Work management methods, work management systems, and work management programs

Abstract

To provide a work management method, a work management system, and a work management program configured to allow a worker to identify a work status in accordance with a work plan.SOLUTION: A work management method executes: acquiring a work plan formulated by associating a field F where a work vehicle 10 works, contents of the work performed by the work vehicle 10 in the field F, and a scheduled workday of the work; determining whether the multiple work plans include a first work plan for which an alert is required for the work vehicle 10 to execute the work as scheduled in the work plan; and issuing a notification on work information related to the first work plan when the first work plan exists in the multiple work plans.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 21

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a work management method, a work management system, and a work management program for managing work performed by a work vehicle at a work site.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, various operations planned to be carried out in each field are stored in advance in a server as a work plan. When an operator designates a field to be worked on when having the work vehicle perform work, the server transmits the work content of the work plan corresponding to the designated field to the operator's mobile terminal, and a technique for the operator to confirm the work content is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the conventional technique, although an operator can confirm the work content immediately before having the work vehicle perform work, if, after the operator has confirmed the work content, the work cannot be completed as scheduled or the work is forgotten, etc., the current work situation cannot be reflected in the work plan. For this reason, for example, on the day after the day when the work could not be completed, a work instruction corresponding to the work plan for the next day registered in advance is transmitted to the operator's mobile terminal, so the work that is not progressing as planned is not carried out and remains in a neglected state. Thus, in the conventional technique, it is difficult for an operator to accurately grasp the work situation according to the work plan.

[0005] An object of the present invention relates to a work management method, a work management system, and a work management program that enable an operator to grasp the work situation according to a work plan. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The work management method according to the present invention is a method that performs the following: acquires a work plan which associates the work site where a work vehicle will perform work, the work content of the work to be performed by the work vehicle at the work site, and the scheduled date for the work with respect to the work; determines whether there is a first work plan among the multiple work plans which requires attention to be drawn to in order for the work vehicle to perform the work according to the plan; and if there is a first work plan among the multiple work plans, notifies work information relating to the first work plan.

[0007] The work management system according to the present invention comprises an acquisition processing unit, a determination processing unit, and a notification processing unit. The acquisition processing unit acquires a work plan that associates the work site where a work vehicle will perform work, the work content of the work to be performed by the work vehicle at the work site, and the scheduled date for the work. The determination processing unit determines whether there is a first work plan among the plurality of work plans that requires attention to be drawn to in order for the work vehicle to perform the work according to the work plan. If the first work plan exists among the plurality of work plans, the notification processing unit notifies work information related to the first work plan.

[0008] The work management program according to the present invention is a program that causes one or more processors to perform the following actions: to acquire a work plan that associates a work site where a work vehicle will perform work, the content of the work to be performed by the work vehicle at the work site, and the scheduled date for the work; to determine whether there is a first work plan among the multiple work plans that requires attention to be drawn to in order for the work vehicle to perform the work according to the plan; and, if there is a first work plan among the multiple work plans, to notify work information relating to the first work plan. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a work management method, a work management system, and a work management program that enable workers to understand their work status in accordance with their work plan. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an automated driving system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an automated driving system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an external view of a work vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the left front side. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an external view of the left side of a work vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the left side. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an external view of the right side of a work vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the right side. [Figure 6] The figure is a rear view of a work vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the rear. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of a crop row according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of a target path according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of a registration screen displayed on a management terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of a registration screen displayed on a management terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows an example of a schedule screen displayed on a management terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows an example of a work status screen displayed on a management operation terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows an example of a work history screen displayed on a management operation terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14]FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a recipe information screen displayed on the management operation terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a work information screen displayed on the mobile operation terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a work plan screen displayed on the mobile operation terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a work status screen displayed on the mobile operation terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a work location screen displayed on the mobile operation terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen displayed on the mobile operation terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of a work management process (work plan creation process) executed by the automatic driving system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of a work management process (notification process) executed by the automatic driving system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] The following embodiments are an example of embodying the present invention and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0012] [Automatic Driving System 1] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the automated driving system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a work vehicle 10, a server 20, a management operation terminal 30, a portable operation terminal 40, a base station 50, and a satellite 60. The work vehicle 10, server 20, management operation terminal 30, and portable operation terminal 40 can communicate with each other via a communication network N1. For example, the server 20 can communicate with the work vehicle 10, the management operation terminal 30, and the portable operation terminal 40 via a mobile phone network, a packet network, or a wireless LAN.

[0013] In this embodiment, the work vehicle 10 is described as a vehicle that performs spraying work, such as spraying chemicals (chemical solutions) on crops V (see Figure 7) planted in field F. Field F is an example of a work site of the present invention, and field F is, for example, an orchard such as a vineyard or apple orchard. Crop V is an example of a work target of the present invention, and crop V is, for example, a grape fruit tree. The spraying work is an example of work of the present invention, and the spraying work is, for example, the work of spraying chemicals or other substances on crop V. In other embodiments, the work vehicle 10 may be a vehicle that performs weeding work, a vehicle that performs leaf cutting work, or a vehicle that performs harvesting work. The work of the present invention may be weeding work, leaf cutting work, harvesting work, etc.

[0014] Crop V is arranged in multiple rows at predetermined intervals in field F. Specifically, as shown in Figure 7, multiple crops V are planted in a straight line in a predetermined direction (d1 direction), forming a crop row Vr that includes multiple crops V arranged in a straight line. Figure 7 shows three crop rows Vr as examples. Each crop row Vr is arranged at a predetermined interval W1 in the row direction (d2 direction). The area (space) between adjacent crop rows Vr, W2, becomes a work passage where the work vehicle 10 travels in the d1 direction and performs spraying work on the crops V.

[0015] Furthermore, the work vehicle 10 can automatically drive (autonomously drive) according to a pre-set target route R. For example, as shown in Figure 8, the work vehicle 10 automatically drives along the target route R, which includes work route r1 (work routes r1a to r1f) and travel route r2, from the work start position S to the work end position G. Work route r1 is a straight route in which the work vehicle 10 performs spraying work on crop V, and travel route r2 is a route in which the work vehicle 10 moves between crop rows Vr without performing spraying work. Travel route r2 includes, for example, turning routes and straight routes. In the example shown in Figure 8, crop V consisting of crop rows Vr1 to Vr11 is arranged in field F. In Figure 8, the position where crop V is planted (crop position) is represented by "Vp". Furthermore, the work vehicle 10 traveling in field F in Figure 8 has a gate-shaped body 100 (see Figure 6), and while traveling across a single crop row Vr, it sprays pesticides on the crop V of that crop row Vr and on crop rows Vr adjacent to that crop row Vr. For example, as shown in Figure 8, when the work vehicle 10 travels across crop row Vr5, the left side of the work vehicle 10 (left side 100L) travels in the work passage between crop rows Vr4 and Vr5, and the right side of the work vehicle 10 (right side 100R) travels in the work passage between crop rows Vr5 and Vr6, and sprays pesticides on the crop V of crop rows Vr4, Vr5 and Vr6.

[0016] Furthermore, the work vehicle 10 automatically travels in a predetermined row order. For example, the work vehicle 10 travels across crop row Vr1, then across crop row Vr3, then across crop row Vr5. In this way, the work vehicle 10 automatically travels according to the pre-set order of crop row Vr. Note that the work vehicle 10 may travel across one row at a time in the order of the crop row Vr, or it may travel every few rows.

[0017] Satellite 60 is a positioning satellite that constitutes a satellite positioning system such as GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System), and transmits GNSS signals (satellite signals). Base station 50 is a reference point (reference station) that constitutes a satellite positioning system. Base station 50 transmits correction information to the work vehicle 10 to calculate the current position of the work vehicle 10.

[0018] The positioning device 16 mounted on the work vehicle 10 performs positioning processing to calculate the current position (latitude, longitude, altitude) and current bearing of the work vehicle 10 using GNSS signals transmitted from satellite 60. Specifically, the positioning device 16 positions the work vehicle 10 using a Real Time Kinematic (RTK) method, etc., which positions the work vehicle 10 based on positioning information (GNSS signals, etc.) received by two receivers (antenna 164 and base station 50) and correction information generated by base station 50. Since the aforementioned positioning method is a well-known technology, a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0019] The following describes the details of each component that makes up the automated driving system 1.

[0020] [Work Vehicle 10] Figure 3 is an external view of the work vehicle 10 as seen from the front left. Figure 4 is an external view of the left side of the work vehicle 10 as seen from the left side. Figure 5 is an external view of the right side of the work vehicle 10 as seen from the right side. Figure 6 is an external view of the rear of the work vehicle 10 as seen from the rear side.

[0021] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, the work vehicle 10 includes a vehicle control device 11, a memory unit 12, a driving device 13, a spraying device 14, a communication unit 15, a positioning device 16, an obstacle detection device 17, and the like. The vehicle control device 11 is electrically connected to the memory unit 12, the driving device 13, the spraying device 14, the positioning device 16, the obstacle detection device 17, and the like. The vehicle control device 11 and the positioning device 16 may also be capable of wireless communication.

[0022] The communication unit 15 is a communication interface for connecting the work vehicle 10 to the communication network N1 by wire or wireless connection and for performing data communication with external devices such as a server 20 via the communication network N1 in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol.

[0023] The storage unit 12 is a non-volatile storage unit such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive) that stores various types of information. The storage unit 12 stores a control program that causes the vehicle control device 11 to execute a predetermined control process (e.g., automatic driving process). For example, the control program is non-temporarily recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD or DVD, read by a predetermined reading device (not shown), and stored in the storage unit 12. Alternatively, the control program may be downloaded from a server (e.g., server 20) to the work vehicle 10 via the communication network N1 and stored in the storage unit 12. The storage unit 12 also stores data for the target route R generated at the management operation terminal 30. For example, the data for the target route R is transmitted from the management operation terminal 30 to the server 20, transferred from the server 20 to the work vehicle 10, and stored in the storage unit 12.

[0024] The vehicle control device 11 includes control devices such as a CPU, ROM, and RAM. The CPU is a processor that performs various arithmetic operations. The ROM is a non-volatile memory unit that stores control programs such as a BIOS and OS in advance to allow the CPU to perform various arithmetic operations. The RAM is a volatile or non-volatile memory unit that stores various information and is used as a temporary memory (work area) for the various processes performed by the CPU. The vehicle control device 11 controls the work vehicle 10 by executing various control programs stored in advance in the ROM or memory unit 12 using the CPU.

[0025] The vehicle control device 11 controls the movement of the work vehicle 10. Specifically, the vehicle control device 11 automatically drives the work vehicle 10 according to the target path R based on position information indicating the position of the work vehicle 10, which is determined by the positioning device 16. For example, when the positioning state becomes RTK positioning capable and an operator performs a work start operation on the operation screen of the portable operation terminal 40, the portable operation terminal 40 outputs a work start instruction to the work vehicle 10 via the server 20. Upon receiving the work start instruction, the vehicle control device 11 starts the automatic movement of the work vehicle 10 based on position information indicating the position of the work vehicle 10, which is determined by the positioning device 16. Specifically, when an operator performs a work start operation on the portable operation terminal 40, they manually move the work vehicle 10 to the work start position S and press the start button on the operation remote control (not shown) at the work start position S. As a result, the vehicle control device 11 starts the automatic movement of the work vehicle 10 from the work start position S. The work vehicle 10 automatically starts driving along the target route R and begins spraying using the spraying device 14 in the work passage.

[0026] Furthermore, when the vehicle control device 11 receives a stop command from the portable operating terminal 40, it stops the automatic driving of the work vehicle 10. For example, when an operator presses the stop button on the operation screen of the portable operating terminal 40, the portable operating terminal 40 outputs the stop command to the work vehicle 10 via the server 20. When the vehicle control device 11 receives the stop command from the portable operating terminal 40, it stops the automatic driving of the work vehicle 10. As a result, the work vehicle 10 stops its automatic driving and stops the spraying operation by the spraying device 14.

[0027] The work vehicle 10 is equipped with a gate-shaped body 100 that travels over crops V (fruit trees) planted in multiple rows in a field F. As shown in Figure 6, the body 100 is formed in a gate shape by a left side section 100L, a right side section 100R, and a connecting section 100C that connects the left side section 100L and the right side section 100R, and a space 100S that allows crops V to pass through is secured inside the left side section 100L, the right side section 100R, and the connecting section 100C.

[0028] Crawler tracks 101 are provided at the lower ends of the left side 100L and the right side 100R of the vehicle body 100. The left side 100L is equipped with an engine (not shown), a battery (not shown), etc. The right side 100R is equipped with a storage tank 14A (see Figure 5) for the spraying device 14, etc. By distributing the components between the left side 100L and the right side 100R of the vehicle body 100 in this way, the work vehicle 10 achieves balanced left-right balance and a low center of gravity. As a result, the work vehicle 10 can travel stably on slopes of the field F.

[0029] The traveling device 13 is a drive unit that moves the work vehicle 10. The traveling device 13 includes an engine, crawler 101, and the like.

[0030] The left and right crawlers 101 are driven by power from the engine, with independent speed control via a hydrostatic continuously variable transmission. As a result, the vehicle body 100 moves forward in a straight line when both crawlers 101 are driven at a constant speed in the forward direction, and moves backward in a straight line when both crawlers 101 are driven at a constant speed in the reverse direction. Furthermore, the vehicle body 100 can turn while moving forward when both crawlers 101 are driven at different speeds in the forward direction, and can turn while moving backward when both crawlers 101 are driven at different speeds in the reverse direction. In addition, the vehicle body 100 can turn in a pivot turn (tight turn) state when one crawler 101 is de-driven and the other crawler 101 is driven, and can turn in a spin turn (super-tight turn) state when both crawlers 101 are driven at a constant speed in the forward and reverse directions. Furthermore, the vehicle body 100 comes to a stop when the left and right crawlers 101 are de-driven. The left and right crawlers 101 may also be electrically driven by electric motors.

[0031] As shown in Figure 6, the spraying device 14 includes a storage tank 14A for storing chemicals (chemical solution), a spraying pump (not shown) for pressurizing the chemicals, an electric spraying motor (not shown) for driving the spraying pump, two spraying pipes 14B arranged in parallel on the left and right sides in a vertical position on the rear of the vehicle body 100, a total of 12 spraying nozzles 14C with three nozzles on each spraying pipe 14B, an electronically controlled valve unit (not shown) for changing the amount of chemicals sprayed and the spraying pattern, and a plurality of spraying pipes (not shown) connecting these.

[0032] Each spray nozzle 14C is mounted on the corresponding spray pipe 14B so as to be adjustable vertically. This allows each spray nozzle 14C to change its spacing from adjacent nozzles 14C and its height relative to the spray pipe 14B according to the target object (crop V). In addition, each spray nozzle 14C is mounted so as to be adjustable in height and lateral position relative to the vehicle body 100 according to the target object.

[0033] Furthermore, in the spraying device 14, the number of spray nozzles 14C provided in each spraying pipe 14B can be changed in various ways depending on the type of crop V, the length of each spraying pipe 14B, and so on.

[0034] As shown in Figure 6, of the multiple spray nozzles 14C, the three spray nozzles 14C located on the leftmost spray pipe 14B spray the pesticide to the left toward crop Va located to the left of the vehicle body 100. Of the multiple spray nozzles 14C, the three spray nozzles 14C located on the left inner spray pipe 14B adjacent to the leftmost spray pipe 14B spray the pesticide to the right toward crop Vb located in the left-right central space 100S of the vehicle body 100. Of the multiple spray nozzles 14C, the three spray nozzles 14C located on the rightmost spray pipe 14B spray the pesticide to the right toward crop Vc located to the right of the vehicle body 100. Of the multiple spray nozzles 14C, the three spray nozzles 14C located on the right inner spray pipe 14B adjacent to the rightmost spray pipe 14B spray the chemical to the left toward the crop Vb located in space 100S.

[0035] With the above configuration, in the spraying device 14, the two spraying pipes 14B and six spraying nozzles 14C provided on the left side 100L of the vehicle body 100 function as the left spraying section 14L. Similarly, the two spraying pipes 14B and six spraying nozzles 14C provided on the right side 100R of the vehicle body 100 function as the right spraying section 14R. The left and right spraying sections 14L and 14R are positioned on the rear of the vehicle body 100 with a lateral spacing between them that allows for spraying in the lateral direction, and permits the passage of crops Vb (space 100S).

[0036] In the spraying device 14, the spraying patterns of the spraying units 14L and 14R include a four-way spraying pattern in which each of the spraying units 14L and 14R sprays the chemical in both left and right directions, and a direction-limited spraying pattern in which the spraying direction of the spraying units 14L and 14R is limited. The aforementioned direction-limited spraying patterns include a left-side three-direction spraying pattern in which the spraying unit 14L sprays the chemical in both left and right directions, and the spraying unit 14R sprays the chemical only in the left direction; a right-side three-direction spraying pattern in which the spraying unit 14L sprays the chemical only in the right direction, and the spraying unit 14R sprays the chemical in both left and right directions; a two-direction spraying pattern in which the spraying unit 14L sprays the chemical only in the right direction, and the spraying unit 14R sprays the chemical only in the left direction; a left-side one-direction spraying pattern in which the spraying unit 14L sprays only in the left direction, and the spraying unit 14R does not spray the chemical; and a right-side one-direction spraying pattern in which the spraying unit 14R sprays only in the right direction, and the spraying unit 14L does not spray the chemical.

[0037] The vehicle body 100 is equipped with an automatic driving control unit that automatically drives the vehicle body 100 according to a target route R in the field F based on positioning information acquired from the positioning device 16, an engine control unit that controls the engine, an HST (Hydro-Static Transmission) control unit that controls the hydrostatic continuously variable transmission, and a work equipment control unit that controls work equipment such as the spraying device 14. Each control unit is constructed from an electronic control unit equipped with a microcontroller, various information and control programs stored in the microcontroller's non-volatile memory (e.g., EEPROM such as flash memory). The various information stored in the non-volatile memory may include a pre-generated target route R. In this embodiment, each control unit is collectively referred to as the "vehicle control device 11" (see Figure 2).

[0038] The positioning device 16 is a communication device comprising a positioning control unit 161, a memory unit 162, a communication unit 163, and an antenna 164. The antenna 164 is provided at the front and rear of the roof (connection unit 100C) of the vehicle body 100 (see Figure 3). The roof of the vehicle body 100 is also equipped with indicator lights 102 that display the driving status of the work vehicle 10 (see Figure 3). The positioning device 16 is connected to the aforementioned battery, and the positioning device 16 can operate even when the engine is stopped.

[0039] The communication unit 163 is a communication interface for connecting the positioning device 16 to the communication network N1 by wire or wireless connection and for performing data communication with external devices such as the base station 50 via the communication network N1 in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol.

[0040] Antenna 164 is an antenna that receives radio waves (GNSS signals) transmitted from satellites. Because antenna 164 is installed in front of and behind the work vehicle 10, the current position of the work vehicle 10 can be determined with high precision.

[0041] The positioning control unit 161 is a computer system comprising one or more processors and storage memory such as non-volatile memory and RAM. The storage unit 162 contains a control program for causing the positioning control unit 161 to perform positioning processing, and non-volatile memory for storing data such as positioning information and movement information. The positioning control unit 161 determines the current position of the work vehicle 10 using a predetermined positioning method (such as the RTK method) based on the GNSS signal received by the antenna 164 from the satellite 60.

[0042] The obstacle detection device 17 includes a lidar sensor 171L located on the front left side of the vehicle body 100 and a lidar sensor 171R located on the front right side of the vehicle body 100 (see Figure 3). Each lidar sensor measures the distance from the lidar sensor to each measurement point (object to be measured) within the measurement range using a Time of Flight (TOF) method, for example, which measures the distance to the measurement point based on the round-trip time it takes for the laser light emitted by the lidar sensor to reach the measurement point and return.

[0043] The LiDAR sensor 171L has a predetermined measurement range set to the front left side of the vehicle body 100, and the LiDAR sensor 171R has a predetermined measurement range set to the front right side of the vehicle body 100. Each LiDAR sensor transmits measurement information such as the distance to each measured distance point and the scanning angle (coordinates) for each distance point to the vehicle control device 11.

[0044] Furthermore, the obstacle detection device 17 includes left and right ultrasonic sensors 172F (see Figure 3) located on the front side of the vehicle body 100, and left and right ultrasonic sensors 172R (see Figures 4 and 5) located on the rear side of the vehicle body 100. Each ultrasonic sensor measures the distance from the ultrasonic sensor to the object to be measured using a TOF (Time-of-Flight) method, which measures the distance to the measurement point based on the round-trip time it takes for the ultrasonic waves emitted by the ultrasonic sensor to reach the measurement point and return.

[0045] The ultrasonic sensor 172F on the front left is set to measure a predetermined range on the front left side of the vehicle body 100, the ultrasonic sensor 172F on the front right is set to measure a predetermined range on the front right side of the vehicle body 100, the ultrasonic sensor 172R on the rear left is set to measure a predetermined range on the rear left side of the vehicle body 100, and the ultrasonic sensor 172R on the rear right is set to measure a predetermined range on the rear right side of the vehicle body 100. Each ultrasonic sensor transmits measurement information, including the distance to the measured object and the direction of the measured object, to the vehicle control device 11.

[0046] Furthermore, the obstacle detection device 17 includes left and right contact sensors 173F (see Figure 3) located on the front side of the vehicle body 100, and left and right contact sensors 173R (see Figures 4 and 5) located on the rear side of the vehicle body 100. The front contact sensors 173F of the vehicle body 100 detect obstacles when they come into contact with the sensors 173F. A spraying device 14 is located in front of the rear contact sensors 173R of the vehicle body 100 (on the rear side of the work vehicle 10), and the contact sensors 173R detect obstacles when the spraying device 14 comes into contact with an obstacle, causing the spraying device 14 to move backward (towards the front side of the work vehicle 10). Each contact sensor transmits a detection signal to the vehicle control device 11 when it detects an obstacle.

[0047] Based on measurement information about obstacles obtained from the obstacle detection device 17, the vehicle control device 11 executes an avoidance process to avoid the obstacle if there is a possibility that the work vehicle 10 will collide with the obstacle.

[0048] With the above configuration, the work vehicle 10 can be automatically driven with high precision according to the target path R, and the spraying operation of the chemicals by the spraying device 14 can be performed properly.

[0049] The configuration of the work vehicle 10 described above is one example of the configuration of the work vehicle of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above configuration. The work vehicle 10 described above is a vehicle capable of performing spraying work by spraying a substance on the first crop row Vr and on the second crop rows Vr to the left and right of the first crop row Vr while traveling across the first crop row Vr. In another embodiment, the work vehicle 10 may not have a gate-shaped body 100, but rather a normal shape in which the entire body 100 travels between the crop rows Vr (work passages). In this case, the work vehicle 10 automatically travels sequentially through each work passage without crossing the crop rows Vr. The spraying device 14 is equipped with one spraying unit and performs spraying work by switching between a spraying pattern that sprays the chemical in both left and right directions, a spraying pattern that sprays the chemical only to the left, and a spraying pattern that sprays the chemical only to the right.

[0050] [Management terminal 30] As shown in Figure 2, the management operation terminal 30 is an information processing device comprising a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, an operation display unit 33, and a communication unit 34, etc. The management operation terminal 30 is, for example, a personal computer (PC) or a tablet terminal. The management operation terminal 30 is operated, for example, by a field manager who manages field F. The field manager operates the management operation terminal 30 to register information related to work in field F (e.g., spraying work) and to generate a target route R. The field manager also operates the management operation terminal 30 to create a work plan for work in field F. Workers performing work in field F also operate the management operation terminal 30 to check the work plan, work status, etc. The management operation terminal 30 is an example of an operation terminal of the present invention.

[0051] The communication unit 34 is a communication interface for connecting the management operation terminal 30 to the communication network N1 by wire or wireless connection, and for performing data communication with external devices such as the server 20 via the communication network N1 in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol.

[0052] The operation display unit 33 is a user interface comprising a display unit such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display that displays various information, and an operation unit such as a touch panel, mouse, or keyboard that accepts operations. Field managers can operate the operation unit on the operation screen displayed on the display unit to register various information (such as work vehicle information, field information, and work information described later) and create work plans. Workers can also operate the operation unit to start work and stop the work vehicle 10. Furthermore, workers can, from a location away from the work vehicle 10, understand the driving status, work status, and surrounding conditions of the work vehicle 10 as it automatically travels within the field F according to the target route R by viewing the driving trajectory and surrounding image of the vehicle body 100 displayed on the management operation terminal 30.

[0053] The storage unit 32 is a non-volatile storage unit such as an HDD or SSD that stores various types of information. The storage unit 32 stores control programs, such as a work management program, which causes the control unit 31 to execute the work management processing described later (see Figures 20 and 21). For example, the work management program is non-temporarily recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD or DVD, read by a predetermined reading device (not shown), and stored in the storage unit 32. Alternatively, the work management program may be downloaded from a server (not shown) to the management operation terminal 30 via the communication network N1 and stored in the storage unit 32.

[0054] The control unit 31 includes control devices such as a CPU, ROM, and RAM. The CPU is a processor that performs various arithmetic operations. The ROM is a non-volatile memory unit that stores control programs such as a BIOS and OS in advance to cause the CPU to perform various arithmetic operations. The RAM is a volatile or non-volatile memory unit that stores various information and is used as a temporary memory (work area) for the various processes performed by the CPU. The control unit 31 controls the management operation terminal 30 by executing various control programs that have been stored in advance in the ROM or memory unit 32 using the CPU.

[0055] As shown in Figure 2, the control unit 31 includes various processing units such as a setting processing unit 311, a display processing unit 312, a creation processing unit 313, a calculation processing unit 314, a determination processing unit 315, and a notification processing unit 316. The control unit 31 functions as these various processing units by executing various processes according to the control program using the CPU. Some or all of these processing units may be composed of electronic circuits. The control program may be a program that causes multiple processors to function as processing units.

[0056] Specifically, the setting processing unit 311 sets and registers information about the work vehicle 10 (hereinafter referred to as work vehicle information), information about field F (hereinafter referred to as field information), and information about the work (in this case, spraying work) (hereinafter referred to as work information).

[0057] In the aforementioned process of setting work vehicle information, the setting processing unit 311 sets information such as the model of the work vehicle 10, the position on which the antenna 164 is attached to the work vehicle 10, the type of implement (in this case, the spraying device 14), the size and shape of the implement, the position of the implement relative to the work vehicle 10, the vehicle speed and engine speed of the work vehicle 10 during operation, and the vehicle speed and engine speed of the work vehicle 10 while turning, by having the field manager perform an operation to register this information on the management operation terminal 30. In this embodiment, information regarding the spraying device 14 is set as information about the implement.

[0058] In the field information setting process described above, the setting processing unit 311 sets information such as the location and shape of field F, the work start position S where work begins, the work end position G where work ends (see Figure 8), and the work direction by having the field manager register this information on the management operation terminal 30. The work direction refers to the direction in which the work vehicle 10 travels while performing spraying work with the spraying device 14 in the work area, which is the area of ​​field F excluding non-working areas such as headlands.

[0059] Information on the location and shape of field F can be automatically acquired, for example, by having the field manager manually drive the work vehicle 10 around the perimeter of field F and recording the changes in the position information of the antenna 164 during that time. Alternatively, the location and shape of field F can also be acquired based on a polygon obtained by having the field manager operate the management terminal 30 to specify multiple points on the map while the map is displayed on the management terminal 30. The area identified by the acquired location and shape of field F is the area where the work vehicle 10 can travel (travel area).

[0060] In the aforementioned work information setting process, the setting processing unit 311 is configured to be able to set the number of skips, which is the number of work paths that the work vehicle 10 skips when turning at a headland, the width of the headland, and so on, as work information.

[0061] Furthermore, the setting processing unit 311 generates a target route R, which is the route for the work vehicle 10 to travel automatically, based on the setting information. The target route R is, for example, the route from the work start position S to the work end position G (see Figure 8). The target route R shown in Figure 8 includes a linear work route r1 for spraying pesticide on crops V in an area where crops V are planted, and a movement route r2 for moving between crop rows Vr without performing spraying work. The setting processing unit 311 outputs the route data of the generated target route R to the server 20, associating it with the field F. The server 20 stores the route data of the target route R associated with each field F.

[0062] The display processing unit 312 executes a process to display various information on the operation display unit 33. For example, the display processing unit 312 displays on the operation display unit 33 a registration screen for registering work vehicle information, field information, work information, work plan, etc., an operation screen for starting automatic driving of the work vehicle 10, a display screen for displaying the driving status of the work vehicle 10, etc. The display processing unit 312 is an example of the display processing unit of the present invention.

[0063] The following describes the specific configuration of the control unit 31, which creates a work plan for spraying operations for each field.

[0064] Figure 9 shows an example of a registration screen D1 for registering work plans. For example, when a field manager enters a user ID and password on the login screen (not shown) displayed on the management terminal 30, the display processing unit 312 displays the registration screen D1. The registration screen D1 includes a map Mp of a predetermined area including multiple fields F, a date button K1 for selecting the scheduled work date, a work type button K2 for selecting the type of work, a number of days elapsed since the last work date K3, a registration field R0 for registering work details, etc., and a work plan list Sr for displaying a list of registered work plans.

[0065] The registration field R0 also includes a work time registration field R1 for registering work time, an area field R2 for displaying or registering the size (area) of the field, a work time field R3 for displaying or registering work time (e.g., spraying time), a work type field R4 for registering the type of work (spraying, weeding, etc.), a chemical field R5 for displaying or registering the total amount of chemicals (chemical solution), a moisture field R6 for displaying or registering the total amount of water, a worker field R7 for registering workers, and a model field R8 for registering the model of the work vehicle 10.

[0066] The creation processing unit 313 creates a work plan for each field F. Specifically, the field manager selects the date button K1 on the registration screen D1 to determine the scheduled work date. Figure 9 shows the state where "March 1st" is selected. Next, the field manager selects the field F to be the target of the work plan on the map Mp. For example, the field manager selects field A1. The creation processing unit 313 is an example of the creation processing unit of the present invention.

[0067] Next, the field manager registers each item in the registration field R0. For example, in the work time registration field R1, the field manager registers the work time, indicating whether the work is performed in the morning, in the afternoon, or at any time. At this point, the display processing unit 312 displays the area of ​​field A1 in the area field R2. For example, the display processing unit 312 displays the area in the area field R2 either as a pre-registered area or as an area calculated from the map Mp. The display processing unit 312 also displays the work time (spraying time) in the work time field R3. Specifically, the calculation processing unit 314 calculates the spraying time for the spraying work based on the target route R of field A1. For example, the calculation processing unit 314 calculates the spraying time based on information such as the area of ​​field A1, the travel speed of the work vehicle 10, the target route R, and the work equipment. Furthermore, the calculation processing unit 314 calculates the spraying time based on the work history information of past spraying operations in field A1 (details will be described later). The display processing unit 312 displays the calculated spraying time in the work time column R3. The field manager can change the area displayed in the area column R2 and the spraying time displayed in the work time column R3. The calculation processing unit 314 is an example of the calculation processing unit of the present invention.

[0068] Furthermore, the field manager selects the type of work in the work type column R4. Here, the field manager selects "Spraying".

[0069] Furthermore, the display processing unit 312 displays the total amount of chemicals in the chemicals column R5 and the total amount of water in the water column R6. Specifically, the calculation processing unit 314 calculates the total amount of chemicals and the total amount of water based on the target route R of field A1. The calculation processing unit 314 also calculates the total amount of chemicals and the total amount of water based on the work history information of past spraying operations of field A1 (details will be described later). The total amounts of chemicals and water are examples of the spraying amounts according to the present invention. The display processing unit 312 displays the calculated total amount of chemicals in the chemicals column R5 and the calculated total amount of water in the water column R6. The field manager can change the total amount of chemicals displayed in the chemicals column R5 and the total amount of water displayed in the water column R6.

[0070] Furthermore, the field manager selects the worker to perform the spraying work on field A1 in the worker column R7. Here, the field manager selects worker P1. Also, the field manager selects the model of the work vehicle 10 that will perform the spraying work in the model column R8. Here, the field manager selects model "M1".

[0071] Once the field manager has completed the registration process for each item in registration field R0, they press the register button ("CREATE"). This causes the creation processing unit 313 to create a work plan that includes work information (information for each item R1 to R8) related to the spraying work to be carried out in field A1 on "March 1st".

[0072] Next, the field manager might register another scheduled work date (e.g., "March 8th") for field A1, or register a scheduled work date for another field F (e.g., field A2).

[0073] In this manner, the creation processing unit 313 creates a work plan for each field F in response to the field manager's registration operation. Each time the creation processing unit 313 creates a work plan corresponding to each field F, it outputs the work plan data to the server 20. Information on the target route R may be included in the work plan.

[0074] Server 20 saves and manages the work plans for each field F. Server 20 also displays the work plans for each field F on the registration screen D1 of the management terminal 30. Specifically, the display processing unit 312 displays the information of the work plans for each field F managed by Server 20 in a work plan list Sr (see Figure 9).

[0075] The registration screen D1 (see Figure 9) has a function to register work plans as well as a function to display registered work plans. Therefore, field managers and workers at each field F can check the work plans for each field F for each day by viewing the registration screen D1.

[0076] Furthermore, registration screen D1 also includes a notification function that, if there is a work plan among the multiple work plans that requires attention to be paid to in order to carry out the work according to the plan, notifies the user of work information (notification information) related to that work plan. The specific configuration of the notification function will be described below.

[0077] The determination processing unit 315 acquires one or more work plans. The determination processing unit 315 also determines whether there is a work plan among the multiple work plans that requires attention in order for the work vehicle 10 to perform the work according to the work plan (the first work plan of the present invention). The notification processing unit 316 also notifies work information (notification information) related to the work plan if there is a work plan among the multiple work plans that requires attention.

[0078] Figure 10 shows an example of the registration screen D1. In the example shown in Figure 10, "March 5th" has been selected by the field manager, and the work status as of "March 5th" is displayed on the map Mp on the registration screen D1. Specifically, the judgment processing unit 315 determines whether or not there are any work plans among the multiple work plans that have not been completed at the current time (March 5th in Figure 10). For example, the server 20 obtains information on the work status of each field F from the work vehicle 10 and the portable operating terminal 40, and manages the start, interruption, and completion of work corresponding to the work plan. The server 20 also stores work history information (see Figure 13) corresponding to the work plan for each field F. The work history information includes the work date, work time, spraying amount, type of chemical, worker, model of work vehicle 10, location information, etc.

[0079] The determination processing unit 315, for example, refers to the work history information to acquire one or more work plans and determines whether, as of "March 5th," there are work plans for which a scheduled work date earlier than "March 5th" has been registered and for which the work has not been completed. For example, if a worker fails to complete a work on the scheduled work date, or forgets to do a work, information indicating that the work has not been completed is registered in the work history information. By referring to the work history information, the determination processing unit 315 determines for each work plan whether the work is being carried out according to the plan. The determination processing unit 315 is an example of the acquisition processing unit and determination processing unit of the present invention.

[0080] The notification processing unit 316 notifies work information regarding a work plan if there is a work plan among the multiple work plans that has not been completed as of the current date (March 5th in Figure 10). Specifically, the notification processing unit 316 displays the field F corresponding to the work plan in an identifiable manner on the map Mp of the registration screen D1 shown in Figure 10. For example, if a work plan is registered for field A6 with March 3rd as the scheduled work date for spraying, and the spraying work for field A6 has not been completed as of the current date (March 5th), the notification processing unit 316 displays field A6 (an example of the first work site of the present invention) in an identifiable manner by highlighting the background image Fs of field A6, as shown in Figure 10. In another embodiment, the notification processing unit 316 may display a flag for field A6. This allows field managers and workers to identify fields F where work has not been carried out on the scheduled work day, or fields F where work has not been completed on the scheduled work day. For example, a field manager can then register a work plan for spraying work again for field A6, or a worker can carry out spraying work for field A6 on that day. The notification processing unit 316 is an example of the notification processing unit of the present invention.

[0081] Furthermore, the notification processing unit 316 may display field F where no work has been carried out at all and field F where work has been interrupted midway, using different display modes on the map Mp of the registration screen D1, so that they can be distinguished from each other. This allows field managers and workers to distinguish and understand which field F has not been carried out at all and which field F has been interrupted. In addition, the notification processing unit 316 may display field F for which work plans are registered from the current date onwards in a way that allows them to be distinguished from other field F on the map Mp of the registration screen D1.

[0082] In another embodiment, the notification processing unit 316 may display the number of days elapsed from the scheduled work date to the current date, associated with field F. In the example in Figure 10, the notification processing unit 316 displays the number of days elapsed from "March 3rd" to "March 5th," which is "2 days," associated with field A6. This allows the field manager and workers to understand the number of days elapsed from the scheduled work date to the current date.

[0083] In the example shown in Figure 10, the field manager has set the elapsed days button K3, which selects the number of days elapsed since the last work date, to "5 days". Specifically, the field manager sets the elapsed days button K3 to "5 days" in order to identify (extract) fields A1 to A12 where, as of the current date ("March 5th"), more than 5 days have passed since the last spraying work was performed.

[0084] The determination processing unit 315 determines whether there is a work plan among the multiple work plans for which a predetermined number of days or more have passed since the last work performed from the date of the previous work to the present day. For example, the determination processing unit 315 refers to the work history information and determines whether there is a work plan for which "5 days" or more have passed since the date of the last spraying work as of "March 5th".

[0085] The notification processing unit 316, when it detects that a predetermined number of days (5 days in Figure 10) or more has passed since the last work performed in any of the multiple work plans, displays the number of days elapsed since the last work performed in relation to field F on the map Mp of the registration screen D1 shown in Figure 10. For example, if 5 days have passed since the last spraying work in field A3, the notification processing unit 316 displays a day flag Fg indicating that 5 days have passed in relation to field A3. In the example shown in Figure 10, it is shown that 6 days have passed since the last spraying work in fields A7 and A9, and 7 days have passed since the last spraying work in field A10. This allows field managers and workers to identify fields F that require immediate spraying. For example, the field manager can register a work plan for the following spraying operation for field F.

[0086] In another embodiment, the notification processing unit 316 may display the field F corresponding to a work plan in an identifiable manner when there is a work plan in which the work content is performed repeatedly at a predetermined interval and the scheduled work date is not registered at a predetermined interval.

[0087] Specifically, the determination processing unit 315 determines whether there is a work plan among the multiple work plans in which the work content is a spraying operation that is performed repeatedly at a predetermined cycle (for example, every one or two weeks), and the scheduled work date is not registered at the predetermined cycle. For example, the determination processing unit 315 executes the determination process by referring to the work plans for each field F stored in the server 20.

[0088] The notification processing unit 316, when it detects that among multiple work plans there is a work plan in which the work content is a spraying operation that is performed repeatedly at a predetermined interval, and the scheduled work date is not registered at the predetermined interval, will display the field F corresponding to that work plan on the map Mp of the registration screen D1 in an identifiable manner. For example, if spraying work needs to be performed every week at field A8, and spraying work was performed one week before the current date "March 5th", and no work plan for spraying work is registered for the current date, the notification processing unit 316 will display field A8 in an identifiable manner on the map Mp. The notification processing unit 316 may also display information prompting the registration of a work plan for field A8. This allows field managers and workers to understand that no work plan for spraying work has been registered for field A8.

[0089] By the way, some of the tasks performed by the work vehicle 10 are susceptible to weather conditions. For example, in spraying work, if it rains after spraying pesticides on crops V, the pesticides will be washed away by the rain, reducing the effectiveness of the pesticides on crops V. For this reason, for example, it is necessary to spray pesticides immediately after it rains. In another embodiment, the notification processing unit 316 may provide notification information according to the weather.

[0090] Specifically, the determination processing unit 315 determines whether or not there is a work plan among the multiple work plans for which the weather forecast for the scheduled work day is expected to be rainy. The determination processing unit 315 obtains weather forecast information for a predetermined area including field F using a well-known method. The display processing unit 312 may also display the weather forecast information on the date button K1 of the registration screen D1 (see Figures 9 and 10).

[0091] The notification processing unit 316 notifies work information regarding a work plan if there is a work plan among multiple work plans for which the weather forecast for the scheduled work day is expected to be rainy. Specifically, if there is a work plan among multiple work plans for which the weather forecast for the scheduled work day is expected to be rainy, and the scheduled work day for a predetermined work that needs to be performed after the rain is not registered, the notification processing unit 316 displays the field F corresponding to that work plan in an identifiable manner on the map Mp of the registration screen D1. For example, if it rains immediately after spraying work is performed in field A12 on "March 4th", and a work plan for spraying work is not registered for the following day, "March 5th", the notification processing unit 316 displays field A12 in an identifiable manner on the registration screen D1 for "March 5th". The notification processing unit 316 may also display information prompting the registration of a work plan for spraying work for field A12. This allows field managers and workers to understand that spraying is necessary for field A12.

[0092] Furthermore, some of the tasks performed by the work vehicle 10 involve a period of restricted access after the work is completed. For example, in spraying operations, after spraying pesticides on crop V, access to field F is prohibited for 24 to 48 hours. In another embodiment, the notification processing unit 316 may notify information about restricted access areas.

[0093] Specifically, the determination processing unit 315 determines whether there is a work plan among the multiple work plans in which the work content is such that entry to field F is prohibited for a predetermined period after the work vehicle 10 has performed the work.

[0094] If the notification processing unit 316 detects that among multiple work plans, there is a work plan in which entry to field F is prohibited for a predetermined period after the work vehicle 10 has completed the work, it will display on the map Mp of the registration screen D1 that field F corresponding to that work plan is prohibited from entry for a predetermined period. For example, if 48 hours have not yet passed since the spraying work was completed for fields A2, A4, and A11, the notification processing unit 316 will display each field in an identifiable manner by highlighting the background image Ft of each field A2, A4, and A11. The judgment processing unit 315 may set the entry prohibition period according to the type of chemical. The notification processing unit 316 may also display the elapsed time since entry was prohibited, the remaining time until entry is prohibited, etc., or it may change the background image Ft according to the elapsed time or the remaining time.

[0095] As described above, the notification processing unit 316 notifies the map Mp (see Figure 10) on the registration screen D1 of work information relating to a work plan (first work plan of the present invention) that requires attention in order for the work vehicle 10 to carry out the work according to the work plan.

[0096] In another embodiment, the notification processing unit 316 may display the work information on the schedule table Sd of the schedule screen D2 displayed on the management operation terminal 30. Figure 11 shows an example of the schedule screen D2. For example, in the registration screen D1 shown in Figure 10, when the field manager presses the menu button Mb and selects "Schedule", the display processing unit 312 displays the schedule screen D2 on the management operation terminal 30. The schedule screen D2 displays the work plan for each field F, the work plan for each worker, the work plan for each type of work vehicle 10, etc. Figure 11 shows an example of the work plan for each field F.

[0097] The display processing unit 312 displays a list of work plan information for each field F managed by the server 20 in the schedule table Sd. Specifically, the display processing unit 312 displays an icon C1 corresponding to the work plan in the date column of the scheduled work day in the schedule table Sd. In addition, the notification processing unit 316 notifies the schedule table Sd of work information (notification information) related to work plans (first work plans of the present invention) that require attention in order for the work vehicles 10 to carry out the work according to the work plan.

[0098] For example, if there is a work plan among the multiple work plans that has not been completed as of the current date (March 5th in Figure 10), the notification processing unit 316 will display the field F corresponding to that work plan in the schedule table Sd shown in Figure 11. For example, if a work plan is registered for field A6 with March 3rd as the scheduled work date for spraying, the notification processing unit 316 will display warning information Cm in the date column for March 3rd for field A6, as shown in Figure 11, and will also highlight the background image of that date column. In addition, the notification processing unit 316 will highlight the background image Fm of the name of field A6 in the schedule table Sd.

[0099] Furthermore, if there is a work plan among the multiple work plans for which a predetermined number of days (5 days in Figure 10) or more have passed from the date of the previous work to the current date, the notification processing unit 316 may display the number of days elapsed from the date of the previous work to the current date in association with the field in the schedule table Sd of the schedule screen D2 shown in Figure 11 (not shown).

[0100] Furthermore, if there is a work plan among the multiple work plans in which the work content is a spraying operation that is performed repeatedly at a predetermined interval, and the scheduled work date is not registered at the predetermined interval, the notification processing unit 316 may display the field F corresponding to that work plan in the schedule table Sd of the schedule screen D2 in an identifiable manner (not shown).

[0101] Furthermore, if there is a work plan among multiple work plans for which the weather forecast for the scheduled work day is expected to be rainy, and the scheduled work day for a predetermined work that needs to be carried out after the rain is not registered, the notification processing unit 316 may display the field F corresponding to that work plan in the schedule table Sd on the schedule screen D2 in an identifiable manner (not shown).

[0102] Furthermore, if there is a work plan among the multiple work plans in which entry to field F is prohibited for a predetermined period after the work vehicle 10 has completed the work, the notification processing unit 316 may display in the schedule table Sd on the schedule screen D2 that field F corresponding to that work plan is off-limits for a predetermined period. For example, if 48 hours have not yet passed since the spraying work was completed for fields A2 and A4, the notification processing unit 316 may display each field in the schedule table Sd on the schedule screen D2 by highlighting the background images C2 of fields A2 and A4, etc., to make them identifiable. The notification processing unit 316 may also display the period of entry prohibition in the past, as for fields A1 and A5, or it may display the period of entry prohibition in the future, as for field A5, as for the current date or later.

[0103] In another embodiment, the notification processing unit 316 may display an icon C1 corresponding to field F (field A5 in Figure 11) for which work plans for the current day and beyond are registered in the schedule table Sd of the schedule screen D2, in a manner that can be distinguished from the icons C1 of other fields F.

[0104] As described above, the notification processing unit 316 causes work information relating to work plans (first work plans of the present invention) that require attention in order for the work vehicle 10 to carry out the work according to the work plan, to be notified in the schedule table Sd (see Figure 11) of the schedule screen D2. As described above, the notification processing unit 316 according to this embodiment causes the work information to be notified in at least one of the map Mp (see Figure 10) and the schedule table Sd (see Figure 11). This makes it possible for field managers and workers to be aware of work plans that require attention in order for the work vehicle 10 to carry out the work according to the work plan, and work that is not progressing according to the work plan.

[0105] Figure 12 shows an example of the work status screen D3, which displays the current work status. For example, if the field manager presses the menu button Mb on the registration screen D1 (see Figures 9 and 10) or the schedule screen D2 (see Figure 11) and selects "Work Status", the display processing unit 312 displays the work status screen D3 on the management terminal 30. The work status screen D3 displays the current work status for each field F. For example, the display processing unit 312 displays the work details (spraying work) and worker information for fields A5 and A9, which are currently being worked on, on the map Mp. The display processing unit 312 may also display field F with scheduled work for today, field F without scheduled work for today, field F where other workers are working, etc., in an identifiable manner. This allows field managers and workers to grasp the work status of each field F in real time.

[0106] Figure 13 shows an example of the work history screen D4, which displays work history information. For example, if the field manager presses the menu button Mb on the registration screen D1 (see Figures 9 and 10) or the schedule screen D2 (see Figure 11) and selects "Work History," the display processing unit 312 displays the work history screen D4 on the management terminal 30. The work history screen D4 displays work history information for each field F. Specifically, it displays work history information including work time for each work day, spraying amount, type of chemical, worker, model of work vehicle 10, and location information. For example, the server 20 acquires information on the work status of each field F from the work vehicle 10 and the portable operation terminal 40 and stores work history information corresponding to the work plan. The display processing unit 312 refers to the work history information on the server 20 and displays it on the management terminal 30. The work performance information included in the work history information (work day, work time, spraying amount, type of chemical, etc.) is submitted to a designated management organization.

[0107] Here, the work history information may be used to create a work plan. Specifically, the calculation processing unit 314 calculates the total amount of chemicals and water, and the spraying time, based on the work history information of past spraying operations for field F. For example, in the registration screen D1 shown in Figure 9, when the field manager selects field A1, the calculation processing unit 314 calculates the spraying amount (total amount of chemicals and total amount of water) and spraying time corresponding to field A1, based on the work history information of past spraying operations for field A1. The display processing unit 312 displays the calculated spraying amount (total amount of chemicals and total amount of water) in the chemical column R5 and the water column R6 of the registration screen D1, and displays the calculated spraying time in the work time column R3 of the registration screen D1.

[0108] Furthermore, the display processing unit 312 may display recipe information corresponding to each of the multiple pesticides used in past spraying operations in field A1 on the management operation terminal 30. The recipe information represents information that shows a combination of multiple pesticides.

[0109] Figure 14 shows an example of the recipe information screen Dr. For example, in the registration screen D1 shown in Figure 9, when the field manager selects the icon in the pesticide column R5, the display processing unit 312 displays the recipe information screen Dr. The recipe information screen Dr displays information about the pesticides included in the work history information (see Figure 13). For example, Figure 14 shows "Recipe 1," which consists of pesticides "n1," "n2," and "n3" used in past spraying operations for field A1. The amount used for each pesticide is also displayed. The amount used may be the amount used per unit area or the total amount actually used. Furthermore, if multiple recipe information is associated with field A1, the field manager can display other recipe information by pressing the recipe selection column Rp and select the desired recipe.

[0110] The control unit 31 registers recipe information based on the work history information of past spraying operations at field F. For example, when the server 20 acquires work performance information from the work vehicle 10 and the portable operating terminal 40 after spraying operations have been carried out at each field F and stores the work history information, the control unit 31 registers recipe information for each field F or for each spraying operation based on the work history information. In this way, one or more recipe information entries are associated and registered for each field F.

[0111] Furthermore, field managers can create new recipes on the recipe information screen Dr. For example, a field manager can create a new recipe by pressing the add button on the recipe information screen Dr, registering the pesticide and usage amount, and then pressing the settings button. The recipe information for the recipe selected by the field manager is stored in association with field F.

[0112] The creation processing unit 313 receives an operation to select recipe information (the first recipe information of the present invention) to be used for spraying work in field F from among multiple recipe information, and creates a work plan based on the received recipe information. Specifically, when a predetermined recipe is selected on the recipe information screen Dr, the calculation processing unit 314 calculates the total amount of pesticide and the total amount of water based on the target route R of field F and the recipe information, and the creation processing unit 313 creates a work plan that includes the calculated information on the amount of pesticide and water to be sprayed.

[0113] In this way, the control unit 31 displays the spraying amount and spraying time corresponding to field F, which are calculated based on the work history information of past spraying operations for field F, and creates a work plan for the spraying operation corresponding to field F. This allows the field manager to know the spraying amount and spraying time in advance and create a work plan. Therefore, it becomes possible to create an appropriate work plan corresponding to field F where the spraying operation will be carried out. Furthermore, the spraying operation can be carried out according to the created work plan. In addition, it is possible to prevent the spraying of inappropriate chemicals on field F.

[0114] Furthermore, the control unit 31 displays the registered recipe information on the registration screen D1 for selection, and based on the selected recipe information, it determines the chemicals and application amounts to be used for spraying in field F and creates a work plan. This allows the field manager to create a work plan suitable for field F with a simple operation of selecting past recipe information.

[0115] Incidentally, there are cases where a single work vehicle 10 performs spraying work on multiple fields F consecutively on the same day. In this case, if the total amount of pesticide needed for multiple fields F can be determined when creating the work plan, it is possible to store that total amount of pesticide in the storage tank 14A before starting work, or to appropriately replenish the necessary amount of pesticide during the work.

[0116] Therefore, in another embodiment, when creating a work plan corresponding to multiple fields F, the display processing unit 312 may display the total amount of spraying required when spraying multiple fields F together on the scheduled work day on the registration screen D1. For example, when creating a work plan for spraying work with "March 1st" as the scheduled work day for fields A1 and A2, the display processing unit 312 displays the total amount of spraying required for field A1 (total amount of chemicals and water) and the total amount of spraying required for field A2 (total amount of chemicals and water) on the registration screen D1.

[0117] Furthermore, the creation processing unit 313 creates a work plan that combines the spraying operations for field A1 and field A2. For example, when a field manager selects field A1 and field A2 respectively on the map Mp of the registration screen D1, the creation processing unit 313 creates a single work plan that combines the spraying operations for field A1 and field A2. The control unit 31 executes the above process on the condition that the chemicals used for field A1 and field A2 are the same. This allows the worker to store the total amount of chemicals required for spraying in field A1 and field A2 in the storage tank 14A before starting the spraying operations for each field. Furthermore, the worker can store the required amount of pesticide for field A1 in storage tank 14A, perform the spraying work in field A1, and then replenish the required amount of pesticide for field A2 before performing the spraying work in field A2.

[0118] In this manner, the control unit 31 calculates the amount of pesticide to be sprayed and the spraying time based on the target route R of the work vehicle 10 performing the spraying work in field F, and displays the calculated amount and spraying time on the management terminal 30 (see Figure 9, etc.). The control unit 31 also creates a work plan for the spraying work corresponding to field F based on the amount and spraying time.

[0119] In addition to the processes described above, the control unit 31 performs the following processes. For example, the control unit 31 receives a work start operation from the worker to start work on the work vehicle 10, and a drive stop operation to stop the work vehicle 10 from moving while it is automatically moving. When the control unit 31 receives any of the above operations, it outputs instructions corresponding to each operation to the work vehicle 10 via the server 20.

[0120] When the vehicle control device 11 of the work vehicle 10 receives a work start instruction from the management operation terminal 30, it starts the automatic driving and work (for example, spraying) of the work vehicle 10. Also, when the vehicle control device 11 receives a driving stop instruction from the management operation terminal 30, it stops the automatic driving and work of the work vehicle 10.

[0121] Furthermore, the management terminal 30 may also be able to access the website (agricultural support site) of the agricultural support service provided by the server 20 via the communication network N1. In this case, the management terminal 30 can function as an operating terminal for the server 20 by having a browser program executed by the control unit 31.

[0122] [Server 20] As shown in Figure 2, the server 20 is a server device comprising a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, an operation display unit 23, and a communication unit 24. The server 20 is not limited to a single computer; it may be a computer system in which multiple computers work together. Furthermore, the various processes performed by the server 20 may be distributed and executed by one or more processors. The server 20 stores and manages the work plans for each field F created in the management terminal 30. The server 20 also stores and manages the target routes R for each field F created in the management terminal 30. Additionally, the server 20 acquires work information (work results) regarding the work status of each field F from the work vehicles 10 and the portable operation terminal 40, and stores and manages it as work history information corresponding to the work plan.

[0123] The communication unit 24 is a communication interface that connects the server 20 to the communication network N1 by wire or wireless connection and performs data communication in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol with one or more external devices such as work vehicles 10, management operation terminals 30, and portable operation terminals 40 via the communication network N1.

[0124] The operation display unit 23 is a user interface comprising a display unit such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display that displays various types of information, and an operation unit such as a touch panel, mouse, or keyboard that accepts operations.

[0125] The storage unit 22 is a non-volatile storage unit such as an HDD or SSD that stores various types of information. The storage unit 22 stores a control program that causes the control unit 21 to execute predetermined control processing. For example, the control program is non-temporarily recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD or DVD, read by a predetermined reading device (not shown), and stored in the storage unit 22. Alternatively, the control program may be downloaded from another server (not shown) to the server 20 via the communication network N1 and stored in the storage unit 22.

[0126] The control unit 21 includes control devices such as a CPU, ROM, and RAM. The CPU is a processor that performs various arithmetic operations. The ROM is a non-volatile memory unit that stores control programs such as a BIOS and OS in advance to cause the CPU to perform various arithmetic operations. The RAM is a volatile or non-volatile memory unit that stores various information and is used as a temporary memory (work area) for the various processes performed by the CPU. The control unit 21 controls the server 20 by executing various control programs that are pre-stored in the ROM or memory unit 22 using the CPU.

[0127] Specifically, the control unit 21 acquires various information from the work vehicle 10, the management operation terminal 30, and the portable operation terminal 40. For example, the control unit 21 acquires information on the target route R and work plan corresponding to each field F from the management operation terminal 30. Once the control unit 21 acquires the target route R and work plan, it stores them in the storage unit 22 in association with field F. The control unit 21 also acquires information such as work results from the work vehicle 10 and the portable operation terminal 40. Once the control unit 21 acquires work results, it stores them in the storage unit 22 as work history information. The work history information includes the date and time of work, the amount sprayed, the type of chemical, the worker, the model of the work vehicle 10, and location information. The work history information is also displayed on the management operation terminal 30 in response to operations by the field manager on the management operation terminal 30 (see Figure 13). The control unit 21 may also execute a process to display the work history information on the management operation terminal 30 in response to a request from the management operation terminal 30.

[0128] Furthermore, the control unit 21 transfers the route data of the target route R (see Figure 8) to the work vehicle 10. The work vehicle 10 stores the route data of the target route R transferred from the server 20 in the storage unit 12. The work vehicle 10 automatically drives along the target route R while determining its current position using the positioning device 16.

[0129] Here, the work vehicle 10 is configured to automatically travel when its current location is within field F, and is configured not to automatically travel when its current location is outside field F (e.g., on a public road). Furthermore, the work vehicle 10 is configured to automatically travel, for example, when its current location coincides with the work start position S.

[0130] When the work vehicle 10's current position coincides with the work start position S, and the operator presses the start button on the remote control (not shown) to give a work start instruction, the vehicle control device 11 automatically starts driving and begins the spraying operation with the spraying device 14. In other words, the work vehicle 10 is permitted to drive automatically only on the condition that its current position coincides with the work start position S. However, the conditions under which the work vehicle 10 is permitted to drive automatically are not limited to the above conditions.

[0131] The vehicle control device 11 automatically drives the work vehicle 10 from the work start position S to the work end position G based on the target route R obtained from the server 20. Furthermore, once the work vehicle 10 has completed its work, the vehicle control device 11 may also automatically drive it from the work end position G to the entrance of the field F. While the work vehicle 10 is moving automatically, the portable operating terminal 40 can receive information about the status of the work vehicle 10 (location, speed, work status, etc.) from the work vehicle 10 and display it on the operation display unit 43.

[0132] [Mobile operating device 40] As shown in Figure 2, the portable operating terminal 40 is an information processing device comprising a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, an operation display unit 43, and a communication unit 44, etc. The portable operating terminal 40 is, for example, a smartphone or a tablet device. The portable operating terminal 40 is operated, for example, by a worker performing work in field F. The worker operates the portable operating terminal 40 to check information related to the work (work plan, work status, etc.) and input work results. The worker also operates the portable operating terminal 40 as needed to create a work plan or modify the created work plan. The portable operating terminal 40 is an example of an operating terminal of the present invention.

[0133] The communication unit 44 is a communication interface for connecting the portable operating terminal 40 to the communication network N1 by wire or wireless connection, and for performing data communication with external devices such as the server 20 via the communication network N1 in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol.

[0134] The operation display unit 43 is a user interface comprising a display unit such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display that displays various types of information, and an operation unit such as a touch panel, mouse, or keyboard that accepts operations.

[0135] The storage unit 42 is a non-volatile storage unit such as an HDD or SSD that stores various types of information. The storage unit 42 stores a control program that causes the control unit 41 to execute control processing. For example, the control program is non-temporarily recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD or DVD, read by a predetermined reading device (not shown), and stored in the storage unit 42. Alternatively, the control program may be downloaded from another server (not shown) to the portable operating terminal 40 via a communication network N1 and stored in the storage unit 42.

[0136] The control unit 41 includes control devices such as a CPU, ROM, and RAM. The CPU is a processor that performs various arithmetic operations. The ROM is a non-volatile memory unit that stores control programs such as a BIOS and OS in advance to allow the CPU to perform various arithmetic operations. The RAM is a volatile or non-volatile memory unit that stores various information and is used as a temporary memory (work area) for the various processes performed by the CPU. The control unit 41 controls the server 20 by executing various control programs stored in advance in the ROM or memory unit 42 using the CPU.

[0137] Specifically, the control unit 41 acquires various information from the server 20. For example, the control unit 41 acquires work plan information corresponding to field F from the server 20. Once the control unit 41 acquires the work plan, it displays the work information screen D11 on the portable operating terminal 40. For example, when a worker possessing the portable operating terminal 40 enters their user ID and password on the login screen displayed on the portable operating terminal 40, the control unit 41 displays the work information screen D11.

[0138] Figure 15 shows an example of the work information screen D11. For example, the work information screen D11 shown in Figure 15 displays date information (date selection icon) and work information icons B1 that indicate the work plan for each of the multiple fields F (fields A8, A11, A1, A12) to which worker P1 is responsible for work. In addition, warning information Bm is displayed on the work information icon B1 corresponding to field A8. Furthermore, the background image Ba of the work information icons B1 corresponding to fields A8 and A11 is highlighted. For example, if it is necessary to draw attention to ensure that work is carried out according to the work plan in fields A8 and A11, the control unit 41 will display warning information Bm or highlight the background image Ba. Specifically, if work is not completed on the scheduled work date in field A8, the control unit 41 will display warning information Bm on the work information icon B1 corresponding to field A8 and highlight the background image Ba. Furthermore, if field A11 is off-limits for a predetermined period after the spraying work has been completed, the control unit 41 highlights the background image Ba of the work information icon B1 corresponding to field A11.

[0139] Furthermore, the control unit 41 prioritizes displaying work information icons B1 corresponding to work plans that require attention to ensure work is carried out according to the work plan, at the top of the work information screen D11. Also, the control unit 41 continues to display warning information Bm until, for example, the work in field A8 is completed. Furthermore, the control unit 41 highlights the background image Ba until, for example, the period of restricted access to field A11 ends.

[0140] Furthermore, the worker can select the field F on the work information screen D11 to perform work on that day ("March 5th"). For example, if worker P1 selects the work information icon B1 for field A1 on the work information screen D11, the control unit 41 displays the work plan screen D12, which includes the work plan for field A1 corresponding to the selected work information icon B1. Figure 16 shows an example of the work plan screen D12. The work plan screen D12 displays information about the work plan registered on the registration screen D1 (see Figure 9). On the work plan screen D12, worker P1 can check the work details for field A1 on that day ("March 5th").

[0141] Furthermore, worker P1 can change the work details on the work plan screen D12. For example, worker P1 can change the work time, work type (spraying, weeding, etc.), spraying amount, and the model of the work vehicle 10.

[0142] Furthermore, the control unit 41 displays a work status screen D13, which shows the current work status, on the portable operation terminal 40. Figure 17 shows an example of the work status screen D13. The work status screen D13 displays the same information as the work status screen D3 (see Figure 12) displayed on the management operation terminal 30. In the example shown in Figure 17, it is shown that spraying work is currently underway in fields A5 and A9.

[0143] Furthermore, the control unit 41 displays the restart position corresponding to the interruption position on the work position screen D14, for example, when work is interrupted and then resumed. Figure 18 shows an example of the work position screen D14. For example, when work is interrupted in field A5 and then resumed, the control unit 41 displays the restart position Sp at the interruption position in field A5. This allows the worker to move the work vehicle 10 to the restart position Sp and resume work.

[0144] Furthermore, the control unit 41 may receive a work completion operation from the worker via the portable operation terminal 40. For example, when the worker presses the end button on the operation screen D15 shown in Figure 19, the control unit 41 receives the work completion operation and outputs a work completion instruction to the server 20. Upon receiving the work completion instruction, the server 20 outputs a work stop instruction (stop signal) to the work vehicle 10. Upon receiving the work stop instruction from the server 20, the vehicle control device 11 of the work vehicle 10 moves the work vehicle 10 to a predetermined position and stops automatic driving and work.

[0145] Furthermore, the control unit 41 receives input operations from the operator, such as work performance data, on the operation screen D15. When the control unit 41 receives the input operation for work performance data, it outputs it to the server 20. When the server 20 obtains the work performance data, it saves the work performance data as work history information.

[0146] [Work Management Processing] Hereinafter, an example of the work management process performed by the control unit 31 of the management operation terminal 30 will be described with reference to Figures 20 and 21.

[0147] Furthermore, the present invention can be understood as an invention of a work management method for executing one or more steps included in the work management process described herein. The one or more steps included in the work management process described herein may be omitted as appropriate. The execution order of each step in the work management process may differ to the extent that similar effects are produced. Furthermore, although the case in this description uses the control unit 31 executing each step in the work management process as an example, a work management method in which one or more processors distribute and execute each step in the work management process can also be considered as another embodiment.

[0148] Figure 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for executing a work plan creation process to create a work plan. Figure 21 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for executing a notification process to provide predetermined notification information when it is necessary to draw attention to ensure that the work is carried out according to the work plan. The work plan creation process and the notification process are included in the work management process.

[0149] [Work plan creation process] Referring to Figure 20, an example of the work plan creation process performed by the control unit 31 of the management operation terminal 30 will be described.

[0150] In step S1, the control unit 31 receives a field selection operation from the field manager. For example, when creating a work plan, the field manager logs in to the management terminal 30 by entering their user ID and password on the login screen. Then, the field manager selects the target field F on the registration screen D1 (see Figure 9) displayed on the management terminal 30. Here, for example, the field manager selects field A1.

[0151] Next, in step S2, the control unit 31 generates a target route R. Specifically, for the selected field F, the control unit 31 generates a target route R (see Figure 8) based on the work vehicle information, the field information, the work information, etc. Here, for example, the control unit 31 generates a target route R for field A1.

[0152] Next, in step S3, the control unit 31 accepts the registration operation for various work information. Specifically, the field manager selects the scheduled work date, work time, work type, worker, and work vehicle 10 model in the registration field R0 of the registration screen D1 (see Figure 9). The control unit 31 accepts the field manager's selection operation. The control unit 31 registers the various work information according to the selection operation.

[0153] Next, in step S4, the control unit 31 calculates the amount of pesticide to be sprayed and the spraying time for the spraying operation based on the target route R. For example, the control unit 31 calculates the spraying time based on information such as the area of ​​field A1, the travel speed of the work vehicle 10, the target route R, and the work equipment. The control unit 31 also calculates the spraying time based on the work history information of past spraying operations for field A1 (see Figure 13).

[0154] Next, in step S5, the control unit 31 displays the calculated spraying amount and spraying time on the registration screen D1 (see Figure 9). Specifically, the control unit 31 displays the calculated spraying amount (total amount of chemicals and total amount of water) in the chemicals column R5 and the water column R6 of the registration screen D1, and displays the calculated spraying time in the work time column R3 of the registration screen D1.

[0155] Next, in step S6, the control unit 31 determines whether or not it has received a recipe selection operation. For example, when a field manager selects a recipe registered based on work history information (see Figure 13), they select the icon R5 in the pesticide column on the registration screen D1. The field manager selects a desired recipe from one or more recipes on the recipe information screen Dr (see Figure 14). If the field manager selects a recipe (S6: Yes), the control unit 31 moves the process to step S7. On the other hand, if the field manager does not select a recipe (S6: No), the control unit 31 moves the process to step S8.

[0156] In step S7, the control unit 31 changes the spraying amount according to the selected recipe. Specifically, the control unit 31 calculates the spraying amount based on the selected recipe and changes the spraying amount calculated in step S4. If the spraying time changes due to the selection of the recipe, the control unit 31 also changes the spraying time accordingly. The control unit 31 updates the information in the chemical column R5, the moisture column R6, and the work time column R3.

[0157] In step S8, the control unit 31 creates a work plan. Specifically, the control unit 31 creates a work plan for field F based on the work information registered by each of the processes described above. Here, the control unit 31 creates a work plan that includes work information (information for each item R1 to R8) related to the work to be carried out in field A1 on "March 1st".

[0158] The control unit 31 executes the work plan creation process as described above. The control unit 31 also executes the work plan creation process for each field F. The control unit 31 also outputs the created work plan data to the server 20. The target route R data may be included in the work plan. The server 20 stores and manages the work plan and target route R for each field F.

[0159] In another embodiment, the control unit 31 may accept a recipe selection operation after step S3. For example, when the control unit 31 accepts a recipe selection operation, it may calculate and display the spraying amount and spraying time based on the selected recipe to create a work plan.

[0160] In another embodiment, the control unit 41 of the portable operating terminal 40 may execute the work plan creation process in response to the worker's login operation.

[0161] [Notification Processing] Referring to Figure 21, an example of the notification process performed by the control unit 31 of the management operation terminal 30 will be described.

[0162] In step S11, the control unit 31 acquires a work plan. For example, the control unit 31 acquires multiple work plans stored in the server 20. Specifically, when the field manager logs in by entering their user ID and password on the login screen of the management terminal 30, the control unit 31 acquires the latest work plan at that time. The server 20 also acquires work results from the work vehicle 10 and the portable operation terminal 40, and stores these work results as work history information, associating them with the target work plan.

[0163] Next, in step S12, the control unit 31 determines whether or not there is a work plan (the first work plan of the present invention) among the acquired work plans that requires attention in order for the work vehicle 10 to carry out the work according to the plan. A specific example is shown below.

[0164] As a first example, the control unit 31 determines whether there are any work plans among the multiple work plans that have not yet been completed. Specifically, the control unit 31 refers to the work history information and determines whether there are any work plans registered as of "March 5th" that have a scheduled work date earlier than "March 5th" and have not yet been completed. For example, if a worker fails to complete a task on the scheduled work date, or forgets about the task, information indicating that the work has not been completed is registered in the work history information.

[0165] As a second example, the control unit 31 determines whether there is a work plan among the multiple work plans for which a predetermined number of days or more have passed since the last work performed from the date of the previous work to the present day. Specifically, the control unit 31 refers to the work history information and determines whether there is a work plan for which "5 days" or more have passed since the date of the last spraying work as of "March 5th". The predetermined number of days is set by the field manager using the elapsed days button K3 (see Figure 10).

[0166] As a third example, the control unit 31 determines whether there is a work plan in which the work content is to be performed repeatedly at a predetermined interval and the scheduled work date is not registered at the predetermined interval. Specifically, the control unit 31 determines whether there is a work plan in which, among the multiple work plans, the work content is to be

[0167] As a fourth example, the control unit 31 determines whether or not there is a work plan among the multiple work plans for which the weather forecast for the scheduled work day is expected to be rainy.

[0168] As a fifth example, the control unit 31 determines whether there is a work plan among the multiple work plans in which the work content is such that entry to field F is prohibited for a predetermined period after the work vehicle 10 has performed the work.

[0169] If the judgment result in the judgment process for each of the above examples is affirmative, that is, if there is a work plan among the multiple work plans that requires attention in order for the work vehicle 10 to carry out the work according to the plan (S12: Yes), the control unit 31 moves the process to step S13. On the other hand, if the judgment result in the judgment process for each of the above examples is negative, that is, if there is no work plan among the multiple work plans that requires attention in order for the work vehicle 10 to carry out the work according to the plan (S12: No), the control unit 31 terminates the notification process.

[0170] In step S13, the control unit 31 executes a notification process to broadcast predetermined notification information. Below are specific examples of notification processes corresponding to the specific examples of the determination process described above (Example 1 to Example 5).

[0171] In the first example described above, the control unit 31 displays the field F corresponding to the work plan in an identifiable manner on the map Mp of the registration screen D1 shown in Figure 10. For example, if a work plan is registered for field A6 with "March 3rd" as the scheduled work date for spraying, the control unit 31 displays field A6 in an identifiable manner by highlighting the background image Fs of field A6, as shown in Figure 10. In another embodiment, the control unit 31 may display a flag for field A6.

[0172] Furthermore, the control unit 31 displays the field F corresponding to the work plan in the schedule table Sd shown in Figure 11 in an identifiable manner. For example, if a work plan is registered for field A6 with "March 3rd" as the scheduled work date for spraying, the control unit 31 displays warning information Cm in the date column for "March 3rd" for field A6, as shown in Figure 11, and highlights the background image of the date column. The control unit 31 also highlights the background image Fm of the name of field A6 in the schedule table Sd.

[0173] In the second example described above, the control unit 31 displays the number of days elapsed from the last work performed to the current day in association with field F on the map Mp of the registration screen D1 shown in Figure 10. For example, if 5 days have passed since the last spraying work for field A3, the control unit 31 displays a day flag Fg indicating that 5 days have passed in association with field A3. In the example shown in Figure 10, fields A7 and A9 show that 6 days have passed since the last spraying work, and field A10 shows that 7 days have passed since the last spraying work.

[0174] Furthermore, the control unit 31 displays the number of days elapsed from the last work performed to the current day in the schedule table Sd of the schedule screen D2 shown in Figure 11, corresponding to field F (not shown).

[0175] In the third example described above, if, for example, it is necessary to perform spraying work every week in field A8, and spraying work was performed one week before the current date "March 5th", and no work plan for spraying work has been registered for the current date, the control unit 31 will make field A8 identifiable on the map Mp. The control unit 31 may also display information prompting the registration of a work plan for field A8.

[0176] Furthermore, the control unit 31 displays field A8 corresponding to the work plan in the schedule table Sd of the schedule screen D2 in an identifiable manner (not shown).

[0177] In the fourth example described above, if there is a work plan among the multiple work plans for which the weather forecast for the scheduled work day is expected to be rainy, and the scheduled work day for a predetermined work that needs to be carried out after the rain is not registered, the control unit 31 will make the field F corresponding to that work plan identifiable on the map Mp of the registration screen D1. For example, if it rains immediately after spraying work is carried out in field A12 on "March 4th", and a work plan for spraying work is not registered for the following day, "March 5th", the control unit 31 will make the field A12 identifiable on the registration screen D1 for "March 5th". The notification processing unit 316 may also display information prompting the registration of a work plan for spraying work for field A12.

[0178] Furthermore, the control unit 31 displays the field F corresponding to the work plan in the schedule table Sd of the schedule screen D2 in an identifiable manner.

[0179] In the fifth example described above, the control unit 31 displays on the map Mp of the registration screen D1 that field F corresponding to the work plan is off-limits for a predetermined period of time. For example, if 48 hours have not yet passed since the spraying work was carried out for fields A2, A4, and A11, the control unit 31 displays each field in an identifiable manner by highlighting the background image Ft of each field A2, A4, and A11.

[0180] Furthermore, the control unit 31 displays in the schedule table Sd on the schedule screen D2 that field F corresponding to the work plan is off-limits for a predetermined period of time. For example, if 48 hours have not yet passed since the spraying work was carried out for fields A2 and A4, the control unit 31 displays each field in an identifiable manner in the schedule table Sd on the schedule screen D2 by highlighting the background images C2 of fields A2 and A4 (see Figure 11). The control unit 31 may also display the off-limits period for past dates, as for fields A1 and A5, or it may display the off-limits period for future dates, such as the current date, as for field A5.

[0181] After the processing in step S13, the control unit 31 terminates the notification process. The control unit 31 executes the notification process each time the field manager logs in and accesses the registration screen D1.

[0182] In another embodiment, the control unit 41 of the portable operating terminal 40 may execute the notification process in response to the operator's login operation. In this case, the control unit 41 causes the portable operating terminal 40 to display the notification information.

[0183] As described above, the automated driving system 1 according to this embodiment acquires a work plan that associates the field F (work site) where the work vehicle 10 will perform work, the content of the work to be performed by the work vehicle 10 in field F, and the scheduled date for the work. The automated driving system 1 also determines whether there is a work plan (first work plan) among the multiple work plans that requires attention to be given to the work vehicle 10 in order to perform the work according to the plan, and if the first work plan is present among the multiple work plans, it notifies the system of work information related to the first work plan.

[0184] According to the above configuration, for example, if there is a work plan (first work plan) that requires attention in order for the work vehicle 10 to carry out the work according to the plan, such as a work plan in which the work has not been completed on the registered scheduled work date (first example above), a work plan in which more than a predetermined number of days have passed from the date the work was carried out to the present day (second example above), a work plan in which the scheduled work date is not registered in a predetermined cycle (third example above), a work plan in which the weather forecast for the scheduled work date is expected to be rainy (fourth example above), or a work plan for field F which is off-limits for a predetermined period (fifth example above), then the field manager, workers, etc., can be notified of the predetermined information. As a result, the field manager, workers, etc., can grasp the work that is not progressing according to the plan, the work that requires attention, etc. In other words, the field manager, workers, etc. can be reminded of the work plan. This makes it possible for workers to grasp the work status in accordance with the work plan. And it becomes possible to carry out the work in each field F appropriately in accordance with the work plan.

[0185] Furthermore, the automated driving system 1 according to this embodiment calculates the amount of material to be sprayed and the spraying time of the spraying operation based on the target route R of the work vehicle 10 that performs the spraying operation on the target material located in field F, and displays the amount of material to be sprayed and the spraying time on an operation terminal (management operation terminal 30, portable operation terminal 40, etc.). The automated driving system 1 also creates a work plan for the spraying operation corresponding to field F based on the amount of material to be sprayed and the spraying time.

[0186] According to the above configuration, the field manager can determine the amount and duration of pesticide application when creating a work plan for spraying work in field F. Therefore, it becomes possible to create an appropriate work plan corresponding to field F where the spraying work will be carried out. Thus, the spraying work can be carried out according to the created work plan. In addition, it is possible to prevent the application of inappropriate pesticides to field F.

[0187] In the above-described embodiment, the automatic driving system 1 corresponds to the work management system according to the present invention, but the work management system according to the present invention may consist of a management operation terminal 30 alone. Alternatively, the work management system according to the present invention may consist of a server 20 alone or a portable operation terminal 40 alone. For example, the server 20 may include the calculation processing unit 314, the determination processing unit 315, and the notification processing unit 316 of the management operation terminal 30. Alternatively, the portable operation terminal 40 may include the setting processing unit 311, the display processing unit 312, the creation processing unit 313, the calculation processing unit 314, the determination processing unit 315, and the notification processing unit 316 of the management operation terminal 30. Furthermore, the work management system according to the present invention may consist of one or more components from the server 20, the management operation terminal 30, and the portable operation terminal 40. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0188] 1: Automated driving system 10: Work vehicles 20: Server 30: Management / Operation Terminal (Operation Terminal) 40: Mobile operating terminal (operating terminal) 50:Base station 60:Satellite 311: Configuration Processing Unit 312: Display Processing Unit 313: Creation Processing Unit 314: Calculation Processing Unit 315: Determination Processing Unit 316: Notification Processing Unit D1: Registration screen D2: Schedule screen D3: Work status screen D4: Work history screen Dr: Recipe information screen F: Field (work area) Mp: Map R: Target path Sd: Schedule

Claims

1. One or more processors To acquire multiple work plans from a storage unit that stores work plans relating the work site where the work vehicle will perform the work, the content of the work to be performed by the work vehicle at the work site, and the scheduled date for the work, The operating terminal accepts an operation from the user to set the number of days elapsed since the last work performed, To determine whether, among the multiple work plans, there exists a first work plan that requires attention to be drawn to in order for the work vehicle to carry out the work according to the plan, and for which the number of days elapsed from the previous work date to the current date is equal to or greater than the number of days elapsed set by the user, When the first work plan exists among multiple work plans, the map displayed on the operating terminal displays the multiple work locations to which the work plans are registered, displays the first work location corresponding to the first work plan in an identifiable manner, and displays the number of days elapsed from the previous work date to the current date associated with the first work location. A method for managing tasks to be performed.

2. An acquisition processing unit that acquires multiple work plans from a storage unit that stores a work plan relating the work site where a work vehicle will perform work, the work content of the work to be performed by the work vehicle at the work site, and the scheduled work date of the work, The operating terminal receives an operation from the user to set the number of days elapsed since the last work performed, and a determination processing unit determines whether there is a first work plan among the multiple work plans that requires attention to be drawn to ensure that the work vehicle performs the work according to the work plan, and the number of days elapsed from the last work date to the current date is equal to or greater than the number of days elapsed by the user. When the first work plan exists among the multiple work plans, the notification processing unit displays the multiple work locations to which the work plans are registered on the map displayed on the operating terminal, displays the first work location corresponding to the first work plan in an identifiable manner, and displays the number of days elapsed from the previous work date to the current date associated with the first work location. A work management system equipped with the following features.

3. To acquire multiple work plans from a storage unit that stores work plans relating the work site where the work vehicle will perform the work, the content of the work to be performed by the work vehicle at the work site, and the scheduled date for the work, The operating terminal accepts an operation from the user to set the number of days elapsed since the last work performed, To determine whether, among the multiple work plans, there exists a first work plan that requires attention to be drawn to in order for the work vehicle to carry out the work according to the plan, and for which the number of days elapsed from the previous work date to the current date is equal to or greater than the number of days elapsed set by the user, When the first work plan exists among multiple work plans, the map displayed on the operating terminal displays the multiple work locations to which the work plans are registered, displays the first work location corresponding to the first work plan in an identifiable manner, and displays the number of days elapsed from the previous work date to the current date associated with the first work location. A task management program that causes one or more processors to execute tasks.

Images