Fertilization map creation device and fertilization map creation method

Abstract

The fertilizer application map creation device (3) includes a storage section (43) that stores growth and development condition information for each grid set in a field of a specific user, a selection section (41A) that selects one of a plurality of characteristic candidates set in advance as a characteristic candidate corresponding to a growth and development condition characteristic of the field as a whole, and a fertilizer application map creation section (41A) that creates a fertilizer application map for the field by calculating a fertilizer application amount for each grid using at least the growth and development condition information for each grid and the characteristic candidate selected by the selection section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an apparatus for creating fertilization charts and a method for creating fertilization charts. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for creating a fertilization map that shows the amount of fertilizer applied to each grid (small area) within a field divided into multiple grids. Specifically, a multi-rotor helicopter (aircraft) equipped with various sensors such as cameras and a satellite positioning system flies over the field and captures images of different parts of the field. The captured images and their location information are stored together. Then, the captured images are analyzed, and based on the analysis results and the location information of each image, growth and development status information representing the crop's growth and development status is calculated for each grid within the field. A fertilization map is then created based on the obtained growth and development status information for each grid.

[0003] A fertilization map for a specific field is printed on a recording sheet and given to the farmers who cultivate crops on that field. The farmers refer to the fertilization map printed on the recording sheet and adjust the amount of fertilizer for each grid in the field as they apply fertilizer.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6431395.

[0005] Due to variations in field location and the distribution of topdressing, the degree of deviation in growth and development information varies from field to field. For fields with small deviations in growth and development information, the information tends to converge towards its average value. Conversely, for fields with large deviations in growth and development information, the deviations are significant, and the information does not converge towards its average value.

[0006] The fertilization chart production method described in Patent Document 1 does not take into account the deviation (standard deviation, variance) and other growth and development characteristics of the overall growth and development information of the field to which the fertilization chart is produced. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a fertilizer map making apparatus and a fertilizer map making method that can easily create fertilizer maps that reflect the overall growth and development characteristics of the field to which the fertilizer map is made.

[0008] An embodiment of the present invention provides a fertilization map generation apparatus comprising: a storage unit storing growth and development information of each grid set in a field of a specific user; a selection unit for selecting a characteristic candidate from a plurality of pre-set characteristic candidates as a characteristic candidate suitable for the overall growth and development of the field; and a fertilization map generation unit for calculating the amount of fertilizer to be applied to each grid using at least the growth and development information of each grid and the characteristic candidate selected by the selection unit, thereby generating a fertilization map of the field.

[0009] With this configuration, it becomes easier to create fertilization maps that reflect the overall growth and development characteristics of the field to which the fertilization map is being created.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of characteristic candidates include a first characteristic candidate and a second characteristic candidate. The first characteristic candidate is used to set a first range close to the average value of the growth and development status information of each grid within the range from the minimum to the maximum value as a variable fertilization area that allows the fertilization amount to change. The second characteristic candidate is used to set a range larger than the first range within the range from the minimum to the maximum value of the growth and development status information of each grid as a variable fertilization area that allows the fertilization amount to change.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first range and the second range are set based on the average value and deviation of the growth and development information of each grid in the field.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the overall growth and development characteristics of the field are the deviations in the growth and development information of each grid within the field.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the field of the specific user comprises multiple fields, and the fertilization map generation device further comprises a field selection unit. The field selection unit selects one or more fields from the multiple fields as the field to be map generated. The selection unit is configured to select a characteristic candidate from a plurality of pre-set characteristic candidates as a characteristic candidate suitable for the overall growth and development characteristics of the field to be map generated. The fertilization map generation unit is configured to, when the field to be map generated comprises multiple fields, use the growth and development information of each grid set in the multiple fields and the characteristic candidate selected by the selection unit to calculate the fertilization amount of each grid in the field to be map generated, thereby generating a fertilization map of the field to be map generated.

[0014] One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for creating a fertilization map, comprising the following steps: storing in advance the growth and development information of each grid set in a field of a specific user in a storage unit; selecting a characteristic candidate from a plurality of pre-set characteristic candidates as a characteristic candidate suitable for the overall growth and development characteristics of the field; calculating the fertilization amount of each grid using at least the growth and development information of each grid and the characteristic candidate selected by the selection unit, thereby creating a fertilization map of the field.

[0015] With this configuration, it becomes easier to create fertilization maps that are suitable for the overall growth and development characteristics of the target field.

[0016] The above-mentioned objects, or other objects, features, and effects of the present invention will become clear from the accompanying drawings and the following description of the embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a fertilization chart display system using a fertilization chart production apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a field table divided by user.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram representing an example of a field information management table.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram representing an example of a grid information management table.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a flowchart explaining the actions of the fertilization map creation department, which creates fertilization maps for fields owned by a specific user.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a user ID input screen.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a field selection screen.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an information input screen.

[0025] Figure 9A This is a chart showing the set examples of fertilizer application amounts corresponding to information on growth and development status.

[0026] Figure 9B It means and Figure 9AA chart showing the fertilization rate settings corresponding to growth and development information when the range of variable fertilization area is set to be relatively small.

[0027] Figure 9C It means and Figure 9A A chart showing the fertilization rate settings corresponding to growth and development information when the range of variable fertilization rate is set to be relatively large.

[0028] Figure 10 This is an example chart showing the NDVI histogram of each grid of the plot object.

[0029] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a fertilization chart viewing screen. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a fertilization chart display system 1 using a fertilization chart production apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] The fertilization map display system 1 includes: a user terminal 2 for use by a specific user who owns one or more plots of land, and a fertilization map providing server (hereinafter referred to as "server 3") which serves as a fertilization map production device. The user terminal 2 and the server 3 are connected via the Internet 4.

[0032] Server 3 provides user terminal 2 with a webpage for selecting fields to create fertilization maps for specific users, and an information input webpage for users to input the necessary information for creating fertilization maps. Server 3 then creates fertilization maps for the fields selected by the specific user based on the information input by the specific user and the growth and development information of each grid within the field. Finally, server 3 provides user terminal 2 with a webpage containing the fertilization map for viewing.

[0033] User terminal 2 displays a fertilization chart viewing screen on the monitor based on a webpage provided by server 3 for viewing fertilization charts.

[0034] A grid refers to the individual small areas in a field that is divided into multiple rectangular (or square) areas.

[0035] A fertilization chart is a graph that represents the amount of fertilizer applied to each grid cell. Fertilization charts include images that display the amount of fertilizer applied numerically per grid cell, color images that display the amount of fertilizer applied per grid cell using color differentiation, and black-and-white images that display the amount of fertilizer applied per grid cell using shades of black and white.

[0036] Growth and development status information refers to information indicating the growth and development status of crops. This information may include, for example, leaf color, vegetation cover, nitrogen uptake, and crop yield. In this embodiment, leaf color and nitrogen uptake are used as the two types of growth and development status information.

[0037] Leaf color refers to the color of the crop's leaves. Vegetation cover refers to the proportion of the crop covering a predetermined area. Nitrogen uptake is the product of leaf color and vegetation cover (leaf color × vegetation cover). All of these values ​​are in the range of 0.00 to 1.00.

[0038] In this embodiment, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) is used as the leaf color. Green leaves of plants absorb visible light such as red and strongly reflect light of near-infrared wavelengths. NDVI is an index that utilizes this property of green leaves and is an index that represents the presence or absence and activity of vegetation. NDVI is defined by the following formula (1).

[0039] NDVI = (IR - R) / (IR + R)...(1)

[0040] IR: Observed value of near-infrared light

[0041] R: Observed value of visible light

[0042] The NDVI of each grid cell in a field is generated as follows: An aircraft equipped with a multispectral camera flies over the field while simultaneously photographing the field. The multispectral camera is, for example, a camera capable of capturing images of visible red and near-infrared light. The aircraft is, for example, a drone (unmanned aerial vehicle). Then, based on the obtained images, the NDVI of each grid cell within the field is calculated.

[0043] return Figure 1 User terminal 2 consists of a personal computer (PC) and includes a control unit (PC main body) 21, a monitor 22, and operating devices 23 such as a mouse and keyboard. Although not shown in the figure, the control unit 21 includes a CPU, memory, hard disk, etc. In addition to the OS (operating system), the hard disk also stores programs such as a browser for viewing web pages, and other necessary data.

[0044] Server 3 consists of a personal computer (PC) and includes a control unit (PC main body) 31, a monitor 32, and operating devices 33 such as a mouse and keyboard. The control unit 31 includes a CPU 41, a memory 42, a hard disk 43, etc.

[0045] In addition to the fertilization map creation program 43A, the hard disk 43 also stores user information management table 43B, field table 43C divided by user, field information management table 43D, grid information management table 43E, etc.

[0046] Although not illustrated, in the user information management table 43B, the username, user's address, etc. are stored for each user ID.

[0047] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram representing an example of a user-defined field table 43C.

[0048] In the user-defined land table 43C, for each user who has logged into server 3, the IDs of the lands logged into server 3 among all the lands owned by that user are stored.

[0049] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram representing an example of a field information management table 43D.

[0050] In the field information management table 43D, relevant information (field information) of each field ID logged into server 3 is stored. In this embodiment, the field information stores the field name, specific information about the field location, variety, area, shooting date, average NDVI, NDVI deviation, maximum NDVI1σ, minimum NDVI1σ, maximum NDVI2σ, minimum NDVI2σ, average nitrogen uptake, nitrogen uptake deviation, maximum nitrogen uptake1σ, minimum nitrogen uptake1σ, maximum nitrogen uptake2σ, minimum nitrogen uptake2σ, fertilization map creation date, fertilization map format, etc.

[0051] Field location-specific information refers to information used to determine the location of a field, such as the location information of multiple feature points on the outline of the field.

[0052] Variety refers to the type of crop cultivated in the field. Area refers to the area of ​​the field. Shooting date refers to the date on which the field was photographed to obtain information about its growth and development.

[0053] The average NDVI refers to the average NDVI μ1 of all grids within the field. The NDVI deviation in this embodiment refers to the standard deviation σ1 of the NDVI of all grids within the field. The NDVI deviation can also be the variance σ1 of the NDVI of all grids within the field. 2 .

[0054] The maximum value of NDVI1σ is (μ1 + σ1). The minimum value of NDVI1σ is (μ1 - σ1). The maximum value of NDVI2σ is (μ1 + 2·σ1). The minimum value of NDVI2σ is (μ1 - 2·σ1).

[0055] The average nitrogen uptake refers to the average nitrogen uptake μ2 across all grids within the field. The nitrogen uptake deviation refers to the standard deviation σ2 of nitrogen uptake across all grids within the field. The nitrogen uptake deviation can also be the variance σ2 of nitrogen uptake across all grids within the field. 2 .

[0056] The maximum value of nitrogen uptake 1σ is (μ² + σ²). The minimum value of nitrogen uptake 1σ is (μ² - σ²). The maximum value of nitrogen uptake 2σ is (μ² + 2·σ²). The minimum value of nitrogen uptake 2σ is (μ² - 2·σ²).

[0057] The fertilization chart creation date refers to the date the fertilization chart was created. The fertilization chart format refers to the output format of the fertilization chart. Both the fertilization chart creation date and the fertilization chart format are stored after the fertilization chart is created.

[0058] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram representing an example of grid information management table 43E.

[0059] Grid Information Management Table 43E is a table that stores grid information for each field ID logged into Server 3. The grid information for a field consists of multiple pieces of information for each grid within that field. These multiple pieces of information for each grid include: the grid ID assigned to the grid, location information used to determine the grid's position, and two growth and development status information for the grid (NDVI and nitrogen uptake). The location information used to determine the grid's position can be, for example, the position information of the grid's four vertices or the position information of a set of diagonal vertices. The location information used to determine the grid's position may also include the position information of the grid's center.

[0060] return Figure 1 The CPU 41, as a functional processing unit, includes a fertilization chart creation processing unit 41A. The fertilization chart creation processing unit 41A performs processing for creating a fertilization chart. The fertilization chart creation processing unit 41A is an example of the "selection unit" and "fertilization chart creation unit" of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 5 This is a flowchart explaining the operation of the fertilization map creation processing unit 41A, which is used to create fertilization maps for fields owned by a specific user.

[0062] First, the fertilization chart creation processing unit 41A provides a webpage for user ID input to the user terminal 2 of a specific user (step S1). Thus, Figure 6 The user ID input screen 51 shown is displayed on the display 22 of the user terminal 2 of the specific user.

[0063] The user ID input screen 51 includes: a user ID input section 51A, a username display section 51B, an address display section 51C, and a search button 51D.

[0064] After a specific user enters their user ID in the user ID input section 51A of the user ID input screen 51, they press the search button 51D (for example, by double-clicking the button).

[0065] When the user ID is entered and the search button 51D is pressed (step S2: Yes), the fertilization map creation processing unit 41A moves to step S3. In step S3, user information corresponding to the user ID entered by the specific user is retrieved from the user information management table 43B (user information of the specific user), and field information corresponding to the user ID is retrieved from the field table 43C divided by user and the field information management table 43D.

[0066] Then, the fertilization map processing unit 41A, based on the retrieved user information and field information, creates a webpage for field selection and provides it to the user terminal 2 (step S4). Thus, Figure 7 The field selection screen 52 shown is displayed on the monitor 22 of the user terminal 2.

[0067] Furthermore, if the field information for all fields corresponding to the user ID does not include information on growth and development status, the fertilization map generation processing unit 41A will provide the user terminal 2 with information for displaying the username and address on the user ID input screen 51. Therefore, in this case, the username and address are only displayed on the username display unit 51B and the address display unit 51C of the user ID input screen 51.

[0068] Figure 7 The field selection screen 52 shown includes: a user information display screen 53, a field information display screen 54, and an OK button 55.

[0069] The user information display screen 53 consists of a user ID input section 53A, a username display section 53B, an address display section 53C, and a search button 53D. The user ID, username, and address of the user are displayed in the user ID input section 53A, the username display section 53B, and the address display section 53C, respectively.

[0070] On the user information display screen 53, for each field logged in by a specific user, the following information is displayed: checkbox, field ID, field name, variety, area, shooting date, average NDVI, NDVI deviation, maximum NDVI1σ, minimum NDVI1σ, maximum NDVI2σ, minimum NDVI2σ, average nitrogen uptake, nitrogen uptake deviation, maximum nitrogen uptake1σ, minimum nitrogen uptake1σ, maximum nitrogen uptake2σ, minimum nitrogen uptake2σ, date the fertilization chart was created, and the format of the fertilization chart.

[0071] However, the date and format of the fertilization chart are only displayed once the fertilization chart has been created. "NDVI deviation" and "nitrogen uptake deviation" are examples of the "overall growth and development characteristics of the field" or "overall growth and development characteristics of the field to which the chart is being created" in this invention.

[0072] After a specific user selects the checkboxes corresponding to one or more fields for which they want to create a fertilization map (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "map creation object fields"), they press the OK button 55. Here, for clarity, we will explain the case where the OK button 55 is pressed after selecting the checkboxes corresponding to one field.

[0073] When the OK button 55 is pressed after the checkbox is checked (step S5: Yes), the fertilization chart production processing unit 41A provides the user terminal 2 with a webpage for information input, which is used for a specific user to input the information necessary for the production of the fertilization chart (step S6).

[0074] thus, Figure 8 The information input screen (parameter input screen) 56 shown is displayed on the monitor 22 of the user terminal 2.

[0075] The information input screen 56 includes: fertilizer input screen 57, output format selection screen 58, analysis value input screen 59, and fertilization chart creation button 60.

[0076] The fertilizer input screen 57 includes a fertilizer name input section 57A, a maximum fertilizer application rate input section 57B, a minimum fertilizer application rate input section 57C, and a nitrogen content rate input section 57D. The maximum fertilizer application rate refers to the maximum amount of fertilizer applied, and the minimum fertilizer application rate refers to the minimum amount of fertilizer applied. The nitrogen content rate refers to the percentage of nitrogen contained in the fertilizer. A user inputs the fertilizer name, maximum fertilizer application rate, minimum fertilizer application rate, and nitrogen content rate on the fertilizer input screen 57.

[0077] The output format selection screen 58 includes a radio button 58A for selecting the XML file format (xml) and a radio button 58B for selecting the Shape file format (shp). A specific user selects the output format of the fertilization chart by selecting either radio button 58A or 58B.

[0078] The analysis value input screen 59 includes a radio button 59A for selecting NDVI and a radio button 59B for selecting nitrogen uptake. Additionally, the analysis value input screen 59 also includes a variable region maximum value input section 59C, a variable region minimum value input section 59D, and radio buttons 59E, 59F, and 59G for selecting from candidates of "strong," "standard," and "weak" as the degree of the set slope. The candidates of "strong," "standard," and "weak" as the degree of the set slope are an example of the "pre-set multiple characteristic candidates" of the present invention.

[0079] A specific user can select the type of growth and development information (analysis type) used to generate the fertilization chart by selecting either radio button 59A or 59B.

[0080] A specific user can directly input the maximum value of the variable region and the minimum value of the variable region into the maximum value input section 59C and the minimum value input section 59D, respectively.

[0081] Additionally, a specific user can also enable server 3 to automatically set the maximum and minimum values ​​for the variable area. Specifically, the user selects one of radio buttons 59E, 59F, and 59G, thereby selecting one of the candidates for setting the degree of slope—"strong," "standard," and "weak"—as a suitable characteristic candidate for the growth and development characteristics (in this example, the deviation of growth and development information) of the field to be mapped. Thus, on the server 3 side, the maximum and minimum values ​​for the variable area corresponding to the selected characteristic candidate are automatically set.

[0082] The "maximum value of variable region", "minimum value of variable region" and "set slope" are explained.

[0083] To create a fertilization chart, you need to set the fertilization amount corresponding to the growth and development status information (NDVI or nitrogen uptake).

[0084] Figure 9A This is a chart showing the set examples of fertilizer application amounts corresponding to information on growth and development status.

[0085] Figure 9A The horizontal axis represents growth and development information, and the vertical axis represents fertilizer application rate. Minimum fertilizer application rate refers to the minimum value of fertilizer application, and maximum fertilizer application rate refers to the maximum value of fertilizer application rate. The minimum variable region value is the lower limit of the range of growth and development information (variable fertilizer application rate range) that causes changes in fertilizer application rate. The maximum variable region value is the upper limit of the range of growth and development information (variable fertilizer application rate range) that causes changes in fertilizer application rate.

[0086] When the growth and development status information is below the minimum value of the variable region, the fertilizer application rate is set to the maximum. When the growth and development status information is above the maximum value of the variable region, the fertilizer application rate is set to the minimum. When the growth and development status information is within the range of the variable region (between the minimum and maximum values), the fertilizer application rate is set from the maximum to the minimum, decreasing as the growth and development status information increases.

[0087] exist Figure 9A In the example, in the variable fertilization area, the fertilization amount is set to change linearly as the growth and development information increases, but the fertilization amount can also be set to change nonlinearly as the growth and development information increases.

[0088] Figure 9B It means and Figure 9A A chart showing the fertilization rate settings corresponding to growth and development information when the range of variable fertilization area is set to be relatively small. Figure 9C It means and Figure 9A A chart showing the fertilization rate settings corresponding to growth and development information when the range of variable fertilization rate is set to be relatively large.

[0089] like Figure 9B As shown, when with Figure 9A Compared to when the variable fertilization area is set to a smaller range, the slope of the straight line representing the relationship between fertilization amount and growth and development information within the variable fertilization area becomes steeper. On the other hand, as... Figure 9C As shown, when with Figure 9A Compared to when the range of the variable fertilization area is set to be larger, the slope of the straight line representing the relationship between fertilization and growth and development information in the variable area becomes smaller.

[0090] Figure 8 The "set slope" refers to the slope of the straight line representing the relationship between fertilizer application and growth status information in the variable fertilization area. A "strong" set slope means that the set slope is larger than the "standard" set slope, while a "weak" set slope means that the set slope is smaller than the "standard" set slope.

[0091] An example will be given to illustrate the method for setting the minimum and maximum values ​​of the variable region for each of the "strong," "standard," and "weak" slope settings. For ease of explanation, this example will use NDVI as the growth and development information (analysis type) selected for the fertilization chart.

[0092] Figure 10This is an example graph showing a histogram of the NDVI of each grid cell in a plotted field. The NDVI histogram is not actually normally distributed, but... Figure 10 For ease of explanation, the histogram of NDVI is depicted as a normal distribution.

[0093] exist Figure 10 In this context, μ represents the average value of NDVI, and σ represents the standard deviation of NDVI.

[0094] The minimum variable region X corresponding to the "strong" of the set slope min1 and the maximum value X of the variable region max1 The first weight is a predetermined value w1 that is greater than zero, as expressed by the following equation (2).

[0095] X min1 =μ-w1·σ

[0096] X max1 =μ+w1·σ…(2)

[0097] Figure 10 The lower and upper limits of the range A1 are the minimum value X of the variable region corresponding to "strong". min1 and the maximum value X of the variable region max1 Here is one example. In this case, the first weight w1 is set to, for example, 0.8.

[0098] The minimum variable region X corresponding to the "standard" slope setting. min2 and the maximum value of the variable region X max2 The second weight is a predetermined value w2 that is greater than w1, as expressed by the following equation (3).

[0099] X min2 =μ-w2·σ

[0100] X max2 =μ+w2·σ…(3)

[0101] Figure 10 The lower and upper limits of range A2 are the minimum value X of the variable region corresponding to the "standard". min2 and the maximum value X of the variable region max2 Here is one example. In this case, the second weight w2 is set to 1.5, for example.

[0102] The minimum variable region X corresponding to the "weak" setting of the slope min3 and the maximum value of the variable region X max3 The third weight is a predetermined value w3 greater than w2, as expressed by the following equation (4).

[0103] X min3 =μ-w3·σ

[0104] X max3 =μ+w3·σ…(4)

[0105] Figure 10 The lower and upper limits of the range A3 are the minimum value X of the variable region corresponding to "weak". min3 and the maximum value of the variable region X max3 Here's an example. In this case, the third weight w3 is set to 2, for example.

[0106] When the NDVI deviation within the target field for map production is at the standard value, it is preferable for a specific user to select "Standard" from the options of "Strong", "Standard" and "Weak" as the characteristic candidate suitable for the overall growth and development characteristics of the target field for map production.

[0107] Furthermore, when the NDVI deviation (standard deviation) of the field to be fertilized is small compared to the standard, it is preferable for the specific user to select "weak" from the "strong," "standard," and "weak" candidate options as the characteristic candidate suitable for the overall growth and development characteristics of the field to be fertilized. This is because, in such cases, if the slope is set to "strong," i.e., the variable area for fertilizer application is set narrower, the fertilizer application will not change within the range where the fertilizer application should be higher, which deviates from the average NDVI.

[0108] Furthermore, when the NDVI deviation of the field being mapped deviates significantly from the standard, it is preferable to select "Strong" from the "Strong," "Standard," and "Weak" options to determine the most suitable characteristic candidate for the overall growth and development of the field. This is because, in such cases, if the slope is set to "Weak," i.e., the variable area for fertilizer application is set wider, the overall variation in fertilizer application will become unclear.

[0109] return Figure 5 When the fertilization chart creation processing unit 41A provides the webpage containing the information input screen to the user terminal 2 in step S6, it monitors whether the degree of setting the slope is selected on the information input screen 56 (step S7) or whether the fertilization chart creation button 60 is pressed on the information input screen 56 (step S8).

[0110] When a specific user wants to set the minimum and maximum values ​​of the variable area on server 3, they can use radio buttons 59E to 59G to select the degree of slope on the information input screen 56.

[0111] When a user selects a slope level (step S7: Yes), the fertilization map generation processing unit 41A sets the minimum and maximum values ​​of the variable area corresponding to the selected slope level, and provides the set minimum and maximum values ​​of the variable area to the user terminal 2 (step S9). As a result, the minimum and maximum values ​​of the variable area set by the fertilization map generation processing unit 41A are displayed on the variable area maximum value input unit 59C and variable area minimum value input unit 59D of the information input screen 56.

[0112] A specific user inputs fertilizer-related information, selects the output format, and selects growth and development information on the information input screen 56. The user can directly input the minimum and maximum values ​​of the variable area or use the fertilizer chart creation processing unit 41A to automatically set these values. Then, the user presses the fertilizer chart creation button 60.

[0113] When a specific user presses the fertilization map creation button 60 (step S8: Yes), the fertilization map creation processing unit 41A creates a fertilization map of the target field based on the content selected and entered on the information input screen 56 and the content stored in the grid information management table 43E (step S10).

[0114] Specifically, firstly, the fertilization map production processing unit 41A obtains the growth and development status information (NDVI in this example) for producing the fertilization map from the grid information management table 43E based on the ID of the field to be produced and the analysis type selected on the information input screen 56.

[0115] Next, the fertilization map generation processing unit 41A calculates the fertilization amount for each grid of the target field based on the minimum and maximum fertilization amounts input by a specific user, the minimum and maximum values ​​of the variable area input directly by the specific user or automatically set according to the degree of slope, and the growth and development information obtained from the grid information management table 43E. Then, the fertilization map generation processing unit 41A generates a fertilization map based on the fertilization amount of each grid. In this embodiment, the fertilization map is, for example, composed of a black-and-white image that uses black and white shading to represent the fertilization amount of each grid.

[0116] When creating a fertilization map for a field, the fertilization map creation processing unit 41A creates a webpage for viewing the fertilization map, which includes fertilization map-related information, the fertilization map itself, and images showing the growth and development status used in the creation of the fertilization map. The webpage is then provided to the user terminal 2 (step S11).

[0117] Therefore, the display 22 of user terminal 2 shows Figure 11 View the fertilization chart shown in screen 61.

[0118] The fertilization chart viewing screen 61 includes: an information display screen 62 for displaying fertilization chart related information, a growth and development information image (an NDVI image in this example) used to create the fertilization chart 63, the fertilization chart 64, and a fertilization chart download button 65.

[0119] The relevant information display screen 62 displays the user ID, field ID, field name, variety, number, area, shooting date, maximum fertilizer application rate, minimum fertilizer application rate, nitrogen content, analysis type, maximum value of variable area, minimum value of variable area, fertilizer name, average application rate, and total application rate.

[0120] Image 63, displaying growth and development information, is an image showing the growth and development status of each grid cell within the field to which the map is created. Figure 11 In the example, the growth and development status information image is a color image that displays the growth and development status information and its values ​​using color differentiation on a grid basis. Below the growth and development status information image 63, a color scheme 63A is displayed using color differentiation.

[0121] Below the fertilization chart 64, there is a concentration template 64A showing the relationship between concentration values ​​and fertilizer application amount.

[0122] A specific user can download a fertilization map by pressing the fertilization map download button 65. This allows the user to adjust the amount of fertilizer applied to each grid of the field and perform fertilization (topdressing).

[0123] In the above embodiments, the case of selecting one field as the mapping target field was described, but multiple fields can also be selected as the mapping target field. In this case, the growth and development information of each grid in all grids within all fields included in the mapping target field is regarded as the growth and development information of each grid in a single field, and the fertilization amount of each grid in the mapping target field is calculated. In this case, the average value μ and standard deviation σ used in equations (2) to (4) are the average value μ and standard deviation σ of the growth and development information of each grid in all grids within all fields included in the mapping target field.

[0124] In the above embodiment, when a specific user selects a candidate from multiple candidate options related to the degree of slope setting, the fertilization map generation processing unit 41A sets the minimum and maximum values ​​of the variable region corresponding to the candidate selected by the specific user. Therefore, it becomes easy for the specific user to set the minimum and maximum values ​​of the variable region.

[0125] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a specific user can select from multiple candidate options related to the degree of the set slope as a degree of slope that is suitable for the deviation (growth and development characteristics) of the overall growth and development information of the field to be mapped. Therefore, it is easy to create a fertilization map that is suitable for the overall growth and development characteristics of the field to be mapped.

[0126] In the above embodiments, the growth and development information used to create the fertilization chart includes NDVI (as leaf color information) and nitrogen uptake (the product of leaf color and vegetation cover). However, any information related to crop growth can be used, or it can be information other than the above. The growth and development information can also be vegetation cover information or crop yield.

[0127] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, but these are merely specific examples used to clarify the technical content of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the present invention to these specific examples. The scope of the present invention is defined only by the claims.

[0128] This application corresponds to Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-41737, filed with the Japan Patent Office on March 7, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0129] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0130] 1…Fertilizer map display system; 2…User terminal; 3…Fertilizer map providing server; 4…Internet; 41A…Fertilizer map production department; 43A…Fertilizer map production program; 43B…User information management table; 43C…Field table divided by user; 43D…Field information management table; 43E…Grid information management table; 51…User ID input screen; 52…Field selection screen; 56…Information input screen; 57…Fertilizer input screen; 57A…Fertilizer name input department; 57B…Maximum fertilizer application rate input department; 5 7C…Minimum fertilizer application rate input; 57D…Nitrogen content rate input; 58…Output format selection screen; 58A, 58B…Radio buttons; 59…Analysis value input screen; 58A, 59B…Radio buttons; 59C…Variable area maximum value input; 59D…Variable area minimum value input; 59E, 59F, 59G…Radio buttons; 60…Fertilizer chart creation button; 61…Fertilizer chart viewing screen; 62…Related information display screen; 63…Growth and development status information image; 64…Fertilizer chart.

Claims

1. A fertilization chart generation device, wherein, have: The storage unit stores information on the growth and development status of each grid set in a specific user's field; The selection unit is used to select one characteristic candidate from a plurality of pre-set characteristic candidates as the characteristic candidate that is suitable for the overall growth and development characteristics of the field. as well as The fertilization map generation unit uses at least the growth and development information of each of the grids and the characteristic candidates selected by the selection unit to calculate the fertilization amount for each of the grids, thereby generating a fertilization map for the field. The plurality of characteristic candidates includes a first characteristic candidate and a second characteristic candidate. The first characteristic candidate is used to define a first range, close to the average value of the growth and development status information of each grid from the minimum to the maximum value, as a variable fertilization region that allows for changes in fertilization amount. The second characteristic candidate is used to define a second range, larger than the first range, within the range of the minimum to the maximum value of the growth and development status information of each grid, as a variable fertilization region that allows for changes in fertilization amount. The first characteristic candidate and the second characteristic candidate are candidates for the degree of setting slope, where the setting slope refers to the slope of the straight line representing the relationship between fertilizer application and growth and development information in the variable fertilizer application area.

2. The fertilization chart generation device according to claim 1, wherein, The first range and the second range are set based on the average value and deviation of the growth and development information of each grid in the field.

3. The fertilization chart generation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The overall growth and development characteristics of the field are the deviations in the growth and development information of each grid within the field.

4. The fertilization chart generation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The specific user's land includes multiple plots of land. The fertilization map generation device also includes a field selection unit, which selects one or more fields from the plurality of fields as the target field for map generation. The selection unit is configured to select one characteristic candidate from a pre-defined plurality of characteristic candidates as the characteristic candidate that is suitable for the overall growth and development characteristics of the field to be mapped. The fertilization map generation unit is configured to: when the target field for map generation includes multiple fields, use the growth and development information of each grid set in the multiple fields and the characteristic candidates selected by the selection unit to calculate the fertilization amount of each grid in the target field for map generation, thereby generating a fertilization map for the target field for map generation.

5. A method for creating a fertilization chart, wherein, The following steps are required: The growth and development information of each grid set in a specific user's field is stored in the storage unit in advance; The selection unit selects a characteristic candidate from a pre-set pool of multiple characteristic candidates to be the characteristic candidate that is suitable for the overall growth and development characteristics of the field. The fertilization amount for each grid is calculated using at least the growth and development information of each grid and the characteristic candidates selected by the selection unit, thereby creating a fertilization map for the field. The plurality of characteristic candidates includes a first characteristic candidate and a second characteristic candidate. The first characteristic candidate is used to define a first range, close to the average value of the growth and development status information of each grid from the minimum to the maximum value, as a variable fertilization region that allows for changes in fertilization amount. The second characteristic candidate is used to define a second range, larger than the first range, within the range of the minimum to the maximum value of the growth and development status information of each grid, as a variable fertilization region that allows for changes in fertilization amount. The first characteristic candidate and the second characteristic candidate are candidates for the degree of setting slope, where the setting slope refers to the slope of the straight line representing the relationship between fertilizer application and growth and development information in the variable fertilizer application area.

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