JP2018139604A - Field guidance system and field guidance method, and software and recording medium having software stored therein - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a field guidance system providing a technique capable of efficiently creating a guidance line even in a polygonal field, and configured to be able to input data of a headland and create a circling route in the headland.SOLUTION: The field guidance system includes: a field data definition part 10 that defines field data as data of a field; and a guidance part 20 that creates a guidance line on the basis of the defined field data and displays it to an operator. The field data definition part: includes means for inputting polygonal data having been input by the operator as a shape of the field, and filed shape creation means for creating the input polygonal data as a field shape; and defines the field data including the field shape.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a guidance system for efficiently navigating a work route such as a tractor in farm work on a farm field. In particular, the present invention relates to a guidance system having a feature in creating a guidance line indicating a traveling route of a tractor and a technology related thereto.

(1) Agricultural work using a tractor (work to plow the field, etc.)
Conventionally, when performing farm work using a tractor in a farm field, usually, the farmer often performs farm work all over the entire field by repeating linear traveling. In the case of such a straight traveling, a flag is set at the traveling start point and the traveling end point, and the operator operates the tractor from the traveling start point to the traveling end point using the flag as a mark. In this method, there is no particular mark in the middle of the route, and traveling is performed depending on the operator's feeling.
When a field can be marked, a pole or the like is used in the first stroke, and at the same time, a protrusion is added to the tip of a horizontal bar called a marker on the field, and the slide is moved for the width of the next stroke. A method is used in which the target line is marked on the ground.

  However, even if the flag is raised, if there are slopes or undulations on the field, it may be necessary to travel without being able to see the flag at the end of travel. In addition, when performing nighttime, not only the flag is not visible, but also the buildings and natural objects that are the landmarks of the surroundings cannot be seen, which makes the operation difficult.

  When the tractor enters the next work line, it is necessary to go straight to the target line of the next process at the headland, but the existing guidance did not generate a guideline for that purpose. Although it is preferable to enter straight, there is a phenomenon in which the tractor and the like slightly meander immediately after entering the next work line because the vehicle enters without a mark.

(2) Utilization of Guidance System As described above, in farm work on a farm field, farm work is often performed by a tractor repeatedly performing linear travel. Paying attention to this point, if you travel once from the start point to the end point, you can build a plurality of routes that translate the route on the field and display the route on the map. The system has been widely used in recent years.

  According to this guidance system, it is displayed on the screen whether the position of the tractor is on or out of the above route, so that the operator can efficiently perform farming work with the tractor etc. without setting a mark in particular. It became possible.

  In such a guidance system, the route is generally called a guidance line. The guidance line is generally created as follows, for example, in a rectangular field.

  (A) First, the tractor travels in a straight line from one end to the other end by one person along one side of the field, and the straight route (initial work line) is recorded. Refer to FIG. 20 (a).

  (B) A plurality of linear routes (work lines) are created by translating the recorded route by a predetermined amount within the site of the target farm field. Refer to FIG. 20 (b).

  (C) An aggregate of a plurality of created straight routes (work lines) is defined as a “guidance line”. Refer to FIG. 20 (c).

  In general, guidance lines have been created in this manner.

Prior Art Documents Patent Document 1 below discloses a system capable of monitoring a work locus, a traveling direction, and the like on a vehicle during operation of a work vehicle in a field.

  Patent Document 2 below discloses a display device for agricultural work lines. In particular, a work line is created based on contour lines.

  Patent Document 3 below discloses a technique related to the calculation of a route such as a tractor. In particular, an invention is disclosed in which an optimum route can be calculated by changing the interval between work lines (the above-mentioned route in the field) according to the presence or absence of a trailer towed by a tractor.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-0666403 JP 2008-017735 A JP 2008-304212 A

  (1) When an unskilled person travels the tractor based on his / her senses, it may be assumed that straightness is impaired. As a result, operations such as application of agricultural chemicals and planting tend to be inefficient, which may increase work time and reduce crop quality.

  According to the conventionally known guidance system, the problem can be solved. However, when creating a guidance line, the first route needs to be constructed by human driving. If it is not operated, the entire guidance line will not be created well, which may result in inefficient work.

  (2) In general, in farm work on a farm field, the tractor is caused to travel so that there is no unworked portion by moving the route (work line) in parallel by the work width of the tractor. This width varies depending on the content of the work, and also needs to be adjusted depending on the width of the trailer to be pulled. In addition, in the case of spraying agricultural chemicals and the like, if there are overlapping parts in the work, it will be “sprayed too much”, which may affect the growth of the crop. Therefore, the work width of each route (work line) is strictly determined, and the tractor needs to travel strictly on the route.

  By the way, even in a non-rectangular field, for example, a polygonal field, it is necessary to set the routes evenly and closely so that work leakage does not occur in the field as in the rectangular field. However, for example, in a polygonal field, the determination of the location and position of the tractor to turn in order to set the interval between each route strictly tends to be complicated, and the determination tends to be difficult. It was.

  (3) In particular, in the conventional guidance system, each of the linear routes (work lines) constituting the guidance line is automatically set as described above, but the “connection (connection) between the routes”. In the “road)” section, guidance was not provided, and the operator turned the tractor or turned it back at his own discretion, and turned the tractor to the next route (work line). In other words, the route (work line) inside the field is set by the system, but when the tractor is actually operated, the operator turns the tractor at the “headland” which is the outer edge / outer periphery of the field. The switch was done by self-judgment. Of course, this headland is different in size and shape in each field, and it is difficult to process uniformly.

  Further, after turning the tractor at the headland, it is necessary to make the tractor straightly face the route (work line) to be followed and enter the field with straightness. Such an operation tends to be very difficult for a person who is not an expert, and it is assumed that the operation is deviated from the guidance line.

  (4) The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and is an invention aimed at the following matters.

・ Provide technology to efficiently create guidance lines even in polygonal fields.
Provide a guidance system that can be configured to input headland data and create a route for turning in the headland. Therefore, the system can generate an arbitrary work line for each work condition based on the field polygon data. Furthermore, on the guidance screen, in addition to the display of field sections and guidance lines, background maps of roads, dredgings, waterways, buildings, facilities, obstacles, etc. are displayed so that the system can be operated even at night.

Field data input, creation of guidance lines, etc.In the present invention, the present invention is characterized by comprising means capable of defining the field shape itself before work so that it can correspond to a polygonal field other than a rectangle. To do.

  Furthermore, when defining the shape of the field, it is also characterized by comprising means for predefining the work start position, the width between lines, the presence / absence of a headland space, and the width thereof. The line (work line) is a unit route that forms a guidance line and is a route on the field. Details of the guidance line will be described later.

  By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to efficiently create a guidance line even in a polygonal field. Furthermore, since the work start position can be input, it is expected that an unskilled person is prevented from wondering where to start the work when operating the guidance system.

  Moreover, the guidance system of this invention employ | adopts the means which can display the shape of a farm field on a display. At that time, the edge of the field and the headland space can be displayed on the display, and the user can visually recognize them.

  Moreover, the guidance system of this invention can take in the shape file for background figures used for GIS, and can display it with the said field shape. As a result, it is possible to display other fields, surrounding buildings, surrounding roads, various obstacles, and the like in addition to the fields targeted for guidance.

Display of various information The guidance system of the present invention employs means for displaying a route on which the tractor should travel in many strokes (including headland) during traveling of the tractor. As a result, it is possible to improve the straight traveling performance of the vehicle body while the tractor is traveling. Furthermore, when turning the tractor at the headland, it is expected that it is easy to enter the next line with straightness.

  In addition, the guidance system of the present invention employs means for displaying in real time the left and right deviation amounts and deviation angles between the current position obtained from the GNSS receiver installed in the tractor and the route (guidance line). This can prevent the running results (agricultural work results) from becoming uneven, and as a result, contributes to an improvement in work efficiency and, consequently, an improvement in the quality of the farm work.

  Here, in order to display the displacement amount / deviation angle between the current position of the tractor and the work line in the guidance line, a measuring instrument capable of accurately obtaining the position in real time is essential. It provides a guidance system that incorporates a filtering method that combines position information from a machine and azimuth and attitude angle data from a gyro, and estimates and calculates the position in real time with stable accuracy while interpolating each other.

  In general, the guidance line is a line including a work line on the field and a connection path that connects the work lines. Further, when the start position is away from the farm field, navigation from the start position to the farm field is performed according to the distance and direction, but the route display may not be performed.

  Specifically, the present invention employs the following means.

  (1) The present invention provides a field guidance system that displays a guidance line including a work line of a tractor that performs work on a farm field and performs navigation of the tractor in order to solve the above-described problem, A field data definition part that defines field data that is field data; and a guidance part that creates a guidance line based on the defined field data and displays the guidance line to the operator. Means for inputting polygon data input as the shape of the field by the operator, and field shape generation means for generating the input polygon data as the field shape, and the field data including the field shape is It is a field guidance system characterized by defining.

  (2) Further, the present invention includes a guidance system according to (1), in which an operator designates an arbitrary direction as a work progress direction, and includes the field shape and the work progress direction. It is a field guidance system characterized by defining field data.

  (3) Further, the present invention is the guidance system according to (1), including means for the operator to designate any side in the polygon input by the operator as the work progress direction, A field guidance system characterized by defining field data including a shape and the work progress direction.

  (4) Further, the present invention includes a means for designating a point input by an operator as a work start position in the guidance system according to (1), and includes the field shape and the work start position. It is a field guidance system characterized by defining field data.

  (5) Moreover, in order to solve the said subject, this invention WHEREIN: In the agricultural field guidance system of any one of (1)-(4), the said agricultural field shape creation means displays map information on a screen. Means for acquiring polygon data input on the screen on which the map information is displayed, or data of sides constituting the polygon, and sides of the sides constituting the polygon Means for connecting the acquired sides and creating the polygon data when the data is acquired.

  (6) Moreover, this invention is an agricultural field guidance system of any one of said (1)-(5), The said agricultural field data definition part inputs the edge | side which provides the headland designated by the operator. And a headland defining means for translating the input side by a predetermined amount and defining a headland between the side before the movement and the side after the movement as the headland. A field guidance system that defines field data including the work progress direction and the headland.

  (7) Moreover, the present invention provides the field guidance system according to (6), wherein the field data definition part specifies a region obtained by removing the defined headland from the field shape as a work area. The field guidance system is characterized by defining field data including the field shape, the work progress direction, the headland, and a work area.

  (8) Further, the present invention provides the field guidance system according to (7), wherein the guidance part is a plurality of linear paths parallel to the designated work progress direction in the work area, and is based on a tractor. Means for forming a plurality of straight path groups separated by a work width; means for forming a connection path connecting the straight path groups in the headland; the straight path group; and the connection paths. A field guidance system comprising: means for connecting and creating an entire guidance line; and display means for displaying the guidance line to the operator.

  (9) Moreover, the present invention provides the farm field guidance system according to (8), wherein the means for forming the connection path forms a connection path that allows the tractor to turn back, turn around, or turn on the shortest path. And the said display means is a field guidance system characterized by displaying the guidance line containing the said connection path with respect to the said operator.

  (10) In the field guidance system according to (9), the means for forming the connection path is based on a turning radius of the tractor and a width of the headland, and the tractor turns. It is the field guidance system characterized by determining the pattern which can be performed and forming the said connection path by the said pattern.

  (11) Further, the present invention provides the field guidance system according to (9), wherein the connection path forming means includes the straight line in the headland when the shape of the field is an arbitrary convex polygon. A field guidance system, characterized in that a connection path for entering a next adjacent line in the work area from a path is formed, and the straight line path to the next line is connected by the formed connection path. is there.

  (12) Further, the present invention provides the field guidance system according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the guidance part includes a GNSS receiver that detects a current tractor position, and the definition part. Search means for searching a field within a predetermined range from the current position of the tractor detected by the GNSS receiver, and field data of one or more fields found by the search means. Display means for displaying, and means for inputting a field to be selected by the operator from the field displayed on the display means, wherein the display means is a work start position of the input field. The field guidance system is characterized in that the work direction and the number of work lines are displayed to the operator.

  (13) Further, the present invention provides the field guidance system according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the guidance part includes a GNSS receiver that detects a current position of the tractor, The GNSS receiver sets the error of the GNSS receiver to 0 based on the position of a known point whose position is registered in advance in the field data of the field that is the target of work at the start of work, The GNSS receiver always clears the difference between the actual coordinates and the coordinates on the map detected by the GNSS receiver, which changes every moment during the work, so that the detected coordinates and the coordinates of the map can be matched. It is a field guidance system characterized by doing.

  (14) Further, the present invention provides a guidance method capable of correcting an error of the GNSS receiver when performing an operation in a field using the field guidance system according to (12). A step of moving the tractor to the known point in the field data of the field selected by the operator when starting an operation, including a known point and its coordinate data, and a field map at the known point after the movement; And offset correction of the error of the GNSS receiver, and further, inputting the coordinates of the start point A instructed by the operator when the tractor travels in the field, Based on the step of inputting the coordinates of the halfway point B instructed by the operator when the tractor travels in the field, and the line segment connecting the start point A and the halfway point B. And a step of obtaining the work line Te, and displays the work line which is the configuration on the display, the operator is a guidance method characterized in that to recognize the traveling direction is the direction of the working line.

  (15) Further, the present invention is the guidance method according to (14), wherein the midpoint B is separated from the start point A by 10 m or more.

  (16) Further, the present invention provides a guidance method capable of correcting an error of the GNSS receiver when performing work on a field using the field guidance system according to (12), wherein the field data is: A step of moving the tractor to the known point in the field data of the field selected by the operator when starting an operation, including a known point and its coordinate data, and a field map at the known point after the movement; And offset correction of the error of the GNSS receiver, and further, inputting the coordinates of the start point A instructed by the operator when the tractor travels in the field, Based on the step of inputting the coordinates of the end point C instructed by the operator when the tractor travels in the field, and the line segment connecting the start point A and the end point C. Obtaining a work line, and the display means displays the constructed work line on the display means display to allow the operator to recognize the traveling direction that is the direction of the work line. This is a guidance method.

  (17) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is a field guidance system that displays a guidance line including a work line of a tractor that performs work on a field and performs navigation of the tractor, the field data A field data definition part that defines field data, and a guidance part that creates a guidance line based on the defined field data and presents the guidance line to the operator. The guidance part includes a direction of travel of the tractor. Display means for displaying an arrow as an arrow, and the display means considers a first technique for displaying the arrow indicating the advancing direction of the tractor at a current position as a method of displaying the arrow, and an operation time delay. A second arrow indicating the direction of travel of the tractor at the predicted position of the tractor after a predetermined time Includes a method, two kinds of, at either or both of the methods of the first approach and the second approach, a field guidance system and displaying the arrow.

(18) Further, the present invention provides the field guidance system according to (17), wherein the display means is an arrow different from the display of the arrow indicating the progress of the tractor, and indicates the direction of the end point of the work line. It is an agricultural field guidance system characterized by displaying.
The end point direction of the work line is particularly effective when the work line is a curve.

(19) Further, the present invention provides the field guidance system according to (17), wherein the display means is an arrow different from the display of the arrow indicating the progress of the tractor, and when the work line is long, In order to follow the work line, an arrow indicating the target vehicle body direction is displayed.
In other words, in addition to the arrow indicating the direction of travel of the tractor, the direction of the tractor itself (target vehicle body direction) can be determined by showing the direction (target vehicle body direction) to be placed on the line very naturally without excessively turning the steering wheel. It is a method of making an operator (operator) visually recognize whether or not to go to.

  (20) In the field guidance system according to (17), the field data includes at least map information and a field shape, and the map information stores at least roads other than the field. The guidance part is composed of a road layer and a building layer that stores buildings other than the farm field. The guidance part inputs a selection instruction of a layer that the operator selects and wants to display; and the display means It is an agricultural field guidance system which displays the map of the made layer as a background figure with the said agricultural field shape in the said agricultural field data.

  (21) Further, the present invention provides the field guidance system according to (17), wherein the field data includes at least map information and a field shape, and the map information includes at least a side groove layer that stores a side groove. An obstacle layer for storing obstacles, wherein the guidance part inputs means for selecting a layer to be displayed selected by an operator, and the display means includes the selected layer. A map is displayed as a background diagram together with the field shape in the field data, and warning means for issuing a warning when the distance between the tractor and the side groove or the obstacle is less than a predetermined reference value, It is a field guidance system characterized by including.

  (22) Moreover, the present invention provides the field guidance system according to (17), wherein the field data includes at least map information and a field shape, and the map information includes at least a side groove layer that stores a side groove. An obstacle layer for storing obstacles, and the guidance part includes a means for inputting a selection instruction of a layer to be displayed selected by an operator, and the display means. When the map of the selected layer is displayed as a background view together with the field shape in the field data, the distance between the tractor and the side groove or the obstacle is less than a predetermined reference value. And a means for displaying a detour route.

  (23) In the field guidance system according to (17), the field data includes at least map information and a field shape, and the map information stores at least a hollow area. The guidance part includes means for inputting a selection instruction of a layer selected by the operator and desired to be displayed, and the display means uses the map of the selected layer as a background view. And a means for displaying a detour route when the distance between the tractor and the hollow area is less than a predetermined reference value, which is displayed together with the field shape in the field data. It is a field guidance system.

  (24) Further, the present invention provides the field guidance system according to (17), wherein the field data includes at least map information and a field shape, and the map information includes at least entry prohibition that means entry prohibition. The guidance part is configured to include a means for inputting an instruction to select a layer selected by an operator and to be displayed, and the display means uses the map of the selected layer as a background diagram, A field that is displayed together with the field shape in the field data, and that displays a detour route when the distance between the tractor and the entry prohibition layer is less than a predetermined reference value. It is a guidance system.

  (25) The present invention provides a field guidance system that displays a guidance line including a work line of a tractor that performs work on a farm field and performs navigation of the tractor in order to solve the above-described problem, A field data definition part for defining field data as field data; and a guidance part for creating a guidance line based on the defined field data and presenting the guidance line to the operator. The guidance part includes the tractor Means for obtaining travel data obtained between the start position A and the end position B of the work, and means for creating a guidance line that is an approximate route from the obtained travel data. This is a field guidance system.

  (26) Further, the present invention provides the field guidance system according to (25), wherein the approximate route is configured by connecting a line segment and an arc. is there.

  (27) The present invention provides a field guidance system that displays a guidance line including a work line of a tractor that performs work on a farm field and performs navigation of the tractor in order to solve the above-described problem, A field data definition part that defines field data that is field data; and a guidance part that creates a guidance line based on the defined field data and displays the guidance line to the operator. Field data including a field shape including means for an operator to input a free shape based on a free curve as a shape of the deformed field, and a field shape creation means for creating the input free shape as the deformed field shape. The guidance part is based on the field data of the modified field, and the outer periphery of the modified field is Means for generating a work line with a curve that matches the shape of the deformed field, and sequentially generating a work line asymptotically parallel to the inner periphery of the deformed field. This is a field guidance system characterized by this.

  (28) The present invention provides a field guidance system that displays a guidance line including a work line of a tractor that performs work on a farm field and performs navigation of the tractor in order to solve the above-described problem, Position information is obtained from the field data definition part for defining field data, which is field data, the guidance part for creating a guidance line based on the defined field data and displaying it to the operator, and the guidance part. The GNSS sensor, the gyro sensor that can obtain the azimuth / attitude angle, the positional information output by the GNSS sensor, and the azimuth / attitude angle output by the gyro sensor are interpolated, and the drift of the gyro sensor Filtering means for correcting Stage, and a direction and speed of the tractor when the accuracy of the position information is decreased, a field guidance system characterized in that to continue to estimate the position of the tractor.

  (29) In the present invention, a field data definition part that defines field data that is field data, and a guidance part that creates a guidance line based on the defined field data and displays the guidance line to the operator. Software for operating a computer as the field data definition part in the field guidance system for displaying a guidance line including a work line of a tractor performing work on the field and performing navigation on the tractor. , Causing the computer to execute a procedure for inputting polygon data input by an operator as a field shape and a field shape creation procedure for generating the input polygon data as a field shape. Software for defining field data including a shape.

  (30) Further, the present invention provides a field data definition part that defines field data that is field data, and a guidance part that creates a guidance line based on the defined field data and displays the guidance line to the operator. Software for operating a computer as the field data definition part in the field guidance system for displaying a guidance line including a work line of a tractor performing work on the field and performing navigation on the tractor. , Causing the computer to execute a procedure for inputting polygon data input by an operator as a field shape and a field shape creation procedure for generating the input polygon data as a field shape. Stores software characterized by defining field data including shape It is a storage medium.

  In addition, the tractor described above may be various machines such as a tiller, a combiner, and a rice transplanter. The tractor in the claims is a machine that performs some kind of work, and any tractor can be applied as long as it moves in the field.

  As described above, according to the present invention, a guidance line used in a guidance system can be efficiently created. In addition, since a guidance line can be established for the headland, the tractor driver can receive guidance not only on the field but also on the surrounding headland. Can be executed.

It is a block diagram of a guidance system. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that a headland is defined with respect to a polygonal agricultural field. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that a headland is defined with respect to a polygonal agricultural field. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that a headland is defined with respect to a polygonal agricultural field. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that a headland is defined with respect to a polygonal agricultural field. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that a headland is defined with respect to a polygonal agricultural field. It is explanatory drawing which shows the mode of registration of attribute information, and a mode that several agricultural fields were displayed. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example of the guidance system concerning this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the screen which shows a mode that the line (work line) was created. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation | movement of initialization of a GNSS receiver. It is explanatory drawing which shows the mode on the screen of the path | route (connection path) of the headland set so that it can approach to the next work line linearly. It is explanatory drawing showing operation | movement in the case of comprising a guidance line, making it drive | work a tractor on a farm field. It is explanatory drawing which shows 4 types of guidance modes, the straight line guidance, the curve guidance, the circulation guidance, and the gun dance along the latest run-through part. It is explanatory drawing which shows five types of driving | running | working patterns of a linear guidance. It is explanatory drawing which shows the pattern of the connection path of a headland. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of a recovery function. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that the area | region which worked, the area | region which overlapped with the area | region worked until now, the area | region which is not working, etc. are divided and displayed by color. It is explanatory drawing in the case of calculating | requiring a guidance line from a driving | running | working locus | trajectory, and is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that the guidance line is comprised from the straight line (line segment) and the curve (arc). It is explanatory drawing in the case of calculating | requiring a guidance line from the shape of an agricultural field, It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that it produces in line with the outer peripheral part shape of an agricultural field, and becomes a straight line as it goes to an inner peripheral part. It is explanatory drawing which shows operation | movement of the conventional guidance system. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a target vehicle body direction display. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the target vehicle body direction display on an agricultural field. It is explanatory drawing which shows the setting of the hollowing out of a farm field.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

First. System Configuration and Basic Operation FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of the configuration of the guidance system of the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, this guidance system
(1) Definition part 10 for defining field data;
(2) Consists of two types of parts, the guidance part 20 that provides guidance for farm work using the defined field data. Then, the field data is defined in the definition part 10 described above, and the guidance part 20 performs the guidance of the farm work using the defined field data.

1-1 A definition part definition part 10 is a computer 10b in which predetermined manager software 10a for assisting the definition of field data is installed. The operator uses this definition part 10 to define the field data. That is, before carrying out actual farm work, the field shape is registered in advance, and the work route, attribute information related to the work, and the like are defined.

  The manager software 10a is provided to the user on a predetermined storage medium such as a DVD or USB memory. In some cases, it may be provided to users by downloading via a communication medium such as the Internet. The manager software 10a corresponds to an example of the claimed software.

(1) GIS Shape File First, the definition part 10 captures a shape file used in the geographic information system (GIS) by the operation of the operator. The definition part 10 uses this shape file as a background diagram. This shape file has a structure divided into various layers, and includes layers such as roads, buildings, gutters, and obstacles in addition to the field layers. This shape file is displayed on the drawing surface as the background when the operator performs the definition operation of the field shape, and the operator inputs the shape of the field by drawing software operation based on the background image. I will do it. For example, inputting a plurality of sides of a straight line (line segment) so as to surround a region to be an agricultural field. In this case, the field is defined and input as a polygon surrounded by a plurality of sides. Note that the side grooves and obstacles may be collectively referred to as an entry prohibition layer (a layer where entry is prohibited).

  Also, various line input methods known in drawing software can be used. For example, it is also preferable to define the shape of the field with a widely used polygon drawing tool. Details will be described in the next section.

(2) Field Definition In the definition part 10, the manager software 10a installed in the computer 10a displays a drawing surface (drawing pane or drawing window) such as drawing software or image processing software. The operator newly defines the field as a polygon on the drawing surface. At this time, the above-described shape file is displayed as a background diagram, and the operator draws the farm field as a polygon using this background diagram as a guide. As described above, the drawing operation itself uses an interface similar to widely known drawing software and image processing software.

  FIG. 8 shows a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the guidance system in the present embodiment. The above-described field generation corresponds to step S8-1 in FIG.

  In general, using a pointing device such as a mouse, it is also suitable to input and define a polygon to be a field by clicking on the start point and end point of the side, and entering and defining a polygon as a field. It is also preferable to define and input a polygon by clicking at each vertex of the polygon. It is also preferable to use a pen input tablet or a trackball. It is also preferable to use a so-called touch panel to indicate a start point, an end point, or a polygon extension point with a finger or a pen.

Thus, as a characteristic matter in the present embodiment,
-When the operator draws the field, the GIS shape file draws the field on the drawing surface (drawing pane) on which the background file is drawn, so it is possible to draw while referring to the landmarks. Makes accurate drawing possible.

  ・ Furthermore, since the field is defined by a polygon, it is possible to define the field more accurately compared to a system in which the field is conventionally represented only by a rectangle. That is, the operator defines the farm field by drawing a side that becomes the outline of the farm field. As a result, the field is drawn by a polygon formed by the plurality of sides. By increasing the number of sides that make up the polygon, it is possible to define fields with more complex shapes, and by using only four sides, it is also possible to define fields with conventional rectangles or quadrangular shapes. is there. In addition, if three sides are used, a triangular field can be defined.

  In addition, since information such as an obstacle, a road, and a block is also managed by the layer of the shape file, an arbitrary background map can be displayed by controlling each layer. Various layers such as roads, buildings, gutters, and the like can be used as the layer in addition to the farm layer. In addition, it is also preferable to provide a layer of a protrusion prohibition area.

  If there is a side groove layer, snow accumulates and when the system recognizes the side groove and gives a warning when performing a snow melting agent spraying operation or the like, it is effective in an environment that is difficult to recognize. Further, as described above, the side grooves and obstacles may be generally prohibited from entering, and in this case, these may be collectively referred to as an entry prohibited layer (a layer where entry is prohibited).

(3) Direction designation and headland definition In this way, the definition part 10 defines a polygonal field using the manager software 10a (see FIG. 1). For this defined polygonal field, the direction of actual farm work is designated. In order to specify this direction, you can specify any one of the sides that make up the polygon, and set the turning space to be a headland in the direction perpendicular to the specified side. It is preferable to shift the position. An explanatory diagram of such processing is shown in FIGS. In addition to the method of using a side for specifying the direction, any direction can be specified. The input in an arbitrary direction may be performed using a pointing device or the direction may be input numerically. Here, the description will mainly focus on the case where the direction is specified using the side. However, when an arbitrary direction is specified as the work direction, the other processing is exactly the same except that the direction specifying method is different. It is.

  Since the manager software 10a is set so as to input such an arbitrary direction, the manager software 10a corresponds to a preferred example of means for designating an arbitrary direction in the claims. Similarly, the manager software 10a corresponds to a preferable example of a means for inputting polygon data, a means for creating a field shape, a means for designating any side as a work direction, and the like. To do. The manager software 10a defines field data using various functions.

  Further, the operator can arbitrarily specify the work start position. The start position of this work is also input by the manager software 10a, used as part of the field data, and defined. The work start position can also be input using the top of the field.

  An example of the operation of the guidance system in the present embodiment is shown in the flowchart of FIG. The setting of the work direction described above corresponds to step S8-2 in FIG.

  (3a) First, in FIG. 2 (1), the operator uses the manager software 10a to designate one predetermined side for designating the work direction for the drawn polygon. For example, click the side with the mouse to bring it to the so-called “selected” state. In this state, when the work direction setting menu is selected, the side designated and selected as the work direction changes to a green arrow, and the operator is visually fed back that the work direction has been set. .

  Next, when the headland setting menu is selected, the green side indicating the work direction for setting the headland is highlighted. The operator designates a side where the headland is to be set by selecting a side different from the highlighted arrow.

  As shown in FIG. 2 (2), the operator selects a side where a headland is to be set by clicking the mouse and clicks a headland setting button (not shown). Then, as shown in FIG. 2 (2), the side group which wants to set a headland is displayed in blue. For example, in the example of FIG. 2B, an example in which three sides change to blue is shown, but any number may be used. In FIG. 2 (2), for the sake of explanation, it is exaggerated and drawn thick. However, since it is sufficient to actually show the operator that the side has been selected, the display is changed to be slightly thicker in blue. It is enough.

  (3b) Next, as shown in FIG. 3 (1), the side displayed in blue is dragged with the mouse to move it to an arrow (green) indicating the work direction and change. When the mouse is released after moving the predetermined amount, a dialog is displayed and the amount of deviation is numerically displayed to the operator. This is shown in FIG. 3 (2). In FIG. 3B, an example in which the shift amount is 5.123 m is shown. Here, a numerical value is input to the dialog and fine adjustment is made (see FIG. 4 (1)), and if the OK button is clicked, the definition of the headland of that width is completed.

  FIG. 4A shows an example in which 5 m is input as a numerical value. This defines a 5m wide headland. FIG. 4B shows an example of display after definition. The original side where the headland has been set is displayed as a dotted line, and the area inside 5 m is the headland. In addition, as a result of moving inward, a newly provided side may cross an existing side and protrude. In that case, the position of the intersection is calculated, and the coordinates of the vertices (polygonal) constituting the new field are obtained.

  The headland defined in this way, the coordinates of the vertex of the new polygon, etc. also constitute a part of the field data.

  (3c) When the definition of the headland located in the arrow direction of the side indicating the work direction is completed in this way, a figure as shown in FIG. 5 (1) is drawn on the screen.

  From this state, the headland located in the direction opposite to the arrow of the side indicating the work direction is also defined in the same manner (see FIG. 5 (2)).

  FIG. 5 (2) shows an example in which a side where a headland is to be set is clicked and selected, and an example in which the selected side is displayed thick in blue is shown.

  (3d) As shown in FIG. 6 (1), the selected (displayed in blue) side is dragged and moved to set the headland. The operation on the way is the same as described above. As a result, the headland can be defined in two directions with respect to the field. The final result display is shown in FIG. 6 (2). In FIG. 6 (2), a portion surrounded by a dotted line and a solid line is a headland, and an inside is an agricultural field. In the field, a work line is drawn. After traveling on each work line, the tractor 20a changes direction and turns at the headland and enters, for example, an adjacent work line.

  In the present embodiment, a guidance system that provides guidance during work using the tractor 20a will be described. The tractor 20a corresponds to a preferable example of the “tractor” in the claims.

  (3e) When another field is included in the field, the outside field can be set to a state in which the middle field is excluded. This is called hollowing out, and its explanatory diagram is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 23A, first, the operator selects the outer polygon 400 on the screen. The area of the outer polygon 400 is 100a (R: 1 is 100 square meters) (see FIG. 23 (1)). Next, the operator selects the inner polygon 402 (see FIG. 23 (2)). The area of the inner polygon 402 is 20a (R: 1 is 100 square meters). Then, a message box is displayed, and a message as to whether or not to remove the text is displayed (see FIG. 23 (3)). If the operator clicks “Yes”, the hollowing is completed, the area of the inner polygon 402 is subtracted from the area of the outer polygon, and 80 a is registered as the area of the outer polygon 400.

  Thus, when hollowing out is performed, the area of the farm field is obtained by subtracting the area of the internal polygon 402. This hollow setting is necessary for an operation to exclude the area of the area from the work target when there is an area (polygon) where the work of the tractor 20a such as a high-voltage electric wire is impossible in the outer field. .

(4) Registration of attribute information The operations described so far complete the definition of the work direction for the field, the actual work range (the field itself), and the headland. Next, attribute information such as crops and workers associated with the field is registered. An explanatory view of a screen for explaining this processing is shown in FIG. FIG. 7 shows an example in which the cropping types “potato”, “onion”, “carrot”, and the like are registered as attribute information. These are also included as part of the field data.

Although not shown, other various information can be registered as attribute information. In the present embodiment, it is preferable to register the turning radius or the like of the tractor 20a that performs farming work in the field. This is because the guidance can be made more accurate if information relating to the traveling ability of the tractor 20a is also registered.
The guidance system according to the present embodiment has a function of registering a plurality of tractors, and is configured so that the turning radius can be set for each tractor. Further, in the present embodiment, as will be described later, it is proposed to automatically obtain a connection path in the headland based on the turning radius and the like. Such registration of attribute information corresponds to step S8-2 in FIG.

  It is also preferable to include various other information in the field data. In the present embodiment, the map information taken from the GIS described above is included. This map information is information including various types of information for each layer, and is useful information for displaying a background diagram of the guidance line and other information in the guidance part 20.

(5) Data Export When field data including the field shape, headlands, work information, attribute information, and map information is defined in this manner, the field data is exported to a medium such as a USB memory. The USB memory is provided to the guidance part 20, and the guidance part 20 performs guidance based on the field data in the USB memory.

  Such data export corresponds to step S8-3 in FIG.

1-2 Guidance Part The guidance part 20 includes a dedicated terminal 20b installed in the tractor 20a, a GNSS receiver 20c installed in the tractor 20a, and a gyro sensor 20d (see FIG. 1). Here, guidance software 20e is installed in the dedicated terminal 20b and performs guidance for farm work (see FIG. 1).

  As is well known, the GNSS receiver is a receiver using so-called GPS, and can detect its own position. In addition, this GNSS was formerly exclusively called GPS, but now, in addition to GPS in the United States, multiple global navigation and sanitation systems such as Russia's GLONASS and EU's Galileo can be used together. It is called GNSS.

  The dedicated terminal 20b includes a display (not shown) that displays a so-called screen, and performs navigation, various instructions, map display, various information display, and the like on the tractor 20a. Based on the various displays on the display, the operator drives the tractor 20a to perform farming work.

  The display has a so-called touch panel mechanism, and the operator operates the dedicated terminal 20b using the touch panel function.

(1) Import of field data The guidance software operating on the dedicated terminal 20b on the tractor 20a imports and imports field data via the USB memory. This operation corresponds to step S8-4 in FIG.

(2) Advance mode Next, the advance mode is started (step S8-5 in FIG. 8). In this advanced mode, as shown in FIG. 7 described above, a plurality of fields are displayed on the screen.
The advanced mode is a mode in which a farm is defined and all work lines and routes are generated, and is also referred to as “map-based guidance” or “map-based guidance”. This advanced mode is a term for a simple mode (simple mode) in which one work line is generated from the start point (A), the intermediate point (B), the end point (C), etc., as will be described later with reference to FIG. It is used as As will be described with reference to FIG. 12 and the like, a mode in which one work line is generated from the start point (A), the midpoint (B), the end point (C), and the like is referred to as a simple mode.

  By the way, when the operator starts the farm work by driving the tractor 20a, first, the power of the dedicated terminal 20b is turned on. When the dedicated terminal 20b is powered on, the above-described guidance software 20e is activated.

  Note that immediately after the activation, the guidance software 20e first starts the map-based guidance. This guidance is guidance executed in the advanced mode as described above. As a result, the 500 m range closest to the current position of the tractor 20a is displayed on the display. In general, a screen displayed by the display includes a plurality of fields. For example, FIG. 7 shows an example of a screen on which a plurality of rectangular fields are displayed.

(3) Field selection (step S8-6)
When the operator selects one target field from a plurality of fields, the “work direction” and “headland”, which are part of the field data defined using the definition part 10 for the field, are displayed. It is displayed and the operator can recognize it. These are also part of the field data.

  In addition, the work start position, work direction, number of work lines, and the like of the selected field are also displayed on the display (screen of the dedicated terminal 20b). In addition, as a range which displays an agricultural field, although it was set as 500 m above, the range other than 500 m may be sufficient.

  Further, the guidance software 20e not only displays predefined field data, but also creates work line data based on the work direction and displays the work line on the screen. In the creation of the data of the line, the line is generated with the width of the work machine to be pulled by the tractor around the guidance line for performing the work. The data of this line is generated with the width of the work machine to be pulled by the tractor based on the first work line based on the work direction and the start point specified by the manager software by the definition part. The data of the work line is created by extending the work direction of the guidance line determined in this way by the width of the work machine pulled by the tractor. FIG. 9 shows an example of a screen display of how the work line is created in this way, and the crop name such as “Tensai” is also displayed here.

(4) Changing work direction (step S8-7)
That is, a map is shown on the screen displayed on the display in the guidance part 20, and a guidance line on which the tractor should travel is shown as a relatively thin “line”. In actual traveling, while the tractor 20a is traveling, a “thick line” corresponding to the work width of the tractor 20a is also displayed around the “line”. This is a trajectory of the width of the tractor 20a displayed while running, but of course, the thick line is not yet displayed when the farm is selected.

  In this way, the guidance is performed with the thin line as a line on which the tractor 20a should travel. This is shown in FIG. In FIG. 5, for example, the field number “4”, the point that the traveling pattern of driving in the field is a reciprocating traveling, and the like are displayed together with a map. These are information defined in advance using the definition part 10 and are part of the field data.

In this way, the work direction is shown, but the work direction can be arbitrarily set. In the example described above, the example in which the work direction is set using the sides of the polygonal field has been described. However, since there are many cases where it is desired to set the work direction in an arbitrary direction, the work direction can be set in an arbitrary direction using a touch panel, a pointing device, or the like.
These operations correspond to the operations in step S8-7 in FIG.

(5) Guidance start (step S8-8)
The specific flow of guidance will be described below. This operation corresponds to step S8-8 in FIG.

Once the guidance is started, the operator starts the work while referring to the guidance displayed on the display. Before starting the work (starting the tractor 20a), the operator first starts with the coordinates of the field. Then, an initialization operation is performed in order to eliminate the error of the GNSS receiver 20c at that time (see FIG. 10).

  This initialization is executed by recognizing a known point on the outer periphery of the field as an initial position in the vicinity of the position where the tractor 20a is located, and navigating the distance and direction to the known point. The state on the screen at the time of this initialization is shown in FIG. By this navigation, even when starting from outside the field, it is possible to reach the field and the background map (the background map captured in the definition part 10) is also displayed, so where is your (the tractor 20a)? Can be easily grasped, and the position of the GNSS receiver can be corrected.

  Here, the initialization process is specifically executed as follows. That is, the position information obtained from the GNSS receiver 20d at the initialization position is compared with the known position information of the field, and the error is subtracted in the subsequent operations.

  That is, this subtraction process corresponds to a preferred example of 0 set in the claims, and also corresponds to a preferred example of so-called offset correction. This correction can be performed by moving the tractor 20a to a known point, and if the positional relationship between the known point and the current tractor 20a is accurately known, it is corrected by the numerical value and offset correction is performed. , 0 set may be performed. In some cases, the GNSS receiver itself is moved to a known point.

After the initialization of the configuration of the guidance line used in the guidance , the left and right shift amounts are displayed for the individual work lines on the actual guidance line. The guidance line is an assembly such as a connection path including a plurality of work lines and a turning line in the headland.

  In the present embodiment, the shape of the field is represented by a polygon, and the polygon is defined as a set of “sides” of a plurality of straight lines. On the other hand, the guidance line can include not only a straight “side” but also a curved line as described later. Therefore, the work line constituting the guidance line may be both a straight line and a curved line. Moreover, the connection path in a headland has a case where there is a turnback etc., a case of a simple U-turn type, etc., and generally includes a curve. The guidance line data will be described in detail later.

(5) When the guidance operator at the time of farm work in the farm field drives the tractor 20a and enters the farm field (and while working in the farm field), when the deviation from the guidance line spreads by 10 cm. Guidance to. The distance of 10 cm can be set arbitrarily. For example, it can be changed to 10 cm, 20 cm, 30 cm, etc. depending on the setting. Also, at 20 m, 10 m, and 5 m before reaching the end of the work area, a distance warning that prompts the user to approach the end of the work is issued by voice. This distance can be arbitrarily set. This distance may be 1 m, 3 m, 50 m, 100 m or more.
Here, the work area is a portion obtained by removing the headland from the farm field and refers to a region to be worked.

  The dedicated terminal 20b is a so-called tablet computer, and the dedicated software 20b is configured by installing the guidance software on the tablet computer. Since this tablet type computer is generally provided with a speaker, it is preferable to issue a warning by the above sound from this speaker. However, during farm work, there may be a case where noise is high, so it is also preferable to provide a large speaker or the like separately.

  As described above, in the definition part 10, the turning radius of the tractor 20a to be used is registered in advance. As a result, since the guidance part grasps the turning radius of the tractor 20a, the pillow to be turned at the end of the field so that it can enter the next line linearly with the minimum turning radius of the tractor 20a to be used. The route of the ground is displayed and guidance is provided for smooth turning and entry to the next line (see FIG. 11).

  In particular, when the shape of the field is a convex polygon, it is preferable to form a connection path between the work line and the work line adjacent thereto. Even when the field shape includes a recess, in many cases, such an algorithm can be applied in many cases, but other methods may also be applied. The part excluding the headland from the field is called a work area. That is, the field is composed of a headland and a work area. In the definition part 10, software is designed so as to perform such field definition and headland definition.

  Here, the line (work line) is a unit constituting the guidance line, and refers to a straight line portion (or a curved line) portion inside the field. Agricultural work is performed by traveling inside the field with the tractor 20a. Generally, as shown in FIG. 14, the guidance line is set by setting a group of straight lines (that is, lines) to fill the field. The In addition, the whole guidance line is comprised by connecting those line groups (work line group) with the connection path of a headland part.

2nd. Direct creation of guidance lines
(1) Basic creation of guidance line The above-mentioned guidance software is
(A) In the field data created in the definition part 10, the guidance line is not included, and in the guidance part 20, the guidance line is configured from the shape of the field, the shape of the headland, the start point, and the like.
(B) In the field data defined in the definition part 10, when the operator has set a guidance line in advance,
In either case, a guidance line is created prior to the work.

(2) Generation of guidance line based on traveled point However, in the field, the guidance line (and also the field data) may be constructed from the actual travel data on the field (in the field) while traveling the tractor 20a. Is preferred. As a result, even when the field and other data are not defined in the definition part 10 in advance, it is possible to set the guidance line on the guidance software on the field and start the guidance immediately.

  The operation of creating the guidance line while driving the tractor 20a on the spot (in the field) is as follows.

  First, the guidance software is operated on the dedicated terminal 20b to shift to the simple mode. After shifting to the simple mode, an A button (start point), a B button (intermediate point), and a C button (end point) appear on the screen. In this state, when the operator travels the tractor 20a and reaches a desired position, the operator can set the start point-intermediate point-end point by touching the button at each position. An explanatory diagram showing the state of this operation is shown in FIG.

  Now, after setting the positions of the start point (A), the intermediate point (B), and the end point (C) in this way, the line segment of AB (start point-intermediate point) or AC (start point-end point) is set to the initial guidance. Set as a line (FIG. 12). As shown in FIG. 12, in the case of AB (start point−intermediate point), it may be different from the direction to be aimed at. Therefore, it is preferable to set AC (start point−end point) if possible, but the field end is clear. It is assumed that AC (start point-end point) cannot be adopted depending on the shape of the field, the road surface conditions, etc., in that case, AB (start point-halfway point) is adopted as the initial guidance line in that case. To do.

  In order to set the guidance line more accurately, it is desirable that the midpoint B is 10 m or more away from the start point A. This is because if the midpoint B is close to the start point A, the direction of the guidance line may not be the desired direction.

  Next, the set initial guidance line is translated in the lateral direction in accordance with the width of the tractor to generate a plurality of other line groups constituting the guidance line. This process is substantially the same as the operation shown in FIG.

  Such generation takes place inside the field. The line segment is sequentially translated by a predetermined amount to generate another line, but the generation ends when all portions of the generated line protrude from the field. It will be intuitively clear that if all parts of the generated line are out of the field, it means that the interior of the field is filled with already created lines.

  In this way, if the initial guidance line and a plurality of lines generated by translating the initial guidance line are connected by the route of the headland, the entire guidance line is configured.

3rd. Various displays appear on the display provided in the various display guidance parts 20 of the guidance.

  First, during guidance, the direction in which the tractor 20a is about to travel is indicated by an arrow on the screen. In addition, a guidance line is also shown in the screen, and it is possible to visually recognize a state in which the tractor 20a is going to move obliquely with respect to the line due to a deviation between the guidance line and the arrow. An explanatory diagram of an example of a screen showing this state is shown in FIG. In this figure, the position of the tractor 20a is indicated by a large triangle and the direction thereof is indicated by an arrow. Such a display of the so-called “own vehicle position / orientation” is arranged almost at the center of the screen, and the guidance line is also displayed in a predetermined color. In addition, in the example shown in FIG. 10, the state of turning over at the headland is also shown. In the figure, the state where the tractor 20a proceeds toward turning back of the headland is displayed. In addition, the amount of deviation between the guidance line and the tractor 20a is numerically shown at the top of this screen. In the example of FIG. 10, it is displayed that the user must move 0.78 m to the left in order to follow the guidance line. Refer to the display of “Left arrow + 0.78 m” in FIG.

  That is, by driving the tractor 20a so that the arrow and the guidance line are in the same direction, the other lines do not overlap with the travel location.

(1) Arrow display of predicted traveling direction The display of this arrow on the screen is basically calculated from the current position and orientation of the tractor 20a. In the present embodiment, a curve approximation is performed from the current position of the tractor 20a or past data and the current data to obtain a predicted position after 1 to 2 seconds, and the process proceeds based on the predicted position. An arrow indicating the direction of waxing is displayed. This avoids the meandering phenomenon caused by the time delay due to the steering operation. An example of the display of an arrow indicating such a predicted traveling direction is shown in FIG. In particular, the arrow indicating the predicted traveling direction provides the driver with useful information, particularly when driving along a curve. The operator can select the display / non-display of the arrow indicating the predicted traveling direction.

(2) Display of an arrow indicating the direction of the end point of the currently operating work line The guidance part 20 according to the present embodiment also displays the direction of the end point of the currently operating work line with an arrow. By performing such a display, it is possible to visually recognize in which direction it should finally go. Such guidance is also executed by the guidance software 20e, but an arrow indicating the end point direction of the currently running work line can be switched between display / non-display by the operator's selection. In addition, the arrow display of FIG. 10 is only a start point and initialization, and there is no end point.

(3) Display of arrow of target vehicle body direction Moreover, the guidance part 20 concerning this Embodiment can also display the arrow of the direction of the target vehicle body. By performing such a display, it is possible to visually recognize which direction the vehicle body should change. Such guidance is also executed by the guidance software 20e, but it is possible to switch display / non-display of the arrow in the target vehicle body direction by the operator's selection.

  An explanatory diagram of arrows in the target vehicle body direction is shown in FIG. FIG. 21 shows a direction 304 in which the steering wheel is returned along the traveling line, and the direction 304 in which the steering wheel is returned along the traveling line corresponds to an arrow in the target vehicle body direction.

  In FIG. 21 (1), a linear work line (travel line) 306 of straight guidance is set in the field 308, and a state in which the tractor 20a travels along this line is depicted. FIG. 21 (1) shows an end point direction 300 of the traveling work line. This corresponds to the “display of the arrow indicating the direction of the end point of the currently traveling work line” shown in (2) above. Further, FIG. 21 (1) shows a current or predicted traveling direction 302. This corresponds to the display of the arrow of the predicted traveling direction in (1) above.

  One of the characteristic features in the present embodiment is that not only the traveling direction of the tractor 20a but also an arrow indicating the target vehicle body direction is displayed. As a result, it becomes clear in which direction the steering wheel should be directed to return to the travel line, so stable travel can be expected. On the other hand, simply displaying that the travel line 306 and the travel route of the tractor 20a are deviated (and the amount of deviation) tends to make it difficult to determine how much the steering wheel should be operated. An operator who does not tend to operate the steering wheel excessively, so that a so-called meandering operation is likely to occur.

  Here, simply displaying the arrow so as to return to the travel line (work line) 306 may cause the operator to suddenly cut the steering wheel in the direction of the travel line. ) There is a possibility that the approach will meander across 306. Therefore, instead of such a display, an arrow is displayed by calculating the direction to the gentle traveling line (work line) 306 without undue stress so that meandering does not occur.

  In particular, the display of the arrow indicating the target vehicle body direction is particularly useful when the work line 306 is a curve. Such an example is shown in FIG. 21 (2). FIG. 21 (2) is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which a curved work line 306 is set in the field 308. Similar to FIG. 21 (1), the current or predicted progress of the tractor 20a. Direction 302 is shown. Further, similarly to FIG. 21 (1), the end point direction 300 of the traveling work line is also shown.

  As in FIG. 21 (1), FIG. 21 (2) also shows a direction 304 in which the tractor 20a returns the handle along the travel line. The direction 304 for returning the steering wheel along this travel line corresponds to the display of the arrow indicating the target vehicle direction described above, and is particularly useful in the case of a curved work line 308 as shown in FIG.

  In the case of the straight work line 308, the current or predicted traveling direction 302 and the end point direction 300 of the traveling work line almost coincide with each other. It is thought that it can run along. On the other hand, in the case of a curved work line 308, as shown in FIG. 21 (2), the current or predicted traveling direction 302 does not coincide with the end point direction 300 of the traveling work line. It is not possible to use the driving method of traveling so as to match mechanically. Therefore, in the case of such a curved work line 308, it is particularly useful for the operator to drive the direction 304 in which the steering wheel is returned along the traveling line.

  FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example in which the above-described three types of arrows are displayed on an actual field image. In this figure, a state in which the tractor 20a is traveling in the agricultural field 308 is depicted. Also in FIG. 21, a work line end point direction 300, a current or predicted traveling direction 302, and a steering wheel operation target vehicle body direction display 310 are also shown. This target vehicle body direction indication 310 for steering wheel operation is a preferred example of the above-mentioned indication of the target vehicle body direction, and is the same display as the direction 304 for returning the steering wheel along the travel line in FIG. In such a display, if the handle is operated so that two arrows (the end line direction 300 of the work line and the current or predicted traveling direction 302) are aligned, it can be adjusted to the target line. In addition, as shown in FIG. 22, the operator can select display / non-display of the steering wheel operation target vehicle body direction display.

(4) Display of overlapped part in traveling result Moreover, the guidance part 20 concerning this Embodiment displays the location (worked area | region) which drive | worked on the screen, and the operator can visually recognize now. Specifically, the width of the tractor attached to the tractor 20a is recognized as the work width, and the area of the work width area on both sides of the line on which the tractor 20a has traveled is the work area ( (Worked area). Then, it is possible to display on the screen a predetermined color for the completed area, and to notify the operator image of the completed area that has been worked.

  At this time, if the already traveled place (worked area) overlaps with the newly traveled place (newly worked area), another color may be attached to the overlapped area for display. Is preferred. In short, this is a portion where the traveled area (worked area) overlaps the past traveled area (worked area).

  Generally, the guidance line itself is set so that duplication is “0” in principle. This is because, for example, it is assumed that it is not preferable to spray agricultural chemicals in duplicate, for example, in agricultural chemical spraying. Moreover, it is because it may be assumed that an excessive result is returned in the application of fertilizer or the like, resulting in an undesirable result. Accordingly, the guidance lines are set so that the interval between the guidance lines in the field generally matches the width of the tractor.

  In this way, the guidance part 20 of the guidance system according to the present embodiment displays the traveled area (worked area) on the screen with a predetermined color to display to the operator a work completed area. Can be shown visually and clearly. An example of such a screen is shown in FIG. By such color-coded display, it is possible to identify the area where the work has been performed, the area where the work has been performed in the past, and the like. Such identification of each area can be saved as a work record, a form, etc., as will be described later. As a result, it is possible to contribute to future work. A more detailed description of the form will be described in detail in “9. Creation of field data based on actual travel data” to be described later.

  As a result of the guidance part 20 displaying such information, the operator can confirm that his / her tractor 20a is traveling properly without overlapping with the past work area, or a meandering etc. You can see if you are.

4th. There are also cases where it is desired to work on another line that is different from the target guidance line in the middle of the guidance. In such a case, the guidance system of the present embodiment can switch lines.

Guidance modes For example, in addition to linear guidance, there are four types of guidance modes: curve guidance, lap guidance, and guidance along the most recent run-through location. An explanatory view of such a guidance mode is shown in FIG.

  FIG. 13 (1) is an explanatory diagram showing the concept of straight line guidance, and as described above, a guidance line is configured based on the start point (A), midpoint (B), end point (C), etc. (inside the field) The individual guidance lines are formed and the whole guidance line is constructed by making them the connection lines in the headland (shown in broken lines in FIG. 13). FIG. 13 (2) is an explanatory diagram of curve guidance using a guidance line whose component is a line constituted by curves. FIG. 13 (3) is an explanatory diagram showing the principle of guidance using the guidance line along the most recently run-through location. FIG. 13 (4) is an explanatory diagram showing the principle of the circulation guidance using the guidance line configured to circulate in the field.

In the case of the straight line guidance, the operator can select one from five types of travel patterns according to the work (see FIG. 14).

  As shown in FIG. 14 (1), the straight line guidance forms an entire guidance line by connecting a plurality of lines in the field by connecting paths (lines) in the headland (FIG. 13 (1)). ), The connection path is indicated by a broken line), but various guidance lines can be formed depending on the way of connection. In the guidance system of the present embodiment, five types of guidance lines can be configured as shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 14 (1), two lines in the field are first skipped, jumped to the previous line, and traveled (worked) back to the subsequent line after skipping one. Next, the three lines are skipped and then jumped to the previous line, and the two lines are skipped and returned to the rear line (work). Next, the three lines are skipped and jumped to the preceding line, and the traveling (work) is performed by returning to the succeeding line after skipping one. Thereafter, this repetition is continued to the end.

  In FIG. 14 (2), after one line (process) in the field is finished, a U-turn corresponding to the width of the work is performed on the headland, and the process proceeds to the adjacent line and continues to run (process). It is.

  In FIG. 14 (3), the method first runs (processes) by skipping the lines in the field one by one, travels to the end, and then returns to the starting point side while traveling (processing) the skipped lines. It is.

  In FIG. 14 (4), the vehicle travels (processes) on the outer line of the field and sequentially travels (processes) on the inner line. Finally, the vehicle travels (processes) on the center line and ends.

  In FIG. 14 (5), first, the three lines in the field are skipped and the travel (process) is performed after jumping to the previous line, and then the travel (operation) is performed by returning to the rear line after skipping two. Do. Next, the three lines are again skipped and traveled (processed) by flying to the previous line, and then traveled (worked) by returning to the rear line after skipping the two lines. Next, the three lines are skipped again, the jump is made to the previous line, and the second line is skipped to return to the rear line (work). Next, it travels (processes) by moving to the previous line after skipping the three lines. Thereafter, this repetition is continued to the end.

In the present embodiment, in the case of straight line guidance, it is possible to select from these five types of travel patterns.
In order to minimize the backward movement, it is preferable to have a process of automatically skipping several lines so that the turning radius is equal to or larger than 2 (diameter). In this way, by placing a certain distance, the connection path (line) in the headland can be U-shaped, and so-called reverse movement can be avoided.

5th. Line (connection path) in headland
Up to now, a technique has been described in which a plurality of work lines in the field are set, a headland connection line (line) for connecting them is set, and the entire guidance line is configured therefrom. This chapter explains how to find the connection path (line for connection) in the headland.

  In addition, as above-mentioned, the agricultural field is comprised from the headland and the work area. A guidance line in the work area is a work line (or simply called a line).

  First, the guidance system according to the present embodiment prepares three types of patterns of connection paths on which the tractor 20a turns in the headland, and also according to the distance between work lines in the field (that is, lines to be connected). When turning back is necessary automatically, a suitable turning line is obtained, and the obtained shape of the connecting path is displayed on the screen (FIG. 15).

  First, as a turning pattern, the guidance system of the present embodiment. Three patterns of FIG. 15 (1), FIG. 15 (2), and FIG. 15 (3) are prepared. When the line spacing is wide, the pattern shown in FIG. 15 (3) is preferable (see FIG. 15 (4)). The pattern shown in FIG. 15 (2) is preferable when the line spacing is narrow and turning is necessary. This is because it is preferable to enter as straight as possible when entering the next line. Moreover, when the width of the headland is narrow and the pattern of FIG. 15 (2) cannot be employ | adopted, the pattern of FIG. 15 (1) is employ | adopted. In this way, an appropriate pattern is automatically calculated according to the conditions and adopted as a guidance line. This calculation is basically performed by the computer 10b on the definition part 10 side, but it is also preferable that the guidance line once defined is recalculated by the dedicated terminal 20b on the guidance part 20 side. This is in consideration of the case where it is necessary to change the turning pattern by looking at the current state of the field.

Sixth. In the case of curve guidance curve guidance, one of two types of travel patterns is selected according to the work. These two types of traveling patterns are the patterns shown in FIGS. 14 (2) and 14 (3), and the operator can select one of them. That is, there are two patterns, one pattern for working on the adjacent line (work line) one by one and the other pattern for working with one line.

  In the above-described advanced mode (map-based guidance), the above-described five types of straight guidance can be selected. On the other hand, the curve guidance is simple mode guidance, and is configured so that the operator can appropriately select the two types of traveling patterns.

  In the case of curve guidance, each work line constituting the guidance line is either a straight line (line segment) or a curve (arc). That is, the entire guidance line is configured by connecting a straight line and a curved line. An explanatory diagram showing an example of such a guidance line is shown in FIG. 18, for example. FIG. 18 is also an explanatory view showing a state in which the guidance line is obtained from the travel locus of the tractor 20a, and the operation will be described in detail later.

Seventh. Continue function of previous guidance (work continuation mode)
The guidance system according to the present embodiment can continue the guidance from the continuation of the previous run (work).

  First, navigation is performed to the last position where the previous work was performed, and from there, it is possible to continue the work with another guidance pattern. For example, if the predetermined guidance does not end within one day of the day, when the system is turned off at the end of the work, if the guidance is automatically in the middle, the field data in the middle is stored in the storage device. Save it. When the work system is restarted the next time (for example, the next day), when the power of the guidance system (the power of the dedicated terminal 20b) is turned on, the presence or absence of guidance that has been completed in the middle of the previous time is checked, and the guidance data in the middle is being stored If it exists, a message to that effect is displayed on the screen, and information regarding the resumption of the previous day (or the previous guidance) is presented to the operator.

  As described above, in the normal operation of farm work, the case where the work is not completed in one day and the continuation is performed on the next day (or next time) is called “work continuation mode”, and the function is called the work continuation mode function. With this function, the previous day (previous) work data is selected.

Eighth. Recovery function (The above work continuation mode is another function)
It also has a recovery function that can automatically continue the previous work after restarting the system even if the guidance could not be terminated normally due to hardware problems.
This recovery function is a recovery measure when the user accidentally turns off the power during the guidance, and is a function different from the work continuation mode. FIG. 16 shows a flow until the recovery function works.

  As shown in this figure, when the dedicated terminal 20b is activated, the guidance software 20e is activated first (step S16-1).

  After the activation, first, it is confirmed whether or not the temporary file remains in the storage means in the dedicated terminal 20b (step S16-2). As a result of the confirmation, if it remains, the process proceeds to step S16-3, and if not, the process proceeds to step S16-6.

  In step S16-3, since the temporary file remains, this temporary file is read.

  In step S16-4, the operator is asked whether to continue the previous work. This is executed by displaying a message such as “Do you want to continue the previous work (Y / N)” along with the Y button and the N button on the screen of the dedicated terminal 20b. If the operator touches the Y button (YES button), the process proceeds to step S16-5. If the operator touches the N button (NO button), the process proceeds to step S16-6.

  In step S16-5, if the previous trajectory data is safe, the contents are read. Here, the trajectory data is data of a trajectory actually traveled by the tractor 20a.

  The recovery function described here assumes a case where the dedicated terminal 20b shuts down during the process, so there is no guarantee that the trajectory data is safe. The trajectory data here is a part of a so-called log file. If the previous trajectory data is lost and cannot be read, the guidance will be restarted from the beginning. Of course, in that case, it would be appropriate to perform processing such as running the tractor 20a from the middle of the guidance line being guided based on the memory of the operator.

  In step S16-6, since the previous work is not continued, the screen shifts to the guidance mode selection screen, and the processing shifts to a process in which the operator selects the guidance mode and performs guidance based on the screen as usual (step S16-6). Step S16-7).

  In step S16-7, guidance is started. The operation of this guidance is as described above.

  In step S16-8, the field data is sequentially stored in a temporary file while performing guidance. As described above, this temporary file is a log file and a file including trajectory data of the tractor 20a. If the dedicated terminal 20b is shut down due to a hardware failure or the like, it is confirmed whether or not the temporary file is saved at the next startup, and if the continuation process is performed, the continuation of the previous process is executed.

  In step S16-9, the guidance ends and the temporary file is deleted. As a result, after starting, it can be confirmed that there was no temporary file and that it was not in the middle of work and that it was not shut down in the middle.

Ninth. Guidance software 20e, which is software started on the dedicated terminal 20b for creating field data based on actual traveling data, also has a function of creating field data.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, basically, the field data is created using the GIS map data in the definition part 10 using the manager software 10a.

  In the guidance system according to the present embodiment, further, in an actual farm field, continuous curve data obtained by a plurality of points or round guidance is imported into the manager software 10a through a medium such as a USB memory, thereby obtaining farm field data. It is also possible to generate. That is, it is possible to define round or point cloud data as field data and further save it in a shape file that becomes map data. Moreover, the guidance system of this Embodiment can define the point cloud data brought in from another system etc. as field data.

  In this case, the travel data (also referred to as locus data) obtained by the above-described guidance work is stored in a file for each guidance and for each travel (work). Therefore, the operator can appropriately read the travel data and save it in a medium such as an external USB memory. It is also preferable to transfer the USB memory to the definition part 10 and generate field data therefrom.

  Here, the manager software 10a in the definition part 10 can grasp the work area and work time based on the work data (also referred to as travel data and trajectory data) taken from the USB memory, and can create and save it as a form. An example of the work data stored in this way is shown in FIG.

  In the form, it is preferable to obtain and enter the traveled work area with respect to the area of the field itself, in addition to the above-described travel locus state, work duplication (presence / absence), and the like. It is also preferable to include information such as work time and average speed. By including such information, the work area obtained from the travel locus obtained with the GNSS receiver can be used as an index to determine whether or not the work area is an appropriate work with respect to the actual area. it can. In addition, this index is an effective index for corporations engaged in agriculture. In addition, the form is also data for farmers, but rather, it is considered to be useful information and functions for organizations that manage corporations by borrowing land from farmers.

Tenth. The guidance system according to the present embodiment for obtaining the guidance line from the traveling data can also obtain the guidance line from the traveling data (trajectory data) of the tractor 20a. An explanatory diagram of the operation in this case is shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the traveling data 100 of the tractor 20a is an aggregate of position data (coordinate data) of the tractor 20a every fixed time. As described above, this data is used to create field data. In FIG. 18, this travel data is displayed as a series of circles.

  In the present embodiment, a function for creating a guidance line based on the travel data 100 is provided. According to such a function, since a guidance line can be created based on actual driving, it is considered that a more practical guidance line can be configured.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the actual guidance line is created by combining a curve (arc) and a straight line (line segment) so as to approximate the line created by simply connecting the position information of the tractor 20a of the travel data 100. The guidance lines are automatically created by connecting them to form approximate lines.

  The guidance line created in this way may correspond to a preferable example of a guidance line that is an approximate route in the claims.

  For example, in the example shown in FIG. 18, the guidance line 102 obtained so as to approximate the traveling data 100 is the arc 104, the arc 106, the arc 108, the line segment 110, the arc 112, the arc 114, the arc 118, and the arc 120. , Arc 122 and arc 124. The arc 104 is an arc having a vertex 204 as a vertex, and the arc 106 is an arc having a vertex 206 as a vertex. The arc 108 is an arc having a vertex 208 as a vertex, the line segment 110 is an arc having a vertex 210, the arc 112 is an arc having a vertex 212, and the arc 114 is a vertex 214. Arc. The arc 118 is an arc having a vertex 218 as a vertex, and the arc 120 is an arc having a vertex 220 as a vertex. The arc 122 is an arc having a vertex 222 as a vertex, and the arc 124 is an arc having a vertex 224 as a vertex. In this way, an approximate curve for the travel data 100 is obtained and used as the guideline 102.

  In this embodiment, an approximate curve is obtained by connecting a line segment and an arc (arc), but other types of curves (spline, Bezier, etc.) may be used.

  Such calculation of the guidance line 102 based on the travel data 100 may be performed by the guidance part 20 or may be performed by the definition part 10 side that has received the travel data 100.

11th. In the present embodiment for obtaining a guidance line based on the input of a modified field and the shape of the modified field, the guidance system described so far can input a polygonal field composed of a plurality of sides. Have explained. However, the guidance system of the present embodiment can also input the field shape in a so-called free shape.

  The input of such a free-form field is performed in the definition part 10. The free shape is performed by the operator inputting various free curves for the shape of the field. As the free curve, various conventionally known curves can be used. For example, in addition to a Bezier curve, a spline curve, or the like, a group of curves such as arcs that sequentially connect vertices input by the operator may be used. And the area | region enclosed with such a curve is registered as an agricultural field. Therefore, the input free curve needs to be a closed curve. The free-form field thus input is defined as field data.

  On the other hand, the guidance part 20 generates a guidance line for such free-form field data. A guidance line is comprised by the curve which follows the free curve which is the shape (outline) of a field as much as possible. Specifically, on the outer periphery of the field, a work line is formed with a curve that matches the shape of the field, and the work line is formed asymptotically as a straight line toward the inner periphery of the field. It goes. A guidance line is formed as a collective band of such work lines.

  In addition, an outer peripheral part is an area | region inside the area | region of an agricultural field, Comprising: The area | region close | similar to the line (contour) of the shape of an agricultural field. Further, the inner peripheral portion refers to a portion far from the shape line of the field, in other words, a region near the center of the field.

  FIG. 19 shows an explanatory diagram showing how such a work line is generated. As shown in this figure, work lines 504 and 506 are formed so as to match the shapes as much as possible with respect to the free curves 500 and 502 which are the shapes of the fields defined by the free curves. As shown in the figure, the work line 504 is corrected to a straight line in the middle over four positions. That is, as the transition from the outer peripheral portion to the inner peripheral portion, the transition is smoothly made to a straight line. Similarly, the work line 506 is gradually corrected to a straight line asymptotically. The correction interval sections of these work lines 504 and 506 are set at 5 to 20 cm. In this way, asymptotically transitioning to a straight line, a linear work line 508 is set in the inner periphery near the center of the field. In this way, at the outer peripheral portion, the work line is formed with a curve that follows the shape of the field as much as possible, and asymptotically moved to a straight work line as it moves to the central portion. As a result, a guidance line that is smoother and easier to travel can be obtained.

12th. Other features of the guidance system according to the present embodiment (1) Machines other than the tractor In the present embodiment, the tractor 20a has been described as an example of a machine that performs farm work, but the same applies to other types of machines. Can do. For example, a rice transplanter, a field cultivator, a combiner, etc. can be used. Moreover, if various attachments are attached to the tractor 20a, the work width will be different each time, but it is only necessary to create field data with the work width changed.

(2) Dedicated terminal 20b
In the above-described embodiment, an example of a tablet computer has been described. However, it is also preferable to use a terminal in another form. For simplicity, a so-called smart phone type may be used, and a form like a notebook computer is also suitable. A terminal embedded in the tractor dashboard is also preferable.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which a touch panel is used as an operation method and an input method by an operator is shown, but it is also preferable to use a pointing device such as a keyboard or a mouse.

  In addition, as a basic function of the guidance system of the present invention, the current position obtained from the GNSS receiver 20c installed in the tractor 20a and the right and left deviation amounts and deviation angles of the route (guidance line) are obtained in real time. A display means is adopted. This can prevent the running results (agricultural work results) from becoming uneven, and as a result, contributes to an improvement in work efficiency and, consequently, an improvement in the quality of the farm work.

  The GNSS receiver 20c corresponds to a preferred example of the GNSS sensor in the claims.

  Here, in order to display the deviation amount / deviation angle between the current position of the tractor 20a and the work line in the guidance line, a measuring instrument capable of accurately obtaining the position in real time is essential. Providing a guidance system that incorporates a filtering method that combines position information from the receiver 20c and azimuth and attitude angle data from the gyro sensor 20d, and estimates and calculates the position in real time with stable accuracy while interpolating each other. Yes.

  This filtering method is realized by software operating on the dedicated terminal 20b of the guidance part 20. The filtering method employed here corrects drift of the gyro sensor, etc. while interpolating between the position information obtained by the GNSS receiver 20c and the azimuth / posture angle obtained by the gyro sensor 20d. It is a technique. The software that realizes this filtering method corresponds to a preferred example of the filtering means in the claims.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, when the accuracy of the position information decreases, the software for this filtering is based on the direction and speed of the tractor 20a so far, information on the gyro sensor 20d, etc. The position and orientation of the tractor 20a are estimated from the number of rotations of the tire (the speed of the tractor 20a), the turning angle of the steering wheel, and the like.

13th. Modifications and others (1) In the embodiment described so far, the definition part 10 and the guidance part 20 are configured separately, and an example is shown in which data is transferred via a USB memory or the like. It is also preferable to exchange data via other media or the Internet.

  (2) In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the definition part 10 and the guidance part 20 are configured separately has been shown. However, in the case of a small farm, the definition part 10 and the guidance part 20 may be configured integrally with a small tablet terminal. Is preferred. In that case, data transfer is unnecessary.

  However, in general, it is also preferable that the definition part 10 is composed of one unit, and a plurality of guidance parts 20 are provided, and each of the plurality of tractors 20 is provided.

  (3) In the above-described embodiment, an example in which a guidance line is created by combining a straight line (line segment) and a curve (arc) is shown, but other curves such as a spline are also suitable.

  (4) In the above-described embodiment, it is shown that the map information is divided into layers. However, for this layer, various layers can be adopted in addition to the shape of the field (sharp file). For example, a layer such as a road, a building, a gutter, an obstacle, or a protrusion prohibition area is suitable. It is preferable to display only a desired layer by the operator's selection.

  For example, if a road layer is selected, the field shape in the field data can be displayed with the road layer as a background view. If a building layer is selected, the building layer and the field shape can be displayed in an overlapping manner. Of course, it is also possible to select a plurality of layers, and it is also possible to display the road layer and the building layer so as to overlap the field shape.

  In addition, when the tractor 20a approaches an obstacle or a protrusion prohibited area (hereinafter referred to as an obstacle) (when the distance between the tractor and the obstacle is less than a predetermined reference value), a warning (sound warning or It is preferable to provide means for emitting a warning by light or a message. It is also preferable to provide a means for displaying a detour.

  In some cases, an entry prohibition layer including a side groove and the like indicating entry prohibition is provided, and obstacles and the like are registered together. Various warnings are issued when the distance between the tractor 20a and a gutter (such as an obstacle) registered in the entry prohibition layer is less than a predetermined reference value. In this case, a detour may be indicated.

(5) Detour of the hollowed out inner polygon Further, when the tractor 20a approaches the so-called hollowed out inner polygon 402 (when the distance between the tractor and the inner polygon 402 becomes less than a predetermined reference value), a warning is given. In some cases, a means for issuing a warning by voice or a warning by light or a message may be provided. An explanatory diagram related to the inner polygon 402 is shown in FIG.

  The inner polygon 402 is provided so that when there is a region where the tractor 20a such as a high-voltage electric wire cannot be operated, the region is not included in the work target. Therefore, when the tractor 20a approaches the area of the inner polygon 402, a warning may be issued as in the case of the obstacle. In addition, a bypass may be presented to the operator separately from or together with the warning. These warning means and presentation means use the same means as the warning means / presentation means described in (4) above. Specifically, a warning unit is configured by software operating on the dedicated terminal 20b, a speaker, a buzzer, and the like. In addition, a presentation unit is configured by software that operates on the dedicated terminal 20b and a display that displays a detour.

  It is preferable to provide a hollow layer in the map data (farm field data) for the hollow inner polygon 402 and register the inner polygon in this hollow layer. It is preferable that other general hollow areas that are not polygons are also registered in the hollow layer. Then, when the tractor 20a approaches the hollow layer and less than a predetermined reference value, as described above, a predetermined warning may be issued and / or a detour may be displayed. preferable.

10 Definition Part 10a Manager Software 10b Computer 20 Guidance Part 20a Tractor 20b Dedicated Terminal 20c GNSS Receiver 20d Gyro Sensor 20e Guidance Software 100 Running Data 102 Guidance Lines 104, 106, 108, 112, 114 Curve (Arc)
116, 118, 120, 122, 124 Curve (arc)
204, 206, 208, 212, 214 Vertex 216, 218, 220, 222, 224 Vertex 300 End point direction of running work line 302 Current or predicted traveling direction 304 Direction to return the handle along the traveling line 308 Field 310 Handle Target vehicle body direction display for operation 400 Outside polygon 402 Inside polygon 500, 502 Free curve 504, 506, 508, which is the shape of the field

Claims (30)

A field guidance system that displays a guidance line including a work line of a tractor that performs work on a field in a field and performs navigation of the tractor,
A field data definition part for defining field data which is data of the field;
Based on the defined field data, a guidance part that creates a guidance line and displays it to the operator;
With
The field data definition part is:
Means for inputting polygon data input by the operator as the shape of the field;
Field shape creation means for creating the input polygon data as a field shape;
And defining field data including the field shape. The guidance system according to claim 1, wherein
Means for the operator to specify any direction as the work progress direction;
And defining field data including the field shape and the work progress direction. The guidance system according to claim 1, wherein
Means for the operator to designate any side in the polygon entered by the operator as the work progress direction;
And defining field data including the field shape and the work progress direction. The guidance system according to claim 1, wherein
Means for designating the point entered by the operator as the work start position;
And defining the field data including the field shape and the work start position. In the agricultural field guidance system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The field shape creation means
Means for displaying map information on the screen;
Means for an operator to acquire polygon data input on the screen on which the map information is displayed, or data of sides constituting the polygon;
When acquiring the data of the sides constituting the polygon, means for creating the polygon data by connecting the acquired sides;
A field guidance system comprising: In the agricultural field guidance system according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The field data definition part is:
Means for inputting the side on which the headland is designated, designated by the operator;
A headland defining means for translating the input side by a predetermined amount and defining a headland between the side before the movement and the side after the movement;
And defining field data including the field shape, the work progress direction, and the headland. In the field guidance system according to claim 6,
The field data definition part is:
A specifying means for specifying an area excluding the defined headland from the field shape as a work area;
And defining field data including the field shape, the work progress direction, the headland, and a work area. In the field guidance system according to claim 7,
The guidance part is:
Means for forming a plurality of linear path groups parallel to the designated work progress direction in the work area, the plurality of linear path groups being separated by the work width of the tractor;
In the headland, a means for forming a connection path connecting the straight path groups;
Means for connecting the straight path group and the connecting path to create the entire guidance line;
Display means for displaying the guidance line to the operator;
A field guidance system comprising: In the field guidance system according to claim 8,
The means for forming the connection path forms a connection path that allows the tractor to turn back, turn around, or turn in the shortest path,
The field guidance system, wherein the display means displays a guidance line including the connection path to the operator. In the field guidance system according to claim 9,
The means for forming the connection path determines a pattern in which the tractor can turn based on the turning radius of the tractor and the width of the headland, and forms the connection path with the pattern. A characteristic field guidance system. In the field guidance system according to claim 9,
The means for forming the connection path is a connection path for entering the next adjacent line in the work area from the straight path in the headland when the shape of the field is an arbitrary convex polygon. And connecting from the straight path to the next line through the formed connection path. In the agricultural field guidance system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The guidance part is:
A GNSS receiver that detects the position of the current tractor;
Search means for searching a field within a predetermined range from the current tractor position detected by the GNSS receiver from the field data defined by the definition part;
Display means for displaying field data of one or more fields found by the search means;
Means for inputting a field to be operated by the operator selected from the field displayed on the display means;
And the display means displays to the operator the work start position, work direction, and number of work lines of the input farm field. In the agricultural field guidance system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The guidance part is:
A GNSS receiver that detects the position of the current tractor,
Including
The GNSS receiver sets the error of the GNSS receiver to 0 based on the position of a known point whose position is registered in advance in the field data of the field that is the target of work at the start of work,
The GNSS receiver always clears the difference between the coordinates on the map detected by the GNSS receiver that changes every moment during the operation and the actual coordinates so that the detected coordinates and the coordinates of the map can be matched. A field guidance system characterized by In the guidance method which can correct the error of the GNSS receiver, when performing work in a field using the field guidance system according to claim 12,
The field data includes a known point and its coordinate data,
Moving the tractor to the known point in the field data of the field selected by the operator when starting work;
Performing an offset correction of the error of the GNSS receiver at the known point after the movement;
Including,
Inputting the coordinates of the start point A instructed by the operator when the tractor travels in the field;
Inputting the coordinates of the intermediate point B instructed by the operator when the tractor travels in the field;
Obtaining a work line based on a line segment connecting the start point A and the midpoint B;
With
A guidance method characterized by displaying the configured work line on the display and allowing the operator to recognize a traveling direction that is a direction of the work line. The guidance method according to claim 14, wherein
The midway point B is separated from the start point A by 10 m or more. In the guidance method which can correct the error of the GNSS receiver, when performing work in a field using the field guidance system according to claim 12,
The field data includes a known point and its coordinate data,
Moving the tractor to the known point in the field data of the field selected by the operator when starting work;
After the movement, performing offset correction of an error of the field map and the GNSS receiver at the known point;
Including,
Inputting the coordinates of the start point A instructed by the operator when the tractor travels in the field;
Inputting the coordinates of the end point C instructed by the operator when the tractor travels in the field;
Obtaining a work line based on a line segment connecting the start point A and the end point C;
With
The guidance means displays the configured work line on the display means display, and allows the operator to recognize the traveling direction that is the direction of the work line. A field guidance system that displays a guidance line including a work line of a tractor that performs work on a field in a field and performs navigation of the tractor,
A field data definition part for defining field data which is data of the field;
Based on the defined field data, a guidance part that creates a guidance line and presents it to the operator;
With
The guidance part is:
Display means for displaying the traveling direction of the tractor with an arrow;
With
The display means displays the arrow indicating the traveling direction of the tractor at the current position as the arrow display method, and the prediction of the tractor after a predetermined time set in consideration of an operation time delay. And a second method for displaying an arrow indicating the traveling direction of the tractor at the position, and the arrow is displayed by one or both of the first method and the second method. A field guidance system characterized by: In the field guidance system according to claim 17,
The field guidance system, wherein the display means is an arrow different from an arrow indicating the progress of the tractor, and indicates a direction of an end point of a work line. In the field guidance system according to claim 17,
The display means is an arrow different from the display of the arrow indicating the progress of the tractor, and displays an arrow indicating a target vehicle body direction in order to follow the target work line when the work line is long. A field guidance system characterized by that. In the field guidance system according to claim 17,
The field data includes at least map information and a field shape,
The map information includes at least a road layer when storing roads other than the farm field, and a building layer that stores buildings other than the farm field,
The guidance part is:
Means for inputting a selection instruction of a layer selected by the operator to be displayed;
The field guidance system, wherein the display means displays the map of the selected layer as a background diagram together with the field shape in the field data. In the field guidance system according to claim 17,
The field data includes at least map information and a field shape,
The map information is composed of at least a side groove layer that stores a side groove and an obstacle layer that stores an obstacle,
The guidance part is:
Means for inputting a selection instruction of a layer selected by the operator to be displayed;
The display means displays a map of the selected layer as a background diagram together with the field shape in the field data,
Warning means for issuing a warning when the distance between the tractor and the side groove or the obstacle is less than a predetermined reference value;
A field guidance system comprising: In the field guidance system according to claim 17,
The field data includes at least map information and a field shape,
The map information is configured to include at least one of a side groove layer that stores a side groove and an obstacle layer that stores an obstacle,
The guidance part is:
Means for inputting a selection instruction of a layer selected by the operator to be displayed;
The display means displays a map of the selected layer as a background diagram together with the field shape in the field data,
Means for displaying a detour route when the distance between the tractor and the side groove or the obstacle is less than a predetermined reference value;
A field guidance system comprising: In the field guidance system according to claim 17,
The field data includes at least map information and a field shape,
The map information is configured to include at least a hollow layer that stores a hollow area,
The guidance part is:
Means for inputting a selection instruction of a layer selected by the operator to be displayed;
The display means displays a map of the selected layer as a background diagram together with the field shape in the field data,
Means for displaying a detour route when the distance between the tractor and the hollow area is less than a predetermined reference value;
A field guidance system comprising: In the field guidance system according to claim 17,
The field data includes at least map information and a field shape,
The map information is configured to include at least an entry prohibition layer meaning entry prohibition,
The guidance part is:
Means for inputting a selection instruction of a layer selected by the operator to be displayed;
The display means displays a map of the selected layer as a background diagram together with the field shape in the field data,
Means for displaying a detour route when the distance between the tractor and the entry prohibition layer is less than a predetermined reference value;
A field guidance system comprising: A field guidance system that displays a guidance line including a work line of a tractor that performs work on a field in a field and performs navigation of the tractor,
A field data definition part for defining field data which is data of the field;
Based on the defined field data, a guidance part that creates a guidance line and presents it to the operator;
With
The guidance part is:
Means for obtaining travel data obtained between the start position A and the end position B of the work of the tractor;
Means for creating a guidance line that is an approximate route from the acquired travel data;
A field guidance system comprising: The field guidance system according to claim 25,
The approximate route is configured by connecting a line segment and an arc, and is provided with a field guidance system. A field guidance system that displays a guidance line including a work line of a tractor that performs work on a field in a field and performs navigation of the tractor,
A field data definition part for defining field data which is data of the field;
Based on the defined field data, a guidance part that creates a guidance line and displays it to the operator;
With
The field data definition part is:
Means for the operator to input a free shape by a free curve as the shape of the deformed field;
Field shape creation means for creating the input free shape as the deformed field shape;
And defining field data including the field shape,
The guidance part is:
Based on the field data of the deformed field, the outer periphery of the deformed field generates a work line with a curve that matches the shape of the deformed field, and asymptotically toward the inner periphery of the deformed field. Means for generating work lines to be parallel straight lines,
A field guidance system comprising: A field guidance system that displays a guidance line including a work line of a tractor that performs work on a field in a field and performs navigation of the tractor,
A field data definition part for defining field data which is data of the field;
Based on the defined field data, a guidance part that creates a guidance line and displays it to the operator;
The guidance part is:
A GNSS sensor for obtaining position information;
Gyro sensor that can obtain azimuth and attitude angle,
Filtering means for correcting drift of the gyro sensor while interpolating data of both position information output by the GNSS sensor and azimuth / attitude angle output by the gyro sensor;
And the filtering means estimates the position of the tractor from the azimuth and speed of the tractor when the accuracy of the position information is reduced. A field data definition part for defining field data, which is field data,
Based on the defined field data, a guidance part that creates a guidance line and displays it to the operator;
Software for operating a computer as the field data definition part in the field guidance system for displaying the guidance line including the work line of the tractor performing the work on the field and performing the navigation of the tractor. And
In the computer,
A procedure for inputting polygon data input by the operator as the shape of the field;
A field shape creation procedure for creating the input polygon data as a field shape;
And defining field data including the field shape. A field data definition part for defining field data, which is field data,
Based on the defined field data, a guidance part that creates a guidance line and displays it to the operator;
Software for operating a computer as the field data definition part in the field guidance system for displaying the guidance line including the work line of the tractor performing the work on the field and performing the navigation of the tractor. And
In the computer,
A procedure for inputting polygon data input by the operator as the shape of the field;
A field shape creation procedure for creating the input polygon data as a field shape;
And a storage medium storing software, wherein the field data including the field shape is defined.

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