16. In this case, the server device 20 may perform settlement processing (e.g., billing processing) for the authentication key purchased (or renewed) in step S108, for example.

[0074] After the processing shown in Figure 8, for example, the terminal device 10 of the work control system 1 starts the processing shown in Figure 9A when the information acquisition unit 110 receives user input to activate the control unit 130 via the input / output device 12.

[0075] First, in step S1002, the information acquisition unit 110 acquires information to specify which control unit 130 to activate from among a plurality of control units 130, including the first control unit 130a and the second control unit 130b.

[0076] For example, the information acquisition unit 110 acquires user input information that specifies which control unit 130 to activate from among a plurality of control units 130. As an example, the information acquisition unit 110 uses the input / output device 12 to receive user input that specifies the type of work device 30 to be controlled from among a plurality of types of work devices 30. For example, if it receives input that specifies a first type of work device 30a, the information acquisition unit 110 acquires this user input information as information that specifies the first control unit 130a. On the other hand, if it receives input that specifies a second type of work device 30b, the information acquisition unit 110 acquires this user input information as information that specifies the second control unit 130b.

[0077] Next, in step S1004, the management unit 120 determines the selectable work devices 30 based on the credential information D1b. For example, the management unit 120 outputs information to the server device 20 specifying the control unit 130 acquired in step S1002. The information storage unit 220 of the server device 20 extracts the authentication key for the row in each row of the credential information D1b where the control unit 130 indicated by the "control unit ID" corresponds to the control unit 130 indicated by the information acquired in step S1002. The information storage unit 220 outputs the authentication key of the extracted row to the terminal device 10. The management unit 120 then receives the outputted authentication key and determines one or more work devices 30 indicated by the "work device ID" of that authentication key as the work devices 30 that can be selected by the control unit 130 to be activated.

[0078] Next, in step S1006, the management unit 120 receives user input via the information acquisition unit 110 to specify the work device 30 to be controlled by the control unit 130 to be activated. For example, the management unit 120 displays one or more selectable work devices 30 determined in step S1004 on the touch panel of the input / output device 12. The management unit 120 then receives user input to specify the work device 30 to be controlled (for example, work device 30a-1) from among the one or more displayed work devices 30. The management unit 120 then transmits the authentication key obtained in step S1004, which is associated with the work device 30 to be controlled specified by the user input, to the control unit 130 to be activated, which received the input in step S1002.

[0079] Next, in step S1008, the authentication unit of the control unit 130 to be activated (for example, the authentication unit 132a or the authentication unit 132b) outputs at least a portion of the authentication key associated with the work device 30 to the work device 30 to be controlled, which was received in step S1006. For example, the authentication unit 132a or the authentication unit 132b uses the communication device 16 to output at least the information for authenticating communication (for example, the "communication key" of the authentication key) from the authentication key associated with the work device 30 to be controlled.

[0080] Next, in step S1010, the communication unit 310 of the controlled work device 30 authenticates the communication between the terminal device 10 and the work device 30 using the authentication key output in step S1008. For example, if the "communication key" is valid, the communication unit 310 considers the authentication to be successful and permits communication between the terminal device 10 and the work device 30. The communication unit 310 then outputs the successful authentication result to the terminal device 10. If the "communication key" is not valid, the communication unit 310 outputs the authentication failure result to the terminal device 10.

[0081] Next, in step S1012, the authentication unit 132 (for example, authentication unit 132a or authentication unit 132b) of the control unit 130 to be activated acquires the authentication result output in step S1010. For example, the authentication unit 132a or authentication unit 132b acquires the authentication result output by the communication unit 310 via the information acquisition unit 110.

[0082] Next, the authentication unit 132 (for example, authentication unit 132a or authentication unit 132b) of the control unit 130 to be activated determines in step S1014 whether authentication was successful or not. For example, if the authentication result obtained in step S1012 indicates authentication failure (step S1014: NO), the authentication unit 132a or authentication unit 132b terminates the processing shown in Figures 9A and 9B. On the other hand, if the authentication result indicates authentication success (step S1014: YES), the authentication unit 132a or authentication unit 132b proceeds to step S1016 shown in Figure 9B.

[0083] Next, in step S1016, the authentication unit 132 (for example, authentication unit 132a or authentication unit 132b) of the control unit 130 to be activated activates one or more functional units 134 of the control unit 130 to be activated that are available for use. For example, the authentication unit 132a or authentication unit 132b extracts one or more functional units 134 indicated by the "functional ID" in one or more authentication keys for the target work device 30 obtained in step S1004. Then, the authentication unit 132a or authentication unit 132b activates the extracted functional units 134 as available functional units 134. As an example, the authentication unit 132a or authentication unit 132b displays the extracted functional units 134 on the touch panel of the input / output device 12 in a selectable manner (for example, in a manner that is not grayed out). On the other hand, among the one or more functional units of the control unit 130 to be activated, functional units 134 that are different from the usable functional units 134 (those not included in the authentication key obtained in step S1004) are not activated. As an example, the authentication unit 132a or authentication unit 132b displays the unusable functional unit 134 on the touch panel of the input / output device 12 in a manner that makes it unselectable (for example, in a grayed-out manner). Alternatively, the authentication unit 132a or authentication unit 132b does not have to display the unusable functional unit 134 on the touch panel of the input / output device 12.

[0084] The authentication unit 132a or authentication unit 132b then uses the input / output device 12 to receive user input specifying which of the two or more activated functional units 134 to use (for example, functional unit 134a-1, functional unit 134a-2, functional unit 134b-1, or functional unit 134b-2). The authentication unit then determines the functional unit 134 indicated by the received user input as the functional unit 134 to be used.

[0085] Next, the authentication unit 132 (for example, authentication unit 132a or authentication unit 132b) of the control unit 130 to be activated determines the function of the execution target function unit 134 to be used to control the work device 30 to be controlled in step S1018. For example, the authentication unit 132a or authentication unit 132b receives user input using the input / output device 12 to select one of the function units 134 that were activated in step S1016. Then, it determines the function unit 134 indicated by the received user input as the function unit 134 to be used. Note that if there is only one function unit 134 that was activated in step S1016, the authentication unit 132a or authentication unit 132b may determine that one function unit 134 as the function unit 134 to be used, regardless of user input or the like.

[0086] Next, in step S1020, the control unit 130 generates control information using the individual information D2 corresponding to the work device 30 to be controlled, based on the function unit 134 determined in step S1018. For example, the determined function unit 134 includes logic for generating control information using the individual information D2 corresponding to the work device 30 to be controlled, as indicated by the user input received in step S1006, from among the individual information D2 stored in the information storage unit 160. For example, if the work device 30 to be controlled is work device 30a-1, the control unit 130 generates control information for work device 30a-1 to move along a route for performing a first type of work, based on the logic of the determined function unit 134a-1, using the first individual information D2a-1.

[0087] For example, if the function of the activated function unit 134 includes logic that applies a route previously used by the controlled work device 30 to a new field as a template, the control unit 130 acquires individual information D2 that includes the past route (for example, a route of parallel straight lines at known intervals) and the location and shape of the field. The control unit 130 then applies the data from individual information D2 to the logic of the activated function unit 134 to generate control information that reproduces a route with geometrically similar characteristics to the past route in the field to be worked on. Alternatively, if the function of the activated function unit 134 is logic that generates a new route suitable for the target agricultural work based on the geographical information of the field, the minimum turning radius of the work device 30, the working width of the work device 30 (or agricultural machinery 40 attached to the work device 30), and the shape of the route (for example, a route that runs parallel to the ridges), the control unit 130 acquires individual information D2 that includes the information necessary to execute this logic. Then, the control unit 130, using the logic of the activated functional unit 134, determines a suitable route according to the parameters of the work device 30 indicated by the individual information D2, and generates control information for operating the work device 30 along this route.

[0088] Furthermore, the control unit 130 may generate control information indicating the parameters of the work unit 320 of the work device 30 during operation, based on the functions of the functional unit 134. For example, these parameters may be control parameters indicating the depth to which the agricultural machine 40-1 (e.g., rotary tiller) digs up the soil, or control parameters indicating the amount of pesticide per unit time that the agricultural machine 40-2 (e.g., sprayer) sprays.

[0089] Then, the control unit 130 to be activated transmits the control information generated using the function of the functional unit 134 determined in step S1018 to the control output unit 140.

[0090] Next, the control output unit 140 uses the communication device 16 to output the control information generated in step S1020 to the work device 30 to be controlled in step S1022.

[0091] Then, in step S1024, the work unit 320 of the controlled work device 30 operates based on the control information output in step S1022. For example, if the controlled work device 30 is a first type work device 30a-1, the work unit 320 operates the operating device 39 (and the agricultural machine 40 controlled by the operating device 39) based on the control information to move the work device 30 along the route indicated by the control information, and the agricultural machine 40 performs the first agricultural work (or the second agricultural work) on the first crop. Alternatively, if the controlled work device 30 is a second type work device 30b-1, the work unit 320 operates the operating device 39 based on the control information to move the work device 30 along the route indicated by the control information, and performs the third agricultural work on the second crop (or the third crop).

[0092] In this way, when the work control system 1 controls the work device 30 to be controlled, it activates the function of the function unit 134 of the corresponding control unit 130 that corresponds to the work device 30 to be controlled, as indicated by the qualification information D1b. The work control system 1 then controls the work device 30 to be controlled using the selected function unit 134 from among the activated function units 134. Therefore, the user does not need to activate the necessary function units 134 from among all the function units 134 of the control unit 130 in order to control the work device 30, and does not need to activate the unnecessary function units 134. Thus, the user enjoys greater convenience when controlling the work device 30 to be controlled.

[0093] (modified version) The configuration described in the embodiment is just one example, and the configuration can be changed as long as it does not impair the functionality.

[0094] For example, in the above embodiment, some or all of the functions performed by the arithmetic unit 14 of the terminal device 10 may be implemented by the arithmetic unit 24 of the server device 20 or the arithmetic unit 34 of the work device 30. For example, the management unit 120 of the terminal device 10 may be implemented by the arithmetic unit 24 of the server device 20. Also, the qualification setting unit 210 and the information storage unit 220 of the server device 20 may be implemented by the arithmetic unit 14 of the terminal device 10. In this case, the work control system 1 does not have to include the server device 20.

[0095] Furthermore, the server device 20 may possess some of the functional components of the terminal device 10. For example, in the above embodiment, in steps S102 and S106 of the process in Figure 8, the information acquisition unit 110 of the terminal device 10 acquired the information. However, instead of the information acquisition unit 110, the arithmetic unit 24 of the server device 20 may implement the functional unit that performs this processing (for example, the information acquisition unit of the server device 20). For example, in step S102 of Figure 8, the arithmetic unit 24 may use the input / output device 22 to receive user input indicating the work device 30 to be authenticated. Also, in step S106, the arithmetic unit 24 may use the input / output device 22 to receive user input indicating the farm work and crops corresponding to the function to be purchased. In this case, the process in Figure 8 can be executed on the server device 20 and does not require the terminal device 10.

[0096] Furthermore, two or more of the functions performed by the information acquisition unit 110, management unit 120, control unit 130, control output unit 140, and information storage unit 160 of the terminal device 10 may be performed by a single functional unit. For example, in the above embodiment, the management unit 120 and the first control unit 130a and second control unit 130b were described as existing as separate applications. Alternatively, the parts corresponding to the management unit 120 and the first control unit 130a and second control unit 130b may be contained within a single application. Or, the first control unit 130a and the second control unit 130b may have a functional unit corresponding to the control output unit 140 (for example, a control output unit for the first control unit 130a and the second control unit 130b).

[0097] In the above embodiment, the authentication unit 132a or authentication unit 132b in Figure 5 outputs "communication key" information to the work device 30, and the communication unit 310 of the work device 30 authenticates the communication based on the "communication key". However, the authentication unit 132 may also authenticate the communication with the work device 30. In this case, the authentication unit 132a or authentication unit 132b may use a communication ID and password instead of the "communication key" in Figure 7 as device information for authenticating the work device 30 to be controlled.

[0098] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the credential setting unit 210 generated credential information D1b through the process shown in Figure 8. However, the credential setting unit 210 is not limited to this, and may acquire credential information D1b from an external device (for example, a server of a manufacturer that sells programs P1 to P3). Also, in the process shown in Figure 8, the credential setting unit 210 updated credential information D1b based on user input to purchase an authentication key. However, the credential setting unit 210 is not limited to purchase, and may update credential information D1b based on an operation in which the user selects a function they wish to use (without paying a fee).

[0099] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the work control system 1 simultaneously controlled one work device 30 by either the first control unit 130a or the second control unit 130b. However, while the first control unit 130a is controlling the first type of work device 30a, the process shown in Figures 9A-9B may be repeated, and the second control unit 130b may control the second type of work device 30b.

[0100] Furthermore, the first control unit 130a may simultaneously control two first-type work devices 30a. The second control unit 130b may simultaneously control two second-type work devices 30b. In this case, the credential information D1b may further include information indicating the number of work devices 30 that each functional unit 134 can simultaneously control. In this case, the number of currently controlled devices may be counted from the time communication authentication is established in step S1010 until the processing is completed, and when performing the processing shown in Figures 9A-9B for a new work device 30, if the count does not exceed the number of controllable devices, that work device 30 may be identified as a selectable work device 30 in step S1004.

[0101] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, one functional unit 134 corresponds to one crop or one farming task. However, a functional unit 134 may correspond to multiple crops or multiple farming tasks. For example, a functional unit 134 may correspond to multiple similar crops (e.g., komatsuna and spinach). Also, a functional unit 134 may correspond to multiple similar farming tasks (e.g., pesticide spraying and fertilizer spraying).

[0102] Furthermore, in the work control system 1 of the above embodiment, the functional units 134a of the first control unit 130a each correspond to multiple different agricultural tasks, and the functional units 134b of the second control unit 130b each correspond to multiple different crops. However, the system is not limited to this, and the functional units 134a of the first control unit 130a may correspond to multiple different crops, and the functional units 134b of the second control unit 130b may correspond to multiple different crops. Also, for example, the first control unit 130a (or the second control unit 130b) may have a functional unit 134 corresponding to multiple crops and a functional unit 134 corresponding to multiple agricultural tasks. In this case, the pre-set information D1a may store information about the functional units 134a of the first control unit 130a that correspond to multiple crops and the functional units 134a corresponding to multiple agricultural tasks.

[0103] The embodiments and modifications described above are merely examples, and the configurations described in each embodiment and modification may be arbitrarily changed and / or combined as long as they do not impair the function. Furthermore, some of the functions described in the embodiments and modifications may be omitted if the necessary functions can be achieved.

[0104] (Note) The work control method, work control system, and program described in each embodiment can be described as follows.

[0105] The work control method relating to the first embodiment is: To obtain authentication information that includes device information for authenticating the target work equipment used in the field, and function information for authenticating the target function to be executed from among multiple functions used to control the said target work equipment, Based on the functional information of the authentication information, the target function among the multiple functions is activated. The activated target function generates control information for controlling the target work device, Outputting the control information for controlling the target work device, Includes.

[0106] The work control method according to the second embodiment is the work control method according to the first embodiment, Each of the multiple functions used to control the aforementioned work device corresponds to multiple types of agricultural work in the field.

[0107] The work control method according to the third embodiment is the work control method according to the second embodiment, Each of the multiple functions used to control the target work device corresponds to one of the multiple agricultural tasks performed by the multiple agricultural machines provided on the multiple work devices.

[0108] The work control method according to the fourth embodiment is a work control method according to any of the first to third embodiments, Each of the multiple functions used to control the aforementioned work device corresponds to one of the multiple crops that can be cultivated in the field.

[0109] The work control method according to the fifth embodiment is a work control method according to any of the first to fourth embodiments, Obtaining the aforementioned authentication information means The system accepts user input specifying which of several work devices capable of working in the field will be designated as the target work device, From among the multiple authentication pieces of information corresponding to each of the multiple work devices, the authentication piece corresponding to the target work device is obtained. Includes, Generating control information for the target work device includes generating the control information using the target individual information corresponding to the acquired authentication information, from among a plurality of individual pieces of information corresponding to each of the plurality of authentication pieces of information.

[0110] The work control method according to the sixth embodiment is the work control method according to the fifth embodiment, Each of the aforementioned multiple pieces of information includes information about the work route that the corresponding work device among the multiple work devices should perform, Generating the control information includes generating the control information for controlling the target work device along the work route based on the target individual information.

[0111] The work control method according to the seventh embodiment is a work control method according to any of the first to sixth embodiments, The aforementioned plurality of work devices include multiple types of work devices that perform different tasks in the field. The system accepts user input indicating which of the aforementioned multiple types of work devices to control, The system accepts user input specifying the target work device from among the types of work devices that have been received, To obtain the authentication result of communication with the target work device indicated by the received user input, based on the device information, It further includes, Enabling the aforementioned target function includes initiating communication with the aforementioned target work device based on the acquired authentication result.

[0112] The work control method according to the eighth aspect is a work control method according to any of the first to seventh aspects, Displaying multiple agricultural tasks and crops that support multiple functions, The system accepts user operations to select one or more from at least one of the multiple displayed farming tasks and crops, Based on the user operation received, functional information for a function corresponding to at least one of the selected farm work and crop is added to the authentication information. It also includes.

[0113] The work control system according to the ninth aspect is An acquisition unit that acquires authentication information including device information for authenticating a target work device to be used in a field, and function information for authenticating a target functional unit to be executed from among a plurality of functional units used to control the target work device, A management unit that activates the target functional unit among the plurality of functional units based on the functional information of the authentication information, A control unit that generates control information for controlling the target work device using the activated target function unit, An output unit that outputs the control information for controlling the target work device, It is equipped with.

[0114] The program relating to the tenth aspect is: On the computer, To obtain authentication information that includes device information for authenticating the target work equipment used in the field, and function information for authenticating the target function to be executed from among multiple functions used to control the said target work equipment, Based on the functional information of the authentication information, the target function among the multiple functions is activated. The activated target function generates control information for controlling the target work device, Outputting the control information for controlling the target work device, Make it run. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0115] 1. Work control system 10 Terminal devices 12 Input / Output Devices 14 Arithmetic unit 16. Communication equipment 18 Storage device 110 Information Acquisition Department 120 Management Department 130a First control unit 132a Authentication Department 134a-1, 134a-2 Functional parts 130b Second Control Unit 132a Authentication Department 134b-1, 134b-2 Functional part 140 Control Output Section 160 Information storage section D2a, D2a-1, D2a-2 First Individual Information D2b, D2b-1, D2b-2 Second Individual Information 20 Server Devices 22 Input / Output Devices 24 Arithmetic unit 26 Communication equipment 28 Storage device 210 Qualification Setting Department 220 Information storage section 30 Working equipment 32 Input / Output Devices 34 Arithmetic unit 36 Communication equipment 38 Storage device 39 Operating equipment 30a, 30a-1, 30a-1 Type 1 working device 30b, 30b-1, 30b-1 Type 1 working device 310 Communications Department 320 Work Unit 40, 40-1, 40-2 Agricultural machinery Microsoft Network M1, M2, M3 storage medium P1, P2, P3 Program D1a Configuration Information D2b Credentials

Claims

1. A work control method performed in a work control system configured with a computer, To obtain authentication information that includes device information for authenticating the target work equipment used in the field, and function information for authenticating the target function to be executed from among multiple functions used to control the said target work equipment, Based on the functional information of the authentication information, the target function among the multiple functions is activated. The activated target function generates control information for controlling the target work device, Outputting the control information for controlling the target work device, Includes, Two or more of the multiple functions used to control the aforementioned target work device each correspond to one of the multiple types of agricultural work in the field. Work control method.

2. Two or more of the multiple functions used to control the target work device each correspond to one of the multiple agricultural tasks performed by the multiple agricultural machines provided on the multiple work devices. The work control method according to claim 1.

3. A work control method performed in a work control system configured with a computer, To obtain authentication information that includes device information for authenticating the target work equipment used in the field, and function information for authenticating the target function to be executed from among multiple functions used to control the said target work equipment, Based on the functional information of the authentication information, the target function among the multiple functions is activated. The activated target function generates control information for controlling the target work device, Outputting the control information for controlling the target work device, Includes, Two or more of the multiple functions used to control the aforementioned target work device each correspond to one of the multiple crops that can be cultivated in the aforementioned field. Work control method.

4. A work control method performed in a work control system configured with a computer, To obtain authentication information that includes device information for authenticating the target work equipment used in the field, and function information for authenticating the target function to be executed from among multiple functions used to control the said target work equipment, Based on the functional information of the authentication information, the target function among the multiple functions is activated. The activated target function generates control information for controlling the target work device, Outputting the control information for controlling the target work device, Includes, Obtaining the aforementioned authentication information means The system accepts user input specifying which of several work devices capable of working in the field will be designated as the target work device, From among the multiple authentication pieces of information corresponding to each of the multiple work devices, the authentication piece corresponding to the target work device is obtained. Includes, Generating control information for the target work device includes generating the control information using the target individual information corresponding to the acquired authentication information, from among the multiple individual pieces of information corresponding to each of the multiple authentication pieces of information. Work control method.

5. Each of the aforementioned multiple pieces of information includes information about the work route that the corresponding work device among the multiple work devices should perform, The generation of the control information includes generating the control information for controlling the target work device along the work route based on the target individual information. The work control method according to claim 4.

6. A work control method performed in a work control system configured with a computer, To obtain authentication information that includes device information for authenticating the target work equipment used in the field, and function information for authenticating the target function to be executed from among multiple functions used to control the said target work equipment, Based on the functional information of the authentication information, the target function among the multiple functions is activated. The activated target function generates control information for controlling the target work device, Outputting the control information for controlling the target work device, Includes, The system accepts user input indicating which of several types of work devices, each performing different tasks in the field, should be controlled. The system accepts user input specifying the target work device from among one or more types of work devices that have been received, To obtain the authentication result of communication with the target work device indicated by the received user input, based on the device information, It further includes, Enabling the aforementioned target function includes initiating communication with the aforementioned target work device based on the acquired authentication result, Work control method.

7. A work control method performed in a work control system configured with a computer, To obtain authentication information that includes device information for authenticating the target work equipment used in the field, and function information for authenticating the target function to be executed from among multiple functions used to control the said target work equipment, Based on the functional information of the authentication information, the target function among the multiple functions is activated. The activated target function generates control information for controlling the target work device, Outputting the control information for controlling the target work device, Includes, Displaying multiple agricultural tasks and crops that support multiple functions, The system accepts user operations to select one or more from at least one of the multiple displayed farming tasks and crops, Based on the user operation received, functional information for a function corresponding to at least one of the selected farm work and crop is added to the authentication information. This also includes, Work control method.

8. An acquisition unit that acquires authentication information including device information for authenticating a target work device to be used in a field, and function information for authenticating a target functional unit to be executed from among a plurality of functional units used to control the target work device, A management unit that activates the target functional unit among the plurality of functional units based on the functional information of the authentication information, A control unit that generates control information for controlling the target work device using the activated target function unit, An output unit that outputs the control information for controlling the target work device, Equipped with, Two or more of the multiple functional units used to control the aforementioned target work device each correspond to one of the multiple types of agricultural work in the field. Work control system.

9. An acquisition unit that acquires authentication information including device information for authenticating a target work device to be used in a field, and function information for authenticating a target functional unit to be executed from among a plurality of functional units used to control the target work device, A management unit that activates the target functional unit among the plurality of functional units based on the functional information of the authentication information, A control unit that generates control information for controlling the target work device using the activated target function unit, An output unit that outputs the control information for controlling the target work device, Equipped with, The acquisition unit, The system accepts user input specifying which of the multiple work devices capable of operating in the field will be designated as the target work device. From among the multiple sets of authentication information corresponding to each of the aforementioned work devices, the authentication information corresponding to the target work device is obtained. It is configured in such a way, The control unit is configured to generate the control information using the target individual information corresponding to the authentication information acquired by the acquisition unit, from among a plurality of individual pieces of information corresponding to each of the plurality of authentication pieces of information. Work control system.

10. On the computer, To obtain authentication information that includes device information for authenticating the target work equipment used in the field, and function information for authenticating the target function to be executed from among multiple functions used to control the said target work equipment, Based on the functional information of the authentication information, the target function among the multiple functions is activated. The activated target function generates control information for controlling the target work device, Outputting the control information for controlling the target work device, A program to execute, Two or more of the multiple functions used to control the aforementioned target work device each correspond to one of the multiple types of agricultural work in the field. program.

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