Management system for riding lawnmowers

Abstract

To provide a management system of a riding lawn mower that enables accurate formulation of a work plan.SOLUTION: A management system of a riding lawn mower according to an embodiment includes: a control device and an input device. The control device manages the work of the riding lawn mower. The input device accepts the input operation directed to the control device. The control device acquires a photographed image taken by a flying object, has density and plant height data of the lawn grass generated from the growth status of the lawn grass calculated from the acquired photographed image, work area data indicating a work area of the riding lawn mower and mowing height data indicating the mowing height of the lawn grass by the riding lawn mower entered from the input device, and collector capacity data representing the capacity of a collector stored in advance, calculates a moving capacity of the lawn grass by the riding lawn mower in the work area from the density and plant height data, work area data and mowing height data, and calculates the number of times of discharging the lawn grass performed during the work in the work area by the riding lawn mower from the moving capacity and the collector capacity data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a management system for a riding lawnmower. [Background technology]

[0002] In agricultural management, a technique has been proposed to analyze vegetation growth conditions by calculating vegetation growth values ​​from the backscatter coefficient of images captured by radar devices mounted on flying objects such as artificial satellites (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5369282 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] By the way, in riding lawnmowers that cut grass while driving and collect the cut grass (mould) in a collector, the amount of grass cut per unit area varies depending on the growth stage of the grass, so the way the mould accumulates in the collector and the number of times the mould is discharged changes.

[0005] Therefore, even when using the above analytical techniques for operations with riding lawnmowers, it was difficult to estimate how the grass clippings would accumulate in the collector or how often they would be discharged, making it difficult to accurately plan the work.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and aims to provide a management system for riding lawnmowers that enables the accurate planning of work schedules. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the riding lawnmower management system (100) according to the embodiment includes a control device (10) that manages the operation of a riding lawnmower (1) that cuts grass (G1) while driving and collects the cut grass (G2) into a collector (5), and an input device (80) that receives input operations directed to the control device (10), wherein the control device (10) acquires captured images taken by a flying object (90), generates grass density / grass height data (D1) of grass (G1) calculated from the growth status of grass (G1) from the acquired captured images, and inputs from the input device (80) work area data (D2) indicating the work area (A) of the riding lawnmower (1) and cutting height data (D3) indicating the cutting height (HG) of grass (G1) by the riding lawnmower (1), and the collector ( 5 Collector capacity data (D) that indicates the capacity 4 The system has the following characteristics: it calculates the amount of turfgrass (G1) to be cut by the riding lawnmower (1) in the work area (A) from the density / grass height data (D1), the work area data (D2), and the cutting height data (D3), and calculates the number of times the riding lawnmower (1) discharges turfgrass (G2) while working in the work area (A) from the cut amount and the collector capacity data (D4). [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the management system for a riding lawnmower as described in this embodiment, it becomes possible to accurately plan work schedules. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram (part 1) showing an example configuration of a management system for a riding lawnmower according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a diagram (part 2) showing an example configuration of a management system for a riding lawnmower according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the growth status of turfgrass in the work area. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram for correcting the growth status of turfgrass. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a meter panel.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the management system for a riding lawn mower disclosed in the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited by the embodiments described below.

[0011] <Overall Configuration of the Management System for a Riding Lawn Mower> The overall configuration of a management system 100 for a riding lawn mower according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIGS. 1 and 2 are diagrams showing a configuration example of the management system 100 for a riding lawn mower according to the embodiment. Note that FIG. 1 is a schematic overview diagram including a schematic side (left side) view of the riding lawn mower 1. Further, FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram centered on the control device 10 of the management system 100 for a riding lawn mower.

[0012] Also, FIG. 1 shows a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system including a Z axis with the vertically upward (upward) direction as the positive direction. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the positive direction of the X axis is defined as the left side, the negative direction of the X axis is defined as the right side, the positive direction of the Y axis is defined as the front, the negative direction of the Y axis is defined as the rear, and in some cases, the X axis direction is referred to as the left-right direction, the Y axis direction is referred to as the front-rear direction, and the Z axis direction is referred to as the up-down direction.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, a management system (hereinafter referred to as the management system) 100 for a riding lawn mower includes a riding lawn mower 1, a control device 10, a position information acquisition device 70, and an input device 80. The riding lawn mower 1 cuts grass such as lawn grass (hereinafter referred to as lawn grass) growing in a predetermined work area A (see FIG. 3), stores the cut lawn grass (also referred to as cut grass) in a collector 5 described later, and discharges the stored cut grass to a predetermined discharge location. Note that hereinafter, the riding lawn mower 1 or a traveling vehicle body 2 described later may be referred to as the "machine body" in some cases.

[0014] Also, the riding lawn mower 1 may be manually operated by a driver (also referred to as an operator), or the position information acquisition device 70The control device 10 may control each part by means of an automatic operation based on the position information of the aircraft obtained by

[0015] The riding lawn mower 1 includes a traveling vehicle body 2, a mower 3, a mower lifting mechanism 4, and a collector 5. The traveling vehicle body 2 includes a vehicle body frame 21, a pair of left and right front wheels 22, and a pair of left and right rear wheels 23. The vehicle body frame 21 forms the vehicle body skeleton of the traveling vehicle body 2. An engine 61 is mounted on the vehicle body frame 21. The vehicle body frame 21 supports a pair of left and right front wheels 22 via a front axle case.

[0016] In addition to the front wheels 22 and the rear wheels 23, the engine 61 drives the cutting blade 32 of the mower 3 by rotational power. The engine 61 Examples of the engine include an engine (for example, a diesel engine) or an electric motor.

[0017] Further, the vehicle body frame 21 supports a transmission case 24 that houses a transmission device, for example, an HST (Hydro Static Transmission). The vehicle body frame 21 also supports a pair of left and right rear wheels 23 via a chain case extending rearward from the transmission case 24.

[0018] In the riding lawn mower 1, the rotational power of the engine 61 is appropriately shifted via the HST, and transmitted to the left and right rear wheels 23 via a transmission mechanism housed in the transmission case 24 and the chain case. At the same time, power is taken out from the transmission case 24 and transmitted to the left and right front wheels 22.

[0019] The traveling vehicle body 2 includes a floor step 25, a driver's seat 26, a steering column 271, a steering wheel 272, various operation levers 281, various operation pedals 282, and a safety frame 29.

[0020] The floor step 25 is located at the front of the vehicle body 2. The driver's seat 26 is the seat where the driver sits and is located at the rear of the floor step 25. The steering column 271 is located at the front of the floor step 25. That is, the steering column 271 is located in front of the driver's seat 26. An instrument panel 62 and a monitor 63 are located on top of the steering column 271. The monitor 63 is, for example, an LCD monitor. The monitor 63 displays various information related to the riding lawnmower 1 and the work performed by the riding lawnmower 1. The steering wheel 272 is an operating device for steering the machine and is located on top of the steering column 271.

[0021] The various operating levers 281 include a mower lifting lever, a collector lifting lever, and a dump lever, and are located on the left and right sides of the driver's seat 26. The various operating pedals 282 include an accelerator pedal, a brake pedal, and a clutch pedal, and are located above the floor step 25 and on the left and right sides of the steering column 271.

[0022] The safety frame (also called a lops) 29 is a component that ensures the safety of the driver in the event of the aircraft tipping over, and is installed behind the driver's seat 26. The safety frame 29 is installed in an arch shape that spans the left and right sides of the aircraft when viewed from the front (or rear).

[0023] The mower 3 is located at the front of the vehicle body 2. The riding lawnmower 1 is a so-called front-mower type, with the mower 3 located at the front of the machine body. Alternatively, the riding lawnmower 1 may be a so-called mid-mower type, for example, with the mower 3 located in the center of the machine body.

[0024] More 3 is in work area A W This device cuts the grass G1 growing on the lawn and comprises a mower deck 31 and a cutting blade (not shown). The riding lawnmower 1 transports the grass (cut grass) G2 cut by the cutting blade to a collector 5, which will be described later, via a duct 33 and a chute 34. In this case, the riding lawnmower 1 uses a blower 35 to blow and transport the cut grass G2.

[0025] The mower lifting mechanism 4 comprises a mower lifting cylinder 41 and a lift arm 42. The mower lifting cylinder 41 is, for example, a hydraulic cylinder and drives the mower 3 up and down. The lift arm 42 is provided between the mower lifting cylinder 41 and the mower deck 31. The mower lifting mechanism 4 transmits the driving force of the mower lifting cylinder 41 to the lift arm 42, thereby driving the lift arm 42. By driving the lift arm 42, the mower lifting mechanism 4 raises and lowers the mower 3 (mower deck 31).

[0026] The collector 5 is located at the rear of the vehicle body 2. The collector 5 is a container for collecting the grass (cut grass) G2 cut by the mower 3. The collector 5 is composed of, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped frame, and the front, rear, left, right, and top surfaces of the frame are made of plate members having ventilation holes. An intake opening (not shown) for the cut grass G2, which communicates with the chute 34, is formed on the front of the collector 5.

[0027] The collector 5 also includes a lid 51. The lid 51 is formed by the rear and top surfaces of the collector 5 being integrated. The lid 51 is configured to move away from the main body of the collector 5 in conjunction with the dump of the collector 5, thereby widely opening the rear of the collector 5. The collector 5 discharges the accumulated grass (cut grass) G2 by the dump. In the riding lawnmower 1, basically, the grass cut G2 is discharged when the collector 5 is full of grass cut G2. When the riding lawnmower 1 discharges the grass cut G2, it moves to a predetermined discharge location and discharges the grass cut G2 at the predetermined discharge location.

[0028] Furthermore, a fullness sensor 64 is provided in the storage space for the mowed grass G2 in the collector 5. The fullness sensor 64 detects when the collector 5 is full of mowed grass G2. The fullness sensor 64 may be, for example, an infrared sensor or a weight sensor.

[0029] The control device 10 is capable of controlling each part by electronic control and includes a processing unit (not shown) having a CPU (Central Processing Unit), as well as a storage unit consisting of a hard disk, ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., in which various programs and necessary data are stored.

[0030] The control device 10 performs various calculations of information and presents the calculated information to the operator W (see Figure 3). When the control device 10 presents information to the operator W, it does so by displaying the information on the monitor 63. The control device 10 may be installed on the machine itself, or, if the riding lawnmower 1 is operated automatically, it may be installed on the input device 80 side, which will be described later.

[0031] The position information acquisition device 70 is mounted on the upper part of the vehicle body 2 and measures the current self-position P (see Figure 3) of the vehicle body 2 (i.e., the riding lawnmower 1) at predetermined intervals and acquires position information (e.g., latitude and longitude) of the riding lawnmower 1. The position information acquisition device 70 is, for example, a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) and can measure and time the self-position P of the riding lawnmower 1 by receiving radio waves from navigation satellites (artificial satellites) orbiting overhead.

[0032] The input device 80 receives input operations from the operator W to the control device 10. The input device is, for example, a tablet terminal that the operator W can carry. The input device 80 has a display screen. The display screen of the input device 80 may be configured to display information displayed on the monitor 63 on the machine side.

[0033] The management system 100 configured in this way is, for example, a system that is capable of cloud computing.

[0034] As shown in Figure 2, the control device 10 is connected to a location information acquisition device 70, an input device 80, a monitor 63, and the like.

[0035] The control device 10 comprises an acquisition unit 11, a storage unit 12, a processing unit 13, and an output unit 14. The acquisition unit 11 acquires various information from a flying object 90 such as an artificial satellite, a position information acquisition device 70, an input device 80, etc. The acquisition unit 11 acquires the captured image (satellite image) taken by the flying object 90. If the flying object 90 is an artificial satellite, for example, the satellite is equipped with a radar device and takes images of the Earth's surface using radar.

[0036] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 11 acquires its own position P (see Figure 3) measured by the position information acquisition device 70. The acquisition unit 11 also acquires various information (numerical values, etc.) input from the input device 80. In this case, the acquisition unit 11 acquires work area data D2 indicating the work area A (see Figure 3) of the riding lawnmower 1 (see Figure 1) and the cutting height H of the grass G1 (see Figure 1) by the riding lawnmower 1. G The system acquires cutting height data D3 (see Figure 1). The acquisition unit 11 also acquires cutting width data, which indicates the cutting width of the grass G1 by the riding lawnmower 1. The cutting width data can be acquired by inputting the model number of the mower 3 from the input device 80.

[0037] The memory unit 12 stores various information. The memory unit 12 pre-stores various information related to the riding lawnmower 1 and the work performed by the riding lawnmower 1. The memory unit 12 stores collector capacity data D4 indicating the capacity of the collector 5, mowing capacity data D5 indicating the mowing capacity per unit time of the riding lawnmower 1, and mowing capacity data D6 per unit time, which is calculated by the calculation unit 131 (described later) and indicates the mowing capacity per unit time of the riding lawnmower 1. The mowing capacity data D5 is stored as a value that has been pre-set according to the area of ​​the work area A and the work speed.

[0038] The processing unit 13 comprises a calculation unit 131 and a generation unit 132. The calculation unit 131 calculates various values ​​from various information acquired by the acquisition unit 11. The calculation unit 131 analyzes the captured images acquired by the acquisition unit 11 to calculate the growth status of the turfgrass G1 in the work area A. The generation unit 132 further generates various information from the values ​​calculated by the calculation unit 131. The generation unit 132 generates density and height data D1 of the turfgrass G1 from the growth status of the turfgrass G1 calculated by the calculation unit 131. The density and height data D1 includes grass density data D11 and grass height data D12.

[0039] The output unit 14 outputs various information calculated or generated by the processing unit 13. The output unit 14 outputs various information to the monitor 63. The monitor 63 displays various information (such as numerical values) output from the output unit 14.

[0040] The control device 10 can determine the number of times the riding lawnmower 1 discharges grass (cut grass) G2 (see Figure 1) while working in work area A. In this case, the calculation unit 131 calculates the amount of grass G1 cut by the riding lawnmower 1 in work area A from the density / grass height data D1 (grass density data D11, grass height data D12), work area data D2, and cutting height data D3. The calculation unit 131 then calculates the number of times the riding lawnmower 1 discharges grass G2 while working in work area A from the amount of grass cut calculated by the calculation unit 131 and the collector capacity data D4 stored in the storage unit 12. The calculated number of times grass G2 is discharged is displayed on the monitor 63.

[0041] With this configuration, the operator W (see Figure 3) can determine the number of times grass clippings G2 will be discharged in the work area A before the riding lawnmower 1 starts working, making it easier to plan, such as setting the location for discharging the grass clippings G2. In other words, it becomes easier for operator W to create an accurate work plan. This enables the accurate formulation of a work plan.

[0042] Figure 3 shows the growth status (growth status map) of turfgrass G1 in work area A. The control device 10 (see Figure 2) arbitrarily divides work area A as shown in Figure 3. The control device 10 can determine the work time and other information described later for each divided area A1, A2, etc. The acquisition unit 11 acquires the average grass height H1, H2, etc. (see Figure 1), which is the grass height H for each divided area A1, A2, etc., as information for determining the work time and other information.

[0043] Furthermore, the control device 10 can determine the working time required for the riding lawnmower 1 to work in the work area A. In this case, the processing unit 13 links the captured image acquired by the acquisition unit 11 with the machine's position information (self-position P) to arbitrarily divide the work area A. The processing unit 13 (calculation unit 131) calculates the mowing capacity data D6 per unit time, which indicates the mowing capacity per unit time (for example, 1 hour) by the riding lawnmower in the divided areas A1, A2, ...

[0044] Furthermore, the calculation unit 131 calculates the travel speed at which the riding lawnmower 1 can operate in each area A1, A2, ... from the mowing capacity data D6 per unit time. In addition, the calculation unit 131 calculates the work time required for the riding lawnmower 1 to work in work area A based on the calculated travel speed of the riding lawnmower 1 in each area A1, A2, ... The calculated travel speed and work speed are displayed on the monitor 63.

[0045] With this configuration, it is possible to set an upper limit on the operating speed of the riding lawnmower 1, which allows for the calculation of the working time required for the task, making it easier for the worker W to create an accurate work plan.

[0046] More specifically, the riding lawnmower 1 has a limit on the amount of grass it can cut per unit time. If the upper limit of the amount of grass that can be cut per unit time is exceeded, for example, the mower 3 (mower deck 31) that cuts the grass G1, or the duct 33 that sends the cut grass (grass clippings) G2 to the collector 5 may become clogged. However, since an upper limit can be set on the operating speed of the riding lawnmower 1, the working time required for the work can be calculated, making it easier for the operator W to create an accurate work plan.

[0047] Furthermore, the input device 80 accepts input from the worker W for the maximum working time. When the control device 10 receives input for the maximum working time from the input device 80, it sets the cutting height H that allows the work to be completed by the input limit. G The setting value (see Figure 1) can be determined. In this case, the calculation unit 131 determines the cutting height H that allows the work to be completed by the upper limit of the working time. G The control device calculates the setting value. The output unit 14 outputs the setting value calculated by the calculation unit 131 to the monitor 63. In this way, the control device 10 determines the cutting height H that allows the work to be completed by the upper limit of the working time. G By displaying the setting value on the monitor, the cutting height H G The settings will be provided.

[0048] According to this riding lawnmower management system 100, the optimal cutting height H of the grass G1 G By calculating and presenting this, it becomes easier for worker W to create an accurate work plan, and it also becomes easier and more accurate to create a revised plan that prioritizes work time.

[0049] More specifically, for example, if prioritizing working time, increasing the cutting height of the grass G1 can raise the upper limit of the operating speed of the riding lawnmower 1, thus determining the optimal cutting height H of the grass G1. G By calculating and presenting this, it becomes easier for worker W to create an accurate work plan, and it also becomes easier and more accurate to create a revised plan that prioritizes work time.

[0050] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the correction of the growth status of the turfgrass G1. FIG. 4 is a schematic graph showing the relationship between the grass height H of the turfgrass G1 and the growth status. In the control device 10, when a deviation occurs between the work plan formulated based on various information by the processing unit 13 and the actual work (for example, when the collector 5 becomes full with the mowed grass G2 before the work plan), as shown in FIG. 4, the relationship between the grass height H and the growth status is corrected, and the growth status map is corrected based on the corrected relationship between the grass height H and the growth status.

[0051] Note that in the management system 100, it is possible to store various information including data calculated or generated by the control device 10 in an information processing device such as a personal computer or in the cloud. The stored various information can be used to improve the work accuracy after the next fiscal year.

[0052] Also, in the management system 100, the end goal of the work can be selected, for example, from "time priority" and "finish (length of the turfgrass G1) priority". In this case, the control device 10 presents, for example, the optimal traveling speed of the riding lawn mower 1 when "time priority" is selected.

[0053] In the management system 100, the growth status of the turfgrass G1 is judged by color from the captured image captured by the flying object 90. Note that, for example, it is also possible to improve the accuracy of the AI by having the operator W input the actual growth status of the turfgrass G1 (for example, the grass height H).

[0054] Also, when the riding lawn mower 1 is in automatic operation, for example, a camera that can measure the grass height H of the turfgrass G1 in front of the machine body is installed, and a process for aligning the grass height H so that it becomes the desired mowing height H G is recognized. For example, when the desired mowing height H G is 30 mm, if the grass height H is long, processes such as mowing and aligning to 100 mm and then mowing and aligning to 30 mm are automatically recognized.

[0055] Furthermore, the management system 100 allows the operator W to manually input information such as the travel speed of the riding lawnmower 1, the mowing capacity, the working time, and the capacity of the collector 5 from the input device 80.

[0056] Figure 5 is a plan view showing the meter panel 62. As shown in Figure 5, the meter panel 62 is provided with a charging switch 65. The charging switch 65 is located on the upper surface of the cover dash 62a on the right side of the meter panel 62.

[0057] The charging switch 65, for example, when pressed and held for a predetermined time (for example, 1 second), initiates preparation for battery charging, and charging begins 5 seconds after the press and hold. In this case, a buzzer sounds once when charging begins. The charging switch 65 lights up during charging preparation and charging, and turns off when charging is complete (charge rate reaches 100%). Also, if charging is interrupted due to a malfunction such as a power outage or the power cord being unplugged, the charging state is canceled and the light on the charging switch 65 switches from lit to blinking.

[0058] Furthermore, the charging switch 65, when pressed and held for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds), initiates preparation for long-term storage charging of the battery, and charging begins 5 seconds after the press and hold. In this case, two buzzer sounds are emitted when charging begins. When charging for long-term storage, the charging switch 65 turns off when the charge level reaches 50%.

[0059] The monitor 63 also displays the working distance of the riding lawnmower 1 (see Figure 1). By displaying the working distance, the operator W (see Figure 3) can estimate the area that can be worked on in a day based on the battery power consumption on the day of work. For example, when discharging the mowed grass G2 (see Figure 1), the operator W can estimate the fullness of the collector 5 (see Figure 1) from the previous working distance. In this way, it becomes possible to determine when to discharge the mowed grass G2 based on the working distance, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0060] The monitor 63 also displays the cutting width and working area of ​​the mower 3 (see Figure 1). By displaying the cutting width and working area of ​​the mower 3 in this way, the operator W can estimate the area that can be worked on per day based on the battery's power consumption on the day of work. In this case, the usable area is calculated, for example, from the working distance traveled, the cutting width, and the time that both the vehicle 2 (see Figure 1) and the mower 3 are running.

[0061] Furthermore, the monitor 63 may be provided with an operation unit for resetting the displayed value (working area). In this case, the displayed value is stored together with the power consumed up to the time of the reset. Up to approximately 30 sets of the displayed value and the power consumed up to the time of the reset can be stored.

[0062] In addition, the monitor 63 displays the current cutting height H during operation of the riding lawnmower 1. G (See Figure 1) and grass height H (See Figure 1) are also displayed. Note that on monitor 63, cutting width and cutting height H are also displayed. G The grass height H and other parameters can be selected by the worker W.

[0063] The monitor 63 also displays the amount of grass G1 cut. By displaying the amount of grass G1 cut, the operator W can estimate the amount of work possible with the current battery charge. In this case, the amount of work is calculated, for example, from the work area and the grass G1 cutting height HG. In this case as well, the displayed value is stored together with the power consumed before it was reset. Up to approximately 30 sets of the displayed value and the power consumed before reset are stored.

[0064] Based on the embodiments described above, the following riding lawnmower management system 100 is realized.

[0065] (1) The system includes a control device 10 that manages the operation of a riding lawnmower 1 which cuts grass G1 while moving and collects the cut grass (mould) G2 into a collector 5, and an input device 80 that receives input operations directed to the control device 10. The control device 10 acquires images captured by the flying object 90, and generates grass density and height data D1 of grass G1 from the growth status of grass G1 calculated from the acquired images, as well as work area data D2 indicating the work area A of the riding lawnmower 1 and the cutting height H of the grass G1 by the riding lawnmower 1, which are input from the input device 80. G A riding lawnmower management system 100 has cutting height data D3 indicating the cutting height and collector capacity data D4 indicating the capacity of the collector 5 stored in advance, calculates the amount of turf grass G1 cut by the riding lawnmower 1 in the work area A from density / grass height data D1, work area data D2 and cutting height data D3, and calculates the number of times the riding lawnmower 1 discharges turf grass (cut grass) G2 while working in the work area A from the cutting capacity and collector capacity data D4.

[0066] With this riding lawnmower management system 100, the operator W can understand the number of times the grass clippings G2 have been discharged in the work area (work area A) before the riding lawnmower 1 starts working, making it easier to plan things like setting the location for discharging the grass clippings G2. In other words, it becomes easier for the operator W to create an accurate work plan. This makes it possible to create an accurate work plan.

[0067] (2) The riding lawnmower management system 100 includes a position information acquisition device 70 that acquires position information (self position P) of the riding lawnmower 1, and the control device 10 has pre-set mowing capacity data D5 that indicates the mowing capacity that the riding lawnmower 1 can mow per unit time, and mowing capacity data D6 that indicates the mowing capacity that the riding lawnmower 1 can mow per unit time calculated in the divided areas A1, A2, ... by linking the captured image and position information (self position P), and calculates the travel speed at which the riding lawnmower 1 can work from the mowing capacity data D6, and calculates the work time required for the riding lawnmower 1 to work in the work area A based on the calculated travel speed.

[0068] The riding lawnmower 1 has a limit on the amount of grass it can cut per unit time. If the upper limit of the amount of grass that can be cut per unit time is exceeded, for example, the mower 3 (mower deck 31) that cuts the grass G1 or the duct 33 that sends the cut grass (grass clippings) G2 to the collector 5 may become clogged. However, with this riding lawnmower management system 100, an upper limit can be set on the operating speed of the riding lawnmower 1, so the working time required for the work can be calculated, making it easier for the operator W to create an accurate work plan.

[0069] (3) In the above (2), when the control device 10 receives an upper limit value for the work time from the input device 80, it sets a cutting height H that allows the work to be completed by the upper limit value for the work time. G A management system 100 for riding lawnmowers that calculates and displays the calculated setting values.

[0070] For example, if prioritizing working time, increasing the cutting height of the grass G1 can raise the upper limit of the operating speed of the riding lawnmower 1. Therefore, according to such a riding lawnmower management system 100, the optimal cutting height H of the grass G1 G By calculating and presenting this, it becomes easier for worker W to create an accurate work plan, and it also becomes easier and more accurate to create a revised plan that prioritizes work time.

[0071] Further effects and modifications can be readily derived by those skilled in the art. Therefore, broader aspects of the present invention are not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments expressed and described above. Accordingly, various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit or scope of the overall concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1. Riding lawnmower 5 Collector 10 Control device 70 Location information acquisition device 80 Input devices 90 Projectile 100 Riding Lawn Mower Management System A work area A1 area A2 area D1 Density / Plant Height Data D2 Work Area Data D3 Cutting Height Data D4 Collector Capacity Data D5 Harvestable Capacity Data D6 Harvesting capacity data per unit time G1 Turfgrass G2 Lawn grass (cut grass) H G Cutting height P Location information (self location)

Claims

[Claim 1] A control device that manages the operation of a riding lawnmower that cuts grass while moving and collects the cut grass into a collector, An input device that receives input operations directed to the control device, Equipped with, The control device is Images captured by the flying object are acquired, and grass density and height data of the grass are generated from the grass growth status calculated from the acquired images, The input device receives work area data indicating the work area of ​​the riding lawnmower and cutting height data indicating the cutting height of the grass by the riding lawnmower, The collector capacity data that indicates the capacity of the collector which is stored in advance and It has, The amount of grass to be cut by the riding lawnmower in the work area is calculated from the density and grass height data, the work area data, and the cutting height data. The number of times the riding lawnmower discharges grass while working in the work area is calculated from the aforementioned cutting capacity and collector capacity data. A management system for riding lawnmowers, characterized by the following features.

Images