Inspection device and inspection program

Abstract

This inspection device comprises an output unit, a storage unit, and an inspection unit. The output unit outputs a control signal for controlling the open state and closed state of a water supply valve that controls supply and non-supply of irrigation water to an outdoor field in which plants grow from water supply piping provided to the field. The storage unit stores a plurality of irrigation water pressures detected by a water pressure sensor from when the water supply valve is in an open state and irrigation water is supplied to the field from the water supply piping, to the elapse of an expected time, for which it is expected that the water supply piping is filled with irrigation water after the water supply valve takes on a closed state. The inspection unit calculates a time constant of water pressure on the basis of the plurality of irrigation water pressures, and inspects the water supply piping on the basis of the time constant.

Description

Inspection equipment and inspection program CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is based on Patent Application No. 2020-161288 filed in Japan on September 25, 2020, and the contents of the original application are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0002] The disclosure described in this specification relates to an inspection device and an inspection program for water supply piping.

[0003] As disclosed in Patent Document 1, a water leakage cause monitoring device is known that includes a water pressure sensor that detects the water pressure in a pipe.

[0004] JP 2019-12050 A

[0005] The water leak cause monitoring device disclosed in Patent Document 1 detects water leaks based on a decrease in the static water pressure in the pipes during times when farmers are not operating water taps. With this method, the time periods during which farm work is carried out and the time periods during which water leaks are detected are separated, for example, during the day and at night. This poses a problem in that the work becomes cumbersome.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an inspection device and an inspection program that prevent the work from becoming complicated.

[0007] An inspection device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an inspection device for inspecting water supply piping installed in an outdoor field where plants grow, and includes: an output unit that outputs a control signal that controls a water supply valve that controls the supply and non-supply of irrigation water from the water supply piping to the field, between an open state and a closed state; a storage unit that stores multiple water pressures of irrigation water detected by a water pressure sensor between a state in which the water supply valve is open and irrigation water is being supplied from the water supply piping to the field, and an expected time has passed since the water supply valve was opened and irrigation water was being supplied from the water supply piping to the field, until the water supply valve was closed and the water supply piping was filled with irrigation water; and an inspection unit that calculates a time constant of the water pressure based on changes in the water pressure of the multiple irrigation water, and inspects the water supply piping based on the time constant.

[0008] An inspection program according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an inspection program executed by a processor, which causes the processor to open a water supply valve installed on a water supply pipe installed in an outdoor field where plants grow, thereby transitioning from a state in which irrigation water is supplied to the field from the water supply pipe to a state in which the supply of irrigation water from the water supply pipe to the field is stopped by closing the water supply valve, obtain multiple water pressures of the irrigation water detected by a water pressure sensor between the time when the water supply valve changes from an open state to a closed state and the time when the expected time for the water supply pipe to be filled with irrigation water has elapsed, calculate a time constant of the water pressure based on the multiple changes in water pressure of the irrigation water, and inspect the water supply pipe based on the time constant.

[0009] In this way, the time period during which irrigation water is supplied to the field from the water supply pipe and the time period during which the water supply pipe is inspected are consecutive, which prevents the work from becoming complicated.

[0010] Furthermore, even if the damage to the water supply pipe is so slight that the water pressure does not change when the water supply pipe is filled with irrigation water, the time constant is expected to be somewhat slower. Therefore, by inspecting the water supply pipe based on the time constant, it is possible to detect whether or not there is even a slight damage to the water supply pipe.

[0011] 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an irrigation system installed in a field. FIG. 2 is a side view showing a water supply pipe and a piping module. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining the irrigation system. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a monitoring unit. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing wireless signals. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining sensor processing. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining update processing. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining monitoring processing. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining water supply processing. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining irrigation processing. FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining user update processing. FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining forced update processing. FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining individual irrigation processing. FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining damage determination processing. FIG. 15 is a side view for explaining supply and non-supply of irrigation water from a drip pipe. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing wireless signals. FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing wireless signals. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the irrigation system. FIG. 19 is a block diagram for explaining a first monitoring unit and a second monitoring unit. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a modified example of the irrigation system. FIG. 19 is a block diagram for explaining a first monitoring unit and a second monitoring unit. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view for explaining an integrated case. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a modified example of the integrated case. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a modified example of the integrated case. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a modified example of the integrated case.

[0012] Hereinafter, several embodiments for carrying out the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, parts corresponding to matters described in the preceding embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations may be omitted. In each embodiment, when only a part of the configuration is described, the other previously described embodiments may be applied to the other parts of the configuration.

[0013] In each embodiment, it is possible to combine parts that are specifically expressly possible to combine with each other. Furthermore, even if it is not expressly expressly possible to combine, it is also possible to partially combine embodiments with each other, embodiments with variations, and variations with each other, as long as there are no particular problems with the combination.

[0014] First Embodiment An irrigation system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 15. FIG.

[0015] In the following, the three directions that are orthogonal to one another are referred to as the x-direction, y-direction, and z-direction. In this embodiment, the plane defined by the x-direction and y-direction is along the horizontal plane. The z-direction is along the vertical direction. In the drawings, the "directions" are omitted and simply written as x, y, and z.

[0016] <Field> The irrigation system 10 is applied to an outdoor field 20 that has been cultivated on a hill or plain. For ease of explanation, the following describes an embodiment in which the irrigation system 10 is applied to a field 20 that has been cultivated on a plain, as shown in Figure 1. The area of ​​this field 20 ranges from several tens of square meters to several thousand square kilometers.

[0017] The field 20 has a plurality of growing areas, such as ridges extending in the x direction. These growing areas extending in the x direction are arranged in a line at intervals in the y direction. Seeds or seedlings of plants 30 are planted in each of these growing areas. Examples of the plants 30 include grapes, corn, almonds, raspberries, leafy vegetables, cotton, etc.

[0018] A plurality of plants 30 are grown in one growing area. As shown in Fig. 1, the plurality of plants 30 are lined up in a row in the x direction. Hereinafter, the plurality of plants 30 lined up in a row in the x direction will be referred to as a group of plants 31. In the field 20, the plurality of plant groups 31 are lined up at intervals in the y direction.

[0019] The shortest distance between the multiple groups of plants 31 in the y direction is longer than the shortest distance between the multiple plants 30 in one group of plants 31 in the x direction. The distance between the multiple groups of plants 31 in the y direction can be changed depending on the types of plants 30 growing therein and the topography and climate of the field 20.

[0020] The spacing between the multiple groups of plants 31 in the y direction is about 1 m to 10 m. Even if the branches and leaves of the plants 30 grow thick in the y direction, there is still enough space between the two groups of plants 31 for a person to move between in the x direction.

[0021] <Irrigation System> The irrigation system 10 comprises a water supply device 100 and a control device 200. The water supply device 100 supplies irrigation water to plants 30 in a field 20. The control device 200 determines the supply time and amount of irrigation water to be supplied from the water supply device 100 to the plants 30 during the irrigation period. The control device 200 determines the irrigation schedule for the water supply device 100.

[0022] <Water Supply Device> The water supply device 100 has a pump 110, a water supply pipe 130, and a pipe module 150. The pump 110 supplies irrigation water to the water supply pipe 130. The pipe module 150 controls the discharge of the irrigation water supplied to the water supply pipe 130.

[0023] <Pump> The pump 110 is always in operation. Alternatively, the pump 110 is in operation during the daytime. The pump 110 pumps irrigation water stored in a tank or reservoir and supplies it to the water supply pipe 130. The irrigation water may be well water, river water, rainwater, city water, or the like.

[0024] As will be described later, the water supply pipe 130 is provided with a plurality of water supply valves 152. When each of these water supply valves 152 is closed and there is no leakage of irrigation water from the water supply pipe 130, the water supply pipe 130 is filled with irrigation water. At this time, the water pressure in the water supply pipe 130 becomes a value (pump pressure) that depends on the discharge capacity of the pump 110.

[0025] When the water supply valve 152 changes from a closed state to an open state, irrigation water is discharged from the water supply pipe 130 to the field 20. When the amount of irrigation water discharged becomes stable on average over time, the water pressure in the water supply pipe 130 becomes a flow pressure that is lower than the pump pressure.

[0026] <Water Supply Pipe> The water supply pipe 130 has a main pipe 131 and a drip pipe 132. The main pipe 131 is connected to the pump 110. The drip pipe 132 is connected to the main pipe 131. Irrigation water is supplied from the main pipe 131 to the drip pipe 132 by the pump 110. This irrigation water is supplied from the drip pipe 132 to the field 20.

[0027] <Main Pipe> The main pipe 131 has a vertical pipe 133 and a horizontal pipe 134. The vertical pipe 133 extends in the y direction. The horizontal pipe 134 extends in the x direction. The vertical pipe 133 and the horizontal pipe 134 are connected to each other. Due to this configuration, irrigation water flows in the main pipe 131 in the y direction and the x direction.

[0028] 1 , one vertical pipe 133 is connected to one pump 110. A plurality of horizontal pipes 134 extend in the x direction from the vertical pipe 133 extending in the y direction. The horizontal pipes 134 are positioned in the z direction so as to be farther from the ground than the top of a mature plant 30.

[0029] 1 is merely an example. There are no particular limitations on the number of pumps 110 and vertical pipes 133 provided in the field 20, the number of vertical pipes 133 connected to one pump 110, the number of vertical pipes 133 connected to one horizontal pipe 134, or the positions of the horizontal pipes 134 and the vertical pipes 133 in the z direction.

[0030] The multiple horizontal pipes 134 are lined up at intervals in the y direction. The shortest distance between the multiple horizontal pipes 134 in the y direction is equal to the shortest distance between the multiple groups of plants 31 in the y direction. One of the multiple horizontal pipes 134 is provided for one of the multiple groups of plants 31. The horizontal pipe 134 extends along the direction in which the multiple plants 30 included in the group of plants 31 are lined up (the x direction). The drip pipe 132 is connected to this horizontal pipe 134.

[0031] <Drip Pipe> A plurality of drip pipes 132 are connected to one horizontal pipe 134. The plurality of drip pipes 132 connected to one horizontal pipe 134 are arranged in the x direction at intervals.

[0032] 2, the drip pipe 132 has an extension pipe 135 and a branch pipe 136. The extension pipe 135 extends downward in the z direction from the horizontal pipe 134. Two connection ports that open in the x direction are formed at the tip side of the extension pipe 135. The branch pipe 136 is connected to these two connection ports.

[0033] The branch pipe 136 has a first branch pipe 136a connected to one of the two connection ports and a second branch pipe 136b connected to the other of the two connection ports. The first branch pipe 136a and the second branch pipe 136b extend in opposite directions in the x direction from the connection position with the extension pipe 135.

[0034] Each of the first branch pipe 136a and the second branch pipe 136b has a drip hole 137 that connects the internal space through which the irrigation water flows with the external space. The drip hole 137 opens on the underside of each of the first branch pipe 136a and the second branch pipe 136b on the ground side.

[0035] The drip holes 137 may be opened on the upper surfaces of the empty sides of the first branch pipe 136 a and the second branch pipe 136 b, or on the side surfaces connecting the upper and lower surfaces of the first branch pipe 136 a and the second branch pipe 136 b.

[0036] A plurality of drip holes 137 are formed in each of the first branch pipe 136a and the second branch pipe 136b. These drip holes 137 are aligned and spaced apart in the x direction. The spacing between the drip holes 137 in the x direction is equal to the spacing between the plants 30 in the x direction. In the example shown in Figure 2, three drip holes 137 are formed in each of the first branch pipe 136a and the second branch pipe 136b.

[0037] The spacing between the plurality of drip holes 137 may be different from the spacing between the plurality of plants 30. The number of drip holes 137 formed in the first branch pipe 136a and the second branch pipe 136b is not limited to three.

[0038] <Flow of irrigation water> Irrigation water supplied to the vertical pipe 133 by the pump 110 flows in the y direction within the vertical pipe 133. This irrigation water is supplied to each of the multiple horizontal pipes 134 connected to the vertical pipe 133. The irrigation water flows in the x direction within each of the multiple horizontal pipes 134.

[0039] The irrigation water flowing through the horizontal pipe 134 flows through the extension pipe 135 into the branch pipe 136. This irrigation water is discharged from the drip holes 137 of the first branch pipe 136a and the second branch pipe 136b. In this way, the irrigation water is supplied to the plants 30.

[0040] 1 , the first branch pipe 136a and the second branch pipe 136b are each located closer to the ground of the field 20 in the z direction than the top of the plant 30. The irrigation water dripping from the drip holes 137 of the first branch pipe 136a and the second branch pipe 136b is supplied mainly to the trunk and roots of the plant 30.

[0041] <Sprinkler nozzle> A configuration in which a sprinkler nozzle is attached to the drip hole 137 can also be adopted. The spray direction of irrigation water sprayed from this sprinkler nozzle can be directed toward the ground or toward the sky in the z direction. When irrigation water is sprayed toward the sky, the spray direction of the irrigation water is more likely to spread horizontally than in a configuration in which irrigation water is sprayed toward the ground. As a result, the irrigation water sprayed from the sprinkler nozzle can be sprayed over a wide area of ​​the field 20.

[0042] Whether the irrigation water is sprayed toward the ground or toward the sky can be determined based on the type of plants 30 to which the irrigation water is being supplied, the depth of the plowed soil layer in the field 20, the climate of the field 20, and the like. For example, if the plants 30 have wide roots, the plowed soil layer is shallow, or the climate is prone to drying, the irrigation water is sprayed toward the sky. If the plants 30 have deep roots, the plowed soil layer is deep, or the climate is prone to drying, the irrigation water is sprayed toward the ground.

[0043] <Piping Module> As shown simply in Fig. 2, the piping module 150 is provided on the drip piping 132. The piping module 150 has a storage box 151, a water supply valve 152, and a water pressure sensor 153. The water supply valve 152 and the water pressure sensor 153 are stored in the storage box 151. The storage box 151 is shown in cross section in the drawing.

[0044] <Water Supply Valve> The water supply valve 152 is provided on the connection position side of each of the first branch pipe 136a and the second branch pipe 136b to the extension pipe 135. All drip holes 137 are located between the water supply valve 152 and the tip side of each of the first branch pipe 136a and the second branch pipe 136b that is spaced apart from the extension pipe 135.

[0045] When the water supply valve 152 is open, the extension pipe 135 and the drip hole 137 are connected. This allows irrigation water to be discharged from the drip hole 137. Conversely, when the water supply valve 152 is closed, the connection between the extension pipe 135 and the drip hole 137 is blocked. This stops the discharge of irrigation water from the drip hole 137.

[0046] The water supply valve 152 provided on the first branch pipe 136a and the water supply valve 152 provided on the second branch pipe 136b are independently controlled to open and close by the control device 200. This opening and closing control allows the discharge of irrigation water from the drip hole 137 of the first branch pipe 136a and the discharge of irrigation water from the drip hole 137 of the second branch pipe 136b to be independently controlled. A solenoid valve is used as the water supply valve 152, which can be switched between an open state and a closed state depending on whether a discharge signal is input or not.

[0047] <Water pressure sensors> A water pressure sensor 153 is provided on each of the two connection ports of the extension pipe 135 where the first branch pipe 136a and the second branch pipe 136b are connected. Each of these two water pressure sensors 153 detects the water pressure inside the extension pipe 135. The water pressure detected by this water pressure sensor 153 is output to the control device 200.

[0048] The location of the water pressure sensor 153 is not limited to the above example. For example, the water pressure sensor 153 may be provided between the connection position of the first branch pipe 136a with the extension pipe 135 and the location of the water supply valve 152, and between the connection position of the second branch pipe 136b with the extension pipe 135 and the location of the water supply valve 152. The water pressure sensor 153 may be provided at a portion of the extension pipe 135 extending in the z direction. The water pressure sensor 153 may be provided at the connection position of the extension pipe 135 with the horizontal pipe 134. The location of the water pressure sensor 153 may be on the horizontal pipe 134 side of the water supply valve 152 in the flow path of the irrigation water in the drip pipe 132.

[0049] When the water supply valve 152 is closed and the extension pipe 135 is filled with irrigation water, the water pressure sensor 153 detects the pump pressure.

[0050] When the water supply valve 152 changes from a closed state to an open state, irrigation water is discharged from the branch pipe 136. When the amount of irrigation water discharged becomes stable on a time average, the water pressure sensor 153 detects the flow pressure.

[0051] When the water supply valve 152 changes from an open state to a closed state, the discharge of irrigation water from the water supply pipe 130 stops. The water pressure in the water supply pipe 130 gradually recovers from flow pressure to pump pressure. The water pressure sensor 153 detects the water pressure during this transitional period when the water pressure gradually recovers from flow pressure to pump pressure.

[0052] If a break occurs in the water supply pipe 130 or the water supply valve 152 and irrigation water leaks from the broken part, the water pressure detected by the water pressure sensor 153 will decrease. This will enable detection of whether or not a break has occurred. This break detection process is executed by the control device 200.

[0053] 1 and 3, the control device 200 has a monitoring unit 300, an integrated communication unit 400, an information storage unit 500, and an integrated calculation unit 600. In the drawings, the integrated communication unit 400 is represented as ICD.

[0054] The control device 200 has a plurality of monitoring units 300. The plurality of monitoring units 300 are provided in the farm field 20 together with a plurality of piping modules 150. The monitoring units 300 and the piping modules 150 are electrically connected to each other.

[0055] The water pressure detected by the water pressure sensor 153 is input to the monitoring unit 300. The monitoring unit 300 then detects physical quantities related to the environment of the farm field 20 as environmental values. Each of the multiple monitoring units 300 outputs the water pressure and environmental values ​​to the integrated communication unit 400 via wireless communication.

[0056] The integrated communication unit 400 wirelessly outputs the water pressure and environmental values ​​input from each of the multiple monitoring units 300 to the information storage unit 500. These water pressures and environmental values ​​are stored in the information storage unit 500. The information storage unit 500 is a so-called cloud.

[0057] The integrated calculation unit 600 reads out various information such as water pressure and environmental values ​​stored in the information storage unit 500. The integrated calculation unit 600 then processes the read out information as appropriate and displays it on the monitor 700 of the user's smartphone or personal computer. In the drawings, the monitor 700 is represented as M.

[0058] The integrated calculation unit 600 is included in a user's smartphone, personal computer, etc. The integrated calculation unit 600 has an information processing calculation device 610, a memory 620, and a communication device 630. In the drawing, the information processing calculation device 610 is represented as IPCE, the memory 620 as MM, and the communication device 630 as CD.

[0059] The information processing and computing device 610 includes a processor. The information processing and computing device 610 performs computational processing related to irrigation. This function is realized by downloading an irrigation application program to the information processing and computing device 610.

[0060] The memory 620 is a non-transitory tangible storage medium that non-temporarily stores various programs and information that can be read by a computer or processor. The memory 620 includes a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory. The memory 620 stores various information input to the communication device 630 and the processing results of the information processing device 610. Based on the information stored in the memory 620, the information processing device 610 executes various arithmetic processes.

[0061] The communication device 630 has a wireless communication function. The communication device 630 converts a received wireless signal into an electric signal and outputs it to the information processing device 610. The communication device 630 outputs the processing result of the information processing device 610 as a wireless signal.

[0062] In the following, to avoid complication of notation, the technical content of this embodiment will be described using the integrated calculation unit 600 without distinguishing between the information processing calculation device 610, the memory 620, and the communication device 630. The information processing calculation device 610 corresponds to the processing calculation unit.

[0063] The user inputs user instructions related to the irrigation schedule into the integrated calculation unit 600 using an input device 800 such as a touch panel or keyboard. The integrated calculation unit 600 determines the irrigation schedule based on these user instructions and various information read from the information storage unit 500. If no instructions are given by the user, the integrated calculation unit 600 automatically determines the irrigation schedule based on various information. In the drawings, the input device 800 is represented as ID.

[0064] When the integrated calculation unit 600 determines that it is time to start supplying irrigation water in the determined irrigation schedule, it outputs an instruction signal to the information storage unit 500 to control the opening and closing of the water supply valve 152. This instruction signal is input from the information storage unit 500 to the monitoring unit 300 via the integrated communication unit 400. The monitoring unit 300 controls whether to output or not output a discharge signal to the water supply valve 152 based on the instruction signal. This controls the open / close state of the water supply valve 152. As a result, the supply of irrigation water to the field 20 is controlled. At least one of the instruction signal and the discharge signal corresponds to the control signal.

[0065] <Divided Area> As shown in Fig. 1, one monitoring unit 300 is provided for each drip pipe 132 together with a piping module 150. Therefore, as shown schematically in Fig. 3, the multiple monitoring units 300, together with the water supply valves 152 and water pressure sensors 153 provided in the multiple piping modules 150, are arranged in a matrix in the field 20, with the x direction as the row direction and the y direction as the column direction.

[0066] With this configuration, the environment of each of the multiple divided areas separated by rows and columns is individually monitored by the multiple monitoring units 300 provided therein. At the same time, the supply of irrigation water to each of the multiple divided areas is individually controlled by the multiple monitoring units 300 and the multiple piping modules 150.

[0067] 3, the monitoring unit 300 has an environmental sensor 310 and a control unit 320. The water supply valve 152 and water pressure sensor 153 of the piping module 150 are electrically connected to the control unit 320. In the drawing, the environmental sensor 310 is represented as ES, the water supply valve 152 as WB, and the water pressure sensor 153 as WPS.

[0068] The multiple environmental sensors 310 are arranged in a matrix in the field 20 together with the piping modules 150. The multiple environmental sensors 310 detect environmental values ​​for each of the multiple divided areas. The multiple water pressure sensors 153 detect water pressure for each of the multiple divided areas. The environmental values ​​and water pressure for each of the multiple divided areas are stored in the information storage unit 500.

[0069] 4, the control unit 320 has a microcomputer 330, a communication unit 340, an RTC 350, and a power generation unit 360. "Microcomputer" stands for "microcomputer." "RTC" stands for "real time clock." In the drawing, the communication unit 340 is abbreviated as "CDP."

[0070] Environmental values ​​and water pressure are input to the microcomputer 330. The microcomputer 330 outputs these environmental values ​​and water pressure to the integrated communication unit 400 via the communication unit 340. An instruction signal is also input to the microcomputer 330 from the integrated communication unit 400. The microcomputer 330 outputs a discharge signal to the water supply valve 152 based on this instruction signal. The microcomputer 330 corresponds to the calculation processing unit.

[0071] The microcomputer 330 has a sleep mode and a normal mode as its operating modes. In the sleep mode, the microcomputer 330 stops processing. In the normal mode, the microcomputer 330 executes processing. The normal mode consumes more power than the sleep mode.

[0072] The communication unit 340 communicates wirelessly with the integrated communication unit 400. The communication unit 340 outputs the electrical signal output from the microcomputer 330 as a wireless signal to the integrated communication unit 400. At the same time, the communication unit 340 receives the wireless signal output from the integrated communication unit 400 and converts it into an electrical signal. The communication unit 340 outputs the electrical signal to the microcomputer 330. If the electrical signal includes an instruction signal, the microcomputer 330 switches from sleep mode to normal mode.

[0073] The RTC 350 has a clock function that keeps time and a timer function that measures time. When a preset time arrives or when a preset time has elapsed, the RTC 350 outputs a wake-up signal to the microcomputer 330. When this wake-up signal is input to the microcomputer 330 in sleep mode, the microcomputer 330 switches from sleep mode to normal mode. The RTC 350 corresponds to a wake-up unit.

[0074] The power generation unit 360 converts light energy into electrical energy. The power generation unit 360 serves as the power supply source for the monitoring unit 300. Power is constantly supplied from the power generation unit 360 to the RTC 350. This prevents the clock and timer functions of the RTC 350 from being impaired.

[0075] As described above, the position of the horizontal pipe 134 in the z direction is farther from the ground than the top of the mature plant 30. The control unit 320 is mechanically connected to this horizontal pipe 134. Due to this configuration, the mature plant 30 is less likely to prevent sunlight from entering the power generation unit 360. This makes it less likely to prevent the power generation unit 360 from converting light energy into electrical energy.

[0076] <Environmental Sensors> One of the environmental values ​​that is expected to change for each divided area of ​​the field 20 is soil moisture content. Each of the multiple environmental sensors 310 is equipped with a soil moisture sensor 311 that detects soil moisture content. The multiple soil moisture sensors 311 detect the soil moisture content for each of the multiple divided areas. In the drawings, the soil moisture sensor 311 is represented as SMS.

[0077] The amount of solar radiation is an environmental value that is expected to change for each divided area depending on the undulations of the field 20 and the growth conditions of the plants 30. In this embodiment, each of the multiple environmental sensors 310 is equipped with a solar radiation sensor 312 that detects the amount of solar radiation. These multiple solar radiation sensors 312 detect the amount of solar radiation for each of the multiple divided areas. In the drawings, the solar radiation sensor 312 is represented as SRS.

[0078] By arranging the soil moisture content and solar radiation amount detected in each of the multiple divided areas in a matrix, it becomes possible to display the soil moisture content distribution and solar radiation amount distribution in the field 20 as a map on the monitor 700. Similarly, by arranging the water pressures detected by the multiple water pressure sensors 153 provided in each of the multiple divided areas in a matrix, it becomes possible to display the water pressure distribution in the water supply pipes 130 laid throughout the field 20 as a map on the monitor 700. Such map display processing is performed by the integrated calculation unit 600.

[0079] The environmental values ​​for the entire field 20 include the amount of rainfall, temperature, humidity, air pressure, and wind volume. The sensors that detect these include a rain sensor 313, a temperature sensor 314, a humidity sensor 315, an air pressure sensor 316, and a wind sensor 317. These are included in at least one environmental sensor 310 of the multiple monitoring units 300.

[0080] The environmental sensor 310 of the monitoring unit 300, representatively shown in Figure 4, includes various sensors that detect environmental values ​​throughout the field 20. In the figure, the rain sensor 313 is represented as RS, the temperature sensor 314 as TS, the humidity sensor 315 as MS, the air pressure sensor 316 as PS, and the wind sensor 317 as WS. The wind sensor 317 may detect not only the wind volume but also the wind direction.

[0081] It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which at least one of the rain sensor 313, the temperature sensor 314, the humidity sensor 315, the air pressure sensor 316, and the wind sensor 317 is arranged in a matrix in the field 20.

[0082] This configuration is effective when the amount of rainfall, temperature, humidity, air pressure, and wind volume are likely to vary significantly for each divided area, for example, because the field 20 is large, has significant undulations, or has a severe climate in the field 20. By arranging the amount of rainfall, temperature, humidity, air pressure, and wind volume detected by these sensors in a matrix, it becomes possible to display these environmental values ​​as a map on the monitor 700.

[0083] It is also possible to employ a configuration in which sensors for detecting environmental values ​​of the entire farm field 20 are provided in the integrated communication unit 400. In such a configuration, the outputs of these sensors are output to the communication unit 340 via the integrated communication unit 400. At the same time, the outputs of these sensors are stored in the information storage unit 500 via the integrated communication unit 400.

[0084] This configuration is effective when, for example, the field 20 is small, the field 20 has gentle undulations, or the field 20 has a stable climate, so that the amount of rainfall, temperature, humidity, air pressure, and wind volume are unlikely to change for each divided area.

[0085] <Soil Moisture Content> Of the various environmental values ​​described above, the environmental value controlled by the irrigation system 10 is soil moisture content. The irrigation system 10 controls the supply time and supply amount of irrigation water for each divided area. In this way, the soil moisture content for each divided area is controlled individually.

[0086] The plant 30 has roots in the plowed soil layer of the field 20. The growth of the plant 30 depends on the amount of water contained in the soil in this plowed soil layer (soil moisture content). If the soil moisture content exceeds the growth inhibition moisture point, the plant 30 will develop disease. If the soil moisture content falls below the permanent wilting point, the plant 30 will no longer recover from wilting.

[0087] The growth inhibition water point and permanent wilting point are known values, although they differ depending on the type of plant 30. These values ​​are stored in the information storage unit 500.

[0088] The current value of the soil moisture content is detected by the soil moisture sensor 311. Physical quantities related to the soil moisture content include the soil moisture tension (pF value) and the soil dielectric constant (ε). In this embodiment, the soil moisture sensor 311 detects the pF value.

[0089] The soil moisture content of the plowed soil layer increases or decreases due to environmental changes in the field 20. When rain falls on the field 20, the soil moisture content increases. When water evaporates from the plowed soil layer, the soil moisture content decreases. In addition, when plants 30 absorb water or when water seeps into layers below the plowed soil layer, the soil moisture content decreases.

[0090] The amount of rain falling on the plowed soil layer (rainfall amount) is detected by a rain sensor 313 .

[0091] The amount of water that evaporates from the plow layer (evaporation rate) depends on the amount of solar radiation, temperature, humidity, and wind volume, which are detected by the solar radiation sensor 312, temperature sensor 314, humidity sensor 315, and wind sensor 317.

[0092] The amount of water absorbed by the plant 30 per unit time can be estimated in advance based on the type of plant 30. The amount of water that permeates below the plow soil per unit time can be estimated in advance based on the water retention capacity of the soil. These estimated values ​​are stored in the information storage unit 500.

[0093] As described above, the current soil moisture content of the plowed soil layer, the increase from the current value due to environmental changes in the soil moisture content of the plowed soil layer due to environmental changes, and the predicted value relating to the predicted decrease are detected by the environmental sensor 310. These are stored as environmental values ​​in the information storage unit 500. The growth inhibition moisture point and permanent wilting point of the plant 30, the amount of water absorbed by the plant 30 per unit time, and the moisture retention capacity of the soil are also stored in the information storage unit 500. The above-mentioned instructions from the user (user instructions) are then stored in the information storage unit 500. In this way, various information for determining the irrigation schedule is stored in the information storage unit 500.

[0094] 4, the microcomputer 330 includes an acquisition unit 331, a signal output unit 332, a storage unit 333, and a processing unit 334. In the drawing, the acquisition unit 331 is represented as AD, the signal output unit 332 as SOU, the storage unit 333 as MU, and the processing unit 334 as PU.

[0095] The acquisition unit 331 receives as input an environmental value detected by the environmental sensor 310. The acquisition unit 331 also receives as input a water pressure detected by the water pressure sensor 153. The acquisition unit 331 is electrically connected to the environmental sensor 310 and the water pressure sensor 153. In Figure 1, the wire 160 connecting the acquisition unit 331 and the soil moisture sensor 311, and the wire 160 connecting the acquisition unit 331 and the water pressure sensor 153 are shown as representative examples.

[0096] The signal output unit 332 is electrically connected to the water supply valve 152. A discharge signal for controlling the opening and closing of the water supply valve 152 is output from the signal output unit 332 to the water supply valve 152. When no discharge signal is input, the water supply valve 152 is closed. When a discharge signal is input, the water supply valve 152 is open.

[0097] The memory unit 333 is a non-transient tangible storage medium that non-temporarily stores programs and data that can be read by a computer or processor. The memory unit 333 has volatile memory and non-volatile memory. The memory unit 333 stores a program that the processing unit 334 uses to execute arithmetic processing. This program includes at least a portion of the irrigation application program described above. The memory unit 333 also temporarily stores data used when the processing unit 334 executes arithmetic processing. The memory unit 333 also stores various data input to the acquisition unit 331 and the communication unit 340, as well as the acquisition times of the various data.

[0098] The processing unit 334 switches from the sleep mode to the normal mode when a wake-up signal is input from the RTC 350. In the normal mode, the processing unit 334 reads the programs and various data stored in the storage unit 333 and executes arithmetic processing.

[0099] The processing unit 334 reads out the acquisition times of the various sensor signals input to the acquisition unit 331 and the instruction signals input to the communication unit 340 from the RTC 350. The processing unit 334 stores the instruction signals and their acquisition times in the storage unit 333.

[0100] The processing unit 334 also stores the environmental values ​​and water pressure input from the environmental sensor 310 and the water pressure sensor 153, as well as the time of their acquisition, in the information storage unit 500 via the communication unit 340 and the integrated communication unit 400. The processing unit 334 then outputs a discharge signal to the water supply valve 152 via the signal output unit 332, based on an instruction signal input from the integrated calculation unit 600 via the information storage unit 500, the integrated communication unit 400, and the communication unit 340.

[0101] <Communication Unit> The communication unit 340 converts the electrical signal input from the processing unit 334 into a wireless signal. The communication unit 340 outputs this wireless signal to the integrated communication unit 400. The communication unit 340 also converts the wireless signal output from the integrated communication unit 400 into an electrical signal. The communication unit 340 outputs this electrical signal to the processing unit 334.

[0102] 5, the wireless signal output by the communication unit 340 includes an address 341 and data 342. In the drawing, the address 341 is represented as ADD and the data 342 is represented as DAT.

[0103] 3, wireless signals are transmitted and received between the multiple communication units 340 and the integrated communication unit 400. An address 341 included in the wireless signal is an identification code indicating which of the multiple communication units 340 the signal was output from. In other words, the address included in the wireless signal is an identification code indicating which of the multiple processing units 334 the signal was output from. A unique address 341 is stored in each of the multiple storage units 333.

[0104] The wireless signal output from the integrated communication unit 400 also contains an address 341. The data 342 of this wireless signal contains an instruction signal. Each of the multiple communication units 340 receives this wireless signal.

[0105] This wireless signal is converted into an electrical signal by each of the plurality of communication units 340. Then, this electrical signal is input to each of the plurality of processing units 334. Of the plurality of processing units 334, only the processing unit 334 having the same address 341 as the address 341 included in the electrical signal executes arithmetic processing based on the electrical signal.

[0106] As will be described later, the microcomputer 330 operates intermittently, alternating between a sleep mode and a normal mode. As a result, wireless communication between the communication unit 340 and the integrated communication unit 400 is not performed frequently. The time intervals between wireless communication between the communication unit 340 and the integrated communication unit 400 are lengthened. This makes it possible to increase the amount of data that can be included in the data 342 in one wireless communication.

[0107] <Power Generation Unit> The power generation unit 360 has a solar cell 361, a power storage unit 362, a current sensor 363, and a power sensor 364. In the drawing, the solar cell 361 is represented as SB, the power storage unit 362 as ESU, the current sensor 363 as CS, and the power sensor 364 as PS.

[0108] The solar cell 361 converts light energy into electrical energy. The power storage unit 362 stores the electrical energy (power). The power stored in the power storage unit 362 is used as power to drive the monitoring unit 300.

[0109] The current sensor 363 detects the current output from the solar cell 361 to the power storage unit 362. The power sensor 364 detects the power output from the power storage unit 362. The processing unit 334 also stores this current and power in the information storage unit 500 via the communication unit 340 and the integrated communication unit 400.

[0110] The driving power of the monitoring unit 300 depends on the power generated by the power generating unit 360. Therefore, if the amount of light incident on the power generating unit 360 is small, there is a risk that the driving power of the monitoring unit 300 will run out. To avoid this, the microcomputer 330 of the monitoring unit 300 operates intermittently.

[0111] <RTC> The RTC 350 outputs a wake-up signal to the microcomputer 330 every time the above-described intermittent drive time interval (wake-up cycle) elapses, causing the microcomputer 330 to alternate between sleep mode and normal mode.

[0112] The wake-up cycle is determined by the integration calculation unit 600 in accordance with the amount of power stored in the power storage unit 362 (amount of stored power). In other words, the intermittent drive interval is determined by the integration calculation unit 600 in accordance with the amount of stored power.

[0113] The integrated calculation unit 600 calculates the amount of stored power based on the power stored in the information storage unit 500. The integrated calculation unit 600 sets a longer intermittent drive interval as the amount of stored power decreases. Conversely, the integrated calculation unit 600 sets a shorter intermittent drive interval as the amount of stored power increases.

[0114] The integrated calculation unit 600 includes the intermittent drive interval in the instruction signal. When the processing unit 334 of the microcomputer 330 receives this instruction signal, the processing unit 334 adjusts the intermittent drive interval. In other words, the processing unit 334 adjusts the wake-up cycle of the RTC 350.

[0115] It is rare for the environment of the farm field 20 to change drastically in units of a few seconds. For this reason, the intermittent drive interval is set to a unit of several tens of seconds to several tens of hours. Accordingly, the time interval for wireless communication is also set to a unit of several tens of seconds to several tens of hours.

[0116] <Operation of the irrigation system> As described above, in the irrigation system 10, signals are sent and received between the multiple monitoring units 300 and the integrated calculation unit 600, and various data are stored in the information storage unit 500. Each of the multiple monitoring units 300 and the integrated calculation unit 600 executes a cycle task that is processed every wake-up cycle and an event task that is processed suddenly.

[0117] These cycle tasks and event tasks have a processing priority. If the processing timing of these tasks is the same, the event task takes priority over the cycle task.

[0118] As a cycle task, each of the plurality of monitoring units 300 executes the sensor processing shown in Fig. 6. The integrated calculation unit 600 executes the update processing shown in Fig. 7.

[0119] As event tasks, each of the plurality of monitoring units 300 executes the monitoring process shown in Fig. 8 and the water supply process shown in Fig. 9. The integrated calculation unit 600 executes the watering process shown in Fig. 10, the user update process shown in Fig. 11, and the forced update process shown in Fig. 12.

[0120] The sensor processing and update processing as cycle tasks will be described below with reference to Figures 6 and 7. In each flowchart, the start is indicated by S and the end by E.

[0121] <Sensor Processing> Before the start shown in Fig. 6, the microcomputer 330 of the monitoring unit 300 is in sleep mode. A wake-up signal is input to this microcomputer 330 from the RTC 350. This switches the microcomputer 330 from sleep mode to normal mode. At the same time, the microcomputer 330 begins executing the sensor processing shown in Fig. 6. This sensor processing is executed at the intermittent drive intervals of the microcomputer 330.

[0122] In step S10, the microcomputer 330 acquires sensor signals input from various sensors. At the same time, the microcomputer 330 acquires the acquisition time of the sensor signals based on the output of the RTC 350. After this, the microcomputer 330 proceeds to step S20.

[0123] In step S20, the microcomputer 330 stores the acquired sensor signal and the time of acquisition, and then proceeds to step S30.

[0124] In step S30, the microcomputer 330 outputs the sensor signal and the acquisition time as sensor information from the communication unit 340 to the integrated communication unit 400 via wireless communication. This sensor information is stored in the information storage unit 500 by the integrated communication unit 400. The microcomputer 330 transitions to sleep mode and ends the sensor processing.

[0125] 7 every time an update period elapses. This update period is approximately the same as the intermittent drive interval of the microcomputer 330.

[0126] In step S110, the integrated calculation unit 600 reads out various pieces of information stored in the information storage unit 500. The integrated calculation unit 600 then proceeds to step S120.

[0127] When the process proceeds to step S120, the integrated calculation unit 600 updates the irrigation schedule for each of the multiple monitoring units 300 based on the various pieces of information that have been read. The integrated calculation unit 600 also updates the sensor processing for each of the multiple monitoring units 300. Specifically, the integrated calculation unit 600 updates the intermittent drive interval, which corresponds to the timing at which sensor processing is executed. The integrated calculation unit 600 then retains the updated irrigation schedule and intermittent drive interval, and also stores them in the information storage unit 500. After this, the information storage unit 500 ends the update process.

[0128] As described above, the cycle task updates the sensor information, the watering schedule, and the intermittent drive interval.

[0129] Next, the monitoring process, water supply process, irrigation process, user update process, and forced update process as event tasks will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 12. The monitoring process, water supply process, and irrigation process are each executed during the daytime to avoid depletion of the driving power of the monitoring unit 300. Whether or not it is daytime can be determined based on the current time and the amount of solar radiation detected by the solar radiation sensor 312, etc.

[0130] <Monitoring Process> Before the start shown in Fig. 8, the microcomputer 330 of the monitoring unit 300 is in sleep mode. An instruction signal is input to this microcomputer 330 from the integrated calculation unit 600 via wireless communication. As a result, the microcomputer 330 switches from sleep mode to normal mode. At the same time, the microcomputer 330 starts executing the monitoring process shown in Fig. 8.

[0131] In step S210, the microcomputer 330 stores the input instruction signal and the time at which it was acquired, and then proceeds to step S220.

[0132] In step S220, the microcomputer 330 determines whether the instruction signal includes a water supply instruction to change the water supply valve 152 from a closed state to an open state. If the instruction signal includes a water supply instruction, the microcomputer 330 proceeds to step S230. If the instruction signal does not include a water supply instruction, the microcomputer 330 proceeds to step S240.

[0133] In step S230, the microcomputer 330 executes the water supply process shown in Fig. 9. That is, in step S231, the microcomputer 330 outputs a discharge signal to the water supply valve 152 in accordance with the water supply instruction. After that, the microcomputer 330 proceeds to step S232.

[0134] In step S232, the microcomputer 330 determines whether the water supply time included in the instruction signal has elapsed. If the water supply time has not elapsed, the microcomputer 330 continues to output the discharge signal to the water supply valve 152. If the water supply time has elapsed, the microcomputer 330 proceeds to step S233.

[0135] In step S233, the microcomputer 330 stops outputting the ejection signal, and then proceeds to step S240 shown in FIG.

[0136] In step S240, the microcomputer 330 determines whether the instruction signal includes an instruction to update the intermittent drive interval. If the instruction signal includes an instruction to update the intermittent drive interval, the microcomputer 330 proceeds to step S250. If the instruction signal does not include an instruction to update the intermittent drive interval, the microcomputer 330 proceeds to step S260.

[0137] The instruction to update the intermittent drive interval is outputted as an instruction signal from the integrated calculation unit 600 or the information storage unit 500 to each of the plurality of monitoring units 300 periodically or irregularly.

[0138] In step S250, the processing unit 334 of the microcomputer 330 adjusts the time interval for outputting the wake-up signal of the RTC 350. After this, the microcomputer 330 proceeds to step S260.

[0139] When the process proceeds to step S260, the microcomputer 330 executes the sensor processing described with reference to Figure 6. If the microcomputer 330 executes the water supply processing in step S230, the environmental values ​​after irrigation water supply are detected in step S260. If the microcomputer 330 does not execute the water supply processing in step S260, the environmental values ​​before irrigation water supply are detected in step S260. These environmental values ​​are stored in the information storage unit 500. After completing the sensor processing, the microcomputer 330 transitions to sleep mode and ends the monitoring processing.

[0140] <Irrigation Processing> The integrated calculation unit 600 executes the irrigation processing shown in FIG. 10 every time the timing for supplying irrigation water comes in the irrigation schedule of each of the multiple monitoring units 300 .

[0141] In step S310, the integrated calculation unit 600 outputs an instruction signal (water supply signal) including a water supply instruction to the monitoring unit 300 of the divided area to which irrigation water is to be supplied, among the multiple monitoring units 300. After this, the integrated calculation unit 600 proceeds to step S320.

[0142] The water supply instruction includes the start of output of the discharge signal and the output time of the discharge signal (water supply time). Upon receiving this water supply instruction, the monitoring unit 300 executes the monitoring process described with reference to FIG.

[0143] When the process proceeds to step S320, the integral calculation unit 600 enters a standby state until the monitoring process of the monitoring unit 300 is completed. When the monitoring process is completed, the integral calculation unit 600 proceeds to step S330.

[0144] The determination of whether the monitoring process has ended can be made, for example, based on whether a time period during which the monitoring process is expected to end has elapsed, or by inquiring of the monitoring unit 300 as to whether the monitoring process has ended. There are no particular limitations on the method for determining whether the monitoring process has ended.

[0145] In step S330, the integrated calculation unit 600 executes the update process described with reference to Fig. 7. As a result, the irrigation schedule is updated based on the environmental values ​​after the irrigation water is supplied.

[0146] The irrigation water supply start times for at least some of the irrigation schedules of the multiple monitoring units 300 installed in each of the multiple divided areas may be uniformly set to the same time. However, it is expected that the amount of irrigation water required for each of the multiple divided areas will be different. Therefore, even if the irrigation water supply start times for each of the multiple divided areas are uniformly set to the same time, the irrigation water supply end times for each of the multiple divided areas will be the same or different.

[0147] In this configuration, in step S310, the integrated calculation unit 600 outputs a water supply signal to at least some of the multiple monitoring units 300 provided in each of the multiple divided areas. In step S320, the integrated calculation unit 600 enters a standby state until the monitoring process by the monitoring unit 300 in the divided area with the longest water supply time among the multiple irrigation schedules is completed.

[0148] <User Update Process> The integrated calculation unit 600 executes the user update process shown in FIG. 11 when a user instruction relating to adjustment of the watering schedule or the intermittent drive interval is input from the input device 800.

[0149] In step S410, the integrated calculation unit 600 stores the input user instruction in the information storage unit 500. After this, the integrated calculation unit 600 proceeds to step S420.

[0150] In step S420, the integrated calculation unit 600 executes the update process described with reference to Fig. 7. As a result, the watering schedule and the intermittent drive interval are updated based on the user's instructions.

[0151] <Forced Update Process> The integrated calculation unit 600 executes the forced update process shown in FIG. 12 when a user instruction relating to updating the watering schedule and the intermittent drive interval is input.

[0152] In step S510, the integrated calculation unit 600 outputs an instruction signal (request signal) including a request instruction for executing sensor processing. This request signal is output by wireless communication to the monitoring unit 300. Thereafter, the integrated calculation unit 600 proceeds to step S520.

[0153] When the process proceeds to step S520, the integrated calculation unit 600 enters a standby state until the sensor processing of the monitoring unit 300 is completed. When the sensor processing is completed, the integrated calculation unit 600 proceeds to step S530.

[0154] The determination of whether the sensor processing has ended can be made, for example, based on whether a time expected for the sensor processing to end has elapsed, or by inquiring of the monitoring unit 300 as to whether the sensor processing has ended. There are no particular limitations on the method for determining whether the sensor processing has ended.

[0155] In step S530, the integrated calculation unit 600 executes the update process described with reference to Fig. 7. This updates the watering schedule and the intermittent drive interval based on the various data at the time of the update request from the user.

[0156] 6 to 12, in this embodiment, the irrigation schedule for each of the multiple divided areas is determined by the integrated calculation unit 600. The supply of irrigation water based on each of the multiple irrigation schedules is then controlled by the integrated calculation unit 600.

[0157] However, although the irrigation schedule for each of the multiple divided areas is determined by the integrated calculation unit 600, a configuration can also be adopted in which the supply of irrigation water based on each of the multiple irrigation schedules is individually controlled by each of the multiple monitoring units 300.

[0158] In this modified example, instead of the sensor processing shown in FIG. 6 and the watering processing shown in FIG. 10, the monitoring unit 300 executes the individual watering processing shown in FIG.

[0159] Before the start shown in Fig. 13, the microcomputer 330 of the monitoring unit 300 is in sleep mode. When a wake-up signal is input from the RTC 350, the microcomputer 330 switches from sleep mode to normal mode. At the same time, the microcomputer 330 begins executing the individual irrigation process shown in Fig. 13. The individual irrigation process is executed at intermittent drive intervals of the microcomputer 330. The monitoring unit 300 executes the individual irrigation process as a cyclic task.

[0160] In step S610, the microcomputer 330 reads the watering schedule and the intermittent drive interval stored in the information storage unit 500. After this, the microcomputer 330 proceeds to step S620.

[0161] In step S620, the microcomputer 330 determines whether the current time is after the irrigation water supply start time in the irrigation schedule that was read in. If the current time is after the irrigation water supply start time, the microcomputer 330 proceeds to step S630. If the current time is before the irrigation water supply start time, the microcomputer 330 proceeds to step S640.

[0162] In step S630, the microcomputer 330 executes the water supply process shown in Fig. 9. After that, the microcomputer 330 proceeds to step S640.

[0163] In step S640, the microcomputer 330 compares the read intermittent drive interval with the stored intermittent drive interval. If there is a difference between the two, the microcomputer 330 proceeds to step S650. If there is no difference between the two, the microcomputer 330 proceeds to step S660.

[0164] In step S650, the processing unit 334 of the microcomputer 330 adjusts the time interval for outputting the wake-up signal of the RTC 350. This updates the intermittent drive interval. After this, the microcomputer 330 proceeds to step S660.

[0165] In step S660, the microcomputer 330 executes the sensor processing described with reference to Fig. 6. After the sensor processing has been executed, the microcomputer 330 transitions to sleep mode and ends the individual irrigation processing.

[0166] The RTC 350 may be set to output a water supply start signal at the water supply start time included in the water supply schedule that has been read in advance. When the microcomputer 330 receives this water supply start signal, it may execute the water supply process shown in FIG.

[0167] <Independent Update> As a further example, a configuration can be adopted in which each of the multiple monitoring units 300 independently determines the irrigation schedule for each of the multiple divided areas. In such a configuration, each of the multiple monitoring units 300 executes the update process shown in FIG.

[0168] In step S110, each of the multiple monitoring units 300 reads various information stored in the information storage unit 500, such as the user's instructions, the growth inhibition moisture point and permanent wilting point of the plant 30, the amount of water absorbed by the plant 30 per unit time, and the moisture retention capacity of the soil. At the same time, each of the multiple monitoring units 300 acquires environmental values ​​detected by the environmental sensor 310.

[0169] It is anticipated that the multiple monitoring units 300 may be unable to read the various information stored in the information storage unit 500 due to a communication failure. For this reason, in the above configuration, each of the multiple monitoring units 300 stores the various pieces of information read from the information storage unit 500. If this stored information is not updated due to a communication failure or the like, each of the multiple monitoring units 300 determines a watering schedule based on the unupdated information and the environmental values ​​detected by the environmental sensor 310. Alternatively, each of the multiple monitoring units 300 determines a watering schedule based on the environmental values ​​detected by the environmental sensor 310.

[0170] <Monitoring Unit Communication> If the field 20 is large, has rough terrain, or is in bad weather, communication problems may occur that prevent successful information transmission between the integrated calculation unit 600 and each of the multiple monitoring units 300. Wireless communication between the integrated communication unit 400 and each of the multiple monitoring units 300 may also fail.

[0171] If the undulations of the field 20 or obstacles that impede communication are not taken into consideration, it is expected that a monitoring unit 300 that is located at a short distance from the integrated communication unit 400 will be less likely to experience communication problems with the integrated communication unit 400 than a monitoring unit 300 that is located at a long distance from the integrated communication unit 400.

[0172] Therefore, for example, among the multiple monitoring units 300, the monitoring unit 300 that is located at a short distance from the integrated communication unit 400 is designated as a slave unit, and the monitoring unit 300 that is located at a long distance is designated as a grandchild unit. Then, a configuration can be adopted in which wireless communication between the grandchild unit and the integrated communication unit 400 is performed via the slave unit.

[0173] As explained above, the current soil moisture content, predicted declines, and user instructions are stored in the information storage unit 500. The information storage unit 500 also stores the growth inhibition moisture point and permanent wilting point of the plant 30, the amount of water absorbed by the plant 30 per unit time, and the water retention capacity of the soil.

[0174] 1 and 3, the information storage unit 500 also stores a weather forecast for the field 20 that is output and distributed from an external information source 1000. In the drawings, the external information source 1000 is abbreviated as ESI.

[0175] 7, the integrated calculation unit 600 reads out various information including the weather forecast from the information storage unit 500. Then, in S120, the integrated calculation unit 600 determines the irrigation schedule for each of the multiple monitoring units 300.

[0176] <Damage Detection> The water supply pipe 130 and the water supply valve 152 are installed outdoors in the farm field 20. Therefore, there is a risk that the water supply pipe 130 and the water supply valve 152 will be damaged due to deterioration over time or pests. Furthermore, if the damage to the water supply pipe 130 or the water supply valve 152 is slight, it may be difficult to detect the damage.

[0177] If the damage to the water supply pipe 130 or the water supply valve 152 is slight, only a small amount of irrigation water will leak from the damaged area. Therefore, when the water supply valve 152 is closed and the water supply pipe 130 is in a stable state filled with irrigation water, it is expected that the water pressure sensor 153 will detect the pump pressure. Also, when the water supply valve 152 is open and there is almost no change in the flow of irrigation water in the water supply pipe 130, it is expected that the water pressure sensor 153 will detect the flow pressure.

[0178] However, even if the damage is slight and only a small amount of irrigation water leaks from the damaged area, the following method can be used to detect whether or not such slight damage has occurred.

[0179] When the water supply valve 152 is transitioned from an open state to a closed state, the water pressure attempts to recover from flow pressure to pump pressure. During this transitional period while the water pressure attempts to recover from flow pressure to pump pressure, irrigation water continues to leak from the damaged area. Therefore, the rate of change in water pressure over time (time constant) during this transitional period slows somewhat even if the damage to the water supply pipe 130 or the water supply valve 152 is slight. Therefore, by detecting this time constant, it is possible to determine whether or not damage has occurred to the water supply pipe 130 or the water supply valve 152. In this embodiment, such damage determination processing based on water pressure is performed by the microcomputer 330 of each of the multiple monitoring units 300. The monitoring units 300 correspond to inspection devices.

[0180] <Damage Determination Process> The microcomputer 330 executes the damage determination process shown in Fig. 14 during the water supply process of step S230 of the monitoring process described with reference to Fig. 8. This damage determination process is executed after step S233 of the water supply process described with reference to Fig. 9. The microcomputer 330 has an expected recovery time, an expected time constant, and an expected water pressure as comparison values ​​for performing this damage determination process. In addition, an inspection program for executing this damage determination process is stored in at least one of the memory unit 333 and the information storage unit 500.

[0181] 14, the microcomputer 330 acquires and stores the water pressure from the water pressure sensor 153. The water pressure acquired at this point is expected to be a value between the flow pressure and the pump pressure. After this, the microcomputer 330 proceeds to step S720.

[0182] In step S720, the microcomputer 330 determines whether the expected recovery time has elapsed since the output of the discharge signal stopped. If the expected recovery time has not elapsed, the microcomputer 330 repeats step S710 and continues to acquire and store the water pressure. If the expected recovery time has elapsed, the microcomputer 330 proceeds to step S730.

[0183] The expected recovery time is determined based on the expected time it takes for the water pressure to recover from flow pressure to pump pressure when the water supply valve 152 is transitioned from an open state to a closed state, assuming no damage has occurred. For example, the expected recovery time can be set to approximately the same time. The expected recovery time corresponds to the expected time.

[0184] In step S730, the microcomputer 330 calculates the time change in water pressure during the transitional period when the water pressure recovers from flow pressure to pump pressure based on the multiple water pressures acquired until the expected recovery time has elapsed. In other words, the microcomputer 330 calculates the time constant of the water pressure. After this, the microcomputer 330 proceeds to step S740.

[0185] In step S740, the microcomputer 330 determines whether the calculated water pressure time constant is lower than the expected time constant. If the water pressure time constant is lower than the expected time constant, the microcomputer 330 proceeds to step S750. If the water pressure time constant is higher than the expected time constant, the microcomputer 330 proceeds to step S760.

[0186] The expected time constant is determined based on the time constant required for the water pressure to recover from flow pressure to pump pressure when no damage has occurred. For example, the expected time constant can be set to a value obtained by subtracting the water pressure detection error from this time constant.

[0187] In step S750, the microcomputer 330 determines whether the water pressure after the expected recovery time has elapsed is lower than the expected water pressure. If the water pressure is lower than the expected water pressure, the microcomputer 330 proceeds to step S770. If the water pressure is higher than the expected water pressure, the microcomputer 330 proceeds to step S780.

[0188] The expected water pressure is determined based on the pump pressure when no damage has occurred. For example, the expected water pressure can be set to a value obtained by subtracting the water pressure detection error from the pump pressure.

[0189] When the process proceeds to step S770, the microcomputer 330 determines that damage has occurred to the water supply pipe 130 or the water supply valve 152 because the time constant is lower than the expected time constant and the water pressure after the expected recovery time has elapsed has not reached the expected water pressure.

[0190] When the process proceeds to step S780, the microcomputer 330 determines that minor damage has occurred to the water supply pipe 130 or the water supply valve 152 because the time constant is lower than the expected time constant and the water pressure has reached the expected water pressure after the expected recovery time has elapsed.

[0191] In step S760, the microcomputer 330 determines that the time constant is higher than the expected time constant, and therefore determines that the water supply pipe 130 and the water supply valve 152 are normal.

[0192] The results of the damage determination, minor damage determination, and normality determination described above are input from the microcomputer 330 to the integrated calculation unit 600 .

[0193] In the present embodiment, the microcomputer 330 executes the damage determination process. However, after the microcomputer 330 executes steps S710 and S720 of the damage determination process, the integrated calculation unit 600 may receive the water pressure data and execute step S730 and subsequent steps of the damage determination process. In this configuration, the monitoring unit 300 and the integrated calculation unit 600 are included in the inspection device. Either the microcomputer 330 or the integrated calculation unit 600 corresponds to the inspection unit.

[0194] <Effects> As described above, the time period during which irrigation water is supplied from the water supply pipe 130 to the field 20 and the time period during which the water supply pipe 130 is inspected are the same. In other words, the time period during which the water supply process described with reference to Fig. 9 and the damage determination process described with reference to Fig. 14 are performed are the same time period, such as daytime. This prevents the processing work from becoming complicated.

[0195] Electric power generated by the solar cell 361 is stored in the power storage unit 362. The power stored in this power storage unit 362 drives the microcomputer 330. This microcomputer 330 executes the water supply process and the damage determination process described above. The water supply process is executed during the daytime. Therefore, the damage determination process is also executed during the daytime.

[0196] Therefore, unlike a configuration in which, for example, the damage determination process is executed in the middle of the night when no power generation is expected from the solar cell 361, a significant decrease in the amount of electricity stored in the storage unit 362 due to the operation of the microcomputer 330 is prevented.

[0197] Furthermore, it is possible to determine whether or not damage has occurred in the water supply pipe 130 or the water supply valve 152 based on the time constant of the water pressure and the water pressure after the recovery time has elapsed. Even if the damage to the water supply pipe 130 is slight, the time constant is expected to be somewhat slow so that the water pressure after the expected recovery time has elapsed recovers to the expected water pressure based on the pump pressure. Therefore, by inspecting the water supply pipe 130 based on the time constant, it is possible to detect whether or not even a slight damage has occurred in the water supply pipe 130.

[0198] <Water Pressure Sensor Failure Determination> As explained above, the first branch pipe 136a and the second branch pipe 136b are connected to one extension pipe 135. A water pressure sensor 153 is provided at each of the two connection ports of the extension pipe 135 where the first branch pipe 136a and the second branch pipe 136b are connected.

[0199] If there is no damage to the water supply pipe 130 and the water supply valves 152 of the first branch pipe 136a and the second branch pipe 136b are in the same open / closed state, the absolute value of the difference in water pressure detected by these two water pressure sensors 153 is expected to fall within the detection error range. However, if the absolute value of the difference exceeds the detection error range, it can be determined that a fault has occurred in one of the two water pressure sensors 153.

[0200] <Amount of irrigation water supplied> As explained above, the opening and closing of the water supply valve 152 is controlled for each divided area. As shown in Figure 1, multiple drip pipes 132 are connected to one horizontal pipe 134. A water supply valve 152 and a water pressure sensor 153 are provided on each of these multiple drip pipes 132.

[0201] For ease of explanation, as shown in FIG. 15, any two of the drip pipes 132 connected to one horizontal pipe 134 will be referred to as a first drip pipe 132a and a second drip pipe 132b.

[0202] For example, when the water supply valve 152 on the first drip pipe 132a is closed and the water supply valve 152 on the second drip pipe 132b is open, the water pressure on the second drip pipe 132b side is lower than the water pressure on the first drip pipe 132a side. Irrigation water is discharged from the drip holes 137 from the second drip pipe 132b at a flow rate that corresponds to the water pressure difference between the first drip pipe 132a side and the second drip pipe 132b side.

[0203] This water pressure difference and the flow rate of the irrigation water discharged from the drip hole 137 are proportional to each other. If the water pressure difference is ΔP and the flow rate is v, then ΔP can be expressed as ΔP = k × v × v. Here, k is a specified value determined by factors such as the diameter of the water supply pipe 130, and is stored in the information storage unit 500. Therefore, by detecting the pressure difference ΔP, the flow rate v of the irrigation water can be calculated.

[0204] The flow rate v corresponds to the amount of irrigation water supplied (discharged) per unit time. Therefore, by calculating the time-integrated value of the flow rate v expressed by the above formula, the amount of irrigation water discharged from the drip hole 137 can be calculated. In this way, the amount of irrigation water supplied can be calculated based on the output of the water pressure sensor 153.

[0205] Irrigation water is supplied to the plants 30 when there is a lot of light, such as on a sunny day, rather than when there is little light, such as on a rainy day. At this time, the amount of electricity stored in the power storage unit 362 is likely to increase. As a result, the interval at which the microcomputer 330 intermittently drives the microcomputer 330 becomes shorter. This shortens the interval at which the microcomputer 330 executes the sensor processing described with reference to FIG. 6. This shortens the interval at which the water pressure detected by the water pressure sensor 153 is acquired when irrigation water is supplied. This water pressure is stored sequentially in the information storage unit 500.

[0206] The integrating calculation unit 600 reads out the water pressure and specified value k stored in the information storage unit 500. The integrating calculation unit 600 then calculates the flow rate v based on the above formula. The integrating calculation unit 600 calculates the flow rate v at the intermittent drive interval of the microcomputer 330 until the water supply valve 152 transitions from a closed state to an open state. The integrating calculation unit 600 then adds up all the flow rates v during this period. In this way, the integrating calculation unit 600 calculates the time-integrated value of the flow rate v. In other words, the integrating calculation unit 600 calculates the amount of irrigation water to be supplied for each divided area.

[0207] When irrigation water is supplied from each of the multiple drip pipes 132 connected to one horizontal pipe 134, for example, the water supply valves 152 of some of the multiple drip pipes 132 are opened to discharge the irrigation water. After that, the remaining water supply valves 152 are opened to discharge the irrigation water.

[0208] In this way, instead of uniformly controlling the multiple drip pipes 132 connected to one horizontal pipe 134 to change from a closed state to an open state, they are partially changed from a closed state to an open state over time. This makes it possible to detect the pressure difference expressed by the above formula. As a result, it becomes possible to calculate the amount of irrigation water supplied.

[0209] Second Embodiment

[0210] TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to communication devices.

[0211] BACKGROUND ART As disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-9305, a sensing device is known that includes a communication processing unit that transmits sensing data to a base station.

[0212] In the configuration described in the above publication, the communication processing unit and the base station communicate wirelessly. For example, if noise is introduced into this wireless communication, the reliability of the information transmitted between the communication processing unit and the base station decreases.

[0213] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a communication device that can determine whether or not information is highly reliable.

[0214] (Means for solving the problem) In a communication device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a wireless signal transmitted and received between a plurality of communication units (340, 400) provided in an outdoor field (20) where plants (30) grow includes a plurality of different types of data (343, 344, 345), and includes a plurality of data of at least one type among the plurality of different types of data, and the plurality of different types of data are arranged in a predetermined sequence in the wireless signal.

[0215] This makes it possible to determine whether the reliability of a wireless signal is high based on whether multiple pieces of data of the same type arranged at predetermined positions in the wireless signal are equal.

[0216] The second embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS.

[0217] As described above, the time interval for transmitting and receiving wireless signals between the communication unit 340 and the integrated communication unit 400 is longer. This makes it possible to increase the amount of data that can be included in the data 342 in one wireless communication. Therefore, it is possible to include multiple pieces of the same data and various security information in the data 342 in order to increase the reliability of the information.

[0218] For example, as shown in Fig. 16, data 342 may include two identical first data 343. Data 342 may also include two identical second data 344. Then, as shown in Fig. 16, first data 343 and second data 344 may be arranged alternately in the wireless signal.

[0219] Furthermore, a first parity bit 343a indicating whether the total number of 0s and 1s included in the first data 343 is odd or even may be added to the first data 343. A second parity bit 344a indicating whether the total number of 0s and 1s included in the second data 344 is odd or even may be added to the second data 344.

[0220] In the drawing, the first data 343 is represented as DAT_A, and the second data 344 is represented as DAT_B. The first parity bit 343a is represented as Pa, and the second parity bit 344a is represented as Pb.

[0221] 16 , the information included after the address 341 is expected to be the first data 343, and the information included after that is also expected to be the first data 343. Whether the data 342 is correct or not can be determined based on whether the first parity bits 343a attached to these two pieces of first data 343 are equal. Alternatively, whether the data 342 is correct or not can be determined based on whether the two pieces of first data 343 are equal or not.

[0222] Similarly, the information contained in the address after the address 341 is expected to be second data 344, and the information contained in the address after that is also expected to be second data 344. Whether or not the data 342 is correct can be determined based on whether or not the second parity bits 344a contained in these two pieces of second data 344 are equal. Alternatively, whether or not the data 342 is correct can be determined based on whether or not the two pieces of second data 344 are equal.

[0223] <Effects> As described above, multiple pieces of data of the same type are included in one wireless communication. Then, the data of the same type that are expected to be equal are compared. This makes it possible to determine whether the data 342 included in the wireless signal is correct.

[0224] As described above, each piece of data of the same type is accompanied by a parity bit that indicates whether the total number of 0s and 1s contained in the data of the same type is odd or even. Then, the parity bits contained in the data of the same type that are expected to be equal are compared. This makes it easy to determine whether the data 342 contained in the wireless signal is correct.

[0225] In the present embodiment, an example has been shown in which the wireless signal includes two different types of first data 343 and two different types of second data 344. However, the number of types of data included in the wireless signal is not limited to two, and may be three or more. Furthermore, the number of the same types of data included in the wireless signal is not limited to two, and may be three or more.

[0226] In this embodiment, an example has been shown in which the wireless signal contains multiple pieces of the same type of data. However, as shown in FIG. 17, for example, a configuration in which different types of first data 343 to third data 345 are contained in the wireless signal may also be adopted. Furthermore, a configuration in which the wireless signal contains only one piece of third data 345 instead of multiple pieces of third data 345 may also be adopted. A third parity bit 345a may be added to this third data 345. In the drawing, the third data 345 is represented as DAT_C, and the third parity bit is represented as Pc.

[0227] In this embodiment, an example has been shown in which two different types of data are arranged alternately in a wireless signal. However, the pattern in which different types of data are arranged in a wireless signal is not limited to the above example. For example, as shown in Figure 18, a configuration in which data of the same type are arranged consecutively may also be adopted.

[0228] The irrigation system 10 described in this embodiment includes at least one of the components of the irrigation system 10 described in the first embodiment. Therefore, it goes without saying that the irrigation system 10 of this embodiment achieves the same functions and effects as those of the irrigation system 10 described in the first embodiment. Therefore, the description thereof will be omitted. The description of the functions and effects that overlap with those of the other embodiments described below will be omitted.

[0229] (Third embodiment)

[0230] (Technical Field) The present disclosure relates to a monitoring unit that monitors the environment of a farm field.

[0231] BACKGROUND ART As disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 5830411, a wireless management system is known that includes a plurality of slave stations and one master station arranged in distant fields.

[0232] The slave station described in the above publication has a CPU and a sensor. The slave station is installed in a field, but there is a risk that, for example, the wiring connecting the CPU and the sensor may be damaged by pests that appear in the field.

[0233] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a monitoring unit that prevents electrical information communication from being disrupted by pests.

[0234] (Means for solving the problem) A monitoring unit according to one aspect of the present disclosure is provided in each of a plurality of divided areas obtained by dividing an outdoor farm field (20) in which plants (30) grow, and monitors the environment of the divided area and communicates wirelessly with an integrated communication unit (400) provided in the farm field, the monitoring unit having: a first monitoring unit (300a) partly provided in the soil of the divided area; and a second monitoring unit (300b) provided on the air side of the divided area relative to the first monitoring unit, and communicating wirelessly with both the first monitoring unit and the integrated communication unit.

[0235] This prevents electrical information communication between the first monitoring unit (300a) and the second monitoring unit (300b) from being disrupted by vermin.

[0236] The third embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS.

[0237] As explained above, the monitoring unit 300 is provided on the sky side of the field 20 in order to generate power using the solar cell 361. In contrast, the soil moisture sensor 311 is provided on the ground of the field 20 in order to detect the amount of soil moisture. For this reason, the monitoring unit 300 and the soil moisture sensor 311 are spaced apart in the z direction.

[0238] The monitoring unit 300 and the soil moisture sensor 311 are electrically connected via, for example, the wire 160 shown in Fig. 1. There is a risk that the wire 160 connecting the monitoring unit 300 and the soil moisture sensor 311 may be damaged by vermin such as wild boars or deer.

[0239] Therefore, the monitoring unit 300 of this embodiment has a first monitoring unit 300a and a second monitoring unit 300b shown in Figures 19 and 20. The first monitoring unit 300a is provided on the ground side of one divided area, and the second monitoring unit 300b is provided on the sky side of this divided area.

[0240] <First Monitoring Unit> As shown in Fig. 20 , the first monitoring unit 300a includes a soil moisture sensor 311 as an environmental sensor 310. The first monitoring unit 300a is buried in the ground together with the soil moisture sensor 311. However, a portion of the first monitoring unit 300a is exposed above the ground so as not to interfere with power generation by the solar cell 361 and wireless communication by the communication unit 340. The solar cell 361 of the first monitoring unit 300a is spaced apart from the plant 30 in a direction along the ground so that the incident sunlight is not blocked by the branches and leaves of the grown plant 30. The environmental sensor 310 of the first monitoring unit 300a may include a solar radiation sensor 312.

[0241] The first monitoring unit 300a executes some of the various processes described above. For example, the first monitoring unit 300a acquires the output of the soil moisture sensor 311 in the sensor process described with reference to Fig. 6. The first monitoring unit 300a then transmits a sensor signal to the second monitoring unit 300b via wireless communication.

[0242] 20 , the second monitoring unit 300b is equipped with a solar radiation sensor 312 as an environmental sensor 310. The second monitoring unit 300b is connected to a water pressure sensor 153 and a water supply valve 152. At least one environmental sensor 310 of the multiple second monitoring units 300b provided in the field 20 includes a rain sensor 313, a temperature sensor 314, a humidity sensor 315, an air pressure sensor 316, and a wind sensor 317.

[0243] The second monitoring unit 300b executes the various processes described above, and has a higher processing load than the first monitoring unit 300a.

[0244] 6, the second monitoring unit 300b acquires sensor signals from the environment sensor 310 and the water pressure sensor 153. At the same time, the second monitoring unit 300b acquires the output of the soil moisture sensor 311 output from the first monitoring unit 300a. The second monitoring unit 300b outputs a wireless signal including these sensor signals to the integrated communication unit 400.

[0245] Furthermore, when the second monitoring unit 300b receives the intermittent drive interval from the integrated communication unit 400, it updates the wake-up cycle for outputting a wake-up signal for its own RTC 350 and outputs a wireless signal including the intermittent drive interval to the first monitoring unit 300a. The first monitoring unit 300a updates the wake-up cycle for outputting a wake-up signal for its own RTC 350 based on the received intermittent drive interval.

[0246] <Effects> As described above, the first monitoring unit 300a is provided on the ground side of one divided area, and the second monitoring unit 300b is provided on the sky side. The two units then communicate wirelessly. This prevents pests from interfering with the electrical communication of information between the first monitoring unit 300a and the second monitoring unit 300b.

[0247] 19, for example, the first monitoring unit 300a is provided on the ground side, and therefore is likely to be partially covered by the plants 30. As a result, the amount of power generated by the first monitoring unit 300a is likely to be small.

[0248] In contrast, the processing load on the first monitoring unit 300a is lighter than that on the second monitoring unit 300b, which prevents the first monitoring unit 300a from running out of power.

[0249] 19, the wiring 161 connecting the first monitoring unit 300a and the soil moisture sensor 311 is buried in the soil, which prevents the wiring 161 from being damaged by vermin.

[0250] As shown in Figure 19, the second monitoring unit 300b is provided above the mature plants 30. In this embodiment, the second monitoring unit 300b is provided above the height of pests that are expected to appear in the field 20. The wiring 162 connecting the environmental sensor 310, the water pressure sensor 153, and the water supply valve 152 to the second monitoring unit 300b is also provided above the height of pests. This prevents the wiring 162 from being damaged by pests. By providing any wiring connected to the second monitoring unit 300b above the height of pests in this way, damage to the wiring by pests is prevented. The wiring 162 corresponds to the connecting wiring.

[0251] To provide the second monitoring unit 300b closer to the sky than the mature plants 30, for example, a portion of the water supply pipe 130 may be extended from the ground toward the sky, bent back, and extended from the sky toward the ground, as shown in Fig. 19. The second monitoring unit 300b may be provided at a portion of the water supply pipe 130 that is located on the sky side.

[0252] 19, in this embodiment, the drip pipe 132 is buried in the soil. This prevents the drip pipe 132 from being damaged by vermin. Damage to the drip pipe 132 by vermin also prevents irrigation water from leaking out of the drip pipe 132.

[0253] In this embodiment, the water pressure sensor 153 is connected to the second monitoring unit 300b. However, as shown in Figures 21 and 22, a configuration in which the water pressure sensor 153 is connected to the first monitoring unit 300a may also be adopted.

[0254] In this modified example, the water pressure sensor 153 is buried in the soil. The wiring 163 connecting the water pressure sensor 153 and the first monitoring unit 300a is also buried in the soil. This prevents the wiring 163 from being damaged by vermin. By burying any wiring connected to the first monitoring unit 300a in the soil in this way, damage to the wiring by vermin is prevented.

[0255] In this embodiment, an example is shown in which a first monitoring unit 300a is provided on the ground side of one divided area and a second monitoring unit 300b is provided on the sky side of this divided area. However, a configuration can also be adopted in which multiple first monitoring units 300a are provided on the ground side of multiple divided areas, and one second monitoring unit 300b common to these multiple first monitoring units 300a is provided on the sky side of the field 20.

[0256] The total number of first monitoring units 300a and the total number of second monitoring units 300b included in the multiple monitoring units 300 may be equal to or different from each other. The total number of second monitoring units 300b may be less than the total number of first monitoring units 300a included in the multiple monitoring units 300. The ratio of the total number of first monitoring units 300a to the total number of second monitoring units 300b included in the multiple monitoring units 300 may be, for example, 1:1 or 2:1.

[0257] <Depth of Drip Pipe> The depth to which the drip pipe 132 is buried can be, for example, the boundary between the topsoil layer and the lower layer below it. The opening of the drip hole 137 of the drip pipe 132 may be oriented toward the ground surface or horizontally within the soil.

[0258] This prevents the drip pipe 132 from being damaged by a cultivator when the plants 30 are dug up from the surface of the plowed soil layer with the cultivator, and also allows irrigation water to be supplied from the drip pipe 132 to the plowed soil layer where the plants 30 are grown by capillary action or the like.

[0259] <Pole> Although not shown, a dedicated pole for mounting the second monitoring unit 300b on the sky side may be installed in the field 20. The length (height) of this pole in the z direction may be variable. Furthermore, to improve power generation efficiency, the tip of the pole where the second monitoring unit 300b is mounted may be configured to rotate in the circumferential direction around its own axis depending on the position of the sun. The position of the sun can be detected based on the current time and the amount of solar radiation detected by the solar radiation sensor 312, etc.

[0260] <Repelling Device> As described above, there is a risk that a part of the irrigation system 10 may be damaged by a vermin that appears in the field 20. There is also a risk that the plants 30 growing in the field 20 may be damaged by the vermin.

[0261] Therefore, each of the multiple monitoring units 300 may be equipped with a detection device for detecting vermin and a repelling device for repelling vermin. A method for detecting vermin may be to take images using a camera. A method for repelling vermin may be to stimulate at least one of the five senses of wild boars, deer, crows, and other birds and animals that are expected to appear in the field 20.

[0262] The repellent device may, for example, include at least one of the components listed below: A light-emitting device that emits flashing light or the like to stimulate the vision of birds and animals. A speaker that emits the sounds of natural enemies or the like to stimulate the hearing of birds and animals. An ultrasonic generator that generates ultrasonic waves to stimulate the antennae of birds and animals. An odor generator that generates odors such as ions to stimulate the sense of smell of birds and animals. A sprayer that sprays a liquid onto the field 20 that is harmless to the plants 30 while stimulating the taste buds of birds and animals.

[0263] (Fourth embodiment)

[0264] (Technical Field) The present disclosure relates to a monitoring unit that monitors the environment of a farm field.

[0265] BACKGROUND ART As disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 5830411, a wireless management system is known that includes a plurality of slave stations and one master station arranged in distant fields.

[0266] The slave station described in the above publication has a CPU and a sensor. The slave station is installed in a field, but there is a risk that, for example, the wiring connecting the CPU and the sensor may be damaged by pests that appear in the field.

[0267] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a monitoring unit that prevents electrical information communication from being disrupted by pests.

[0268] (Means for solving the problem) A monitoring unit according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a monitoring unit provided together with a water supply pipe (130) in each of a plurality of divided areas obtained by dividing an outdoor farm field (20) in which plants (30) grow, and includes: a first electric device (320); a second electric device (152, 153); a connector (157) that electrically connects the first electric device and the second electric device; a main body (155) that has a storage space for storing the first electric device and the second electric device; and an integrated case (154) that has a partition wall (156) that divides the storage space together with the connector into a first storage space for storing the first electric device and a second storage space for storing the second electric device.

[0269] This prevents pests from interfering with electrical information communication between the first electrical device (320) and the second electrical devices (152, 153).

[0270] The fourth embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to FIG.

[0271] In this embodiment, at least a portion of the piping module 150 is included in the control device 200, not in the water supply device 100. At least a portion of the piping module 150 is included in the monitoring unit 300. As shown in Figure 23, some of the components of the monitoring unit 300 and piping module 150 described so far are housed in an integrated case 154. This configuration can be applied, for example, to the second monitoring unit 300b shown in the third embodiment. Figure 23 shows the integrated case 154 in cross section.

[0272] <Integrated Case> The integrated case 154 has a first storage space and a second storage space. The components of the monitoring unit 300 are stored in the first storage space. The components of the piping module 150 are stored in the second storage space. Of the components of the monitoring unit 300, the components stored in the first storage space correspond to the first electrical device. Of the components of the piping module 150, the components stored in the second storage space correspond to the second electrical device.

[0273] The integrated case 154 has a box-shaped main body 155 and a partition wall 156 that divides the hollow space of the main body 155 into two spaces. The partition wall 156 and a connector 157 (described later) divide the hollow space of the main body 155 into the first and second storage spaces.

[0274] A connector 157 is provided on the partition wall 156 to electrically connect the items stored in the first storage space and the items stored in the second storage space. The center of this connector 157 is connected to the partition wall 156 by insert molding. As a result, one end of the connector 157 is provided in the first storage space, and the other end of the connector 157 is provided in the second storage space.

[0275] <First Storage Space> The first storage space houses the control unit 320 of the monitoring unit 300. The microcomputer 330, communication unit 340, and RTC 350 included in the control unit 320 are each mounted on a wiring board 321. The power storage unit 362, current sensor 363, and power sensor 364 included in the power generation unit 360 are also mounted on the wiring board 321. Of these components, only the wiring board 321 is shown in Figure 23.

[0276] The solar cell 361 of the power generation unit 360 is provided on the top wall of the integrated case 154 on the empty side. An opening is formed in the top wall. The solar cell 361 is fixed to the top wall in a manner that closes this opening. A small gap between the solar cell 361 and the wall surface that defines the opening is closed by a sealing material (not shown). Sunlight is incident on a portion of the solar cell 361 that is located outside the integrated case 154.

[0277] If the top wall is translucent, the solar cell 361 is disposed opposite the top wall in the z direction in the first storage space, so that sunlight is incident on the solar cell 361 through the top wall.

[0278] The first storage space may or may not include the environmental sensors 310 included in the monitoring unit 300. The environmental sensors 310 that can be stored in the first storage space include a solar radiation sensor 312, a rain sensor 313, a temperature sensor 314, a humidity sensor 315, and an air pressure sensor 316. The soil moisture sensor 311 and the wind sensor 317 are provided outside the integrated case 154.

[0279] <Second Storage Space> The second storage space accommodates at least one of the water supply valve 152 and the water pressure sensor 153 of the piping module 150 .

[0280] In this embodiment, a part of the water pressure sensor 153 is provided in the second storage space. A portion of the water pressure sensor 153 that is located outside the second storage space is provided in the water supply pipe 130.

[0281] In this way, the second storage space is provided on the water supply pipe 130 side. For this reason, the humidity in the second storage space is more likely to be higher than in the first storage space due to water droplets condensing on the outer surface of the water supply pipe 130 through which irrigation water flows.

[0282] In a configuration in which the water supply valve 152 is provided in the second storage space, a portion of the second storage space is occupied by the water supply pipe 130. As a result, the second storage space is prone to high humidity due to water droplets condensing on the outer surface of the water supply pipe 130.

[0283] A partition wall 156 and a connector 157 are provided between the first storage space and the second storage space. The partition wall 156 and the connector 157 block the flow of air between the first storage space side and the second storage space side.

[0284] As described above, one end of the connector 157 is provided in the first storage space. The wiring board 321 provided in the first storage space is provided with the wiring connector 322. The one end of the connector 157 and the wiring connector 322 are electrically connected via the first wire harness 323.

[0285] The other end of the connector 157 is provided in the second storage space. A sensor connector 158 is provided at a portion of the water pressure sensor 153 that is provided in the second storage space. The other end of the connector 157 and the sensor connector 158 are electrically connected via a second wire harness 324.

[0286] Due to the connection configuration described above, the wiring board 321 provided in the first storage space and the water pressure sensor 153 provided in the second storage space are electrically connected. The components that electrically connect the two are stored in the integrated case 154.

[0287] <Operation and Effect> As explained above, the partition wall 156 and the connector 157 block air flow between the first storage space in which the control unit 320 of the monitoring unit 300 is stored and the second storage space in which the water pressure sensor 153 of the piping module 150 is provided. At the same time, the control unit 320 and the water pressure sensor 153 are electrically connected via the connector 157.

[0288] In this way, the components that electrically connect the monitoring unit 300 and the piping module 150 are stored in the integrated case 154. This prevents the electrical connection between the monitoring unit 300 and the piping module 150 from being damaged by vermin.

[0289] According to the above configuration, the lifespan of the control unit 320 stored in the first storage space is prevented from being shortened due to moisture contained in the air in the second storage space. Also, condensation is prevented from occurring in the control unit 320. As a result, short circuits caused by condensation are prevented from occurring in the wiring board 321 on which some of the components of the control unit 320 are mounted.

[0290] The components of the monitoring unit 300 and the piping module 150 are housed together in an integrated case 154. This simplifies the configuration of the irrigation system 10. It also eliminates the need to provide the monitoring unit 300 and the piping module 150 separately in the field 20. This simplifies the placement of the irrigation system 10 in the field 20.

[0291] <Nonwoven Fabric> In this embodiment, the second storage space is an enclosed space. However, as shown in FIG. 24 , a configuration may also be adopted in which a through-hole 154a is formed in the top wall of an integrated case 154 that constitutes part of the first storage space. This allows communication between the first storage space and the outside atmosphere. This prevents the environmental values ​​of the air in the first storage space, such as temperature and humidity, from differing from the environmental values ​​of the air in the divided area.

[0292] However, there is a risk that raindrops or other particles may enter the first storage space through the through-hole 154a. To avoid this, for example, as shown in Figure 24, a nonwoven fabric 154b that allows air to pass through but prevents liquids such as water from passing through is provided on the top wall. This nonwoven fabric 154b covers at least one of the openings on the outer surface and the inner surface of the top wall at the through-hole 154a. This ensures air circulation between the first storage space and the outside atmosphere through the through-hole 154a and prevents foreign matter such as water droplets and dust from entering the first storage space through the through-hole 154a.

[0293] In this embodiment, an example has been shown in which the central portion of the connector 157 is insert-molded into the partition wall 156. However, as shown in Fig. 25, for example, a configuration may be adopted in which an arrangement hole 156a is formed in the partition wall 156, penetrating the first side surface on the first storage space side and the second side surface on the second storage space side.

[0294] In this modification, a connector 157 is provided in the arrangement hole 156a. Specifically, a gasket 157a is provided in the arrangement hole 156a. The gasket 157a is, for example, press-fitted into the arrangement hole 156a. This brings the outer wall surface of the gasket 157a into close contact with the partition surface that defines the arrangement hole 156a.

[0295] The gasket 157a has a hole extending in the z direction. A wire harness 157b extending between the first and second storage spaces is provided in the hole of the gasket 157a.

[0296] In this configuration, a portion of the hollow space of the gasket 157a is occupied by the wire harness 157b. The first storage space and the second storage space communicate with each other through the hollow space not occupied by the wire harness 157b. To prevent air from circulating between the two storage spaces, a portion of the space on the second side surface of the partition wall 156 in the hole of the gasket 157a is occupied by a sealant 157c. The sealant 157c can be made of, for example, rubber or a gel-like insulating material.

[0297] It is also possible to spray a moisture-proofing agent on the wiring board 321 stored in the first storage space to make the wiring board 321 resistant to humidity. In this configuration, the moisture-proofing level required to prevent air from circulating between the first storage space and the second storage space can be lowered. In this case, the sealant 157c shown in FIG. 25 can be omitted, as shown in FIG. 26, for example. The sealant 157c is not an essential component.

[0298] In the present embodiment, an example has been shown in which the components of the monitoring unit 300 are housed in the first storage space of the integrated case 154, and the components of the piping module 150 are housed in the second storage space. However, a configuration in which the components of the monitoring unit 300 are housed in both the first storage space and the second storage space may also be employed.

[0299] For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the control unit 320 of the monitoring unit 300 is stored in the first storage space, and a part of the soil moisture sensor 311 is stored in the second storage space. Such a configuration may be applied to, for example, the first monitoring unit 300a shown in the third embodiment.

[0300] (Other Modifications) In the first embodiment, an example has been shown in which the horizontal pipe 134 is farther from the ground in the z direction than the apex of the mature plant 30. However, the horizontal pipe 134 may be positioned closer to the ground in the z direction than the apex of the mature plant 30.

[0301] In the first embodiment, an example has been shown in which the horizontal pipe 134 and the vertical pipe 133 are each provided on the empty side of the field 20. However, at least one of the horizontal pipe 134 and the vertical pipe 133 may be provided on the ground. At least one of the horizontal pipe 134 and the vertical pipe 133 may be provided underground.

[0302] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments, it is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments or structures. The present disclosure also encompasses various modifications and modifications within the scope of equivalents. In addition, although various combinations and forms are shown in the present disclosure, other combinations and forms including only one element, more, or less than one element are also within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

[0303] (Technical Ideas) This specification includes the following various technical ideas.

[0304] <Wireless Signal> [Technical Idea 1] A communication device in which a wireless signal transmitted and received between a plurality of communication units (340, 400) provided in an outdoor field (20) where plants (30) grow includes a plurality of different types of data (343, 344, 345), and at least one type of data among the plurality of different types of data is included in plural, and the plurality of different types of data are arranged in a predetermined sequence in the wireless signal. [Technical Idea 2] The communication device according to Technical Idea 1, in which each of the plurality of different types of data is accompanied by a parity bit (343a, 344a, 345a) for each of the plurality of different types of data.

[0305] <Communication between monitoring units> [Technical idea 1] A monitoring unit is provided in each of a plurality of divided areas obtained by dividing an outdoor field (20) where plants (30) grow, and monitors the environment of the divided area and communicates wirelessly with an integrated communication unit (400) provided in the field, the monitoring unit comprising: a first monitoring unit (300a) partially provided in the soil of the divided area; and a second monitoring unit (300b) provided on the air side of the divided area relative to the first monitoring unit, and wirelessly communicating with the first monitoring unit and the integrated communication unit. [Technical idea 2] The monitoring unit according to Technical idea 1, wherein the first monitoring unit and the second monitoring unit each have a solar cell (361) that generates driving power, and the first monitoring unit has a lower processing load than the second monitoring unit. [Technical idea 3] The monitoring unit according to Technical idea 2, wherein at least a portion of the second monitoring unit is provided on the air side of the divided area relative to the top of the mature plant. [Technical Idea 4] A monitoring unit according to any one of Technical Ideas 1 to 3, wherein wiring (161, 163) connected to the first monitoring unit is buried in the soil. [Technical Idea 5] A monitoring unit according to any one of Technical Ideas 1 to 4, wherein the connection wiring (162) connected to the second monitoring unit is provided higher than the height of pests expected to appear in the field. [Technical Idea 6] A monitoring unit according to any one of Technical Ideas 1 to 5, wherein the first monitoring unit has a soil moisture sensor (311) that detects the amount of moisture in the soil in the divided area. [Technical Idea 7] A monitoring unit according to any one of Technical Ideas 1 to 6, wherein the second monitoring unit controls a water supply valve (152) that controls the supply of irrigation water to the divided area from a water supply pipe provided in the field.

[0306] <Integrated Case> [Technical Idea 1] A monitoring unit provided together with a water supply pipe (130) in each of a plurality of divided areas obtained by dividing an outdoor field (20) in which plants (30) grow, the monitoring unit comprising: a first electric device (320), a second electric device (152, 153, 311), a connector (157) that electrically connects the first electric device and the second electric device, a main body (155) having a storage space for accommodating the first electric device and the second electric device, and an integrated case (154) having a partition wall (156) that divides the storage space together with the connector into a first storage space for accommodating the first electric device and a second storage space for accommodating the second electric device. [Technical Idea 2] The monitoring unit according to Technical Idea 1, wherein the main body has a through hole (154a) for allowing air to circulate between the first storage space and an external atmosphere. [Technical Idea 3] The monitoring unit according to Technical Idea 2, which includes a nonwoven fabric (154b) that is air permeable but liquid impermeable, and the opening of the through-hole is blocked by the nonwoven fabric. [Technical Idea 4] The monitoring unit according to any one of Technical Ideas 1 to 3, in which the partition wall and the connector block air flow between the first storage space and the second storage space. [Technical Idea 5] The monitoring unit according to Technical Idea 4, in which a portion of the connector is insert-molded into the partition wall. [Technical Idea 6] The monitoring unit according to any one of Technical Ideas 1 to 4, in which the partition wall is formed with an arrangement hole (156a) that penetrates the first storage space and the second storage space, and a portion of the connector is provided in the arrangement hole. [Technical Idea 7] The monitoring unit according to Technical Idea 6, in which the connector includes a gasket (157a) that is partially provided in the arrangement hole and has a hollow that communicates between the first storage space and the second storage space, and a wire harness (157b) that is provided in the hollow of the gasket. [Technical Idea 8] The monitoring unit according to Technical Idea 7, wherein the connector has, in addition to the gasket and the wire harness, a sealant (157c) for preventing air from passing between the first storage space and the second storage space through the space in the hollow of the gasket that is not occupied by the wire harness.[Technical Idea 9] The monitoring unit according to any one of Technical Ideas 1 to 8, wherein the first electrical device includes a calculation processing unit (330) that executes calculation processing, a communication unit (340) that communicates wirelessly, and a solar cell (361) that converts light energy into electrical energy. [Technical Idea 10] The monitoring unit according to any one of Technical Ideas 1 to 9, wherein the second electrical device includes at least one of a water supply valve (152) that controls the supply and non-supply of irrigation water from the water supply pipe to the field, and a water pressure sensor (153) that detects the water pressure of the irrigation water in the water supply pipe.

Claims

1. An inspection device for inspecting a water supply pipe (130) installed in an outdoor field (20) where plants (30) grow, comprising: an output unit (332, 630) that outputs a control signal for controlling a water supply valve (152) that controls the supply and non-supply of irrigation water from the water supply pipe to the field between an open state and a closed state; a storage unit (333, 500) that stores multiple water pressures of irrigation water detected by a water pressure sensor (153) during the period from a state in which the water supply valve is open and irrigation water is being supplied from the water supply pipe to the field to a state in which the water supply valve is closed and an expected time has elapsed in which the water supply pipe is filled with irrigation water; and an inspection unit (330, 600) that calculates a time constant of the water pressure based on changes in the water pressure of the multiple irrigation waters and inspects the water supply pipe based on the time constant.

2. An inspection device according to claim 1, comprising a solar cell (361) that converts incident light energy into electrical energy, and the inspection unit is driven by power supplied from the solar cell.

3. An inspection program executed by a processor, which causes the processor to open a water supply valve (152) provided on a water supply pipe (130) provided in an outdoor field (20) where plants (30) grow, thereby transitioning from a state in which irrigation water is being supplied to the field from the water supply pipe to a state in which the supply of irrigation water from the water supply pipe to the field is stopped by closing the water supply valve, obtain multiple water pressures of the irrigation water detected by a water pressure sensor (153) from the time the water supply valve changes from the open state to the closed state until the expected time for the water supply pipe to be filled with irrigation water has elapsed, calculate a time constant of the water pressure based on the multiple changes in the water pressure of the irrigation water, and inspect the water supply pipe based on the time constant.

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