JP7523257B2 - Plant Cultivation System - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a cultivated plant imaging device that has a main body that captures images of cultivated plants from a bird's-eye view.

A plant cultivation system equipped with the cultivated plant imaging device as described above is already known, for example, as described in Patent Document 1. In this plant cultivation system, the projected area of the leaves of the cultivated plant is calculated based on the captured image acquired by the main body (referred to as the "imaging device" in Patent Document 1).

Furthermore, in this plant cultivation system, a projection area ratio, which is the ratio of the projection area to the maximum projection area, is calculated. If the projection area ratio falls below a water supply reference value, watering (referred to as "water supply" in Patent Document 1) is performed on the cultivated plants.

The leaf projection area is one indicator of the degree of leaf firmness. Therefore, with this irrigation system, irrigation can be carried out according to the degree of leaf firmness.

JP 2007-306846 A

When installing a main body unit that captures images of cultivated plants from a bird's-eye view inside a horticultural facility, it is possible to fix the main body unit to a beam, for example. However, depending on the relative positions of the beam and the cultivated plants, it may be impossible to position the main body unit in a suitable position for capturing images.

The object of the present invention is to provide a cultivated plant imaging device that makes it easy to position the main body in a position suitable for imaging.

A feature of the present invention is a plant cultivation system equipped with a cultivated plant imaging device which includes a main body unit which captures an image of a cultivated plant planted in a ridge from an overhead view, and a support device which supports the main body unit in a state in which it can slide horizontally, wherein the support device has a first support part which is rail-shaped and in a horizontal position, and a second support part supported by the first support part, wherein the main body unit is fixed to the second support part, and the first support part supports the second support part in a state in which it can slide longitudinally of the first support part, and the system is equipped with a spray device which sprays fine mist into the space in which the cultivated plant is cultivated, wherein the support device is positioned in a position which does not overlap with the spray range of the spray device when viewed in a plan view, and the second support part is positioned in a position which overlaps with the ridge when viewed in a plan view, and the direction of sliding movement of the second support part is along the longitudinal direction of the ridge .

In the present invention, the main body is supported in a state in which it can slide horizontally. By sliding the main body horizontally, it is easy to position the main body in a position suitable for imaging.

Therefore, the present invention can realize a cultivated plant imaging device that makes it easy to position the main body in a position suitable for imaging.

In addition, this configuration allows a support device that supports the main body in a horizontally slidable state to be reliably provided with a relatively simple configuration.

Furthermore, in the present invention, it is preferable that the second support portion has an upper support portion supported by the first support portion and a lower support portion attached to the upper support portion from below, the main body portion is fixed to the lower support portion, the upper support portion has a first connecting portion, and the lower support portion has a second connecting portion that connects to the first connecting portion, and the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are connected to each other by pushing the lower support portion toward the upper support portion.

The main body needs to be installed at a relatively high position in order to capture an overhead image of the cultivated plants. Therefore, the second support part needs to be installed at a relatively high position.

When installing the main body, in a configuration in which the second support part is supported by the first support part and the main body part needs to be fixed to the second support part with bolts or the like, the main body part needs to be lifted up to a position where it contacts the second support part, and then the fixing work such as bolt tightening needs to be performed at a relatively high position. This means that the installation work of the main body requires a relatively large amount of labor.

According to the above configuration, when installing the main body, first, the upper support part is supported by the first support part, and the main body part is fixed to the lower support part with a bolt or the like, and then the lower support part is pushed toward the upper support part together with the main body part, so that the main body part can be easily installed. At this time, the task of fixing the main body part to the lower support part can be performed on the ground.

In other words, the above configuration makes it possible to reduce the labor required for the installation of the main body unit.

Furthermore, in the present invention, the cultivated plants are divided into a plurality of groups, and a plurality of the main body parts corresponding to the plurality of groups are provided, and each of the main body parts is configured to capture an image of the leaves of the cultivated plants from an overhead view. It is preferable to provide an irrigation device that irrigates the cultivated plants, a tension index value calculation unit that calculates a tension index value that indicates the degree of tension of the leaves for each of the groups based on the captured image acquired by the main body part, and an irrigation control unit that, when the tension index value falls below a predetermined irrigation standard value, causes the irrigation device to irrigate the group corresponding to the tension index value that falls below the irrigation standard value.

This configuration makes it easy to position each main body unit in a position suitable for imaging. This makes it easy to properly calculate the tension index value for each group. As a result, watering each group can be easily performed at the appropriate time.

In other words, this configuration makes it possible to realize a plant cultivation system that makes it easier to water each group at the appropriate time.

Furthermore, in the present invention, it is preferable that the cultivated plant is a collection of multiple plant individuals, each of the groups is composed of one or multiple plant individuals, and the main body is arranged to capture an overhead image of the leaves of the plant individual that receives the greatest amount of solar radiation within a specified period of time among all the plant individuals included in one of the groups.

In general, the greater the amount of solar radiation that a plant receives within a given period, the greater the degree to which the leaves will wilt within that period. Therefore, of all the plant individuals in a group, the plant individuals that receive the greatest amount of solar radiation within a given period will be the ones most susceptible to leaf wilting.

In other words, according to the above configuration, watering for a group is carried out based on the degree of leaf firmness of the plant that is most susceptible to leaf wilting among all the plant individuals contained in that group. This makes it easier to prevent the leaves of cultivated plants from wilting too much.

Furthermore, in the present invention, it is preferable that the main body is positioned above a height position corresponding to the height of the cultivated plant at the time when the height of the cultivated plant is at its maximum during the cultivation process.

With this configuration, the main body is positioned higher than the height of the cultivated plants throughout the entire cultivation process. Therefore, there is no need to raise the position of the main body as the height of the cultivated plants increases during the cultivation process.

In other words, this configuration makes it possible to reduce labor compared to raising the position of the main body as the height of the cultivated plants increases during the cultivation process.

Furthermore, in the present invention, it is preferable that the main body is positioned in a position that does not overlap with the spray range of the spray device in a plan view.

With this configuration, the fine mist sprayed from the spray device is less likely to adhere to the main body. This makes it easier to avoid situations where poor imaging occurs due to the fine mist adhering to the main body.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the entire interior of the horticultural facility. FIG. 2 is a side view showing the entire interior of the horticultural facility. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the cultivation system. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a change in coverage rate. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing display contents on a management screen. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing display contents on a reference value setting screen. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing display contents on a status display screen. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the cultivated plant imaging device. FIG. 2 is a top view showing the configuration of the cultivated plant imaging device. FIG. 2 is a side view showing the configuration of the cultivated plant imaging device.

The embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the direction of the arrow N in Figures 1 and 2 is "north", the direction of the arrow S is "south", the direction of the arrow E in Figure 1 is "east", and the direction of the arrow W is "west".

[Configuration of horticultural facilities]
An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, a cultivation system SY in this embodiment (corresponding to the "plant cultivation system" according to the present invention) includes a horticultural facility 1. In the horticultural facility 1, ridges A1 to A8 for planting cultivated plants Q are arranged vertically and horizontally. Passages are provided between each of the ridges A through which the manager (user) of the cultivated plants Q can pass. The horticultural facility 1 may be, for example, a vinyl greenhouse or a solar powered plant factory.

Each ridge A extends in the north-south direction. Ridges A1 to A4 are located on the south side of the horticultural facility 1. Ridges A5 to A8 are located on the north side of the horticultural facility 1.

Each ridge A is made of, for example, a non-porous hydrophilic film, or a film with nano-sized holes that allow only water and nutrients to pass through. Then, a cultivated plant Q, for example, a tomato, is planted in each ridge A.

The cultivation system SY also includes two cultivated plant imaging devices 3. One cultivated plant imaging device 3 is located in the southern part of the horticultural facility 1. The other cultivated plant imaging device 3 is located in the northern part of the horticultural facility 1. Note that the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of cultivated plant imaging devices 3 included in the cultivation system SY may be one, or three or more.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the cultivated plant imaging device 3 located in the southern part has a first camera Ca1. Also, the cultivated plant imaging device 3 located in the northern part has a second camera Ca2.

The first camera Ca1 and the second camera Ca2 are positioned inside the horticultural facility 1, above the ridges A in which the cultivated plants Q are planted. Both of these cameras are fixed-point cameras Ca (corresponding to the "main body" of the present invention).

As shown in FIG. 2, the cultivated plant Q is a collection of multiple plant individuals Q1. The cultivated plant Q is also divided into multiple groups. More specifically, the cultivated plant Q is divided into a first group GR1 and a second group GR2.

That is, each group is composed of one or more plant individuals Q1. In this embodiment, the first group GR1 and the second group GR2 are each composed of multiple plant individuals Q1. Note that the present invention is not limited to this, and at least one of the first group GR1 and the second group GR2 may be composed of a single plant individual Q1.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the individual plants Q1 that make up the first group GR1 are planted in ridges A1 to A4. The individual plants Q1 that make up the second group GR2 are planted in ridges A5 to A8.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first group GR1 includes a first reference individual QM1. The first reference individual QM1 is the plant individual Q1 that receives the greatest amount of solar radiation in one day (corresponding to the "predetermined period" according to the present invention) among all the plant individuals Q1 included in the first group GR1.

In this embodiment, the first reference individual QM1 is located at the southernmost end of the ridge A2.

The second group GR2 also includes a second reference individual QM2. The second reference individual QM2 is the plant individual Q1 that receives the greatest amount of solar radiation in one day among all the plant individuals Q1 included in the second group GR2.

In this embodiment, the second reference individual QM2 is located at the southernmost end of ridge A6.

Each fixed camera Ca has, for example, a CCD element or a CMOS element, and is configured to capture visible light that can be seen by the naked eye. Each fixed camera Ca then captures an image of the leaves of the cultivated plant Q from an overhead perspective at predetermined time intervals. As a result, each fixed camera Ca acquires captured images V over time, as shown in FIG. 3.

That is, the cultivation system SY is equipped with fixed cameras Ca that capture images of the leaves of the cultivated plant Q. Furthermore, each fixed camera Ca is configured to capture an image of the leaves of the cultivated plant Q from a bird's-eye view.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first camera Ca1 is disposed at a position corresponding to the first group GR1. The second camera Ca2 is disposed at a position corresponding to the second group GR2.

That is, the cultivation system SY is equipped with multiple fixed cameras Ca corresponding to multiple groups. In addition, the cultivated plant imaging device 3 is equipped with a fixed camera Ca that captures an image of the cultivated plant Q from a bird's-eye view.

More specifically, the first camera Ca1 is positioned above the ridge A2. The first imaging area P1, which is the imaging area of the first camera Ca1, covers the entire ridge A2, the eastern part of the ridge A1, and the western part of the ridge A3.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 2, the first imaging area P1 includes the first reference individual QM1. That is, the first camera Ca1 is positioned to capture an image of the leaves of the first reference individual QM1 from an overhead view.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the second camera Ca2 is positioned above the ridge A6. The second imaging area P2, which is the imaging area of the second camera Ca2, covers the entire ridge A6, the eastern part of the ridge A5, and the western part of the ridge A7.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 2, the second imaging area P2 includes the second reference individual QM2. That is, the second camera Ca2 is positioned to capture an image of the leaves of the second reference individual QM2 from a bird's-eye view.

With the configuration described above, each fixed camera Ca is positioned to capture an overhead image of the leaves of the plant individual Q1 that receives the greatest amount of solar radiation in one day among all the plant individuals Q1 included in one group. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, each fixed camera Ca may be positioned to capture an overhead image of the leaves of the plant individual Q1 that receives the greatest amount of solar radiation between 10:00 and 14:00 among all the plant individuals Q1 included in one group. In other words, the "predetermined period" according to the present invention is not limited to one day, and may be any period.

Although not shown, the horticultural facility 1 is also equipped with environmental sensors, side windows, light-blocking curtains, heat pump air conditioning equipment, etc. The dashed line Gh shown in FIG. 2 is the reference position where the height of the cultivated plant Q is at its maximum, and a guide string for guiding the stem of the cultivated plant Q hangs down from near the height of the dashed line Gh.

Each fixed camera Ca is positioned higher than the dashed line Gh. That is, the fixed camera Ca is positioned above the height position corresponding to the maximum height of the cultivated plant Q during the cultivation process.

As shown in FIG. 1, the horticultural facility 1 is also provided with a spray device 2. The spray device 2 sprays a fine mist into the space in which the cultivated plant Q is cultivated. That is, the cultivation system SY is equipped with a spray device 2 that sprays a fine mist into the space in which the cultivated plant Q is cultivated.

In more detail, the spray device 2 has a pipe 20, a first nozzle 21, a second nozzle 22, and a third nozzle 23. The pipe 20 extends in the north-south direction. In addition, in a plan view, the pipe 20 passes between ridges A2 and A3, and between ridges A6 and A7. In addition, the first nozzle 21, the second nozzle 22, and the third nozzle 23 are each provided in a state where they protrude from the pipe 20.

Then, the water passing through the pipe 20 is sprayed in a fine mist from the first nozzle 21, the second nozzle 22, and the third nozzle 23.

The first nozzle 21 is located in the southern part of the horticultural facility 1. The first nozzle 21 sprays a fine mist in the eastward direction. The spray range of the first nozzle 21 is the first spray range S1.

The second nozzle 22 is located in the center of the horticultural facility 1 in the north-south direction. The second nozzle 22 sprays fine mist in the west direction. The spray range of the second nozzle 22 is the second spray range S2.

The third nozzle 23 is located in the northern part of the horticultural facility 1. The third nozzle 23 sprays a fine mist in the eastward direction. The spray range of the third nozzle 23 is the third spray range S3.

That is, the spray ranges of the spray device 2 are the first spray range S1, the second spray range S2, and the third spray range S3.

Here, each fixed camera Ca does not overlap the first spray range S1, the second spray range S2, or the third spray range S3 in a planar view. In other words, the fixed camera Ca is positioned at a position that does not overlap the spray range of the spray device 2 in a planar view.

[Configuration for irrigation control]
4, the cultivation system SY in this embodiment includes a management computer MC and a control panel 54. The management computer MC includes a processing unit 4 and a display 53.

The processing unit 4 has a first coverage calculation unit 41, a first reference coverage setting unit 42, a first reference calculation unit 43, a first control unit 44, a second coverage calculation unit 45, a second reference coverage setting unit 46, a second reference calculation unit 47, and a second control unit 48.

The horticultural facility 1 also has a first irrigation device 51 and a second irrigation device 52.

The captured images V captured by the first camera Ca1 at predetermined time intervals are sent to the first coverage calculation unit 41. The first coverage calculation unit 41 calculates the coverage Br of the first group GR1 over time based on the received captured images V.

The coverage rate Br is the proportion of the area that the leaves occupy in the measurement area B (see FIG. 3), which is the area in the captured image V where the leaves are captured. The coverage rate Br is also a value that indicates the degree of leaf tension. In other words, the coverage rate Br corresponds to the "tension index value" according to the present invention.

To explain the calculation of the coverage rate Br in detail, as shown in FIG. 3, the first coverage rate calculation unit 41 determines the area of the branches, leaves, and stems in the captured image V based on the color information of the captured image V. This area is determined to be a lush area of the cultivated plant Q, i.e., a covered area.

The determination of the areas of branches, leaves, and stems may be based on RGB data or on YUV data. However, in this embodiment, in order to accommodate changes in light and darkness that accompany changes in weather and time of day, it is preferable to determine the areas of branches, leaves, and stems based on YUV data.

Then, based on the determination of the covered area, the range in the captured image V in which the cultivated plant Q is located is set. As shown in FIG. 3, a range surrounded by four sides is set as the area in which the branches and leaves of the cultivated plant Q are captured, and this range surrounded by four sides is set as the measurement area B, and the area Bs of the measurement area B is calculated. The area Bs can be calculated by counting the number of dots (the smallest unit of pixels in the captured image V) in the measurement area B in the captured image V.

Furthermore, the leaf area B1 can be calculated by counting the number of dots in the covered area. Then, the ratio of the leaf area B1 to the area Bs is calculated as the coverage rate Br using the following formula.

Coverage rate Br = leaf area B1 / area Bs

It is preferable that the area Bs of the measurement region B be fixed at the area Bs before the leaves began to wilt, even if the leaves wilt over time and the area showing the branches and leaves gradually narrows. In other words, it is preferable that the area Bs be fixed at the area Bs calculated based on the first captured image V among multiple captured images V acquired over time, and that only the leaf area B1 change over time.

As shown in FIG. 4, the coverage Br calculated over time by the first coverage calculation unit 41 is sent to the first reference coverage setting unit 42 and the first control unit 44. The first reference coverage setting unit 42 sets the coverage Br of the first group GR1 at the reference time as the reference coverage ST of the first group GR1.

More specifically, in this embodiment, the reference time is the time period immediately after sunrise. Also, as described above, the first camera Ca1 acquires the captured image V at a predetermined time interval. That is, the first camera Ca1 acquires the captured image V at multiple times during the time period immediately after sunrise. In this way, the first camera Ca1 acquires multiple captured images V during the time period immediately after sunrise.

The first coverage calculation unit 41 calculates multiple coverages Br based on multiple captured images V acquired in the time period immediately after sunrise. The first reference coverage setting unit 42 then sets the 90th percentile value of the multiple coverages Br as the reference coverage ST.

However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first reference coverage setting unit 42 may be configured to set a value other than the 90th percentile value of the above multiple coverage rates Br as the reference coverage rate ST. For example, the first reference coverage setting unit 42 may be configured to set the maximum value of the above multiple coverage rates Br as the reference coverage rate ST. In addition, the first reference coverage setting unit 42 may be configured to set the average value of the above multiple coverage rates Br as the reference coverage rate ST.

As shown in FIG. 4, the reference coverage ST set by the first reference coverage setting unit 42 is sent to the first reference calculation unit 43.

The user can also input a wilting coefficient via the control panel 54. The wilting coefficient is a coefficient that corresponds to the degree of wilting of the target leaves.

The wilting coefficient input to the control panel 54 is sent to the processing unit 4. The first standard calculation unit 43 then calculates the irrigation standard value TH for the first group GR1 based on the standard coverage ST received from the first standard coverage setting unit 42 and the wilting coefficient input to the control panel 54. More specifically, the first standard calculation unit 43 calculates the irrigation standard value TH by multiplying the standard coverage ST by the wilting coefficient. The calculated irrigation standard value TH is sent to the first control unit 44.

The first control unit 44 determines whether the coverage rate Br is below the irrigation standard value TH based on the coverage rate Br received from the first coverage rate calculation unit 41 and the irrigation standard value TH received from the first standard calculation unit 43. If the coverage rate Br is below the irrigation standard value TH, the first control unit 44 outputs an irrigation instruction signal.

The output watering instruction signal is sent to the first irrigation device 51. The first irrigation device 51 performs watering on each plant individual Q1 belonging to the first group GR1 in response to the watering instruction signal received from the first control unit 44.

That is, when the coverage rate Br of the first group GR1 falls below the irrigation reference value TH of the first group GR1, the first control unit 44 causes the first irrigation device 51 to irrigate the first group GR1.

The captured image V captured by the second camera Ca2 at a predetermined time interval is sent to the second coverage calculation unit 45. The second coverage calculation unit 45, the second reference coverage setting unit 46, the second reference calculation unit 47, and the second control unit 48 have the same functions as the first coverage calculation unit 41, the first reference coverage setting unit 42, the first reference calculation unit 43, and the first control unit 44 described above.

That is, the second coverage calculation unit 45 calculates the coverage Br of the second group GR2 by performing processing similar to that of the first coverage calculation unit 41.

The second reference coverage setting unit 46 also sets the reference coverage ST for the second group GR2 by performing processing similar to that of the first reference coverage setting unit 42.

The second standard calculation unit 47 also calculates the irrigation standard value TH for the second group GR2 by performing processing similar to that of the first standard calculation unit 43.

The second control unit 48 also performs the same processing as the first control unit 44, thereby causing the second irrigation device 52 to irrigate the second group GR2 when the coverage rate Br of the second group GR2 falls below the irrigation reference value TH of the second group GR2.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first coverage calculation unit 41 and the second coverage calculation unit 45 constitute a coverage calculation unit 40 (corresponding to the "tension index value calculation unit" of the present invention). The coverage calculation unit 40 calculates the coverage rate Br based on the captured image V acquired by the fixed camera Ca.

More specifically, the coverage calculation unit 40 calculates the coverage rate Br for each group based on the captured image V acquired by the fixed camera Ca.

That is, the cultivation system SY includes a coverage calculation unit 40 that calculates the coverage rate Br, which is a value indicating the degree of leaf tension, based on the captured image V acquired by the fixed camera Ca. More specifically, the cultivation system SY includes a coverage calculation unit 40 that calculates the coverage rate Br, which is a value indicating the degree of leaf tension, for each group based on the captured image V acquired by the fixed camera Ca.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first irrigation device 51 and the second irrigation device 52 constitute an irrigation device 50. The irrigation device 50 irrigates the cultivated plant Q.

That is, the cultivation system SY is equipped with an irrigation device 50 that irrigates the cultivated plants Q. Furthermore, irrigation by the irrigation device 50 is performed individually for each group.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first control unit 44 and the second control unit 48 constitute an irrigation control unit 49. The irrigation control unit 49 controls the irrigation device 50. That is, the cultivation system SY includes an irrigation control unit 49 that controls the irrigation device 50. When the coverage rate Br falls below a predetermined irrigation reference value TH, the irrigation control unit 49 causes the irrigation device 50 to irrigate the group corresponding to the coverage rate Br that falls below the irrigation reference value TH.

As shown in FIG. 5, with the configuration described above, the coverage rate Br of the first group GR1 and the second group GR2 basically changes as follows. That is, first, the leaves wilt over time. As a result, the coverage rate Br decreases over time.

When the coverage rate Br falls below the irrigation standard value TH and irrigation is performed, the leaves regain their firmness. This causes the coverage rate Br to increase.

After that, the leaves will wilt over time and regain their firmness through watering. This causes the coverage rate Br to alternate between increasing and decreasing.

In the example shown at the top of Figure 5, the timing at which the irrigation instruction signal is output by the first control unit 44 is indicated by an upward arrow. In this example, the coverage rate Br falls below the irrigation reference value TH at each of times t1, t2, t4, and t6, so the irrigation instruction signal is output by the first control unit 44. As a result, irrigation of the first group GR1 is performed, and the coverage rate Br exceeds the irrigation reference value TH.

In the example shown at the bottom of FIG. 5, the timing at which the irrigation instruction signal is output by the second control unit 48 is indicated by an upward arrow. In this example, the coverage rate Br falls below the irrigation reference value TH at both time t3 and time t5, and so the irrigation instruction signal is output by the second control unit 48. As a result, irrigation of the second group GR2 is performed, and the coverage rate Br exceeds the irrigation reference value TH.

In the example shown in FIG. 5, the user has set the wilting coefficient of the second group GR2 to a value smaller than the wilting coefficient of the first group GR1. Therefore, the irrigation standard value TH of the second group GR2 is lower than the irrigation standard value TH of the first group GR1. As a result, the number of times the second group GR2 is watered is less than the number of times the first group GR1 is watered.

[Display on the management computer]
6, the display 53 of the management computer MC is capable of displaying a management screen 56. The management screen 56 has a first transition display area 61 and a second transition display area 62. The first transition display area 61 and the second transition display area 62 are adjacent to each other vertically.

The first transition display area 61 is an area that displays time-series information about the first group GR1. The second transition display area 62 is an area that displays time-series information about the second group GR2.

The first transition display area 61 and the second transition display area 62 each include a graph area 63 and a mode transition area 64. The mode transition area 64 is displayed overlapping the lower end of the graph area 63.

The graph area 63 is an area that displays the transition information and the irrigation information. The transition information is information that indicates the transition of the coverage rate Br. The irrigation information is information that indicates the timing when irrigation is performed by the irrigation device 50.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the graph area 63, a graph 63a is displayed as transition information showing the correspondence between time and coverage rate Br.

That is, the display 53 displays the transition information using a graph 63a that shows the correspondence between time and coverage rate Br.

The control mode of the irrigation control unit 49 shown in FIG. 4 can be switched between a first irrigation mode and a second irrigation mode by operating the control panel 54. The first irrigation mode is a control mode that causes the irrigation device 50 to perform irrigation when a first condition is satisfied. The second irrigation mode is a control mode that causes the irrigation device 50 to perform irrigation when a second condition different from the first condition is satisfied.

In this embodiment, the first condition is to satisfy either "the coverage rate Br falls below the irrigation standard value TH" or "the period during which the coverage rate Br is continuously equal to or greater than the irrigation standard value TH reaches a predetermined determination time TR." In other words, the first condition includes the coverage rate Br falling below the predetermined irrigation standard value TH.

In addition, in this embodiment, the second condition is that the current time becomes the set irrigation time, which is the set time. In other words, the second condition does not include the coverage rate Br falling below the irrigation standard value TH.

With the above configuration, the control mode of the irrigation control unit 49 can be switched between a first irrigation mode in which the irrigation device 50 performs irrigation when the coverage rate Br falls below the irrigation reference value TH and when the period during which the coverage rate Br is continuously equal to or greater than the irrigation reference value TH reaches the judgment time TR, and a second irrigation mode in which the irrigation device 50 performs irrigation at a set irrigation time, which is a set time.

When the control mode of the irrigation control unit 49 is the first irrigation mode, the irrigation control unit 49 causes the irrigation device 50 to irrigate when the coverage rate Br falls below the irrigation reference value TH and when the period during which the coverage rate Br is continuously equal to or greater than the irrigation reference value TH reaches the judgment time TR. That is, the cultivation system SY is provided with an irrigation control unit 49 that causes the irrigation device 50 to irrigate when the coverage rate Br falls below a predetermined irrigation reference value TH and when the period during which the coverage rate Br is continuously equal to or greater than the irrigation reference value TH reaches the judgment time TR.

In addition, the control panel 54 can send an irrigation instruction signal to the irrigation control unit 49 in response to a manual irrigation operation by the user. In response to this signal, the irrigation control unit 49 causes the irrigation device 50 to immediately perform irrigation. With this configuration, the user can cause the irrigation device 50 to immediately perform irrigation by performing a manual irrigation operation on the control panel 54, even when neither the first nor second condition is satisfied.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the graph area 63, the irrigation information is displayed with an automatic irrigation line 71a, a temporary irrigation line 71b, a scheduled irrigation line 72, and a manual irrigation line 73 superimposed on the graph 63a.

In this embodiment, the automatic irrigation line 71a, the temporary irrigation line 71b, the schedule irrigation line 72, and the manual irrigation line 73 are displayed in different colors.

The automatic irrigation line 71a indicates the time when irrigation is performed because the first condition, "the coverage rate Br falls below the irrigation reference value TH," is satisfied when the control mode of the irrigation control unit 49 is the first irrigation mode.

The temporary irrigation line 71b indicates the time when irrigation is performed because the first condition, "the period during which the coverage rate Br is continuously equal to or greater than the irrigation reference value TH reaches a predetermined judgment time TR," is satisfied when the control mode of the irrigation control unit 49 is in the first irrigation mode.

The scheduled irrigation line 72 indicates the time of irrigation that is performed when the second condition is satisfied when the control mode of the irrigation control unit 49 is the second irrigation mode.

The manual irrigation line 73 indicates the time of irrigation performed in response to a manual irrigation operation by the user.

That is, the cultivation system SY includes a display 53 that displays transition information, which is information showing the transition of the coverage rate Br, and irrigation information, which is information showing the timing when irrigation was performed by the irrigation device 50. The display 53 also displays the transition information and the irrigation information within a single management screen 56. The display 53 also displays the irrigation information in a state where it is superimposed on the graph 63a.

As shown in FIG. 6, the first transition display area 61 displays the transition information of the first group GR1 and the irrigation information of the first group GR1. The second transition display area 62 displays the transition information of the second group GR2 and the irrigation information of the second group GR2.

That is, the display 53 displays multiple pieces of transition information corresponding to multiple groups and multiple pieces of irrigation information corresponding to multiple groups within the management screen 56.

The mode transition area 64 is an area that displays the transition of the control mode of the irrigation control unit 49. That is, the display 53 displays the transition of the control mode of the irrigation control unit 49 superimposed on the graph 63a.

More specifically, the mode transition area 64 is a strip extending left and right across the screen. The color of the portion of the mode transition area 64 that corresponds to the time period when the control mode of the irrigation control unit 49 was the first irrigation mode is different from the color of the portion that corresponds to the time period when the control mode of the irrigation control unit 49 was the second irrigation mode. In other words, the mode transition area 64 indicates the transition of the control mode of the irrigation control unit 49 by the color.

In the example shown in FIG. 6, the current time is 18:00. The control mode of the first control unit 44 on this day was the second irrigation mode from 6:00 to 12:00, and the first irrigation mode from 12:00 to 18:00. Therefore, in the mode transition area 64 of the first transition display area 61, the color of the portion from 6:00 to 12:00 and the color of the portion from 12:00 to 18:00 are different from each other.

In addition, in this example, the control mode of the second control unit 48 was the second irrigation mode from 6:00 to 18:00. Therefore, the mode transition area 64 of the second transition display area 62 is one color from 6:00 to 18:00.

In this example, the set irrigation times for the first group GR1 are set to 10:00 and 11:00. Irrigation was carried out exactly at these set irrigation times. Therefore, in the graph area 63 of the first transition display area 61, a scheduled irrigation line 72 is displayed at the locations corresponding to 10:00 and 11:00.

In this example, the coverage rate Br of the first group GR1 fell below the irrigation standard value TH at 13:00. In response to this, irrigation was carried out. Therefore, an automatic irrigation line 71a is displayed at the point corresponding to 13:00 in the graph area 63 of the first transition display area 61.

In this example, the judgment time TR is set to 180 minutes. The coverage rate Br of the first group GR1 was equal to or greater than the irrigation standard value TH from 13:00 to 16:00. In response to this, irrigation was carried out. Therefore, a temporary irrigation line 71b is displayed in the graph area 63 of the first transition display area 61 at the point corresponding to 16:00.

In addition, in this example, the set irrigation times for the second group GR2 are set to 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, and 16:00. Irrigation was carried out according to these set irrigation times. Therefore, in the graph area 63 of the second progress display area 62, the scheduled irrigation lines 72 are displayed at the locations corresponding to 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, and 16:00.

In this example, irrigation was performed on the second group GR2 at 13:30 in response to a manual irrigation operation by the user. Therefore, a manual irrigation line 73 is displayed at the location corresponding to 13:30 in the graph area 63 of the second transition display area 62.

As shown in FIG. 6, the management screen 56 has a first current situation display area 65 and a second current situation display area 66. The first current situation display area 65 and the second current situation display area 66 are adjacent to each other vertically. The first transition display area 61 and the first current situation display area 65 are adjacent to each other horizontally. The second transition display area 62 and the second current situation display area 66 are adjacent to each other horizontally.

The first current status display area 65 is an area that displays current information regarding the first group GR1. The second current status display area 66 is an area that displays current information regarding the second group GR2.

The first current status display area 65 and the second current status display area 66 each include a current mode area 67, a watering reference value area 68, an image area 69, and a current value area 70.

The current mode area 67 displays the current control mode of the irrigation control unit 49.

That is, the current mode area 67 of the first current status display area 65 displays the control mode of the first control unit 44. Specifically, the current mode area 67 of the first current status display area 65 displays "Automatic irrigation control in progress." This indicates that the current control mode of the first control unit 44 is the first irrigation mode.

The current mode area 67 of the second current status display area 66 displays the control mode of the second control unit 48. Specifically, the current mode area 67 of the second current status display area 66 displays "automatic irrigation not controlled." This indicates that the current control mode of the second control unit 48 is the second irrigation mode.

That is, the display 53 displays the current control mode of the irrigation control unit 49 along with the transition information and irrigation information on the management screen 56.

The irrigation reference value area 68 also displays the irrigation reference value TH.

That is, the irrigation reference value area 68 of the first current status display area 65 displays the irrigation reference value TH of the first group GR1. Also, the irrigation reference value area 68 of the second current status display area 66 displays the irrigation reference value TH of the second group GR2.

That is, the display 53 displays the irrigation standard value TH on the management screen 56 together with the progress information and irrigation information.

In addition, the irrigation reference value area 68 may display a value indicating the irrigation reference value TH, rather than the irrigation reference value TH itself. For example, the irrigation reference value area 68 may display the wilting coefficient described above.

In addition, the image area 69 displays the most recently captured image V.

That is, the image area 69 of the first current situation display area 65 displays the latest captured image V captured by the first camera Ca1. Also, the image area 69 of the second current situation display area 66 displays the latest captured image V captured by the second camera Ca2.

That is, the display 53 displays the captured image V on the management screen 56 together with the progress information and irrigation information.

The current value area 70 also displays the current coverage rate Br.

That is, the current value area 70 of the first current status display area 65 displays the current coverage rate Br of the first group GR1. Also, the current value area 70 of the second current status display area 66 displays the current coverage rate Br of the second group GR2.

That is, the display 53 displays the current coverage rate Br on the management screen 56 along with the progress information and irrigation information.

As shown in FIG. 6, the management screen 56 also has a warning display area WA. The warning display area WA is located below the second transition display area 62. The warning display area WA is an area for displaying various warnings. For example, if an abnormality occurs in the fixed camera Ca, this is displayed in the warning display area WA.

[Display on the control panel]
7, the control panel 54 has a touch panel 54a that can be operated by touch. The touch panel 54a can display a reference value setting screen 57.

The reference value setting screen 57 has a first reference value area 76a, a second reference value area 76b, a third reference value area 76c, a fourth reference value area 76d, a fifth reference value area 76e, and a sixth reference value area 76f. The first reference value area 76a, the second reference value area 76b, the third reference value area 76c, the fourth reference value area 76d, the fifth reference value area 76e, and the sixth reference value area 76f are located at the top of the reference value setting screen 57.

The first reference value area 76a, the second reference value area 76b, the third reference value area 76c, the fourth reference value area 76d, the fifth reference value area 76e, and the sixth reference value area 76f are all reference value areas 76. The reference value area 76 is an area that displays the irrigation reference value TH and accepts operations to change the irrigation reference value TH.

More specifically, the first reference value area 76a displays the irrigation reference value TH of the first group GR1 and accepts an operation to change the irrigation reference value TH of the first group GR1. The user can change the irrigation reference value TH of the first group GR1 by touching the first reference value area 76a.

The second reference value area 76b displays the irrigation reference value TH of the second group GR2 and accepts an operation to change the irrigation reference value TH of the second group GR2. The user can change the irrigation reference value TH of the second group GR2 by touching the second reference value area 76b.

In this embodiment, the cultivated plants Q are divided into a first group GR1 and a second group GR2. In other words, the only plants to be cultivated are the first group GR1 and the second group GR2.

Therefore, in this embodiment, there are no groups corresponding to the third reference value area 76c, the fourth reference value area 76d, the fifth reference value area 76e, and the sixth reference value area 76f. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, 0 (zero) is displayed in the third reference value area 76c, the fourth reference value area 76d, the fifth reference value area 76e, and the sixth reference value area 76f.

However, if a corresponding group exists, the irrigation reference value TH of the corresponding group is also displayed in the third reference value area 76c, the fourth reference value area 76d, the fifth reference value area 76e, and the sixth reference value area 76f, and the irrigation reference value TH of the corresponding group is changed in response to a touch operation.

The reference value setting screen 57 also has a judgment time area 77. The judgment time area 77 is an area that displays the judgment time TR and accepts operations for changing the judgment time TR. The user can change the judgment time TR by touching the judgment time area 77.

That is, the cultivation system SY is equipped with a touch panel 54a that displays a reference value setting screen 57 including a reference value area 76 that displays the irrigation reference value TH and accepts an operation to change the irrigation reference value TH, and a judgment time area 77 that displays the judgment time TR and accepts an operation to change the judgment time TR.

The reference value area 76 may be configured to display a value indicating the irrigation reference value TH rather than the irrigation reference value TH itself, and to accept an operation to change the value indicating the irrigation reference value TH. For example, the reference value area 76 may be configured to display the wilting coefficient described above, and to accept an operation to change the wilting coefficient.

In addition, the judgment time region 77 is located below the reference value region 76.

The reference value setting screen 57 also includes multiple reference value areas 76 corresponding to multiple groups.

The irrigation control unit 49 shown in FIG. 4 is configured to control the irrigation device 50 so that the number of irrigations performed by the irrigation device 50 within a predetermined repeated irrigation time limit is within a predetermined repeated irrigation limit. This makes it possible to prevent over-irrigation.

More specifically, the first control unit 44 controls the first irrigation device 51 so that the number of irrigations performed by the first irrigation device 51 within the repeated irrigation time limit is within the repeated irrigation limit. The second control unit 48 controls the second irrigation device 52 so that the number of irrigations performed by the second irrigation device 52 within the repeated irrigation time limit is within the repeated irrigation limit.

In other words, in this embodiment, the repeated watering time limit and the repeated watering count limit are set uniformly for the first group GR1 and the second group GR2, but are applied separately to the first group GR1 and the second group GR2.

However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the repeated watering time limit and the repeated watering limit number may be set individually for each group.

As shown in FIG. 7, the reference value setting screen 57 has a time limit area 78 and a number limit area 79. The time limit area 78 is an area that displays the repeated watering limit time and accepts operations to change the repeated watering limit time. The number limit area 79 is an area that displays the number of repeated watering limits and accepts operations to change the number of repeated watering limits.

That is, the reference value setting screen 57 includes a time limit area 78 that displays the repeated irrigation limit time and accepts operations to change the repeated irrigation limit time, and a limit count area 79 that displays the number of repeated irrigation limits and accepts operations to change the number of repeated irrigation limits.

The user can change the repeat watering time limit by touching the time limit area 78. The user can also change the number of repeat watering limits by touching the number of times limit area 79.

In the example shown in FIG. 7, the repeated watering time limit is set to 60 minutes. The repeated watering count limit is set to four times. Therefore, the time limit area 78 displays "60." The count limit area 79 displays "4."

The time limit area 78 and the number of times limit area 79 are adjacent to each other vertically. In addition, the time limit area 78 and the number of times limit area 79 are located below the judgment time area 77.

The control panel 54 can also switch the screen displayed on the touch panel 54a. As shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the touch panel 54a can switch between displaying a reference value setting screen 57 and a status display screen 58.

As shown in FIG. 8, the status display screen 58 has an execution display area 81, a camera status area 82, a reference value display area 83, a current value display area 84, a first irrigation length display area 85, a remaining time display area 86, a remaining time limit display area 87, a remaining limit number display area 88, a time display area 89, and a second irrigation length display area 90.

These areas are arranged from top to bottom in the following order: execution display area 81, camera status area 82, reference value display area 83, current value display area 84, first irrigation length display area 85, remaining time display area 86, remaining time limit display area 87, remaining limit number display area 88, time display area 89, and second irrigation length display area 90.

These areas are areas that display the various states of each group of cultivated plants Q. And, as mentioned above, in this embodiment, the only objects to be cultivated are the first group GR1 and the second group GR2. Therefore, in this embodiment, in order from the left, in these areas, only the state of the first group GR1 and the state of the second group GR2 are displayed. And in the part to the right of the display of the state of the second group GR2, "0" (zero) and the like are displayed.

However, the present invention is not limited to this, and if the number of groups to be cultivated is three or more, the status of each corresponding group can also be displayed to the right of the display of the status of the second group GR2.

These areas are described below with reference to FIG. 8. Note that FIG. 8 shows the status display screen 58 at 13:00 in the example shown in FIG. 6.

At this time, the control mode of the first control unit 44 is the first irrigation mode. The control mode of the second control unit 48 is the second irrigation mode. In response to the coverage rate Br of the first group GR1 falling below the irrigation reference value TH, irrigation is being performed by the first irrigation device 51. In addition, the second irrigation device 52 is not currently performing irrigation.

The execution display area 81 is an area that displays whether or not the irrigation device 50 is performing irrigation. More specifically, the execution display area 81 displays whether or not the first irrigation device 51 is performing irrigation and whether or not the second irrigation device 52 is performing irrigation.

That is, the status display screen 58 includes an execution display area 81 that displays whether the irrigation device 50 is performing irrigation.

In the example shown in FIG. 8, "Irrigation in progress" is displayed below the number "1" in the execution display area 81. This indicates that irrigation is being performed by the first irrigation device 51. Furthermore, "Irrigation in progress" is not displayed below the number "2". This indicates that irrigation is not being performed by the second irrigation device 52.

The camera status area 82 is an area that displays the status of each fixed camera Ca. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the first camera Ca1 and the second camera Ca2 are both normal. Therefore, in the camera status area 82, the status of the first camera Ca1 is displayed as "normal," and the status of the second camera Ca2 is displayed as "normal."

The reference value display area 83 is an area that displays the irrigation reference value TH for each group. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the reference value display area 83 displays the irrigation reference value TH for the first group GR1 and the irrigation reference value TH for the second group GR2.

The current value display area 84 is an area that displays the current coverage rate Br of each group. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the current coverage rate Br of the first group GR1 and the current coverage rate Br of the second group GR2 are displayed in the current value display area 84.

The first irrigation length display area 85 is an area that displays the first irrigation length of each group. The first irrigation length is the duration of irrigation that is performed when the control mode of the irrigation control unit 49 is the first irrigation mode and the first condition described above is satisfied. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the first irrigation length display area 85 displays the first irrigation length of the first group GR1 and the first irrigation length of the second group GR2.

The remaining time display area 86 is an area that displays the remaining time for judgment for each group. The remaining time for judgment is the time remaining until the period during which the control mode of the irrigation control unit 49 is the first irrigation mode and the coverage rate Br is continuously equal to or greater than the irrigation reference value TH reaches the judgment time TR. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the remaining time display area 86 displays the remaining time for judgment for the first group GR1 and the remaining time for judgment for the second group GR2.

In this example, as described above, the control mode of the second control unit 48 is the second irrigation mode. Therefore, in the remaining time display area 86, "0" (zero) is displayed as the remaining judgment time for the second group GR2.

That is, the touch panel 54a can display a status display screen 58 including a current value display area 84 that displays the current coverage rate Br, a reference value display area 83 that displays the irrigation reference value TH, and a remaining time display area 86 that displays information indicating the remaining time until the period during which the coverage rate Br is continuously equal to or greater than the irrigation reference value TH reaches the judgment time TR.

In addition, the reference value display area 83 may display a value indicating the irrigation reference value TH, rather than the irrigation reference value TH itself. For example, the reference value display area 83 may display the wilting coefficient described above.

The remaining time limit display area 87 is an area that displays the remaining time limit for each group. The remaining time limit is the remaining time of the repeated watering limit time. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the remaining time limit display area 87 displays the remaining time limit for the first group GR1 and the remaining time limit for the second group GR2.

The remaining limit display area 88 is an area that displays the remaining limit for each group. The remaining limit is the remaining number of repeated watering limits. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the remaining limit for the first group GR1 and the remaining limit for the second group GR2 are displayed in the remaining limit display area 88.

In this example, the repeated irrigation time limit is set to 60 minutes. The repeated irrigation count limit is set to 4 times. As shown in FIG. 6, irrigation is being performed in the first group GR1 as of 13:00, and the previous irrigation was performed at 11:00. Therefore, the remaining time limit display area 87 displays "60" as the remaining time of the repeated irrigation time limit for the first group GR1. The remaining limit count display area 88 displays "3" as the remaining limit count for the first group GR1.

Also, in this example, irrigation is not currently being performed in the second group GR2 at 13:00, and the previous irrigation was performed at 12:00. Therefore, the remaining time limit display area 87 displays "0" (zero) as the remaining time of the repeat irrigation limit time for the second group GR2. Also, the remaining limit number display area 88 displays "0" (zero) as the remaining limit number of times for the second group GR2.

The time display area 89 is an area that displays the set irrigation times for each group. More specifically, the time display area 89 displays the earliest set irrigation times for each group that are subsequent to the current time. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the time display area 89 displays the earliest set irrigation times for the first group GR1 that are subsequent to the current time, and the earliest set irrigation times for the second group GR2 that are subsequent to the current time.

However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the time display area 89 may display all set watering times for each group.

That is, the status display screen 58 includes a time display area 89 that displays the set watering time.

The second irrigation length display area 90 is an area that displays the second irrigation length of each group. The second irrigation length is the duration of irrigation that is performed when the control mode of the irrigation control unit 49 is the second irrigation mode and the above-mentioned second condition is satisfied. In the example shown in Figure 8, the second irrigation length display area 90 displays the second irrigation length of the first group GR1 and the second irrigation length of the second group GR2.

[Configuration of cultivated plant imaging device]
1 and 2 , the horticultural facility 1 has a first beam 11 and a second beam 12. The first beam 11 and the second beam 12 each extend in the east-west direction. The first beam 11 is located at an upper part of the southern part of the horticultural facility 1. The second beam 12 is located at an upper part of the northern part of the horticultural facility 1.

Each cultivated plant imaging device 3 is equipped with a support device 30. The support device 30 located in the southern part of the horticultural facility 1 is fixed to the upper part of the first beam 11. The support device 30 located in the northern part of the horticultural facility 1 is fixed to the upper part of the second beam 12.

The support device 30 supports the fixed camera Ca. That is, the first camera Ca1 is supported on the first beam 11 via the support device 30. The second camera Ca2 is supported on the second beam 12 via the support device 30.

As shown in Figures 9 to 11, the support device 30 has a first support part 31 and a second support part 32.

The first support part 31 is a long member in a horizontal position. The first support part 31 also has a rail groove 31a. The rail groove 31a is a concave part formed in the lower part of the first support part 31 and extends in the longitudinal direction of the first support part 31.

As a result, the first support portion 31 is formed in a rail shape.

The second support part 32 is supported by the first support part 31.

That is, the support device 30 has a rail-shaped first support part 31 in a horizontal position, and a second support part 32 supported by the first support part 31.

As shown in Figures 9 to 11, the second support portion 32 has an upper support portion 33 and a lower support portion 34. The upper support portion 33 also has an insertion portion 35 and a base plate 36.

The insertion portion 35 is rod-shaped and horizontally oriented. The insertion portion 35 has a cross-sectional shape that conforms to the rail groove 31a. When the insertion portion 35 is inserted into the rail groove 31a, the upper support portion 33 is supported by the first support portion 31.

The base plate 36 is a plate-like member in a horizontal position. The base plate 36 is fastened to the insertion portion 35 from below by a first bolt b1. The base plate 36 also has a first connecting portion 36a. The first connecting portion 36a is formed in the shape of a pin that protrudes downward.

That is, the upper support portion 33 has a first connecting portion 36a.

The first bolt b1 is inserted into the first hole h1 provided in the base plate 36.

The lower support part 34 is a plate-like member in a horizontal position. The fixed camera Ca is fastened to the lower support part 34 from below by the second bolt b2.

The second bolt b2 is inserted into the second hole h2 provided in the lower support part 34 and the third hole h3 provided in the fixed camera Ca.

That is, the fixed camera Ca is fixed to the lower support part 34. The fixed camera Ca is also fixed to the second support part 32.

The lower support portion 34 also has a second connecting portion 34a. The second connecting portion 34a is configured to connect with the first connecting portion 36a by being pushed toward the first connecting portion 36a.

That is, the lower support portion 34 has a second connecting portion 34a that connects to the first connecting portion 36a. Also, when the lower support portion 34 is pressed toward the upper support portion 33, the first connecting portion 36a and the second connecting portion 34a are connected to each other.

In addition, with the above configuration, the lower support part 34 is attached to the upper support part 33 from below. That is, the second support part 32 has the upper support part 33 supported by the first support part 31, and the lower support part 34 attached to the upper support part 33 from below.

In this embodiment, the first connecting portion 36a is configured as a pin. The second connecting portion 34a is configured to receive the first connecting portion 36a and to sandwich and hold the first connecting portion 36a. However, the structures of the first connecting portion 36a and the second connecting portion 34a are not particularly limited and can be changed as appropriate.

When installing the fixed camera Ca in the horticultural facility 1, first, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first support part 31 is fixed to the first beam 11 or the second beam 12. Note that the fixing location of the first support part 31 is not limited to the first beam 11 or the second beam 12, and can be changed as appropriate.

Next, the insertion portion 35 and the base plate 36 are fastened together with the first bolt b1, and the fixed camera Ca and the lower support portion 34 are fastened together with the second bolt b2.

Next, insert the insertion portion 35 into the rail groove 31a.

Then, as shown in Figures 9 and 11, with the planar positions of the first connecting part 36a and the second connecting part 34a aligned, the lower support part 34 is pushed toward the base plate 36 together with the fixed camera Ca, thereby connecting the first connecting part 36a and the second connecting part 34a to each other.

By following the above steps, the fixed camera Ca can be installed in the horticultural facility 1.

In addition, the insertion part 35 can slide along the rail groove 31a while inserted in the rail groove 31a. As a result, the second support part 32 and the fixed camera Ca can slide together in the longitudinal direction of the first support part 31, as shown in FIG. 11.

That is, the first support part 31 supports the second support part 32 in a state in which the second support part 32 can slide in the longitudinal direction of the first support part 31. The cultivated plant imaging device 3 also includes a support device 30 that supports the fixed camera Ca in a state in which the fixed camera Ca can slide in the horizontal direction.

In addition, on the management screen 56 shown in FIG. 6, the word "wilting standard rate" is displayed to the left of the irrigation standard value area 68. This "wilting standard rate" is a term that refers to the irrigation standard value TH.

In addition, on the reference value setting screen 57 shown in FIG. 7, the word "wilting reference rate" is displayed to the left of the first reference value area 76a. This "wilting reference rate" is a term that refers to the irrigation reference value TH.

In addition, on the reference value setting screen 57 shown in FIG. 7, "Temporary irrigation interval" is displayed to the left of the judgment time area 77. This "temporary irrigation interval" is a term that refers to the judgment time TR.

In addition, in the status display screen 58 shown in FIG. 8, the left end of the reference value display area 83 displays "wilting reference value." This "wilting reference value" is a term that refers to the irrigation reference value TH.

In addition, in the status display screen 58 shown in FIG. 8, the left end of the current value display area 84 displays "current wilting value." This "current wilting value" refers to the current coverage rate Br.

According to the configuration described above, the fixed camera Ca is supported in a state in which it can slide horizontally. By sliding the fixed camera Ca horizontally, it is easy to position the fixed camera Ca in a position suitable for image capture.

Therefore, with the configuration described above, it is possible to realize a cultivated plant imaging device 3 that makes it easy to position the fixed camera Ca in a position suitable for imaging.

The embodiment described above is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to this, and can be modified as appropriate.

Other embodiments
(1) In the above embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3, a part of the captured image V is set as the measurement area B. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the entire captured image V may be set as the measurement area B.

(2) In the above embodiment, the irrigation reference value TH is calculated based on the coverage rate Br at the reference time, and an irrigation instruction signal is output when the coverage rate Br falls below the irrigation reference value TH. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the irrigation reference value TH may be calculated based on the leaf area B1 at the reference time, and an irrigation instruction signal may be output when the leaf area B1 falls below the irrigation reference value TH. In this case, the leaf area B1 corresponds to the "tension index value" according to the present invention. Also, in this case, the component that calculates the leaf area B1 corresponds to the "tension index value calculation unit" according to the present invention.

(3) The irrigation reference value TH may be calculated based on one captured image V taken in the time period immediately after sunrise.

(4) The first reference coverage setting unit 42 and the second reference coverage setting unit 46 set the coverage Br at the reference time as the reference coverage ST. In the above embodiment, this reference time is the time period immediately after sunrise. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and this reference time may be a time period other than the time period immediately after sunrise. Furthermore, this reference time may be a time of day instead of a time period.

(5) The first reference coverage setting unit 42 and the first reference calculation unit 43 may not be provided. In that case, the first control unit 44 may be configured to obtain a predetermined irrigation reference value TH from outside the cultivation system SY.

(6) The second reference coverage setting unit 46 and the second reference calculation unit 47 may not be provided. In that case, the second control unit 48 may be configured to obtain a predetermined irrigation reference value TH from outside the cultivation system SY.

(7) The manner in which the transition information is displayed is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the display 53 may display the transition information in a table in which the values of the coverage rate Br are arranged in chronological order.

(8) The manner in which the irrigation information is displayed is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the display 53 may display the irrigation information in a table in which the irrigation execution times are arranged in chronological order. In addition, the display 53 may display the irrigation information without overlapping it with the graph 63a.

(9) The manner in which the transition of the control mode is displayed is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the display 53 may display the transition of the control mode of the irrigation control unit 49 in a table in which the history of the control modes is arranged in chronological order. In addition, the display 53 may display the transition of the control mode of the irrigation control unit 49 without overlapping it with the graph 63a.

(10) The control panel 54 may have a non-touchable display instead of the touch panel 54a. In this case, an input device such as a mouse or keyboard may be connected to the control panel 54, and the reference value area 76, the judgment time area 77, the time limit area 78, and the number of times limit area 79 may accept operations via the input device.

(11) The irrigation control unit 49 does not have to have a function of controlling the irrigation device 50 so that the number of irrigations performed by the irrigation device 50 within a predetermined repeated irrigation time limit is within a predetermined repeated irrigation limit number.

(12) The irrigation reference value TH may be set uniformly for each group. For example, the irrigation reference value TH may be set uniformly for the first group GR1 and the second group GR2. In this case, the number of reference value areas 76 included in the reference value setting screen 57 may be one.

(13) The configuration of the support device 30 is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the support device 30 may be configured to slide the fixed camera Ca in the horizontal direction by expanding and contracting using a bellows-like or pantograph-like structure.

(14) The second support portion 32 may be formed from a single member.

The present invention can be used in a cultivated plant imaging device that has a main body that captures images of cultivated plants from a bird's-eye view.

2 spray device 3 cultivated plant imaging device 30 support device 31 first support section 32 second support section 33 upper support section 34 lower support section 34a second connecting section 36a first connecting section 40 coverage rate calculation section (tension index value calculation section)
49 Irrigation control unit 50 Irrigation device
A. Ridge
Br Coverage rate (tension index value)
Ca Fixed camera (main body)
Q: Cultivated plant Q1: Plant individual SY: Cultivation system (plant cultivation system)
TH Irrigation standard value V Captured image

Claims (6)

A main body that captures an image of cultivated plants planted in a ridge from an overhead view;
A plant cultivation system including a cultivated plant imaging device comprising: a support device that supports the main body in a horizontally slidable state,
the support device has a rail-shaped first support portion in a horizontal position and a second support portion supported by the first support portion,
The main body portion is fixed to the second support portion,
the first support portion supports the second support portion in a state in which the second support portion is slidable in a longitudinal direction of the first support portion,
A spray device is provided for spraying fine mist into the space in which the cultivated plant is grown,
The support device is disposed at a position not overlapping with a spray range of the spray device in a plan view ,
The second support portion is disposed at a position overlapping the ridge in a plan view,
A plant cultivation system in which the direction of sliding movement of the second support part is along the longitudinal direction of the ridge . the second support portion has an upper support portion supported by the first support portion and a lower support portion attached to the upper support portion from below,
The main body is fixed to the lower support,
The upper support portion has a first connecting portion,
The lower support portion has a second connecting portion connected to the first connecting portion,
The plant cultivation system according to claim 1 , wherein the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are connected to each other by pushing the lower support portion toward the upper support portion. The cultivated plants are divided into a plurality of groups,
a plurality of the main body portions corresponding to the plurality of groups;
Each of the main bodies is configured to capture an image of the leaves of the cultivated plant from a bird's-eye view,
An irrigation device for irrigating the cultivated plants;
a tension index value calculation unit that calculates a tension index value that indicates a degree of tension of the leaves for each of the groups based on the captured image acquired by the main body unit;
The plant cultivation system of claim 1 or 2, further comprising an irrigation control unit that, when the tension index value falls below a predetermined irrigation standard value, causes the irrigation device to irrigate the group corresponding to the tension index value that falls below the irrigation standard value. The cultivated plant is a collection of multiple plant individuals,
Each of the groups is composed of one or more of the plant individuals,
The plant cultivation system according to claim 3 , wherein the main body unit is arranged to capture an overhead image of the leaves of the plant individual that receives the greatest amount of solar radiation within a predetermined period among all the plant individuals included in one of the groups. The plant cultivation system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the main body is disposed above a height position corresponding to the height of the cultivated plant at the time when the height of the cultivated plant is at its maximum during the cultivation process. The plant cultivation system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the main body is arranged in a position that does not overlap with the spray range of the spray device in a plan view.

Images