Computer program, method, and device

Abstract

Provided are a computer program, a method, and a device that make it possible to assist a non-agricultural worker. This computer program causes a computer to execute processing for acquiring agricultural land information pertaining to agricultural land and outputting, on the basis of the acquired agricultural land information, an agricultural land object (30) representing the agricultural land to a virtual space. Preferably, the computer program causes the computer to execute processing for: acquiring agricultural machine information pertaining to an agricultural machine; outputting, on the basis of the acquired agricultural machine information, an agricultural machine object (40) representing the agricultural machine to the virtual space; receiving an operation on the agricultural machine object (40); and performing, in the virtual space, an action of the agricultural machine object (40) on the agricultural land object (30) on the basis of the received operation so that the agricultural land object (30) changes in the virtual space in response to the action of the agricultural machine object (40).

Description

Computer program, method and apparatus

[0001] The present technology relates to a computer program, a method, and an apparatus for displaying a farmland object representing farmland in a virtual space.

[0002] An agricultural support device has been proposed that creates a planned driving route for an agricultural machine in a field and displays on an external terminal a virtual driving state when the agricultural machine travels along the planned driving route. A user can check the virtual driving state and have the agricultural support device correct the planned driving route.

[0003] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-126628

[0004] By the way, farmers sometimes rent out their farmland. If someone who is not normally engaged in agriculture (hereafter referred to as a non-agricultural worker) rents farmland, there is a risk that they will not be able to grow crops effectively.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a computer program, method, and device that can support non-agricultural workers.

[0006] A computer program according to one embodiment of the present disclosure causes a computer to execute a process of acquiring farmland information relating to farmland and outputting a farmland object representing the farmland into a virtual space based on the acquired farmland information.

[0007] In the present disclosure, a farmland object is output into a virtual space. The farmland object corresponds to farmland, for example, farmland rented by a user. The user can check each step of farming work on the farmland object before actually working on the farmland.

[0008] A computer program according to one embodiment of the present disclosure acquires agricultural machinery information relating to agricultural machinery, outputs an agricultural machinery object representing the agricultural machinery into the virtual space based on the acquired agricultural machinery information, accepts an operation on the agricultural machinery object, executes an operation of the agricultural machinery object on the farmland object in the virtual space based on the accepted operation, and causes a computer to execute a process in which the farmland object changes in the virtual space in accordance with the operation of the agricultural machinery object.

[0009] In the present disclosure, an agricultural machine object is output in a virtual space. A user inputs an operation of the agricultural machine object. The agricultural machine object operates on a farmland object, and the farmland object changes in response to the operation of the agricultural machine object.

[0010] A computer program according to one embodiment of the present disclosure acquires crop information relating to crops, accepts a selection of a crop included in the crop information, outputs a crop object representing the accepted crop to the farmland object, executes an operation of the agricultural machinery object relative to the crop object in the virtual space based on the accepted operation, and causes a computer to execute a process in which the crop object changes in the virtual space in accordance with the operation of the agricultural machinery object.

[0011] In the present disclosure, a crop object is output to a farmland object. A user inputs an operation for an agricultural machinery object. The agricultural machinery object operates on the farmland object, and the crop object changes in response to the operation of the agricultural machinery object.

[0012] In one embodiment of the computer program of the present disclosure, the agricultural machinery information includes a fee for using the agricultural machinery on the farmland, and when the agricultural machinery object performs an operation, the computer is caused to execute a process of accepting payment of the fee.

[0013] In the present disclosure, when an operation of the agricultural machinery object is executed, a fee for actually using the agricultural machinery on the farmland is accepted. The user can request another person to perform work using the agricultural machinery on the actual farmland.

[0014] A computer program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure outputs the operation history of the agricultural machinery object.

[0015] In the present disclosure, the operation history of the agricultural machinery object is output, and the user can check the operation history and change the settings of the agricultural machinery.

[0016] A computer program according to one embodiment of the present disclosure causes a computer to execute a process of acquiring crop information regarding crops, acquiring environmental information regarding the environment including weather, accepting a selection of the crop, outputting a crop object representing the accepted crop to the farmland object, and changing the accepted crop object representing the crop in the virtual space in response to changes in the environment.

[0017] In the present disclosure, crop objects change in virtual space in response to changes in the environment, including weather.

[0018] A computer program according to one embodiment of the present disclosure acquires crop information regarding a crop and production information including fertilization or the yield of the crop, accepts a selection of a crop included in the crop information, outputs a crop object representing the accepted crop to the farmland object, and causes a computer to execute a process of changing the crop object representing the accepted crop in the virtual space based on the production information.

[0019] In the present disclosure, crop objects are changed in virtual space based on production information including fertilization or crop yield.

[0020] A computer program according to one embodiment of the present disclosure causes a computer to execute a process of acquiring avatar information of parties involved in agricultural work, accepting a call from the parties, and outputting the avatar of the called party into the virtual space based on the acquired avatar information.

[0021] In the present disclosure, avatars of people involved in agricultural work are output in a virtual space, and a user can receive advice on work processes from, for example, the avatars of agricultural workers in the virtual space.

[0022] A computer program according to one embodiment of the present disclosure accepts a request for work from the relevant party in the virtual space, and when the relevant party performs the requested work, causes the computer to execute a process in which the farmland object changes in the virtual space in accordance with the work.

[0023] In the present disclosure, it is possible to request a person involved in farm work to perform work on actual farmland. When the person involved performs the requested work, the farmland object changes in the virtual space in accordance with the work.

[0024] A computer program according to one embodiment of the present disclosure causes a computer to execute a process of accepting a request for work from the relevant party in the virtual space, and accepting payment from the relevant party when the relevant party completes the requested work.

[0025] In the present disclosure, it is possible to request a party involved in agricultural work to actually carry out work on the farmland, and when the party carries out the requested work, payment is made to the party.

[0026] A computer program according to one embodiment of the present disclosure causes a computer to execute a process of acquiring avatar information of a person involved in agricultural machinery related to agricultural machinery, accepting a call from the person involved in agricultural machinery, and outputting the avatar of the person involved in agricultural machinery who has been called into the virtual space based on the acquired avatar information.

[0027] In the present disclosure, avatars of agricultural machinery-related personnel are output in a virtual space, and in the virtual space, a user can receive advice on agricultural machinery settings from, for example, an avatar of an agricultural machinery engineer.

[0028] A computer program according to one embodiment of the present disclosure accepts a request for work from the agricultural machinery related person in the virtual space, and when the agricultural machinery related person performs the requested work, the behavior of the agricultural machinery object is changed in the virtual space in accordance with the work.

[0029] In the present disclosure, a task, such as setting up an agricultural machine, can be requested of an avatar of an agricultural machine worker in a virtual space. When the agricultural machine worker performs the requested task, the behavior of the agricultural machine object is changed in the virtual space according to the task.

[0030] A computer program according to one embodiment of the present disclosure causes a computer to execute a process of accepting a request for work from the agricultural machinery related person in the virtual space, and accepting payment from the agricultural machinery related person when the agricultural machinery related person performs the requested work.

[0031] In the present disclosure, it is possible to request an agricultural machinery related party to perform actual work on the agricultural machinery. When the related party performs the requested work, payment is made to the related party.

[0032] A method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure acquires farmland information relating to farmland, and outputs a farmland object representing the farmland into a virtual space based on the acquired farmland information.

[0033] In the present disclosure, a farmland object is output into a virtual space. The farmland object corresponds to farmland, for example, farmland rented by a user. The user can check each step of farming work on the farmland object before actually working on the farmland.

[0034] An apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires farmland information relating to farmland, and an output unit that outputs a farmland object representing the farmland into a virtual space based on the acquired farmland information.

[0035] In the present disclosure, a farmland object is output into a virtual space. The farmland object corresponds to farmland, for example, farmland rented by a user. The user can check each step of farming work on the farmland object before actually working on the farmland.

[0036] In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a computer program, a method, and an apparatus output a farmland object into a virtual space. The farmland object corresponds to farmland, for example, farmland rented by a user. The user can check each step of farming work on the farmland object before actually working on the farmland.

[0037] 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an agricultural support system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is an example of a conceptual diagram illustrating a farmland table. FIG. 2 is an example of a conceptual diagram illustrating a yield map or a fertilization map. FIG. 3 is an example of a conceptual diagram illustrating traveling data. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a terminal of a user who wishes to rent out farmland, a server, etc. FIG. 5 is an image displayed on the display unit of the terminal. FIG. 6 is an example of a screen displayed when the farmland button is operated. FIG. 7 is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit when the crop information button is operated. FIG. 8 is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit when the agricultural machinery information button is operated. FIG. 9 is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit when the advisor information button is operated. FIG. 10 is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit when the crop button indicating rice and the agricultural machinery button indicating agricultural machinery are operated. FIG. 11 is an example of an image showing the rice growth process displayed on the display unit of the terminal. FIG. 12 is an example of an image showing an agricultural machinery object and a farmland object operating in a virtual space. FIG. 13 is an example of an image displayed on the display unit when the request button is operated. 1 is an example of a screen that is displayed on the display unit when the process button indicating process A and agricultural machinery is operated. FIG. 2 is an example of a screen that is displayed on the display unit when the request confirmation button is operated. FIG. 3 is an example of a screen that is displayed on the display unit when work by an agent is completed. FIG. 4 is a flowchart that explains the display process of displaying a virtual space on the display unit of a user's terminal. FIG. 5 is a flowchart that explains the display process of displaying a virtual space on the display unit of a user's terminal. FIG. 6 is a flowchart that explains the billing process that is executed when work by an agent is completed. FIG. 7 is an example of a screen that is displayed on the display unit when the button on farmland 1 in embodiment 2 is operated to call advisor A. FIG. 8 is an example of a screen that is displayed on the display unit when the button on farmland 1 is operated to call advisor A. FIG. 9 is an example of a screen that is displayed when a user requests work from an advisor. FIG. 10 is an example of a screen that is displayed on the display unit when work by an advisor is completed. FIG. 11 is a flowchart that explains the display process of displaying a virtual space on the display unit of a user's terminal.10 is an example of a screen that is displayed when a button on farmland 1 according to embodiment 3 is operated to call advisor B. 11 is an example of a screen that is displayed when a user requests work from an advisor. 12 is an example of a screen that is displayed on the display unit when work by the advisor is completed.

[0038] (Embodiment 1) The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings showing an agricultural support system according to embodiment 1. Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the agricultural support system.

[0039] The agricultural support system includes a management computer 6a installed, for example, at a farm or farming company, and a server 1 to which the management computer 6a can be connected, which are connected via a network N. The management computer 6a is, for example, a personal computer (PC) assigned to a manager, worker, etc. The management computer 6a may also be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, tablet, or PDA.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 1 , the server 1 includes a control unit 2, a main memory unit 3, and an auxiliary memory unit 4. The control unit 2 includes, for example, a processor. The processor may include, for example, a CPU, an MPU, or a GPU. The control unit 2 may also include a logic circuit. The logic circuit may include, for example, an FPGA or an ASIC. The main memory unit 3 includes, for example, a RAM. The auxiliary memory unit 4 includes, for example, a ROM, a rewritable storage medium such as an EEPROM, a Flash ROM, or a hard disk. A control program for agricultural support is stored in the auxiliary memory unit 4. The control unit 2 reads the control program from the auxiliary memory unit 4 to the main memory unit 3 and executes it. The control program may be installed in the auxiliary memory unit 4 from a recording medium 5, for example, an optical disk or a portable flash memory. The control program may also be downloaded from another server 1 to the auxiliary storage device via a communication network N. The auxiliary memory unit 4 includes a database (DB) 4a that stores various agricultural data.

[0041] The server 1 is an agricultural support device that supports agriculture and is capable of acquiring various data (information) related to agriculture. The server 1 acquires data related to crop cultivation, such as crop data, soil data, and fertilization data. The crop data and soil data are, for example, data obtained by remote sensing. The fertilization data is data indicating the amount and type of fertilizer applied to farmland. The crop data is data related to crops planted on farmland, such as data indicating the yield of the crop on farmland (yield data), data indicating the chemical components of the crop (crop component data), and data indicating the growth status of the crop (growth data). The crop component data is, for example, the moisture content of the crop (moisture content) and the taste of the crop (protein content). The soil data is data related to the soil of farmland, such as data indicating the chemical components of the soil (soil component data).

[0042] The yield data and crop component data are detected, for example, by a harvester 20 when the crop is harvested. The harvester 20 is a combine harvester capable of harvesting crops. The harvester 20 has a measuring device 20a, a communication device 20b, and a position detection device 20c. The measuring device 20a is a load cell that detects the weight (yield) of the harvested crop, and a spectroscopic analyzer that measures the moisture and protein content of the harvested crop. The position detection device 20c is a device that detects the position of the harvester 20 and detects the position (latitude, longitude) based on data from a positioning satellite such as GPS. When the harvester 20 harvests the crop, the weight (yield) of the crop detected by the measuring device 20a is associated with the position detected by the position detection device 20c to generate yield data. Furthermore, when harvesting a crop, the harvester 20 associates the moisture amount (moisture content) and protein amount (protein content) of the crop detected by the measuring device 20a with the position detected by the position detection device 20c to generate crop component data. The harvester 20 also stores the positions detected by the position detection device 20c over time, and uses the stored positions as travel data that indicate the travel route of the harvester 20 on the farmland.

[0043] The communication device 20b is a device that transmits at least the detection information detected by the harvester 20, i.e., the yield data and crop component data (moisture content, protein content), to the outside. The communication device 20b transmits the yield data and crop component data (moisture content, protein content) to the server 1. Upon receiving the yield data and crop component data (moisture content, protein content), the server 1 stores the received yield data and crop component data (moisture content, protein content) in the database (DB) 4a.

[0044] The original data for the growth data is detected by an unmanned aerial vehicle such as a multicopter 35. The multicopter 35 has a main body 35a, an arm 35b attached to the main body 35a, a rotor 35c attached to the arm 35b, and a skid 35d attached to the main body 35a. The rotor 35c is a device that generates lift for flight and includes a rotor that applies rotational force and blades (propellers) that rotate when driven by the rotor.

[0045] The multicopter 35 also has an imaging device 35e. The imaging device 35e is composed of an infrared camera or the like and is a device capable of capturing images of crops on farmland. The multicopter 35 also has a position detection device 35f. The position detection device 35f is a device that detects the position of the multicopter 35 and detects its position (latitude, longitude) based on data from positioning satellites such as GPS. The multicopter 35 flies over farmland, takes aerial photographs of the crops on the farmland, and associates the images captured by the imaging device 35e (captured images) with the positions detected by the position detection device 35f to generate imaging data.

[0046] The imaging data is stored in a storage unit 35g provided in the multicopter 35. The imaging data stored in the storage unit 35g of the multicopter 35 is transferred to an electronic storage medium 36, such as a USB memory or an SD card, and stored in the electronic storage medium 36. The imaging data stored in the electronic storage medium 36 is transferred to the management computer 6a or a fixed management computer 6b installed at an aerial photography service company or the like, separate from the management computer 6a. The transferred imaging data is stored in the management computer 6a or the management computer 6b. After the management computer 6a or the management computer 6b logs in to the server 1, the imaging data stored in the management computer 6a or the management computer 6b is transmitted to the server 1. When the server 1 receives the imaging data, it stores the received imaging data in the DB 4a. The server 1 analyzes the imaging data (captured images) to generate growth data based on vegetation indices such as DVI, RVI, NDVI, GNDVI, SAVI, TSAVI, CAI, MTCI, REP, PRI, and RSI. The growth data generated by the server 1 is stored in the DB 4a. The above-mentioned vegetation indices are merely examples and are not limiting.

[0047] It is also possible to generate growth data from the imaging data using the management computer 6a or the management computer 6b, and transmit the generated growth data from the management computer 6a or the management computer 6b to the server 1. In the above-described embodiment, images of crops on farmland are taken using the multicopter 35, but as shown in Figure 1, imaging data may also be obtained by imaging crops on farmland using a farmland monitoring device 37 installed on the farmland, and adding the position of the farmland associated with the farmland monitoring device 37 to the captured image.

[0048] Similarly to the above-mentioned growth data, soil data can be obtained by capturing images of farmland with an imaging device such as a camera and analyzing the captured images. In other words, the above-mentioned "growth data" can be replaced with "soil data."

[0049] In this way, the server 1 can acquire and store in the DB 4 a crop data such as yield data, crop component data (moisture content, protein content), and growth data. The server 1 can also acquire and store in the DB 4 a soil data.

[0050] Furthermore, the amount and type of fertilizer to be applied to the farmland are determined based on past yield data, growth data, etc. When determining the amount and type of fertilizer, the farmland may be divided into multiple plots, and the amount and type of fertilizer to be applied to each plot may be determined. For example, the owner of the farmland may determine the amount and type of fertilizer for each plot and input the determined information into the management computer 6a, whereby the fertilization data is stored in the DB 4a.

[0051] A farmland owner can operate the management computer 6a to input, for example, the location, area, and type of crops grown in the past of their farmland, along with the farmland area and their own ID, in association with each other. When inputting the location and area of ​​the farmland, for example, a map showing the farmland owned by the owner can be displayed on a touch panel and information indicating the shape of the farmland can be input by tracing the outer edge of the farmland. The inputted location, area, and shape of the farmland and the owner's ID can be transmitted to the server 1. In addition to the received location and owner's ID, the server 1 can create a farmland ID corresponding to the location of the farmland, and store the location, area, and shape of the farmland in association with the farmland ID and the owner's ID in the DB 4a. Information regarding weather over time can also be stored in the DB 4a based on data provided by the Japan Meteorological Agency or temperature, humidity, and light receiving sensors installed on the farmland.

[0052] Fig. 2 is an example of a conceptual diagram showing a farmland table T stored in DB 4a, Fig. 3 is an example of a conceptual diagram showing a yield map or a fertilization map stored in DB 4a, and Fig. 4 is an example of a conceptual diagram showing a travel map stored in DB 4a. For example, the server 1 can store information related to agriculture in DB 4a as the farmland table T, a yield map, a fertilization map, a travel map, etc.

[0053] The farmland table T stores information about farmland. The farmland table T includes, for example, a number column, an owner column, a location column, an area column, a crop column, a weather column for a first period, and a weather column for a second period. The number column stores a number for identifying the farmland (the farmland ID). The owner column stores the ID of the owner of the farmland. The location column stores information indicating the location of the farmland. The information indicating the location of the farmland is, for example, latitude and longitude. The area column stores information indicating the area of ​​the farmland. The crop column stores information indicating the type of crop grown in the past. The weather column for the first period stores the percentage of sunny, cloudy, and rainy days, the average temperature, the average humidity, etc. for the first period. The weather column for the second period stores the percentage of sunny, cloudy, and rainy days, the average temperature, the average humidity, etc. for the second period. The second period is the period following the first period. Weather columns for subsequent periods may be provided, such as a weather column for a third period following the second period, and a weather column for a fourth period following the third period. Each period corresponds to a different growth stage of the crop.

[0054] A yield map is information that divides farmland into multiple plots and shows the crop yield for each plot. The plots of farmland may be determined by the farmland owner or by the server 1. For example, the server 1 can create a yield map that shows the amount of yield for each plot based on the yield data. For example, in Figure 3, the farmland is divided into nine plots, with hatching that slopes downward to the lower right indicating a low yield, no hatching indicating a medium yield, and hatching that slopes upward to the upper right indicating a high yield. When the yield map is displayed on the display unit of the management computer 6a, as shown in Figure 3, the yield map is displayed so that the differences in harvest yield for each plot can be understood.

[0055] A fertilization map divides farmland into multiple plots and is information showing the amount of fertilizer applied to each plot. For example, based on the fertilization data, the server 1 can create a fertilization map showing the amount of fertilizer applied for each type of fertilizer and for each plot. For example, in Figure 3, for a given type of fertilizer, farmland is divided into nine plots, with hatching downward to the lower right indicating a small amount of fertilizer applied, no hatching indicating a medium amount of fertilizer applied, and hatching upward to the upper right indicating a large amount of fertilizer applied. When the fertilization map is displayed on the display unit 14 of the terminal 10, the fertilization map is displayed so that the differences in the amount of fertilizer applied for each plot can be understood, as shown in Figure 3.

[0056] For example, the server 1 can create a travel map based on the travel data, showing the route traveled by agricultural machinery, such as a tractor, rice transplanter, or combine harvester, across farmland in the past. For example, as shown in Figure 4, the travel map shows the route traveled by the agricultural machinery in a meandering pattern across the entire farmland. The agricultural machinery may be operated either automatically or manually.

[0057] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a terminal 10 of a user who wishes to rent out farmland and a server 1. For example, one or more terminals 10 of users who wish to rent out farmland are connected to a network N. The terminal 10 may be, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a PC, or a wearable terminal. Examples of wearable terminals include goggles or glasses-type terminals. The terminal 10 includes a control unit 11, a main memory unit 12, an auxiliary memory unit 13, and a display unit 14. The control unit 11 may include, for example, a processor. The processor may include, for example, a CPU, an MPU, or a GPU. The control unit 11 may also include a logic circuit. Examples of logic circuits include, for example, an FPGA or an ASIC. The main memory unit 12 may include, for example, a RAM. The auxiliary memory unit 13 may include, for example, a ROM, a rewritable storage medium such as an EEPROM, a Flash ROM, or a hard disk. An application program for providing agricultural support is stored in the auxiliary memory unit 13. The control unit 11 reads and executes an application program from the auxiliary storage unit 13 to the main storage unit 12. The application program may be installed in the auxiliary storage unit 13 from a recording medium 15 (see FIG. 1), such as an optical disk or a portable flash memory. The application program may also be downloaded to the auxiliary storage unit from another server 1 via the communication network N.

[0058] Figure 6 shows an image displayed on the display unit 14 of the terminal 10. The operator of the terminal 10 (hereinafter referred to as the "user") is the person renting the farmland. The user operates the terminal 10 and launches an application program. Based on the application program, the control unit 11 obtains information from the farmland table T (i.e., information indicating the farmlands that are candidates for rental) from the server 1, generates image data for buttons 21-23 for farmlands 1-3, and displays the buttons 21-23 on the display unit 14 (see Figure 6). The numbers for farmlands 1-3 correspond to the numbers (farmland IDs) stored in the number column of the farmland table T. For example, farmland 1 indicates the farm number 1 in the number column. A farmland can be selected by operating, for example, pressing or clicking, any of the buttons 21-23 for farmlands 1-3. Note that when the user operates the operation unit, for example, a mouse, and places the cursor over farmlands 1-3, the information (location, area, crop, etc.) listed in farmland table T may be overlaid. Alternatively, the server 1 may generate image data for the buttons 21 to 23, transmit the generated image data to the terminal 10, and the control unit 11 may cause the display unit 14 to display the buttons 21 to 23.

[0059] FIG. 7 shows an example of a screen displayed when the button 21 for the farmland 1 is operated. The control unit 11 displays a virtual space on the display unit 14, and displays a farmland object 30 representing the farmland 1, an avatar 31 representing the user, and a menu screen 24 in the virtual space. The virtual space is realized, for example, using VR or AR. The farmland object 30 reflects information in the farmland table T, such as the area of ​​the farmland. If the farmland table T includes the shape of the farmland, the shape of the farmland may be reflected in the farmland object 30. The farmland object 30 corresponds to actual farmland. Image data representing the virtual space, the farmland object 30, the avatar 31, and the menu screen 24 are generated by the control program of the server 1 or an application program of the terminal 10. When the image data is generated by the control program of the server 1, the image data is transmitted to the terminal 10. The control unit 11 displays the virtual space, the farmland object 30, the avatar 31, and the menu screen 24 on the display unit 14 based on the generated image data. Alternatively, multiple avatar 31 candidates may be displayed on the display unit 14, and the user may select one of the avatars 31, and the selected avatar 31 may be displayed on the display unit 14. The menu includes a crop information button 25, an agricultural machinery information button 26, and an advisor information button 27.

[0060] FIG. 8A is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 14 when the user operates the crop information button 25. When the user operates the crop information button 25, crop buttons 25a to 25d indicating, for example, rice, tomato, eggplant, and cucumber, and a back button 24e are displayed on the display unit 14. The user can operate the crop buttons 25a to 25d indicating the crop they want to grow. When the user operates the back button 25e, the display unit 14 returns to the display screen of FIG. 7. Image data indicating the crop buttons 25a to 25d and the back button 24e is generated by the control program of the server 1 or an application program of the terminal 10. When the image data is generated by the control program of the server 1, the image data is transmitted to the terminal 10. The control unit 11 causes the display unit 14 to display the crop buttons 25a to 25d and the back button 24e based on the generated image data.

[0061] FIG. 8B is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 14 when the agricultural machinery information button 26 is operated. When the user operates the agricultural machinery information button 26, for example, agricultural machinery buttons 26a to 26c representing agricultural machinery 1, 2, and 3, and a back button 26d are displayed. A thumbnail representing agricultural machinery 1 is displayed next to the agricultural machinery button 26a for agricultural machinery 1, a thumbnail representing agricultural machinery 2 is displayed next to the agricultural machinery button 26b for agricultural machinery 2, and a thumbnail representing agricultural machinery 3 is displayed next to the agricultural machinery button 26c for agricultural machinery 3. The user can operate the agricultural machinery buttons 26a to 26c representing the agricultural machinery they wish to use. Only agricultural machinery that is available at the time the agricultural machinery information button 26 is operated is displayed on the display unit 14. Note that agricultural machinery that is unavailable at the time the agricultural machinery information button 26 is operated may also be displayed on the display unit 14. In this case, the unavailable agricultural machinery is displayed in a manner that makes it distinguishable from the available agricultural machinery, such as by being displayed in a different color from the available agricultural machinery, and the buttons for the unavailable agricultural machinery cannot be operated. When the back button 26d is operated, the display screen of Fig. 7 is returned to. Image data representing each of the agricultural machine buttons 26a to 26c and the back button 26d is generated by the control program of the server 1 or the application program of the terminal 10. When image data is generated by the control program of the server 1, the image data is transmitted to the terminal 10. The control unit 11 causes each of the agricultural machine buttons 26a to 26c and the back button 26d to be displayed on the display unit 14 based on the generated image data. The server 1 stores information about each agricultural machine, for example, actual parameters of the agricultural machine 1, such as the traveling speed, the torque supplied to the work implement, and the traveling direction, in the auxiliary storage unit 4, and updates this information as necessary.

[0062] FIG. 8C is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 14 when the user operates the advisor information button 27. When the user operates the advisor information button 27, advisor buttons 27a to 27c, each representing advisors A, B, and C, and a back button 27d are displayed. The advisor buttons 27a to 27c display a description of the advisor. For example, the advisor's occupation and area of ​​expertise are displayed. Examples of the advisor's occupation include farmer or agricultural machinery engineer. Examples of the advisor's area of ​​expertise include the types of crops grown in the past and the types of agricultural machinery used (e.g., tractors, rice transplanters, and combine harvesters). The advisor may be the owner of the farmland or a person other than the owner. The user can call the advisor by operating the advisor button 27a to 27c indicating the advisor for whom the user wants advice. Operating the back button 27d returns the user to the display screen of FIG. 7. The advisor corresponds to a person involved in agricultural work or an agricultural machinery professional. Image data representing each of the advisor buttons 27a to 27c and the back button 27d is generated by the control program of the server 1 or the application program of the terminal 10. When image data is generated by the control program of the server 1, the image data is transmitted to the terminal 10. The control unit 11 causes each of the advisor buttons 27a to 27c and the back button 27d to be displayed on the display unit 14 based on the generated image data.

[0063] The advisor possesses a terminal 10. An application program for providing agricultural support is installed, i.e., stored, on the terminal 10. When the user operates a button indicating one of the advisors, a call command is sent from the user's terminal 10 to the advisor's terminal 10. The call command may be sent directly from the user's terminal 10 to the advisor's terminal 10 or via the server 1. When the application program installed on the advisor's terminal 10 receives the call command, it displays information indicating that a call is being made and a receive button on the display unit 14 of the advisor's terminal 10. If the advisor's terminal 10 has a speaker or vibration function, it may emit a sound from the speaker or vibrate the terminal 10. When the advisor operates the receive button, two-way communication between the advisor's terminal 10 and the user's terminal 10 is established. If two-way communication is not established, a message indicating that communication cannot be established is displayed on the display unit 14, and the display returns to the display screen of FIG. 7. When two-way communication is terminated, the display returns to the display screen of FIG. 7.

[0064] FIG. 9 shows an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 14 when the crop button 25a indicating rice and the agricultural machine button 26a indicating the agricultural machine 1 are operated. When rice is selected as the crop to be grown by operating the crop button 25a indicating rice and the agricultural machine 1 is selected as the agricultural machine to be used by operating the agricultural machine button 26a indicating the agricultural machine 1, a display field 28 indicating the selection is displayed on the display unit 14, and rice and the agricultural machine 1 are displayed inside the display field 28. A display field 29 indicating the simulation start date is displayed on the display unit 14. The display field 29 indicating the simulation start date includes a field 29a for inputting the date and an execute button 29b. Image data representing the display field 28 indicating the selection, the display field 29 indicating the simulation start date, the field 29a for inputting the date, and the execute button 29b are generated by the control program of the server 1 or an application program of the terminal 10. When image data is generated by the control program of the server 1, the image data is transmitted to the terminal 10. Based on the generated image data, the control unit 11 causes a display field 28 indicating the selected content, a display field 29 indicating the simulation start date, a field 29a for inputting the date, and an execute button 29b to be displayed on the display unit 14. When the user inputs the desired work start date in the field 29a for inputting the date and operates the execute button 29b, the user's terminal 10 transmits the selected content, i.e., the rice and agricultural machine 1, and the desired work start date, to the server 1.

[0065] The server 1 receives the selected content and the desired start date of work, and simulates the rice growing process on the farmland 1 over time based on the selected content, the desired start date of work, and the information in the farmland table T. The server 1 generates image data showing the growth state of the rice on a specific date. For example, it generates image data showing the growth state of the rice every week.

[0066] 10A to 10C are examples of images showing the rice growing process displayed on the display unit 14 of the terminal 10. The server 1 transmits each generated image data to the user's terminal 10. The control unit 11 of the terminal 10 displays a crop object 30a representing a crop on a farmland object 30 representing the farmland 1 based on each received image data. For example, as shown in FIG. 10A, an image showing rice seedlings is displayed on the display unit 14 together with the date, then as shown in FIG. 10B, an image showing grown rice leaves is displayed on the display unit 14 together with the date, and then as shown in FIG. 10C, an image showing rice ears is displayed on the display unit 14 together with the date.

[0067] The server 1 acquires the percentages of sunny, cloudy, and rainy days, the average temperature, the average humidity, and other information stored in the weather columns for the first and second periods in the farmland table T, and calculates the rice growth condition based on these information. For example, if the desired start date of work falls within the first period, the server 1 calculates the rice growth condition based on the percentages of sunny, cloudy, and rainy days, the average temperature, the average humidity, and other information for the first period. If the second period begins after the end of the first period, the server 1 calculates the rice growth condition based on the percentages of sunny, cloudy, and rainy days, the average temperature, the average humidity, and other information for the second period. The percentages of sunny, cloudy, and rainy days, the average temperature, the average humidity, and other information correspond to environmental information related to the environment, including the weather. In other words, the server 1 changes the crop object 30a representing rice (rice plant) in response to changes in the environment. The server 1 then transmits image data representing the changed crop object 30a to the user's terminal 10. The control unit 11 of the terminal 10 displays the changed crop object 30a on the display unit 14 based on image data showing the changed crop object 30a. That is, the crop object 30a changes in the virtual space in response to changes in the environment.

[0068] The server 1 acquires a yield map and a fertilization map and calculates the growth of rice plants in each plot of the farmland object 30 in the farmland 1 based on the yield map and the fertilization map. For example, since there is a correlation between the amount of fertilization and the amount of yield, the crop object 30a is changed in plots where a large amount of fertilization is applied to accelerate the growth of rice plants or increase the number of seeds in the ears, and the crop object 30a is changed in plots where a small amount of fertilization is applied to slow the growth of rice plants or decrease the number of seeds in the ears. The server 1 transmits image data representing the changed crop object 30a to the user's terminal 10. The control unit 11 of the terminal 10 displays the changed crop object 30a on the display unit 14 based on the image data representing the changed crop object 30a. The yield map and fertilization map correspond to production information. That is, the crop object 30a changes in the virtual space based on the production information.

[0069] FIG. 11 is an example of an image showing an agricultural machinery object 40 and a farmland object 30 operating in a virtual space. FIG. 11 shows an image viewed from above. For example, if the agricultural machinery 1 is a rice transplanter, the server 1 generates an agricultural machinery object 40 representing the rice transplanter. The server 1 calculates the movement of the agricultural machinery object 40 relative to the farmland object 30 based on the travel data, and generates image data representing the moving agricultural machinery object 40 based on the calculated movement. Note that the image data also includes video data, which is a collection of temporally consecutive still images. The server 1 calculates the position of the crop object 30a, i.e., seedlings, to be planted in the farmland object 30 in association with the movement of the agricultural machinery object 40, i.e., the rice transplanter, and generates image data of the seedlings to be displayed at the calculated position. The server 1 stores the image data representing the moving agricultural machinery object 40 and the image data representing the crop object 30a in the auxiliary memory unit 4 or the main memory unit 3, in association with each other.

[0070] The server 1 transmits the associated image data representing the moving agricultural machinery object and the associated image data representing the crop object 30a to the user's terminal 10. As shown in FIG. 11 , when the control unit 11 of the terminal 10 receives the image data representing the moving agricultural machinery object 40 and the image data representing the crop object 30a, the control unit 11 displays an image representing the agricultural machinery object 40 and an image representing the crop object 30a on the display unit 14 based on the image data representing the moving agricultural machinery object 40 and the image data representing the crop object 30a. That is, the agricultural machinery object 40 and the crop object 30a are displayed in a virtual space, and the operation of the agricultural machinery object 40 relative to the farmland object 30 is performed in the virtual space. A crop object 30a (seedling) appears on the farmland object 30 as the farmland object 30 moves. That is, the farmland object 30 and the crop object 30a change in the virtual space in response to the operation of the agricultural machinery object 40. Note that while FIG. 11 illustrates an image viewed from above, an image viewed from an oblique angle may also be displayed on the display unit 14. When the agricultural machinery object 40 represents a combine harvester, the crop object 30a representing rice is harvested by the movement of the agricultural machinery object 40. That is, the farmland object 30 and the crop object 30a change in the virtual space in response to the operation of the agricultural machinery object 40.

[0071] In the above-described simulation process, the server 1 simulates the rice growth process on the farmland 1 over time based on the user's selection, the desired start date of work, and the information in the farmland table T. However, the terminal 10 may also simulate the rice growth process on the farmland 1 over time based on the user's selection, the desired start date of work, and the information in the farmland table T. When the terminal 10 performs the simulation, it generates image data representing the rice growth state, acquires the percentage of sunny, cloudy, and rainy days, average temperature, average humidity, etc. stored in the weather columns for the first and second periods in the farmland table T, and calculates the rice growth status based on the percentage of sunny, cloudy, and rainy days, average temperature, average humidity, etc. The terminal 10 changes the crop object 30a representing rice (rice plant) in response to changes in the environment and displays the changed crop object 30a on the display unit 14 based on the image data representing the changed crop object 30a.

[0072] FIG. 12 is an example of an image displayed on the display unit 14 when the simulation is completed. When the simulation is completed, the control unit 11 of the user's terminal 10 causes the display unit 14 to display an operation history button 45 and a request button 46. The server 1 stores parameters of the agricultural machinery object 40 operated by the simulation, such as the traveling speed, the torque supplied to the work device, and the traveling direction, in chronological order in the auxiliary memory unit 4 or the main memory unit 3. When the user operates the operation history button 45, the user's terminal 10 acquires the parameters of the agricultural machinery object 40 from the server 1. The terminal 10 displays the parameters (not shown) in chronological order on the display unit 14 and also displays a back button (not shown). The user can check the parameters of the agricultural machinery object 40 and confirm whether there are any abnormalities. When the back button is operated, the display screen of FIG. 12 is returned to.

[0073] Image data representing the operation history button 45 and the request button 46 is generated by the control program of the server 1 or an application program of the terminal 10. When image data is generated by the control program of the server 1, the image data is transmitted to the terminal 10. The control unit 11 displays the operation history button 45 and the request button 46 on the display unit 14 based on the generated image data. Alternatively, instead of the server 1, the terminal 10 may store parameters of the agricultural machinery object 40 operated by the simulation, such as the traveling speed, the torque supplied to the work implement, and the traveling direction, in chronological order in the auxiliary memory unit 13 or the main memory unit 12. When the user operates the operation history button 45, the user's terminal 10 displays the stored agricultural machinery object 40 on the display unit 14, and also displays a back button (not shown).

[0074] FIG. 13 is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 14 when the request button 46 is operated. As described above, the farmland object 30 corresponds to the actual farmland. The request button 46 is a button for having another person perform the work shown in the simulation on the actual farmland corresponding to the farmland object 30. The auxiliary memory unit 4 of the server 1 pre-stores a person who will perform the work on the actual farmland (hereinafter referred to as a "proxy"). Note that the user may perform the work on the farmland themselves without requesting a proxy.

[0075] When the user operates the request button 46, for example, as shown in FIG. 13 , a process button 46a indicating process A and the agricultural machine 1, a process button 46b indicating process B, and a process button 46c indicating process C are displayed on the display unit 14. For example, process A is rice planting, process B is weeding, process C is harvesting, and the agricultural machine 1 is a rice transplanter. The display of process A and the agricultural machine 1 indicates that process A will be performed using the agricultural machine 1. In this embodiment, since the user selected the agricultural machine 1 before starting the simulation, the agricultural machine 1 is displayed along with process A. If the user did not select the agricultural machine 1 before starting the simulation, the agricultural machine 1 is not displayed. Image data indicating each of the process buttons 46a to 46c is generated by the control program of the server 1 or the application program of the terminal 10. When the image data is generated by the control program of the server 1, the image data is transmitted to the terminal 10. The control unit 11 displays each of the process buttons 46a to 46c on the display unit 14 based on the generated image data.

[0076] FIG. 14 is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 14 when a process button indicating process A and agricultural machine 1 is operated. When the user operates the request button 46, for example, as shown in FIG. 14 , the content of the operated process button (process A and agricultural machine 1), the cost, a request confirmation button 47a, and a cancel button 47b are displayed. The user checks the cost and operates the request confirmation button or the cancel button. When the user operates the cancel button, the display returns to the screen shown in FIG. 12 . Image data indicating the content of the operated process button, the cost, the request confirmation button 47a, and the cancel button 47b is generated by the control program of the server 1 or the application program of the terminal 10. When the image data is generated by the control program of the server 1, the image data is transmitted to the terminal 10. The control unit 11 causes the display unit 14 to display the content of the operated process button, the cost, the request confirmation button 47a, and the cancel button 47b based on the generated image data.

[0077] FIG. 15 is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 14 when the user operates the request confirmation button. When the user operates the request confirmation button, the control unit 2 of the server 1 notifies the agent that a request has been made. The agent possesses a terminal 10 on which an application program is installed. When the agent operates the terminal 10 and transmits information to the server 1 indicating that the agent will accept the request, the server 1 notifies the user's terminal 10 that the request has been confirmed. When the control unit 11 of the user's terminal 10 receives the notification, it causes the display unit 14 to display, for example, as shown in FIG. 15, an acceptance screen indicating that the request has been accepted and that the agent will be contacted when the work is completed, along with a back button 47c. When the user operates the back button 47c, the display returns to the display screen of FIG. 12. Image data indicating that the request has been accepted, that the agent will be contacted when the work is completed, and the back button 47c are generated by the control program of the server 1 or the application program of the terminal 10. When image data is generated by the control program of the server 1, the image data is transmitted to the terminal 10. Based on the generated image data, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 14 to display that the request has been accepted, that a notification will be sent when the work is completed, and a back button 47c.

[0078] FIG. 16 is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 14 when a work performed by an agent is completed. When the agent completes the actual work (rice planting) on ​​the farmland 1, the agent inputs information indicating the completion of the work into the agent's terminal 10. The server 1 transmits the received information and data representing the farmland object 30 after the work is completed to the user's terminal 10. When the control unit 11 of the user's terminal 10 receives the information and the data representing the farmland object 30, it displays a receive button (not shown) on the display unit 14. When the user operates the receive button, for example, as shown in FIG. 16 , the control unit 11 of the user's terminal 10 displays the farmland object 30, the user's avatar 31, a payment procedure button 48, and a message requesting completion of the work and payment on the display unit 14. At this time, the farmland object 30 changes from its state at the time of the work request. For example, if the requested work is rice planting and the state at the time of the work request is one in which no seedlings have been planted, the farmland object 30 changes to a state after the seedlings have been planted. Image data showing the farmland object 30, the avatar 31, the payment procedure button 48, and a message requesting completion of the work and payment is generated by the control program of the server 1 or the application program of the terminal 10. When the image data is generated by the control program of the server 1, the image data is transmitted to the terminal 10. Based on the generated image data, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 14 to display the farmland object 30, the avatar 31, the payment procedure button 48, and a message requesting completion of the work and payment.

[0079] The agent may also input a photograph (image data) showing the farmland 1 after the work is completed into his / her own terminal 10. The agent's terminal 10 is equipped with an imaging unit, for example, a camera, which captures an image of the farmland 1. The terminal 10 transmits the information and the photograph to the server 1. The server 1 transmits the received information and the photograph to the user's terminal 10. The control unit 11 of the user's terminal 10 receives the information and the photograph, and when the receive button is operated, displays the photograph on the display unit 14 together with or instead of the farmland object 30.

[0080] When the user operates the payment procedure button 48, the user's terminal 10 sends a billing process start instruction to the server 1. The payment procedure button 48 functions as a reception unit that accepts payment of fees. When the billing process start instruction is received, the server 1 executes billing process for the use of the agricultural machine 1 and the work of process A. Specifically, the server 1 executes billing process for the amount shown in FIG. 14 to the credit card company or debit process from the user's bank account. Information necessary for billing process, such as the user's credit card number and bank account, is pre-stored in the server 1. After the payment procedure button 48 is operated, the control unit 11 of the user's terminal 10 may display a screen on the display unit 14 for inputting information necessary for billing process. The entered information necessary for billing process is sent to the server 1, and the server 1 executes billing process. After billing process is completed, the server 1 sends information indicating billing completion to the user's terminal 10. When the information indicating billing completion is received, the control unit 11 of the terminal 10 displays information indicating billing completion (not shown) on the display unit 14.

[0081] After the application program is started, an end button (not shown) is always displayed on the display unit 14. When the user operates the end button, the execution of the application program is forcibly terminated. The forcible termination is executed as an interrupt process.

[0082] 17 and 18 are flowcharts illustrating the display process for displaying a virtual space on the display unit 14 of the user's terminal 10. The control unit 11 of the user's terminal 10 (hereinafter simply referred to as the control unit 11) determines whether or not the application program has started (S1). If the application program has not started (S1: NO), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S1. If the application program has started (S1: YES), the control unit 11 obtains information from the farmland table T, i.e., information indicating the farmland that is a candidate for lending (S2).

[0083] The control unit 11 displays the farmland button on the display unit 14 (S3, see FIG. 6) and determines whether the farmland button has been operated (S4). If it is determined that the farmland button has not been operated (S4: NO), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S4. If it is determined that the farmland button has not been operated (S4: YES), the control unit 11 displays the farmland object 30, the avatar 31 representing the user, and the menu screen 24 on the display unit 14 (S5, see FIG. 7).

[0084] The control unit 11 determines whether the crop information button 25 has been operated (S6). If it is determined that the crop information button 25 has not been operated (S6: NO), the control unit 11 determines whether the agricultural machinery information button 26 has been operated (S7). If it is determined that the agricultural machinery information button 26 has not been operated (S7: NO), the control unit 11 determines whether the advisor information button 27 has been operated (S11). If it is determined that the advisor information button 27 has not been operated (S11: NO), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S5.

[0085] If it is determined in step S6 that the crop information button 25 has been operated (S6: YES), the control unit 11 causes the display unit 14 to display each of the crop buttons 25a to 25d and the back button 25e (S17, see FIG. 8A), and determines whether the back button 25e has been operated (S18). If it is determined that the back button 25e has been operated (S18: YES), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S6. If it is determined that the back button 25e has not been operated (S18: NO), the control unit 11 determines whether any of the crop buttons 25a to 25d have been operated (S19). If it is determined that any of the crop buttons 25a to 25d have not been operated (S19: NO), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S17. If it is determined that the crop buttons 25a to 25d have been operated (S19: YES), that is, if the user has selected a crop that they want to grow, the control unit 11 displays the selection, i.e., the selected crop, on the display unit 14 (S20, see Figure 9).

[0086] In step S7, if it is determined that the agricultural machine information button 26 has been operated (S7: YES), the control unit 11 causes the display unit 14 to display each of the agricultural machine buttons 26a to 26c and the back button 26d (S8, see FIG. 8B), and determines whether or not the back button 26d has been operated (S9). If it is determined that the back button 26d has been operated (S9: YES), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S6. If it is determined that the back button 26d has not been operated (S9: NO), the control unit 11 determines whether or not any of the agricultural machine buttons 26a to 26c has been operated (S10). If it is determined that the agricultural machine buttons 26a to 26c have not been operated (S10: NO), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S8. If it is determined that the agricultural machinery buttons 26a to 26c have been operated (S10: YES), that is, if the user has selected the agricultural machinery they wish to use, the control unit 11 displays the selection, i.e., the selected agricultural machinery, on the display unit 14 (S20, see Figure 9).

[0087] In step S11, if it is determined that the advisor information button 27 has been operated (S11: YES), the control unit 11 causes the display unit 14 to display each of the advisor buttons 27a to 27c and the back button 27d (S12), and determines whether the back button 27d has been operated (S13). If it is determined that the back button 27d has been operated (S13: YES), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S6. If it is determined that the back button 27d has not been operated (S13: NO), the control unit 11 determines whether any of the advisor buttons 27a to 27c have been operated (S14). If it is determined that any of the advisor buttons 27a to 27c have not been operated (S14: NO), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S12.

[0088] If it is determined that the advisor buttons 27a to 27c have been operated (S14: YES), i.e., if the user has selected an advisor from whom they would like advice, the control unit 11 determines whether or not bidirectional communication has been established between the advisor's terminal 10 and the user's terminal 10 (S15). If it is determined that bidirectional communication has not been established (S15: NO), the control unit 11 displays on the display unit 14 a message indicating that bidirectional communication cannot be established, and then returns to step S6. If it is determined that bidirectional communication has been established (S15: YES), the control unit 11 determines whether or not bidirectional communication has ended (S16). If it is determined that bidirectional communication has not ended (S16: NO), the control unit 11 returns to step S16. If it is determined that bidirectional communication has ended (S16: YES), the control unit 11 returns to step S6.

[0089] In step S20, after displaying the selected content on the display unit 14, the control unit 11 determines whether the execute button 29b has been operated (S21, see FIG. 9). If the execute button 29b has not been operated (S21: NO), or if the crop information button 25, agricultural machinery information button 26, or advisor information button 27 has not been operated, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S20 (see FIG. 9). Note that in step S21, if the execute button 29b has not been operated but the crop information button 25, agricultural machinery information button 26, or advisor information button 27 has been operated, the control unit 11 performs the same process as steps S17 to S19, S8 to S10, or S12 to S16. In this process, if the back button 25e, 26d, or 27d is operated (S18: YES, S9: YES, S13: YES), if two-way communication is not established (S15: NO), or if two-way communication has ended (S16: YES), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S20 instead of step S6 (see Figure 7).

[0090] In step S21, if it is determined that the execute button 29b has been operated (S21: YES), the control unit 11 displays the farm machine object 40 and the crop object 30a on the farmland object 30, and the server 1 executes a simulation showing the growth process of the crops (S22, see FIGS. 10A to 10C and 11). Note that the terminal 10 may execute the simulation process instead of the server 1.

[0091] After the simulation is completed, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 14 to display the operation history button 45 and the request button 46 (S23), and determines whether the operation history button 45 has been operated (S24). If it is determined that the operation history button 45 has been operated (S24: YES), the control unit 11 causes the display unit 14 to display parameters (not shown) (S31), and determines whether the back button (not shown) has been operated (S32). If it is determined that the back button has not been operated (S32: NO), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S31. If it is determined that the back button has been operated (S32: YES), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S23.

[0092] If it is determined in step S24 that the operation history button 45 has not been operated (S24: NO), the control unit 11 determines whether the request button 46 has been operated (S25). If it is determined that the request button 46 has not been operated (S25: NO), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S23. If it is determined that the request button 46 has been operated (S25: YES), the control unit 11 displays a process button on the display unit 14 (S26, see FIG. 13), and determines whether the process button has been operated (S27). If it is determined that the process button has not been operated (S27: NO), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S27. If it is determined in step S27 that the process button has been operated (S27: YES), the control unit 11 displays the content of the operated process button, the cost, the request confirmation button, and the cancel button on the display unit 14 (S28, see FIG. 14), and determines whether the request confirmation button has been operated (S29).

[0093] If it is determined that the request confirmation button has not been operated (S29: NO), the control unit 11 determines whether the cancel button has been operated (S30). If it is determined that the cancel button has not been operated (S30: NO), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S28. If it is determined in step S30 that the cancel button has been operated (S30: YES), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S23.

[0094] If it is determined in step S29 that the request confirmation button has been operated (S29: YES), the control unit 11 determines whether or not a notification that the request has been confirmed has been received (S33). If it is determined that a notification that the request has been confirmed has not been received (S33: NO), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S33. If it is determined in step S33 that a notification that the request has been confirmed has been received (S33: YES), the control unit 11 displays a reception screen and a back button 47c on the display unit 14 (S34). The control unit 11 determines whether or not the back button 47c has been operated (S35). If it is determined that the back button 47c has not been operated (S35: NO), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S35. If it is determined in step S35 that the back button 47c has been operated (S35: YES), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S23.

[0095] 19 is a flowchart illustrating the billing process executed when the work performed by the agent is completed. The control unit 11 determines whether or not it has received information indicating that the work performed by the agent has been completed and the farmland object 30 after the work has been completed (S41). If it determines that the information and the farmland object 30 have not been received (S41: NO), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S41. If it determines in step S41 that the information and the farmland object have been received (S41: YES), the control unit 11 displays a receive button (not shown) on the display unit 14 (S42) and determines whether or not the receive button has been operated (S43). If it determines that the receive button has not been operated (S43: NO), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S42.

[0096] If it is determined in step S43 that the receive button has been operated (S43: YES), the control unit 11 causes the display unit 14 to display the farmland object, the user's avatar 31, the payment procedure button 48, and a message requesting completion of the work and payment (S44, see FIG. 16). The control unit 11 determines whether the payment procedure button 48 has been operated (S45). If it determines that the payment procedure button 48 has not been operated (S45: NO), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S45. If it determines that the payment procedure button 48 has been operated (S45: YES), the control unit 11 sends a billing process start instruction to the server 1 (S46) and determines whether information indicating billing completion has been received from the server 1 (S47). If it determines that information indicating billing completion has not been received (S47: NO), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S47.

[0097] If it is determined that information indicating that billing has been completed has been received (S47: YES), that is, if the billing process has been completed at the server 1, the control unit 11 displays information indicating that billing has been completed (not shown) on the display unit 14 (S48), and terminates the process.

[0098] In the agricultural support system according to the first embodiment, a farmland object 30 is displayed in a virtual space. The farmland object 30 corresponds to farmland, for example, farmland 1 rented by a user. Before actually working on the farmland 1, the user can check each step of the farming work on the farmland object 30.

[0099] Also, an agricultural machine object 40 is displayed in the virtual space. The user inputs operations for the agricultural machine object 40. The agricultural machine object 40 operates on the farmland object 30, and the farmland object 30 changes in response to the operation of the agricultural machine object 40.

[0100] Also, the crop object 30a is displayed on the farmland object 30. The user inputs an operation for the farm machinery object 40. The farm machinery object 40 operates on the farmland object 30, and the crop object 30a changes in response to the operation of the farm machinery object 40.

[0101] Furthermore, when the operation of the agricultural machinery object 40 is executed, payment for the actual use of the agricultural machinery on the farmland is accepted. The user can request a proxy (another person) to perform work using the agricultural machinery on the actual farmland.

[0102] It is also possible to output the operation history of the agricultural machine object 40. The user can check the operation history and change the settings of the agricultural machine.

[0103] Furthermore, the crop object 30a changes in the virtual space in response to environmental changes, including weather, so the user can understand the growth process of the crops, which reflects the changes in the environment.

[0104] Furthermore, the crop object 30a is changed in the virtual space based on production information including fertilization or crop yield, so the user can understand the growth process of the crop that reflects the production information.

[0105] (Embodiment 2) The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings showing an agricultural support system according to embodiment 2. Among the components according to embodiment 2, components similar to those in embodiment 1 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. When a user operates the farmland button to select one of the farmlands, the control unit 11 of the user's terminal 10 displays the user's avatar 31 and the farmland object 30 of the selected farmland in the virtual space (see FIG. 17 , step S5). Furthermore, when an advisor is called by operating the advisor information button 27, the control unit 11 displays the avatar 32 of the called advisor in the virtual space.

[0106] 20 and 21 are examples of screens that are displayed when the user operates the button 21 for farmland 1 to call advisor A. When the user operates the button 21 indicating farmland 1 (see FIG. 6), the control unit 11 of the user's terminal 10 displays a farmland object 30 indicating farmland 1 and the user's avatar 31 on the display unit 14, i.e., in the virtual space. When the user operates the advisor button 27a indicating A (see FIG. 8C), the control unit 11 of the user's terminal 10 establishes two-way communication with A's terminal 10 and displays an avatar 32 indicating A in the virtual space.

[0107] As shown in Figures 20 and 21, the user's avatar 31 and Mr. A's avatar 32 appear facing the farmland object 30 in the virtual space. The user's avatar 31 and Mr. A's avatar 32 can communicate with each other, for example, by sending messages to each other. Voice, images, or video may also be sent to each other. The user can send questions to Mr. A, and Mr. A can answer the questions. Image data representing the farmland object 30, the avatars 31 and 32, and the menu screen 24 are generated by the control program of the server 1 or the application program of the terminal 10. When the image data is generated by the control program of the server 1, the image data is transmitted to the terminal 10. The control unit 11 displays the farmland object 30, the avatars 31 and 32, and the menu screen 24 on the display unit 14 based on the generated image data.

[0108] FIG. 22 shows an example of a screen displayed when a user requests work from an advisor. For example, the user requests work on process A via a message from the advisor. The advisor can reply via a message. The advisor inputs information indicating process A and the agricultural machine 1 into the terminal 10 and causes a request button 49 to be displayed on the display unit 14 of the user's terminal 10 along with the reply via a message. For example, a request button display command, information indicating process A and the agricultural machine 1, and the cost of the work on process A using the agricultural machine 1 are transmitted from the advisor's terminal 10 to the server 1 via the server 1 to the user's terminal 10. When the control unit 11 of the user's terminal 10 receives the request button display command, it displays the request button 49 on the display unit 14. Image data indicating the request button 49 is generated by the control program of the server 1 or an application program of the terminal 10. When image data is generated by the control program of the server 1, the image data is transmitted to the terminal 10. The control unit 11 displays the request button 49 on the display unit 14 based on the generated image data. When the user operates the request button 49, a screen similar to that shown in Figure 14 is displayed on the display unit 14. When the user confirms the cost and operates the request confirmation button, a screen similar to that shown in Figure 15 is displayed on the display unit 14, and the request to the advisor is confirmed. The advisor performs the requested work on the actual farmland 1.

[0109] FIG. 23 shows an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 14 when an advisor completes work. When the advisor completes work on the actual farmland 1 (e.g., rice planting), the advisor inputs information indicating the completion of the work into the advisor's terminal 10. The server 1 transmits the received information and data representing the farmland object 30 after the work is completed to the user's terminal 10. When the control unit 11 of the user's terminal 10 receives the information and the data representing the farmland object 30, it displays a receive button (not shown) on the display unit 14. When the user operates the receive button, for example, as shown in FIG. 23 , the control unit 11 of the user's terminal 10 displays the farmland object 30, the user's avatar 31, a payment procedure button 48, and a message requesting completion of the work and payment on the display unit 14. At this time, the farmland object 30 changes from its state at the time of the work request. For example, if the requested work is rice planting and the state at the time of the work request is one in which seedlings have not yet been planted, the farmland object 30 changes to its state after seedlings have been planted. Image data showing the payment procedure button 48 and a message requesting completion of the work and payment is generated by the control program of the server 1 or the application program of the terminal 10. When image data is generated by the control program of the server 1, the image data is transmitted to the terminal 10. Based on the generated image data, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 14 to display the payment procedure button 48 and a message requesting completion of the work and payment.

[0110] The advisor may also input a photograph (image data) showing the farmland 1 after the work is completed into his / her own terminal 10. The advisor's terminal 10 is equipped with an imaging unit, for example, a camera, which captures an image of the farmland 1. The terminal 10 transmits the information and the photograph to the server 1. The server 1 transmits the received information and the photograph to the user's terminal 10. The control unit 11 of the user's terminal 10 receives the information and the photograph, and when the receive button is operated, displays the photograph on the display unit 14 together with or instead of the farmland object 30.

[0111] The user can input a message, such as a message of thanks for the work, into their terminal 10. When the user operates the payment procedure button 48, the user's terminal 10 sends a billing process start instruction to the server 1. The payment procedure button 48 functions as a reception unit that accepts payment of fees. When the billing process start instruction is received, the server 1 executes billing process for the use of the agricultural machine 1 and the work of process A. Specifically, the server 1 executes billing process for the amount shown in FIG. 14 to the credit card company or debits the user's bank account. Information necessary for billing process, such as the user's credit card number and bank account, is pre-stored in the server 1. After operating the payment procedure button 48, the control unit 11 of the user's terminal 10 may display a screen on the display unit 14 for inputting information necessary for billing process. The entered information necessary for billing process is sent to the server 1, and the server 1 executes billing process. After billing process is completed, the server 1 sends information indicating billing completion to the user's terminal 10. When the information indicating billing completion is received, the control unit 11 of the terminal 10 displays information indicating billing completion (not shown) on the display unit 14.

[0112] 24 is a flowchart illustrating a display process for displaying a virtual space on the display unit 14 of the user's terminal 10. Here, it is assumed that the farmland object 30 of the farmland 1 and the user's avatar 31 are already displayed on the display unit 14 of the user's terminal 10, and the user operates the advisor button 27a representing Mr. A.

[0113] The control unit 11 of the user terminal 10 (hereinafter simply referred to as the control unit 11) determines whether or not two-way communication has been established between the advisor terminal 10 and the user terminal 10 (S51). If it is determined that two-way communication has not been established (S51: NO), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S51. Note that if two-way communication has not been established even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the communication establishment process, the control unit 11 may end the communication establishment process and return to the screen shown in FIG. 7.

[0114] If it is determined that two-way communication has been established (S51: YES), the control unit 11 displays the advisor's avatar 32 on the display unit 14 (S52). The user and advisor A can now communicate in the virtual space via the avatars 31 and 32. For example, they can send messages to each other.

[0115] The control unit 11 determines whether or not a request button display command has been received from the advisor's terminal 10 (S53). If it determines that a request button display command has not been received from the advisor's terminal 10 (S53: NO), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S53. If it determines that a request button display command has been received from the advisor's terminal 10 (S53: YES), the control unit 11 causes the display unit 14 to display the request button 49 (S54), and determines whether or not the request button 49 has been operated (S55).

[0116] If it is determined that the request button 49 has not been operated (S55: NO), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S55. If it is determined that the request button 49 has been operated (S55: YES), the control unit 11 causes the agricultural machine 1, process A, the cost, a request confirmation button, and a cancel button to be displayed on the display unit 14 (S56, see FIG. 14), and determines whether the request confirmation button has been operated (S57).

[0117] If it is determined that the request confirmation button has not been operated (S57: NO), the control unit 11 determines whether the cancel button has been operated (S58). If it is determined that the cancel button has not been operated (S58: NO), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S56. If it is determined that the cancel button has been operated (S58: YES), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S54.

[0118] If it is determined in step S57 that the request confirmation button has been operated (S57: YES), the control unit 11 causes the display unit 14 to display a reception screen and the back button 47c (S59). The control unit 11 determines whether the back button 47c has been operated (S60). If it is determined that the back button 47c has not been operated (S60: NO), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S60. If it is determined in step S60 that the back button 47c has been operated (S60: YES), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S53.

[0119] In the second embodiment, the billing process is executed when the work by the advisor is completed, as in the first embodiment. The billing process in the second embodiment is the same as the process in steps S41 to S48 of Fig. 19, except that the agent is replaced with the advisor, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0120] In the agricultural support system according to the second embodiment, an avatar 32 of an advisor (a person involved in farm work) is displayed in a virtual space. In the virtual space, a user can receive advice on work processes from, for example, the avatar 32 of a farmer.

[0121] Furthermore, the user can request the relevant parties to carry out the work on the actual farmland 1. When the relevant parties carry out the requested work, the farmland object 30 changes in the virtual space according to the work, so the user can intuitively understand that the work has been carried out.

[0122] Furthermore, it is possible to request the relevant parties to carry out the actual work on the farmland 1. When the relevant parties carry out the requested work, payment is made to the relevant parties. Payment is accepted by the application program of the terminal 10, so that the billing process can be carried out easily and reliably.

[0123] (Embodiment 3) The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings showing an agricultural support system according to embodiment 3. Among the components according to embodiment 3, components similar to those according to embodiments 1 or 2 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. By executing a simulation, for example, the movement route of the agricultural machine 1 is displayed on the display unit 14 (see FIG. 11). If the user has a question about the movement of the agricultural machine 1, the user can operate the advisor information button 27 to call a person involved with the agricultural machine, for example, Mr. B, an engineer (advisor) who has experience working with the agricultural machine 1.

[0124] Figure 25 is an example of a screen that is displayed when the user operates the button 21 for farmland 1 to call advisor B. When the user operates the button 21 indicating farmland 1 (see Figure 6), the control unit 11 of the user's terminal 10 displays a farmland object 30 indicating farmland 1 and the user's avatar 31 on the display unit 14, i.e., in the virtual space. When the user operates the advisor button 27b indicating B (see Figure 8C), the control unit 11 of the user's terminal 10 establishes two-way communication with B's terminal 10 and displays an avatar 33 indicating B in the virtual space.

[0125] As shown in Figure 25, in the virtual space, the user's avatar 31 and Mr. B's avatar 33 appear facing the farmland object 30. The user's avatar 31 and Mr. B's avatar 33 can communicate with each other, for example, by sending messages to each other. Voice, images, or video may also be sent to each other. The user can send questions to Mr. B, and Mr. B can answer the questions.

[0126] FIG. 26 shows an example of a screen displayed when a user requests work from an advisor. For example, the user sends a message to advisor B requesting the setting of agricultural machine 1. The advisor can reply via a message. The advisor inputs information indicating the setting of agricultural machine 1 into terminal 10 and displays a request button 49 on the display unit 14 of the user's terminal 10 along with the reply message. For example, a request button display command, information indicating the setting of agricultural machine 1, and the cost of the setting of agricultural machine 1 are transmitted from the advisor's terminal 10 to the server 1 via the server 1 to the user's terminal 10. When the control unit 11 of the user's terminal 10 receives the request button display command, it displays the request button 49 on the display unit 14. When the user operates the request button 49, the setting of agricultural machine 1, the cost, a request confirmation button, and a cancel button are displayed. That is, a screen in which the content of the operated process button in FIG. 14 (process A and agricultural machine 1) is replaced with the setting of agricultural machine 1 is displayed on the display unit 14. When the user confirms the cost and operates the request confirmation button, a screen similar to that shown in FIG. 15 is displayed on the display unit 14, and the request to the advisor is confirmed. The advisor performs the requested work on the actual agricultural machine 1. Advisor B, for example, changes the settings of the parameters of the actual agricultural machine 1, such as the running speed, the torque supplied to the work device, and the running direction. Advisor B inputs information about the changed settings into his / her terminal 10 and sends it to the server 1. The server 1 overwrites and saves the changed parameters. In other words, the parameters are updated.

[0127] FIG. 27 is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 14 when the advisor has completed work. When advisor B has completed work on the actual agricultural machine 1, the advisor inputs information indicating that the work has been completed into the advisor's terminal 10. The server 1 transmits the received information and data indicating the farmland object 30 to the user's terminal 10. When the control unit 11 of the user's terminal 10 receives the information and the data indicating the farmland object 30, it displays a receive button (not shown) on the display unit 14. When the user operates the receive button, for example, as shown in FIG. 27 , the control unit 11 of the user's terminal 10 displays the farmland object 30, the user's avatar 31, a payment procedure button 48, and a message requesting completion of work and payment on the display unit 14.

[0128] At this time, as shown in Fig. 27, a display field 28 showing the selected content is displayed on the display unit 14, and the rice and agricultural machinery 1 are displayed inside the display field 28. Also displayed on the display unit 14 is a display field 29 showing the simulation start date. The display field 29 showing the simulation start date displays a field 29a for inputting the date, and an execute button 29b. When the user inputs the desired work start date in the field 29a for inputting the date and operates the execute button 29b, the user's terminal 10 transmits the selected content, i.e., the rice and agricultural machinery 1, and the desired work start date, to the server 1.

[0129] The server 1 receives the selected content and the desired start date of work, and simulates the rice growing process on the farmland 1 over time based on the selected content, the desired start date of work, and the information in the farmland table T. For example, if the agricultural machine 1 is a rice transplanter, the server 1 calculates the movement of the agricultural machine object 40 representing the rice transplanter relative to the farmland object 30 based on the changed parameters, and generates image data showing the moving agricultural machine object 40 based on the calculated movement.

[0130] The server 1 calculates the position of the crop object 30a, i.e., the seedling, to be planted in the farmland object 30 in association with the operation of the agricultural machinery object 40, i.e., the rice transplanter, and generates image data of the seedling to be displayed at the calculated position. The server 1 stores image data representing the moving agricultural machinery object 40 and image data representing the crop object 30a in association with each other in the auxiliary memory unit 4 or the main memory unit 3.

[0131] The server 1 transmits the associated image data showing the moving agricultural machinery object 40 and the associated image data showing the crop object 30a to the user's terminal 10. When the control unit 11 of the user's terminal 10 receives the image data showing the moving agricultural machinery object 40 and the image data showing the crop object 30a, it displays the agricultural machinery object 40 and the crop object 30a in a virtual space and executes the operation of the agricultural machinery object 40 relative to the farmland object 30 in the virtual space. The operation of the agricultural machinery object 40 is based on the changed parameters. In other words, the operation of the agricultural machinery object 40 is changed by changing the parameters (by the work of advisor B). For example, the movement path of the farmland object 30 is different before and after the parameter change.

[0132] The user can input a message, such as a message of thanks for the work, into their terminal 10. When the user operates the payment procedure button 48, the user's terminal 10 sends a billing process start instruction to the server 1. The payment procedure button 48 functions as a reception unit that accepts payment of fees. When the billing process start instruction is received, the server 1 executes the billing process for the setup work of the agricultural machine 1. Specifically, the server 1 executes billing process for the amount shown in FIG. 14 to the credit card company or debits the user's bank account. Information necessary for the billing process, such as the user's credit card number and bank account, is pre-stored in the server 1. After operating the payment procedure button 48, the control unit 11 of the user's terminal 10 may display a screen on the display unit 14 for inputting information necessary for the billing process. The entered information necessary for the billing process is sent to the server 1, and the server 1 executes the billing process. After the billing process is completed, the server 1 sends information indicating the completion of billing to the user's terminal 10. When the information indicating the completion of billing is received, the control unit 11 of the terminal 10 displays information indicating the completion of billing (not shown) on the display unit 14.

[0133] In the third embodiment, similarly to the second embodiment, a display process is executed to display a virtual space on the display unit 14 of the user's terminal 10. The billing process in the third embodiment is the same as the process in steps S51 to S60 of Fig. 24, except that advisor A is replaced with advisor B, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0134] In the third embodiment, the billing process is executed when the work by the advisor is completed, as in the first embodiment. The billing process in the third embodiment is the same as the process in steps S41 to S48 of Fig. 19, except that the agent is replaced with the advisor, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0135] In the agricultural support system according to the third embodiment, an avatar 33 of an advisor, Mr. B (a person involved in agricultural machinery), is displayed in a virtual space. In the virtual space, a user can receive advice on agricultural machinery settings from the avatar 33 of an agricultural machinery engineer, for example.

[0136] In addition, the user can request the avatar 33 of the agricultural machinery worker to perform a task, such as setting up the agricultural machinery, in the virtual space. When the agricultural machinery worker performs the requested task, the behavior of the agricultural machinery object 40 is changed in the virtual space according to the task. The user can intuitively understand the change in behavior of the agricultural machinery after the setting change.

[0137] In addition, the user can request the relevant person to perform actual work on the agricultural machine. When the relevant person performs the requested work, payment is made to the relevant person. Since the billing process is performed by the application program of the terminal 10, the billing process can be performed easily and reliably.

[0138] It should be noted that the computer program can be deployed to be executed on a single computer or on multiple computers located at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communications network N.

[0139] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and should not be considered limiting. The scope of the present invention is intended to include all modifications within the scope of the claims and the scope equivalent to the claims. The matters described in each embodiment can be mutually combined. Furthermore, independent claims and dependent claims described in the claims can be mutually combined in any and all combinations, regardless of the reference format. Furthermore, although the claims use a format in which a claim references two or more other claims (multiple claim format), this is not limiting. A multiple claim (multi-multi claim) that references at least one other multiple claim may also be used.

[0140] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Server 2 Control unit 3 Main memory unit 4 Auxiliary memory unit 5, 15 Recording medium 10 Terminal 11 Control unit 12 Main memory unit 13 Auxiliary memory unit 14 Display unit 21-23 Farmland button 25 Crop information button 26 Agricultural machinery information button 27 Advisor information button 30 Farmland object 31-33 Avatar 40 Agricultural machinery object T Farmland table

Claims

1. A computer program that causes a computer to execute a process of acquiring farmland information relating to farmland, and outputting a farmland object representing the farmland into a virtual space based on the acquired farmland information.

2. The computer program of claim 1, which causes a computer to execute the following processes: acquire agricultural machinery information relating to an agricultural machinery; output an agricultural machinery object representing the agricultural machinery into the virtual space based on the acquired agricultural machinery information; accept an operation on the agricultural machinery object; execute an operation of the agricultural machinery object on the farmland object in the virtual space based on the accepted operation; and change the farmland object in the virtual space in accordance with the operation of the agricultural machinery object.

3. The computer program of claim 2, which causes a computer to execute the following processes: acquire crop information regarding crops; accept a selection of a crop included in the crop information; output a crop object indicating the accepted crop to the farmland object; execute an operation of the agricultural machinery object with respect to the crop object in the virtual space based on the accepted operation; and change the crop object in the virtual space in response to the operation of the agricultural machinery object.

4. A computer program as claimed in claim 2 or 3, which causes a computer to execute a process in which the agricultural machinery information includes a fee for using the agricultural machinery on the farmland, and when an operation of the agricultural machinery object is performed, payment of the fee is accepted.

5. The computer program according to claim 2 or 3, which causes a computer to execute a process of outputting an operation history of the agricultural machinery object.

6. A computer program as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, which causes a computer to execute the following processes: acquire crop information regarding crops; acquire environmental information regarding the environment including weather; accept a selection of the crop; output a crop object representing the accepted crop to the farmland object; and change the crop object representing the accepted crop in the virtual space in response to changes in the environment.

7. A computer program as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, which causes a computer to execute the following processes: acquiring crop information relating to a crop and production information including fertilization or the yield of the crop; accepting a selection of a crop included in the crop information; outputting a crop object representing the accepted crop to the farmland object; and changing the crop object representing the accepted crop in the virtual space based on the production information.

8. A computer program as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, which causes a computer to execute the process of acquiring avatar information of parties involved in agricultural work, accepting a call from said parties, and outputting an avatar of said called party into said virtual space based on said acquired avatar information.

9. The computer program according to claim 8, which causes a computer to execute a process of accepting a request for work to be performed by the relevant person in the virtual space, and when the relevant person performs the requested work, changing the farmland object in the virtual space in accordance with the work.

10. The computer program according to claim 8, which causes a computer to execute a process of accepting a request for a task to be performed by said related party in said virtual space, and accepting payment to said related party when said related party has performed the requested task.

11. A computer program as claimed in claim 2 or 3, which causes a computer to execute the following process: acquiring avatar information of a person involved in agricultural machinery related to agricultural machinery; accepting a call to the person involved in agricultural machinery; and outputting an avatar of the person involved in agricultural machinery who has been called based on the acquired avatar information into the virtual space.

12. The computer program according to claim 11, which causes a computer to execute a process of accepting a request for work to be performed by the agricultural machinery related person in the virtual space, and when the agricultural machinery related person performs the requested work, changing the operation of the agricultural machinery object in the virtual space in accordance with the work.

13. The computer program according to claim 11, which causes a computer to execute a process of accepting a request for work to be performed by the agricultural machinery related person in the virtual space, and accepting payment to the agricultural machinery related person when the agricultural machinery related person performs the requested work.

14. A method for acquiring farmland information relating to farmland, and outputting a farmland object representing the farmland into a virtual space based on the acquired farmland information.

15. A device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires farmland information relating to farmland; and an output unit that outputs a farmland object representing the farmland into a virtual space based on the acquired farmland information.

Images