Irrigation system and control device

Abstract

This irrigation system is provided with a pF sensor, a VWC sensor, and a control device for controlling an irrigation operation, the control device controlling the irrigation operation using a pF value detected by the pF sensor and a volumetric moisture content detected by the VWC sensor, and the control device controlling the start timing of the irrigation operation on the basis of the detected pF value and a start threshold value, and controlling the start timing of the irrigation operation on the basis of the start threshold value. The control device controls the stop timing of the irrigation operation in operation on the basis of the detected volumetric moisture content and the stop threshold value, and updates the stop threshold value on the basis of the detected change in the pF value.

Description

[0001] Cross-references of related applications

[0002] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-160454 filed on October 4, 2022 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-098721 filed on June 20, 2022, and the contents of the basic applications are hereby cited in their entirety by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The disclosure in this specification relates to an irrigation system and a control device for controlling the supply of irrigation water to a field. Background Art

[0004] Patent document 1 discloses a technology for determining the timing of irrigation without measuring the moisture content of the soil in the field and the amount of sunshine for the field. The automatic irrigation system performs the first irrigation at the beginning of the prescribed period within a prescribed period after sowing, and performs the second and subsequent irrigations from the next day until the end of the prescribed period. The processing unit determines the timing of the second and subsequent irrigations using the value obtained by subtracting the first irrigation water supply amount, that is, the first supply amount, from the maximum irrigation amount and the disappearance amount.

[0005] Patent document 2 discloses an irrigation control method that measures the oxygen concentration in the soil and suppresses irrigation when the measured oxygen concentration falls below a predetermined value. Patent document 3 discloses an irrigation method that supplies water to a field from a water source outside the field and adjusts the soil temperature to a predetermined temperature.

[0006] Prior art literature

[0007] Patent Literature

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-130802

[0009] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-170201

[0010] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-78461 Summary of the invention

[0011] The technology described in Patent Document 1 has room for improvement in terms of implementing irrigation operation control suitable for soil conditions. In this specification, in order to eliminate the cause of adverse effects on plants, control during irrigation instructions not disclosed in Patent Documents 2 and 3 mentioned above is proposed.

[0012] A first object disclosed in the present specification is to provide an irrigation system and a control device capable of implementing irrigation operation control suitable for soil conditions.

[0013] A second object disclosed in the present specification is to provide an irrigation system and a control device capable of implementing irrigation while suppressing adverse effects on plant growth.

[0014] The multiple technical solutions disclosed in this specification use different technical means to achieve their respective purposes. In addition, the reference numerals in parentheses in the claims are examples of the correspondence relationship with the specific means described in the embodiments described later as one technical solution, and do not limit the scope of the technology.

[0015] A technical solution of the disclosed irrigation system, the irrigation system comprises: a water supply path, which is supplied with water for releasing to plants; a pF sensor, which detects a pF value as an environmental value related to the soil state; a VWC sensor, which detects a volumetric moisture content as an environmental value related to the soil state; and a control device, which uses the pF value detected by the pF sensor and the volumetric moisture content detected by the VWC sensor to control an irrigation operation for releasing water to plants via the water supply path; the control device controls the start timing of the irrigation operation based on the detected pF value and the start threshold value, and controls the stop timing of the irrigation operation in operation based on the detected volumetric moisture content and the stop threshold value; the control device updates the stop threshold value based on changes in the detected pF value.

[0016] Thus, by updating the stop threshold value related to VWC using the pF value, which is a useful environmental value of the soil state, it is possible to provide irrigation operation reflected by VWC with good irrigation responsiveness. Therefore, the irrigation system can implement irrigation operation control suitable for the soil state by controlling the irrigation stop timing that associates the pF value with the VWC.

[0017] A technical solution of the disclosed control device, the control device comprises: an acquisition unit, which acquires a pF value detected by a pF sensor as an environmental value related to the soil state, and a volumetric moisture content detected by a VWC sensor as an environmental value related to the soil state; and a processing unit, which uses the pF value detected by the pF sensor and the volumetric moisture content detected by the VWC sensor to control an irrigation operation of releasing water to plants through a water supply path; the processing unit controls the start timing of the irrigation operation based on the detected pF value and a start threshold value, and controls the stop timing of the irrigation operation in operation based on the detected volumetric moisture content and a stop threshold value; the processing unit updates the stop threshold value based on changes in the detected pF value.

[0018] According to the control device, by updating the stop threshold value related to VWC using the pF value which is a useful environmental value of the soil state, it is possible to provide irrigation operation reflected by VWC with good irrigation responsiveness. Therefore, the control device can implement irrigation operation control suitable for the soil state by controlling the irrigation stop timing which associates the pF value with the VWC.

[0019] A technical solution of the disclosed irrigation system comprises: a water supply path, which is supplied with irrigation water for releasing to plants; a temperature sensor, which detects the temperature of the water supply path; a ground temperature sensor, which detects the ground temperature; and a control device, which uses the ground temperature detected by the ground temperature sensor and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor to control the irrigation amount.

[0020] According to the irrigation system, the irrigation amount is controlled using the temperature of the water supply path and the ground temperature which are related to the water supply temperature. Therefore, it is possible to implement control to change the irrigation amount when the temperature of the water supply path is higher or lower than the ground temperature. Therefore, when it is predicted that the water supply temperature has an adverse effect on the cultivation of plants, the irrigation system can implement irrigation that suppresses the adverse effect.

[0021] A technical solution of the disclosed irrigation system is that, when implementing irrigation, if the ground temperature is higher than the temperature of the water supply path and the temperature of the water supply path is lower than the irrigation inhibition threshold, the control device prohibits irrigation; if the ground temperature is not higher than the temperature of the water supply path, or if the ground temperature is higher than the temperature of the water supply path and the temperature of the water supply path is higher than the irrigation inhibition threshold, the control device implements irrigation.

[0022] According to the irrigation system, it is possible to suppress irrigation when the temperature of the water supply path is low and has not risen to the ground temperature, and it is possible to postpone irrigation until the temperature of the water supply path rises. On the other hand, by implementing irrigation when the temperature of the water supply path is higher than the ground temperature, or when the ground temperature is higher than the temperature of the water supply path and the temperature of the water supply path is higher than the threshold for suppressing irrigation, it is possible to achieve appropriate water supply that suppresses adverse effects on plant cultivation and promotes growth. Therefore, the irrigation system can implement irrigation that suppresses adverse effects on plant cultivation.

[0023] A technical solution of the disclosed irrigation system is that, when implementing irrigation at the timing, when the temperature of the water supply path is higher than the drainage threshold, the control device does not release the stagnant water in the water supply path to the plants but implements irrigation after drainage; when the temperature of the water supply path is lower than the drainage threshold, the control device implements irrigation including stagnant water.

[0024] According to the irrigation system, when the temperature of the water supply path is higher than the drainage threshold, the high-temperature stagnant water is not released to the plants, but the appropriate temperature irrigation can be implemented after the drainage. On the other hand, by implementing irrigation including the stagnant water at the appropriate temperature when the temperature of the water supply path is lower than the drainage threshold, it is possible to achieve appropriate water supply that suppresses adverse effects on plant cultivation and promotes growth. Therefore, the irrigation system can also implement irrigation that suppresses adverse effects on plant cultivation.

[0025] A technical solution of the disclosed control device, the control device comprises: a processing unit, which uses the temperature of a water supply path and the ground temperature to determine whether to implement irrigation, the above-mentioned water supply path being supplied with irrigation water for releasing to plants; and a signal output unit, which outputs a signal to prohibit irrigation when the processing unit determines that the ground temperature is higher than the temperature of the water supply path and the temperature of the water supply path is lower than a threshold value for inhibiting irrigation at the timing of implementing irrigation, outputs a signal to prohibit irrigation when the processing unit determines that the ground temperature is not higher than the temperature of the water supply path, and outputs a signal to implement irrigation when the processing unit determines that the ground temperature is not higher than the temperature of the water supply path, or the ground temperature is higher than the temperature of the water supply path and the temperature of the water supply path is higher than the threshold value for inhibiting irrigation.

[0026] According to the control device, it is possible to suppress irrigation when the temperature of the water supply path is low and has not risen to the ground temperature, and it is possible to postpone irrigation until the temperature of the water supply path rises. On the other hand, by controlling to implement irrigation when the temperature of the water supply path is higher than the ground temperature, or when the ground temperature is higher than the temperature of the water supply path and the temperature of the water supply path is higher than the threshold for suppressing irrigation, it is possible to achieve appropriate water supply that suppresses adverse effects on plants and promotes growth. Therefore, the control device can implement irrigation that suppresses adverse effects on plant cultivation.

[0027] A technical solution of the disclosed control device, the control device comprises: a processing unit, which uses the temperature of a water supply path to determine whether to implement irrigation, the above-mentioned water supply path is supplied with irrigation water for releasing to plants; and a signal output unit, which, at the timing of implementing irrigation, after outputting a signal to drain the remaining water in the water supply path instead of releasing it to the plants when the processing unit determines that the temperature of the water supply path is higher than the drainage threshold, outputs a signal to implement irrigation, and when the processing unit determines that the temperature of the water supply path is lower than the drainage threshold, outputs a signal to implement irrigation including the remaining water.

[0028] According to the control device, when the temperature of the water supply path is higher than the drainage threshold, it is possible to implement irrigation at an appropriate temperature after drainage without releasing high-temperature stagnant water to the plants. On the other hand, by controlling to implement irrigation including stagnant water at an appropriate temperature when the temperature of the water supply path is lower than the drainage threshold, it is possible to achieve appropriate water supply that suppresses adverse effects on plant cultivation and promotes growth. Therefore, the control device can also implement irrigation that suppresses adverse effects on plant cultivation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 It is a structural diagram of the irrigation system according to the first embodiment.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing a monitoring unit as an example of a control device.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a water supply route diagram showing the water supply valve and various sensors.

[0032] Figure 4 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the irrigation system.

[0033] Figure 5 This is a time chart showing the control related to the start and stop of irrigation.

[0034] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of water retention property information obtained from measured values.

[0035] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of water retention property information obtained from measured values.

[0036] Figure 8 This is a flowchart showing the operation of the irrigation system according to the second embodiment.

[0037] Fig. 9 It is a water supply route diagram showing the water supply valve and various sensors according to the third embodiment.

[0038] Fig.10 It is a water supply route diagram showing the water supply valve and various sensors according to the fourth embodiment.

[0039] Fig.11 It is a structural diagram of the irrigation system according to the fifth embodiment.

[0040] Fig.12 It is a block diagram showing a monitoring unit.

[0041] Fig.13 It is a cross-sectional view showing a valve device which can be used as a water supply valve.

[0042] Fig.14It is a diagram showing the structure of a driving unit included in the valve device.

[0043] Fig.15 It is a perspective view showing a valve included in the valve device.

[0044] Fig.16 This is a diagram showing the relationship between the rotation angle of the valve device and the flow rate.

[0045] Fig.17 This is a water supply route diagram showing the relationship between water supply valves and various sensors.

[0046] Fig.18 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation when an irrigation instruction is given.

[0047] Fig.19 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation when an irrigation instruction is given.

[0048] Fig. 20 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation when an irrigation instruction is given.

[0049] Fig.21 This is a water supply route diagram showing the relationship between the water supply valve and various sensors in the sixth embodiment.

[0050] Fig. 22 This is a block diagram showing a monitoring unit according to the sixth embodiment.

[0051] Fig.23 This is a flowchart showing the operation when an irrigation instruction is issued according to the seventh embodiment.

[0052] Fig.24 This is a flowchart showing the operation when issuing an irrigation instruction according to the eighth embodiment.

[0053] Fig.25 This is a flowchart showing the operation when an irrigation instruction is issued according to the ninth embodiment.

[0054] Fig.26 This is a flowchart showing the operation when an irrigation instruction is issued according to the tenth embodiment.

[0055] Fig. 27 It is a water supply route diagram showing the relationship between the water supply valve and various sensors in the eleventh embodiment.

[0056] Fig.28 This is a block diagram showing a monitoring unit according to the eleventh embodiment.

[0057] Fig.29 It is a water supply route diagram showing the relationship between the water supply valve and various sensors in the twelfth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] The following describes a plurality of embodiments for implementing the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. With respect to each embodiment, the same reference mark is attached to the portion corresponding to the matter described in the previous embodiment, and there is a case where repeated description is omitted. With respect to each embodiment, when only a part of the structure is described, other embodiments previously described can be applied to the other parts of the structure. Not only is the combination of the parts that can be combined specifically indicated in each embodiment, but the embodiments can also be partially combined with each other even if it is not indicated explicitly, as long as no obstacles are particularly caused in the combination.

[0059] First Embodiment

[0060] Reference Figure 1 to Figure 7 The first embodiment of an example of an irrigation system is disclosed. Hereinafter, three directions in a mutually orthogonal relationship are represented as an x ​​direction, a y direction, and a z direction. In this specification, a plane defined by the x direction and the y direction is along a horizontal plane. The z direction is along a vertical direction.

[0061] <Field>

[0062] The irrigation system 1 is applied to an outdoor field 20 cultivated on a hill or plain. Figure 1 As shown, the irrigation system 1 is applied to a field 20 cultivated on a plain. A plurality of cultivation sites such as ridges extending in the x direction are provided in the field 20. These plurality of cultivation sites extending in the x direction are arranged apart from each other in the y direction. Plant seeds or seedlings are buried in each of these plurality of cultivation sites. The irrigation system 1 may also be applied to a field 20 set indoors in a house or the like. Therefore, the field 20 in this specification is applicable to soil set in either outdoor or indoor locations.

[0063] A plurality of plants are cultivated in one cultivation site. One cultivation site is a ridge where a plurality of plants are cultivated. A plurality of plants are arranged in a row in the x direction. Hereinafter, the plurality of plants arranged in a row in the x direction are referred to as a plant group. In the field 20, a plurality of plant groups are arranged in a spaced relationship in the y direction. The shortest spacing distance in the y direction of the plurality of plant groups is longer than the shortest spacing distance in the x direction of the plurality of plants included in one plant group. The spacing distance in the y direction of the plurality of plant groups is changed in various ways depending on the types of plants cultivated, the undulations of the field 20, and the climate. Even if the branches and leaves of the plants grow luxuriantly in the y direction, a width is ensured between the two plant groups to the extent that a person can at least move in the x direction.

[0064] <Irrigation System>

[0065] The irrigation system 1 includes a water supply device 100 and a control device 200. The water supply device 100 supplies irrigation water to plants in a field 20. The control device 200 determines the supply timing and supply amount of irrigation water supplied from the water supply device 100 to the plants during the irrigation period. The control device 200 determines an irrigation schedule for the water supply device 100.

[0066] <Water supply device>

[0067] The water supply device 100 includes a pump 110 , a water supply pipe 130 , etc. The pump 110 is a water supply source that causes irrigation water to flow down the water supply pipe 130 .

[0068] <Pump>

[0069] The pump 110 is usually in a driving state. Or the pump 110 is in a daytime driving state. The driving and stopping of the pump 110 are controlled by the control device 200. The pump 110 extracts the irrigation water stored in the water tank or the water reservoir and supplies it to the water supply pipe 130. The irrigation water is, for example, well water, river water, rain water, tap water, etc. A plurality of water supply valves 15 are provided in the water supply pipe 130, and the plurality of water supply valves 15 can control the flow rate of the irrigation water sprayed on the field 20. When these water supply valves 15 are in a closed state 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 is a value (hereinafter referred to as pump pressure) depending on the ejection capacity of the pump 110. If the water supply valve 15 is changed from a closed state to an open state, the irrigation water is ejected from the water supply pipe 130 to the field 20. If the amount of irrigation water sprayed is stable in terms of time average, the water pressure in the water supply pipe 130 is a flow pressure lower than the pump pressure.

[0070] <Water supply piping>

[0071] The water supply pipe 130 includes a main pipe. The main pipe is connected to a pump 110. The pump 110 supplies irrigation water to the main pipe. The irrigation water is supplied to the field 20 via the main pipe.

[0072] <Main piping>

[0073] The main pipe includes a longitudinal pipe 131 and a first connecting pipe 132. The longitudinal pipe 131 extends in the y direction. The first connecting pipe 132 extends in the x direction. The longitudinal pipe 131 and the first connecting pipe 132 are connected to each other. Due to this structure, irrigation water flows in the y direction and the x direction in the main pipe. Figure 1 In the example shown, one vertical pipe 131 is connected to one pump 110. A plurality of first connection pipes 132 extend from the vertical pipe 131 extending in the y direction.

[0074] Figure 1 , Figure 3The structure of the water supply path shown is only an example of a passage structure related to irrigation. The number of pumps 110 and longitudinal pipes 131 installed in the field 20, the number of longitudinal pipes 131 connected to one pump 110, the number of longitudinal pipes 131 connected to one first connecting pipe 132, and the positions of the first connecting pipe 132 and the longitudinal pipe 131 in the z direction are not particularly limited.

[0075] The plurality of first connecting pipes 132 are arranged apart in the y direction. The shortest spacing distance of the plurality of first connecting pipes 132 in the y direction is set to be equal to the shortest spacing distance of the plurality of plant groups in the y direction. One of the first connecting pipes 132 is provided corresponding to one of the plant groups. The first connecting pipe 132 extends along the direction in which the plurality of plants included in the plant group are arranged. The first connecting pipe 132 is connected to a supply pipe.

[0076] The irrigation system 1 has a plurality of distribution pipes 133 for discharging irrigation water, downstream of the first connection pipe 132 and in the water supply path. Each distribution pipe 133 is an example of a supply pipe for supplying irrigation water to plants in the field 20. Each distribution pipe 133 is provided at a position where irrigation water can be supplied to a ridge provided in the field 20. The distribution pipe 133 may have a pressure correction mechanism for achieving a certain amount of water spray regardless of changes in water pressure, or may have no pressure correction mechanism.

[0077] A plurality of through holes are formed in the distribution pipe 133, and the plurality of through holes connect the inside and the outside of the pipe through which the irrigation water flows. In each pipe, the plurality of through holes are arranged at predetermined intervals in the axial direction of the pipe. In addition, in each pipe, the through holes may be arranged at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of the pipe. The axial spacing (for example, the x-direction) of the plurality of through holes is equal to the spacing of the plurality of plants in the x-direction. In addition, the spacing of the plurality of through holes may be different from the spacing of the plurality of plants.

[0078] <Flow of irrigation water>

[0079] The irrigation water supplied to the longitudinal pipe 131 by the pump 110 flows in the longitudinal pipe 131. The irrigation water is supplied to each of the first connecting pipes 132 connected to the longitudinal pipe 131. The irrigation water flows in each of the plurality of first connecting pipes 132. The irrigation water flowing in the first connecting pipe 132 flows down to the distribution pipe 133 via the branch pipe 132a. The irrigation water is sprayed out from each through hole of the distribution pipe 133 and supplied to the plants. The irrigation water supplied from each through hole of the distribution pipe 133 is mainly supplied to the stems and roots of the plants. The through hole is provided, for example, at a position higher than the portion facing the ground in each distribution pipe 133. In this case, the irrigation water sprayed from the through hole spreads in a direction radially relative to the central axis of the distribution pipe 133, and can be sprayed to a position away from the pipe.

[0080] <Water supply valve>

[0081] The water supply valve 15 is provided upstream of the distribution pipe 133 in the water supply path. When the water supply valve 15 is in an open state, the water supply pipe 130 is connected to each through hole of the distribution pipe 133. Thus, irrigation water is sprayed out from the through hole. On the contrary, when the water supply valve 15 is in a closed state, the communication between the water supply pipe 130 and each through hole of the distribution pipe 133 is cut off. Thus, the spraying of irrigation water from the through hole is stopped.

[0082] The water supply valve 15 controls the flow rate of irrigation water sprayed from the through hole of the distribution pipe 133 by controlling the valve opening by the control device 200. The control device 200 controls the valve opening of the water supply valve 15 to an arbitrary value between a predetermined opening and a fully open position. The water supply valve 15 is a flow regulating valve or a pressure regulating valve that adjusts the pressure downstream or upstream to accurately change the flow rate passing through. The predetermined opening is set to a value including a slightly opened opening or an opening of 0%, that is, a fully closed position.

[0083] The control device 200 controls the discharge flow rate or discharge velocity per unit time discharged from each through hole of the distribution pipe 133 by controlling the valve opening of the water supply valve 15. The control device 200 can control the distance of the irrigation water discharged from the distribution pipe 133 from the distribution pipe 133 and landing on the ground, that is, the water spraying distance or the discharge amount. The water spraying distance is the distance between the soil landing point of the irrigation water that flies out of the distribution pipe 133 through the through hole and the distribution pipe 133. According to the technology of controlling the water spraying distance, effective irrigation can be implemented to the place that needs irrigation, which also helps to save water. The water supply valve 15 is an on-off valve that controls the flow of water supply and the cut-off of water supply, and functions as a flow regulating valve that can control the water supply flow rate.

[0084] For example, when the roots of the plant extend widely or the topsoil layer is shallow and wide, the valve opening of the water supply valve 15 is controlled so that the water spraying distance increases. In addition, when the roots of the plant extend deeply or the topsoil layer is located near the distribution pipe 133, the valve opening of the water supply valve 15 is controlled so that the water spraying distance is suppressed to be small. In other words, the water spraying distance can be called the irrigation distance.

[0085] <Water pressure sensor>

[0086] The water pressure sensor 14 is provided in the pipe included in the water supply pipe 130. The water pressure sensor 14 is a pressure sensor for detecting the water pressure in the pipe. The water pressure detected by the water pressure sensor 14 is output to the control device 200. The water pressure sensor 14 is provided in the water supply path at a position upstream of the distribution pipe 133. Furthermore, the water pressure sensor 14 may be provided in the water supply path at a position downstream of the distribution pipe 133.

[0087] When the water supply valve 15 becomes closed and the pipe is filled with irrigation water, the pump pressure is detected by the water pressure sensor 14. When the water supply valve 15 changes from a closed state to an open state, irrigation water is sprayed from the distribution pipe 133. If the amount of irrigation water sprayed is stable in terms of time average, the flow pressure is detected by the water pressure sensor 14. When the water supply valve 15 changes from an open state to a closed state, the spraying of irrigation water from the water supply pipe 130 stops. The water pressure in the water supply pipe 130 gradually recovers from the flow pressure to the pump pressure. The water pressure during this transition period of gradual recovery from the flow pressure to the pump pressure is detected by the water pressure sensor 14. The irrigation system 1 may also be a structure having a flow sensor for detecting the flow rate of the fluid flowing in the passage instead of the water pressure sensor 14. The irrigation system 1 uses the detection value of the water pressure sensor 14 or the flow sensor to feedback control the valve opening of the water supply valve 15.

[0088] <Control device>

[0089] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the control device 200 includes a monitoring unit 300, an integrated communication unit 400, an information storage unit 500, and an integrated computing unit 600. In the figure, the integrated communication unit 400 is expressed as ICD. The control device 200 has a plurality of monitoring units 300. Each of the plurality of monitoring units 300 corresponds to a predetermined division area allocated in the field 20. For example, a single or a plurality of ridges are allocated to the division area.

[0090] The water pressure detected by the water pressure sensor 14 is input to the monitoring unit 300. The monitoring unit 300 detects an environmental value which is a physical quantity related to the environment of the field 20. Each monitoring unit 300 outputs the water pressure and the environmental value to the integrated communication unit 400 through wireless communication.

[0091] The integrated communication unit 400 outputs the water pressure and environmental values ​​input from each monitoring unit 300 to the information storage unit 500 through wireless communication. The information storage unit 500 stores these water pressure and environmental values. An example of the information storage unit 500 is a so-called cloud. The integrated computing unit 600 reads each information such as the water pressure and environmental values ​​stored in the information storage unit 500. The integrated computing unit 600 appropriately processes each information read out, and displays each information and processing results on the monitor 700 of the user's smartphone or personal computer.

[0092] The integrated computing unit 600 is included in a user's smartphone or personal computer. The integrated computing unit 600 includes an information processing computing device 610, a memory 620, and a communication device 630. In the drawings, the information processing computing device 610 is represented as an IPCE, the memory 620 is represented as an MM, and the communication device 630 is represented as a CD. The information processing computing device 610 includes a processor. The information processing computing device 610 performs computing processing related to the irrigation operation control processing. Such functions are realized by downloading an irrigation application to the information processing computing device 610. The integrated computing unit 600 may also be a computing device installed on the cloud. In this case, a structure in which the integrated computing unit 600 and the information storage unit 500 are installed on the cloud together may also be made.

[0093] The memory 620 is a non-transitory physical storage medium that non-temporarily stores various programs and various information that can be read by a computer or a processor. The memory 620 has 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 computing device 610. The information processing computing device 610 uses the information stored in the memory 620 to perform various computing processes.

[0094] The communication device 630 has a wireless communication function. The communication device 630 converts the received wireless signal into an electrical signal and outputs it to the information processing computing device 610. The communication device 630 outputs the processing result of the information processing computing device 610 as a wireless signal. Hereinafter, the information processing computing device 610, the memory 620 and the communication device 630 are collectively referred to as the integrated computing unit 600, and the technical content of this embodiment is described using the integrated computing unit 600. The information processing computing device 610 is equivalent to the processing computing unit.

[0095] The user inputs a user instruction related to the irrigation operation control process to the integrated computing unit 600 using an input device 800 such as a touch panel or a keyboard. The integrated computing unit 600 outputs an irrigation operation control process instruction based on the user instruction and each piece of information read from the information storage unit 500. In the absence of an instruction from the user, the integrated computing unit 600 determines the start and end of irrigation based on each piece of information. When the irrigation schedule arrives, the integrated computing unit 600 determines the start of irrigation as the irrigation start condition is satisfied. During irrigation, the integrated computing unit 600 determines the stop of irrigation as the irrigation stop condition is satisfied.

[0096] When the comprehensive calculation unit 600 detects a mandatory irrigation operation control processing instruction or determines that the irrigation start condition is satisfied, it outputs an instruction signal for controlling the water supply valve 15 to the information storage unit 500. The instruction signal is input from the information storage unit 500 to the monitoring unit 300 via the comprehensive communication unit 400. The monitoring unit 300 controls the output or non-output of the water supply signal to the water supply valve 15 based on the instruction signal. Thus, the opening and closing state of the water supply valve 15 is controlled. As a result, the supply of irrigation water to the field 20 is controlled, or the irrigation is stopped.

[0097] <Partition>

[0098] One monitoring unit 300 is provided for each distribution pipe 133. The monitoring unit 300 may also be configured to be provided for each predetermined number of distribution pipes 133. The monitoring unit 300 may also be configured to be provided for each ridge. Figure 1 As shown, the plurality of monitoring units 300, the water supply valves 15, and the water pressure sensors 14 are arranged in a matrix with the x direction as the row direction and the y direction as the column direction in the field 20. With such a configuration, the monitoring unit 300 monitors each divided area divided in the row direction and the column direction individually. The supply of irrigation water in each divided area is individually controlled by the corresponding monitoring unit 300.

[0099] <Monitoring Department>

[0100] like Figure 2 As shown, the monitoring unit 300 includes a control unit 320 and the like. The VWC sensor 311, the pF sensor 312, the water supply valve 15, the water pressure sensor 14 and the like are electrically connected to the control unit 320. In the figure, the VWC sensor 311 is expressed as VWCS, the pF sensor 312 is expressed as pFS, the water supply valve 15 is expressed as WV, and the water pressure sensor 14 is expressed as WPS. The water supply valve 15 includes a water supply valve 150 and a water supply valve 151 as specific devices provided in the water supply path. The water pressure sensor 14 includes a water pressure sensor 140, a water pressure sensor 141, and a water pressure sensor 142 as specific devices provided in the water supply path.

[0101] The VWC sensor 311 is arranged in the field 20 corresponding to the predetermined division. The pF sensor 312 is arranged in the field 20 corresponding to the predetermined division. The VWC sensor 311 and the pF sensor 312 detect environmental values ​​related to the soil state of the corresponding division. The VWC sensor 311 and the pF sensor 312 are one of the soil sensors. The water pressure sensor 142 detects the water pressure of each division. The environmental value and water pressure related to the detected soil state of each division are stored in the information storage unit 500.

[0102] The control unit 320 includes a microcomputer 330, a communication unit 340, an RTC 350, and a power generation unit 360. Microcomputer is the abbreviation of a microcomputer system. RTC is the abbreviation of a real-time clock. In the figure, the communication unit 340 is expressed as CDP. Environmental values ​​and water pressure related to soil conditions are input to the microcomputer 330. The microcomputer 330 outputs the environmental values ​​and water pressure to the integrated communication unit 400 via the communication unit 340. An instruction signal is input from the integrated communication unit 400 to the microcomputer 330. The microcomputer 330 outputs a water supply signal to the water supply valve 15 based on the instruction signal. The microcomputer 330 is equivalent to the calculation processing unit. The microcomputer 330 is a control device that controls the operation of the water supply valve 15. The microcomputer 330 has a sleep mode and a normal mode as operation modes. The sleep mode is a state in which the microcomputer 330 stops the calculation processing. The normal mode is a state in which the microcomputer 330 is performing the calculation processing. The normal mode consumes more power than the sleep mode.

[0103] The communication unit 340 performs wireless communication with the integrated communication unit 400. The communication unit 340 outputs the electrical signal output from the microcomputer 330 to the integrated communication unit 400 as a wireless signal. 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. When the electrical signal includes an instruction signal, the microcomputer 330 switches from the sleep mode to the normal mode. The microcomputer 330 may also be in an awake state before receiving the electrical signal.

[0104] The RTC 350 has a clock function for subdividing time and a timer function for measuring time. When a preset time has arrived or a preset time has passed, the RTC 350 outputs a wake-up signal to the microcomputer 330. When the wake-up signal is input to the microcomputer 330 in the sleep mode, the microcomputer 330 switches from the sleep mode to the normal mode.

[0105] The power generation unit 360 converts the light energy obtained by the solar cell 361 into electric energy. The power generation unit 360 functions as a power supply source for the monitoring unit 300. The power supply from the power generation unit 360 to the RTC 350 is performed uninterruptedly. Thus, damage to the clock function and the timer function of the RTC 350 is suppressed. It is also possible to have a structure in which the solar cell 361 is replaced with a primary battery or a secondary battery. The power generation unit 360 may also be a structure that converts natural energy other than light energy, such as wind power or water power, into electric energy.

[0106] <Environmental values ​​related to soil conditions>

[0107] The irrigation system 1 detects an environmental value related to the soil state and controls the start and stop of irrigation based on the environmental value. The irrigation system 1 controls the start timing and stop timing of irrigation using the environmental value detected by the VWC sensor 311 or the pF sensor 312. Thus, the soil moisture content in each predetermined divided area is individually controlled.

[0108] The roots of the plants extend in the topsoil layer of the field 20. The cultivation of the plants depends on the amount of water contained in the soil of the topsoil layer. If the soil water content is higher than the growth retardation water point, diseases occur in the plants. If the soil water content is lower than the permanent wilting point, the plants no longer recover from wilting. These growth retardation water point and permanent wilting point differ depending on the type of plant, and these values ​​are stored in the information storage unit 500.

[0109] Displayed on monitor 700 Figure 5 The graph shown in FIG. 1 shows the change of the volumetric water content VWC of the soil detected by the VWC sensor 311. The monitor 700 displays Figure 5 The graph shown is a graph showing changes in the pF value of the soil detected by the pF sensor 312. Figure 5 The time chart of pF value and the time chart of VWC related to irrigation operation control are shown. Figure 6 , Figure 7 The water retention characteristic information of the soil obtained using the volumetric water content VWC and the pF value is shown. Such display processing is performed by, for example, the integrated computing unit 600. The pF value is a value indicating the degree of adsorption of water in the soil by the capillary force of the soil, and is a value indicating the wetness of the soil. The pF value indicates the soil water content tension. If the pF value is high, the soil is dry, and if the pF value is low, the soil is wet.

[0110] The VWC sensor 311 and the pF sensor 312 detect the current value of the environmental value related to the soil state. The current value is used as soil information for obtaining the predicted value related to the prediction of the increase and decrease from the current value. This information is stored in the information storage unit 500. The information storage unit 500 stores the plant's growth retardation moisture point, permanent wilting point, the amount of water absorbed by the plant per unit time, and the water retention capacity of the soil. The above-mentioned instructions from the user, i.e., the user instructions, are stored in the information storage unit 500. In this way, various information used to determine the irrigation operation control is stored in the information storage unit 500. The irrigation system 1 confirms the detection values ​​of the VWC sensor 311 and the pF sensor 312 in real time, and when the detection values ​​reach the threshold value, controls are performed to start and stop irrigation.

[0111] <Microcomputer>

[0112] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the microcomputer 330 includes an acquisition unit 331, a signal output unit 332, a storage unit 333, and a processing unit 334. In the figure, the acquisition unit 331 is represented as AD, the signal output unit 332 is represented as SOU, the storage unit 333 is represented as MU, and the processing unit 334 is represented as PU. The environmental value detected by the VWC sensor 311 and the pF sensor 312 is input to the acquisition unit 331. The water pressure detected by the water pressure sensor 14 is input to the acquisition unit 331. The acquisition unit 331 is electrically connected to the VWC sensor 311, the pF sensor 312, and the water pressure sensor 14, respectively.

[0113] The signal output unit 332 is electrically connected to the water supply valve 15. A control signal (water supply signal) for controlling the valve opening of the water supply valve 15 is output from the signal output unit 332 to the water supply valve 15. When the water supply signal is not input, the water supply valve 15 is in a closed state. When the water supply signal is input, the water supply valve 15 is in an open state. The water supply valve 15 can be configured to maintain the status quo when there is no input of the water supply signal, and to open and close according to the input content when there is input. For example, when the control signal is not input, the valve opening of the water supply valve 15 is maintained, and the valve opening of the water supply valve 15 is adjusted according to the control signal indicating the opening when input.

[0114] The storage unit 333 is a non-transitory physical storage medium that non-temporarily stores programs and data that can be read by a computer or a processor. The storage unit 333 includes a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory. The storage unit 333 stores a program for the processing unit 334 to perform arithmetic processing. The program includes at least a part of the above-mentioned irrigation application. The storage unit 333 temporarily stores data when the processing unit 334 performs arithmetic processing. The storage unit 333 stores various data input to the acquisition unit 331 and the communication unit 340, respectively, and the acquisition time of the various data.

[0115] When a wake-up signal is input from the RTC 350, the processing unit 334 changes from the sleep mode to the normal mode. In the normal mode, the processing unit 334 reads the program and various data stored in the storage unit 333 and performs arithmetic processing. The arithmetic processing includes the calculation of the valve opening required for the water sprayed through the through hole of the distribution pipe 133 to reach the desired irrigation position. The processing unit 334 is equivalent to the calculation unit. It is also possible to have a structure in which the information processing calculation device 610 of the integrated calculation unit 600 performs the calculation.

[0116] The processing unit 334 reads various sensor signals input to the acquisition unit 331, and reads the acquisition time of the instruction signal input to the communication unit 340 from the RTC 350. The processing unit 334 causes the storage unit 333 to store the instruction signal and the acquisition time. The acquisition time may be read by causing the integrated communication unit 400 to record the data acquisition time when the integrated communication unit 400 receives data from each monitoring unit 300 in a wireless manner. In addition, the information storage unit 500 may record the data acquisition time when the information storage unit 500 receives data from the integrated communication unit 400 in a wireless manner.

[0117] The processing unit 334 stores the environmental value and water pressure input from the VWC sensor 311, the pF sensor 312, and the water pressure sensor 14, and the time of obtaining them, in the information storage unit 500 via the communication unit 340 and the integrated communication unit 400. The processing unit 334 outputs a water supply signal to the water supply valve 15 via the signal output unit 332 based on the instruction signal input from the integrated operation unit 600 via the information storage unit 500, the integrated communication unit 400, and the communication unit 340.

[0118] <Ministry of Communications>

[0119] The communication unit 340 converts the electrical signal input from the processing unit 334 into a wireless signal. The communication unit 340 outputs the wireless signal to the integrated communication unit 400. The communication unit 340 converts the wireless signal output from the integrated communication unit 400 into an electrical signal. The communication unit 340 outputs the electrical signal to the processing unit 334. The wireless signal output by the communication unit 340 includes an address and data. Wireless signals are transmitted and received between the plurality of communication units 340 and the integrated communication unit 400. The address included in the wireless signal is an identification code indicating which of the plurality of communication units 340 the output is from. In other words, the address included in the wireless signal is an identification code indicating which of the plurality of processing units 334 the output is from. In each of the plurality of storage units 333, a unique address is stored.

[0120] The wireless signal output from the integrated communication unit 400 also includes an address. The data of the wireless signal includes an instruction signal. Each communication unit 340 receives the wireless signal. The wireless signal is converted into an electrical signal by each communication unit 340. And, the electrical signal is input to each processing unit 334. Among the multiple processing units 334, only the processing unit 334 having the same address as the address included in the electrical signal performs arithmetic processing based on the electrical signal. The microcomputer 330 performs intermittent driving alternately and repeatedly between the sleep mode and the normal mode. Therefore, wireless communication between the communication unit 340 and the integrated communication unit 400 is not frequently performed.

[0121] <Power Generation Department>

[0122] The power generation unit 360 includes a solar cell 361, a storage unit 362, a voltage sensor 363, and a power sensor 364. In the figure, the solar cell 361 is represented as SB, the storage unit 362 is represented as ESU, the voltage sensor 363 is represented as CS, and the power sensor 364 is represented as PS. The solar cell 361 converts light energy into electric energy. The storage unit 362 stores the electric energy (electric power). The electric power stored in the storage unit 362 is used flexibly as the driving power of the monitoring unit 300.

[0123] The voltage sensor 363 detects the voltage value output from the solar cell 361 to the storage unit 362. The power sensor 364 detects the power output from the storage unit 362. The processing unit 334 saves the detected current value and power value to the information storage unit 500 via the communication unit 340 and the integrated communication unit 400. The driving power of the monitoring unit 300 depends on the power generated by the power generation unit 360. Therefore, if the amount of light incident on the power generation unit 360 is small, there is a situation where the driving power of the monitoring unit 300 is insufficient. In order to avoid this situation, the microcomputer 330 of the monitoring unit 300 is intermittently driven. It is also possible to configure that the voltage sensor 363 is replaced by a current sensor that detects the current output from the solar cell 361 to the storage unit 362. In addition, it is also possible that the power generation unit 360 does not have a voltage sensor or a current sensor.

[0124] <rtc>

[0125] The RTC 350 outputs a wake-up signal to the microcomputer 330 every time the intermittent drive time interval (drive cycle) passes. Thus, the microcomputer 330 alternately and repeatedly performs the sleep mode and the normal mode. The drive cycle is determined by the integrated calculation unit 600 based on the amount of power (storage amount) stored in the storage unit 362. The intermittent drive interval is determined by the integrated calculation unit 600 based on the storage amount.

[0126] The comprehensive calculation unit 600 calculates the stored power based on the power stored in the information storage unit 500. The less the stored power is, the longer the intermittent drive interval is set by the comprehensive calculation unit 600. The more the stored power is, the shorter the intermittent drive interval is set by the comprehensive calculation unit 600. The comprehensive calculation unit 600 includes the intermittent drive interval in the instruction signal. When the processing unit 334 of the microcomputer 330 obtains the instruction signal, the processing unit 334 adjusts the intermittent drive interval. The processing unit 334 adjusts the drive cycle of the RTC 350.

[0127] <Drive of irrigation system>

[0128] In the irrigation system 1, signals are sent and received between the plurality of monitoring units 300 and the integrated computing unit 600, and various data are stored in the information storage unit 500. The plurality of monitoring units 300 and the integrated computing unit 600 respectively execute cyclic tasks processed in each driving cycle and event tasks processed suddenly.

[0129] There is a processing priority order among these cyclic tasks and event tasks. When the processing timing of these tasks is the same, the processing of the event task is given priority over the cyclic task. As a cyclic task, each monitoring unit 300 performs sensor processing related to the acquisition of various sensor signals. The comprehensive operation unit 600 performs update processing. As an event task, each monitoring unit 300 performs monitoring processing and water supply processing. The comprehensive operation unit 600 performs irrigation operation control processing, user update processing and forced update processing. In order to avoid the exhaustion of the driving power of the monitoring unit 300, the monitoring processing, water supply processing and irrigation operation control processing are respectively performed during the day. Whether it is daytime can be determined by the current time and the amount of sunlight detected by the sunlight sensor.

[0130] <Monitoring Process>

[0131] Before the monitoring process, the microcomputer 330 of each monitoring unit 300 is in the sleep mode. The microcomputer 330 receives an instruction signal from the integrated computing unit 600 via wireless communication. As a result, the microcomputer 330 switches from the sleep mode to the normal mode and starts the monitoring process.

[0132] First, the input instruction signal and the time of obtaining the instruction signal are stored. Next, it is determined whether the instruction signal includes a water supply instruction for changing the water supply valve 15 from a closed state to an open state. If the instruction signal includes a water supply instruction, the water supply process is performed. In the water supply process, the microcomputer 330 outputs a water supply signal to the water supply valve 15 according to the water supply instruction. Furthermore, the microcomputer 330 determines whether the irrigation stop condition is met. If the irrigation stop condition is not met, the output of the water supply signal to the water supply valve 15 continues. If the irrigation stop condition is met, the output of the water supply signal is stopped, and the water supply process is terminated.

[0133] When the instruction signal does not include a water supply instruction, the water supply process is not performed, but it is determined whether the instruction signal includes an update instruction of the intermittent drive interval. The update instruction of the intermittent drive interval is outputted regularly or irregularly from the comprehensive calculation unit 600 or the information storage unit 500 to each monitoring unit 300 as an instruction signal. When the instruction signal includes an update instruction of the intermittent drive interval, the processing unit 334 adjusts the time interval of outputting the wake-up signal of the RTC 350.

[0134] When the indication signal does not include an indication for updating the intermittent drive interval, the sensor processing is performed. When the water supply processing is performed, the environmental value after the irrigation is supplied is detected in the sensor processing. When the water supply processing is not performed, the environmental value when no irrigation water is supplied is detected in the sensor processing. The environmental value is stored in the information storage unit 500. When the sensor processing is performed and ends, the microcomputer 330 switches to the sleep mode and ends the monitoring processing. The start condition of the monitoring processing is not limited to the indication signal from the integrated computing unit 600. After the RTC 350 starts the microcomputer 330, the microcomputer 330 sends the sensor data to the integrated computing unit 600 after processing. In addition, it is also possible to send the valve opening indication from the integrated computing unit 600 together with the indication of the timing of the next intermittent drive.

[0135] <Irrigation Operation Control Processing>

[0136] The integrated operation unit 600 performs the irrigation operation control process whenever the timing for supplying irrigation water in each monitoring unit 300 is reached. The timing for supplying irrigation water is when the irrigation start condition is met or when an irrigation command is given based on the user's operation. The integrated operation unit 600 first outputs a water supply signal including a water supply instruction to the monitoring unit 300 of the divided area where irrigation water is planned to be supplied among the plurality of monitoring units 300. The water supply instruction includes the output start of the water supply signal and the output time of the water supply signal (water supply time). The monitoring unit 300 that receives the water supply instruction performs the above-mentioned monitoring process.

[0137] The integrated operation unit 600 is in a standby state until the monitoring process of the monitoring unit 300 is completed. When the monitoring process is completed, the update process is performed. The judgment of whether the monitoring process has been completed is based on, for example, whether the time at which the monitoring process is estimated to be completed has passed. The judgment of whether the monitoring process has been completed can also be performed by inquiring the monitoring unit 300. There is no particular limitation on the method for determining the end of the monitoring process.

[0138] <User update processing>

[0139] The integrated computing unit 600 performs a user update process when a user instruction related to adjustment of the irrigation schedule or the intermittent driving interval is input from the input device 800. The integrated computing unit 600 first saves the input user instruction to the information storage unit 500. Then, the above-mentioned update process is performed. Accordingly, the irrigation schedule or the intermittent driving interval is updated based on the user instruction.

[0140] <Forced update processing>

[0141] The integrated computing unit 600 performs a forced update process when a user instruction regarding the update of the irrigation schedule and the intermittent driving interval is input. The integrated computing unit 600 first outputs a request signal including a request instruction for requesting the execution of the sensor process. The request signal is output to the monitoring unit 300 via wireless communication. Then, the update process enters a standby state until the sensor process of the monitoring unit 300 is completed.

[0142] When the sensor processing is completed, the above-mentioned update processing is performed. Whether the sensor processing is completed can be determined based on, for example, whether the time for estimating the completion of the sensor processing has passed. In addition, it can be determined by inquiring the monitoring unit 300 whether the sensor processing is completed. There is no particular limitation on the method for determining the completion of the sensor processing. The irrigation schedule and the intermittent driving interval are updated based on various data at the time of the user's update request.

[0143] <Individual irrigation operation control processing>

[0144] As described above, the integrated computing unit 600 determines the irrigation schedule for each of the plurality of partitions. The integrated computing unit 600 controls the supply of irrigation water based on each irrigation schedule. In addition, although the irrigation schedule in each partition is determined by the integrated computing unit 600, a configuration may be adopted in which each monitoring unit 300 individually controls the supply of irrigation water based on each irrigation schedule.

[0145] <Independent Update>

[0146] As a further example, a configuration may be adopted in which the corresponding monitoring unit 300 independently determines the irrigation schedule for each divided area. In such a configuration, each monitoring unit 300 executes the above-mentioned update process.

[0147] <Weather Forecast>

[0148] The current value of the soil moisture content and the predicted value of the reduction change and the user instruction are stored in the information storage unit 500. The growth stagnation moisture point and permanent wilting point of the plant, the water absorption amount of the plant per unit time, and the water retention capacity of the soil are stored in the information storage unit 500. In addition to these, the weather forecast of the field 20 output and distributed from the external information source 1000 is stored in the information storage unit 500. The comprehensive calculation unit 600 reads each information including the weather forecast from the information storage unit 500 in the update process.

[0149] For example, when a one-week weather forecast from an external information source 1000 is stored in the information storage unit 500, the comprehensive calculation unit 600 determines an irrigation schedule for one week. If there is no rainfall forecast according to the weather forecast during the one-week period, it is expected that the estimated value of the soil moisture content will gradually decrease over time. The decrease per unit time of the estimated value of the soil moisture content is determined based on the predicted value of the decrease in the soil moisture content of the topsoil layer. In the following, in order to simplify the description, the estimated value of the soil moisture content is simply expressed as an estimated value as needed.

[0150] As described above, the irrigation schedule is determined based on the estimated value of soil moisture based on environmental values ​​and weather forecasts, etc. This can prevent the soil moisture content of the outdoor partition from becoming unsuitable for plants due to weather changes such as rainfall or dryness.

[0151] An example of a valve device that can be applied to the water supply valve 15 is a so-called rotary valve device. The valve device includes one fluid inlet and three fluid outlets. The valve device is mounted in the irrigation system 1 by connecting the upstream piping to the fluid inlet and connecting the distribution pipe 133 to one of the fluid outlets. Furthermore, it is sufficient to block the passage by installing a blocking component on the fluid outlet to which the distribution pipe 133 is not connected. The valve device includes a housing, a valve, a drive unit, a drive unit cover, etc. The valve device is configured as a ball valve that performs an opening and closing action of the valve device by rotating the valve around the axis of the shaft.

[0152] The operation of the water supply valve 15 will be described. The microcomputer 330 calculates the rotation angle of the valve for supplying the required flow rate of water to the distribution pipe 133, that is, the rotation angle of the motor. The microcomputer 330 sends information on the calculated rotation angle of the motor to the water supply valve 15. At this time, the blocking components are installed in the two fluid outflow parts that are not connected to the distribution pipe 133. It can also be configured so that the calculation of the rotation angle of the motor is performed by the information processing operation device 610 of the comprehensive operation unit 600.

[0153] The water supply valve 15 rotates the motor based on the information of the rotation angle received from the microcomputer 330. The water supply valve 15 rotates the valve via the gear part and the shaft by rotating the motor, so that the required flow rate of fluid flows out from the opening part that is not blocked among the three fluid outflow parts. The water supply valve 15 detects the rotation angle of the gear part through the rotation angle sensor and feeds back the information of the detected rotation angle to the microcomputer 330, thereby adjusting the rotation angle of the motor. As described above, the opening of each valve changes in accordance with the rotation angle, and the flow rate of the fluid flowing out of each valve changes. Each water supply valve 15 in the irrigation system 1 controls the water spraying distance and water supply amount to the field 20 according to the rotation angle by a structure in which the fluid is supplied from only one of the three valves.

[0154] Hereinafter, the operation of the irrigation system 1 for performing irrigation suitable for growing plants will be described using the drawings. Figure 3 FIG. 1 shows an example of a water supply path in which a water supply valve and a water pressure sensor are installed, and a VWC sensor 311 and a pF sensor 312 installed in the soil. Figure 3 In the illustrated example, the VWC sensor 311 and the pF sensor 312 are provided on a predetermined ridge among a plurality of ridges arranged in the field 20 to detect the soil state of the ridge.

[0155] Figure 3 The irrigation system 1 shown is provided with a water supply valve 15, a water pressure sensor 14, etc., which are arranged in a passage on one end side of a plurality of distribution pipes 133 arranged in a row. Each distribution pipe 133 is arranged at a position where irrigation water can be sprayed on the corresponding ridge through a plurality of through holes. The passage on the one end side is a passage that connects the longitudinal pipe 131 for water supply from a water supply source to one end of the distribution pipe 133. The water supply valve 15 controls the pressure of the water supply from one end side flowing from one end to the other end of the distribution pipe 133. The water supply valve 15 includes a water supply valve 150 and a plurality of water supply valves 151. The water pressure sensor 14 includes a water pressure sensor 140, a water pressure sensor 141, and a plurality of water pressure sensors 142.

[0156] The longitudinal pipe 131 is connected to the passage leading to the inlet hole of each water supply valve. Each distribution pipe 133 is connected to the passage leading to one of the fluid outflow parts in each water supply valve. In this case, the other fluid outflow parts are blocked by the blocking member. The signal output unit 332 outputs a control signal to the water supply valve for controlling the valve opening by feedback control using the water supply information detected at the downstream end. The signal output unit 332 outputs a control signal to the water supply valve for controlling the valve opening by feedback control using the water supply information detected in the upstream passage.

[0157] The longitudinal pipe 131 is connected to a plurality of passages leading to one end of a plurality of distribution pipes 133. The longitudinal pipe 131 is provided with a water supply valve 150, which opens or closes the passage upstream of the connection portion with the first connecting pipe 132. The plurality of passages include a plurality of branch pipes 132a that branch to one end of two adjacent distribution pipes 133, respectively. The plurality of branch pipes 132a constitute a plurality of passages branched from the first connecting pipe 132. The first connecting pipe 132 is connected to the longitudinal pipe 131 at an upstream portion and to the branch pipe 132a at a downstream portion.

[0158] The plurality of branch pipes 132a are passages connecting the plurality of distribution pipes 133 to the first connecting pipe 132. Each branch pipe 132a connects one end of two adjacent distribution pipes 133 to the first connecting pipe 132. A water supply valve 151 is provided at a downstream portion of the branch pipe 132a. The structure is such that one branch pipe 132a is provided to supply water to a predetermined number of distribution pipes 133 forming one group. The number of distribution pipes 133 connected to one branch pipe 132a may be one or more than three. That is, the predetermined number may be one or more than three.

[0159] The water supply valve 151 has one fluid inflow portion and two fluid outflow portions, and can control the opening of each of the two branched passages. The water supply valve 151 opens or closes the passage at the downstream portion of the first connecting pipe 132, and controls the flow rate flowing down to a predetermined number of distribution pipes 133 constituting one group. The irrigation system 1 can irrigate a plurality of groups simultaneously by controlling the valve openings of the water supply valve 150 and each water supply valve 151. The irrigation system 1 can irrigate a predetermined one group simultaneously by controlling the valve openings of the water supply valve 150 and each water supply valve 151.

[0160] In the longitudinal pipe 131, a water pressure sensor 140 for detecting the water supply pressure is provided in a passage upstream of the connection portion with the first connecting pipe 132. The water pressure sensor 141 detects the water supply pressure at a portion of the first connecting pipe 132 located upstream of the branch pipe 132a. The water pressure sensor 142 detects the water supply pressure at a portion upstream of the through hole in each distribution pipe 133. The control device 200 can obtain the flow rate of each portion using the water supply pressures detected by the water pressure sensors 140, 141, and 142, respectively.

[0161] The VWC sensor 311 and the pF sensor 312 are provided on the ridges corresponding to the predetermined number of distribution pipes 133 constituting one group. Figure 3 In the irrigation system 1 shown, a VWC sensor 311 and a pF sensor 312 are provided for the soil irrigated by one group of distribution pipes 133. Alternatively, a VWC sensor 311 and a pF sensor 312 may be provided for each distribution pipe 133. In the case of this structure, environmental values ​​related to the soil state can be detected with higher accuracy.

[0162] like Figure 2 As shown, the water supply pressure detected by the water pressure sensor 140, the water pressure sensor 141, and the water pressure sensor 142 is output to the microcomputer 330 of the monitoring unit 300. The volumetric water content VWC of the soil detected by the VWC sensor 311 is output to the microcomputer 330. The pF value of the soil detected by the pF sensor 312 is output to the microcomputer 330. The processing unit 334 uses the VWC detected by the VWC sensor 311 and the pF value detected by the pF sensor 312 to determine the timing of starting and stopping irrigation. The signal output unit 332 outputs a control signal for controlling the valve opening to the water supply valves 150 and 151, respectively, based on the determination result related to the start and stop of irrigation. It is also possible to configure so that the control of the valve opening described here is performed by the information processing operation device 610 of the integrated operation unit 600.

[0163] When the irrigation system 1 performs the irrigation operation control process, it executes the Figure 4 Processing of the flowchart shown. Figure 4 1 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation when an irrigation command is issued. The irrigation command is executed when the irrigation schedule arrives, when an irrigation command is issued by the user, or when the irrigation time set by the timer arrives. The control device 200 executes the operation, for example, through the monitoring unit 300 or the integrated computing unit 600. Figure 4 Hereinafter, an example in which each process is executed by the monitoring unit 300 will be described as a representative example.

[0164] The integrated operation unit 600 outputs the irrigation command to the monitoring unit 300 corresponding to the partition to be irrigated. In this state, the water supply valve 150 is controlled to be in a closed state. The microcomputer 330 of the monitoring unit 300, which receives the signal related to the irrigation operation control process output from the integrated operation unit 600, executes Figure 4 When an irrigation command given by a user instruction occurs, or when the irrigation time comes, the execution Figure 4 The processing shown is repeatedly executed a plurality of times in one day, for example. The acquisition unit 331 acquires the VWC detected by the VWC sensor 311 and the pF value detected by the pF sensor 312 .

[0165] The processing unit 334 determines in step S100 whether the pF value detected by the pF sensor 312 is higher than the threshold value for starting irrigation. Step S100 is a determination process for determining whether the irrigation start condition is met in the irrigation operation control process. The start threshold is pre-stored in the storage unit 333 or the information storage unit 500. The start threshold is a value set according to the type of crop and / or the type of soil. The start threshold may also be a value updated according to the season, temperature and / or the amount of sunshine. In addition, the start threshold may also constitute an indication value input to the comprehensive calculation unit 600 by the user using the input device 800. The processing unit 334 uses the updated start threshold to perform the determination process of step S100 as needed.

[0166] When it is determined that the pF value is not higher than the threshold value for starting irrigation and the irrigation start condition is not satisfied, irrigation does not start and the process ends. After a specified time has passed, the determination process of step S100 is performed again. When the pF value is higher than the threshold value for starting irrigation and it is determined that the irrigation start condition is satisfied, in step S110, a process of recording and displaying various data is performed before the irrigation starts. The recording of various data is implemented by saving them in the storage unit 333 or the information storage unit 500. The display of various data is implemented by displaying them on the monitor 700 of a portable terminal device or a computer. The monitor 700 of the portable terminal device or the computer is included in a display unit that can be viewed by the user. As a result, the environmental values ​​related to the soil state before the start of irrigation can be flexibly applied to the irrigation operation control, and the user can confirm the soil state before the start of irrigation.

[0167] When the irrigation start conditions are met, the microcomputer 330 executes the process of starting irrigation in step S120. The microcomputer 330 outputs a control signal that causes the water supply valve 151 corresponding to the divided area to be irrigated among the multiple water supply valves 151 to be in an open state. In addition, the microcomputer 330 outputs a control signal that causes the water supply valve 151 corresponding to the divided area where irrigation is not to be implemented to be in a closed state. Regarding irrigation from the distribution pipe 133 located downstream of the water supply valve 151 controlled to be in an open state, it is started by controlling the valve opening to meet the target irrigation amount and the target water spraying distance. In addition, in this state, the pump 110 is driven, and the water supply from the water supply source flows down in the water supply piping 130. Through step S120, the water supply flows down from one end of the distribution pipe 133 toward the other end, and irrigation is performed by spraying water from each through hole toward the corresponding ridge.

[0168] The irrigation is continued until the processing unit 334 determines that the stop condition of the irrigation is satisfied in step S130. If the VWC detected by the VWC sensor 311 is higher than the stop threshold for irrigation, the stop condition for irrigation is satisfied. The stop threshold is a value updated by the calculation of the processing unit 334 or the comprehensive calculation unit 600. The processing unit 334 or the comprehensive calculation unit 600 determines the stop threshold based on the change in the pF value. The processing unit 334 or the comprehensive calculation unit 600 determines the stop threshold based on the pF value immediately after the previous irrigation stop. The processing unit 334 or the comprehensive calculation unit 600 learns the change range of the pF value in advance, and determines the stop threshold to be compared with the VWC based on the learned value. In this way, the processing unit 334 or the comprehensive calculation unit 600 determines the stop threshold to be compared with the VWC while detecting the pF value.

[0169] If the stop condition of irrigation is not satisfied in step S130, the process of continuing the irrigation operation control is executed in step S132. Furthermore, the process of recording and displaying various data during irrigation is executed in step S134, and the process proceeds to step S130. The recording and display of various data are performed in the same way as step S110. Through this step, the environmental value related to the soil state during irrigation can be flexibly applied to the irrigation operation control, and the user can confirm the current soil state during irrigation.

[0170] If the stop condition of irrigation is met in step S130, the process of stopping irrigation is executed in step S40. The microcomputer 330 controls the water supply valve 15 to a fully closed state, and ends the irrigation by supplying water from one end to the other end. Furthermore, in step S150, the process of recording various data after the irrigation is stopped and displaying them is executed. Furthermore, in step S160, the various data of S110, S134 and S150 are saved in the information storage unit 500, or sent to an external computer, portable terminal device, etc. The user can check various data such as environmental values ​​related to irrigation at any time by viewing the screen of the computer or portable terminal device at hand. After executing step S160, the process ends. Figure 8 In the flow shown, after the next irrigation command occurs, the determination process of step S100 is executed again.

[0171] In the irrigation operation control repeatedly performed as described above, as an example Figure 5 In the time chart shown, the pF value and the VWC change respectively. The change of the pF value and the change of the VWC have characteristics determined by the relationship between the pF value and the VWC which differs depending on the properties of the soil. Figure 5 The time graph in the upper middle part shows the change of pF value with time T on the horizontal axis and pF value on the vertical axis. The larger the pF value, the drier the soil, and the lower the pF value, the wetter the soil. The pF value is preferably a pF value between Figure 5 The irrigation system 1 implements irrigation operation control to control the soil state so that the pF value does not exceed the control range. S1 is the upper control limit of the pF value, and S2 is the lower control limit of the pF value.

[0172] The control range of the pF value is set to an appropriate range of variation related to the pF value. The control range of the pF value is pre-stored in the storage unit 333 or the information storage unit 500 corresponding to the type of crop. The control range of the pF value is a value set according to the type of crop and / or the type of soil. The control range of the pF value may also be a value updated according to the season, temperature and / or the amount of sunshine. In addition, it may be configured so that the control range of the pF value is set to a range input by the user to the comprehensive calculation unit 600 using the input device 800.

[0173] If the pF value exceeds the control range as shown between time T2 and time T3, the irrigation system 1 determines the stop threshold value based on the pF value so that the subsequent change in the pF value is included in the control range. According to the stop threshold value determined in this way, the next irrigation operation time can be adjusted to prevent the soil state from becoming too dry or too wet.

[0174] Reference Figure 6 , represents the relationship between the irrigation operation time, the start threshold, the stop threshold, the pF value and the VWC, and describes an example of irrigation operation control. If at time T1, the pF value is higher than the start threshold, the first irrigation operation is started. Then, the pF value rises slightly and then falls, and the moisture of the soil increases after the VWC rises. If the VWC is higher than the stop threshold, the first irrigation operation is stopped. The time from T1 to T2 is the first irrigation operation time. Between T2 and T3, when the irrigation is stopped, the pF value drops and exceeds the above-mentioned control range. That is, the soil state is in an over-wet state. Based on the pF value that is lowered, the processing unit 334 or the comprehensive calculation unit 600 determines the stop threshold to be a lower value and updates it so that the subsequent changes in the pF value are within the control range.

[0175] Next, if the pF value is higher than the start threshold at T3, the second irrigation operation starts. Then, the pF value rises slightly and then falls, and the moisture of the soil increases after the VWC rises. If the VWC is higher than the stop threshold after being updated to a lower value, the second irrigation operation is stopped. The time from T3 to time T4 is the second irrigation operation time. The second irrigation operation time is shorter than the first irrigation operation time. Between T4 and time T5, when the irrigation is stopped, the pF value is controlled to be included in the above-mentioned control range. Therefore, the soil state changes from the wet state to the dry state side and is improved.

[0176] However, the pF value changes to a high value in the control range during irrigation stop. The processing unit 334 or the integrated calculation unit 600 determines a high value for the stop threshold based on the high pF value and updates it so that the subsequent pF value changes to a low value in the control range.

[0177] Next, if the pF value is higher than the start threshold at T5, the third irrigation operation starts. In the third irrigation operation, the pF value rises slightly and then falls, and the moisture of the soil increases after the VWC rises. If the VWC is higher than the stop threshold after being updated to a high value, the third irrigation operation is stopped. The time from T5 to time T6 is the third irrigation operation time. The third irrigation operation time is longer than the second irrigation operation time. Therefore, the soil state changes to the moist state side compared to after the second irrigation operation and is improved.

[0178] Next, if the pF value is higher than the start threshold at time T7, the fourth irrigation operation starts. Then, the pF value rises slightly and then falls, and after the VWC rises, the moisture in the soil increases. If the VWC is higher than the stop threshold, the fourth irrigation operation is stopped. The time from T7 to time T8 is the fourth irrigation operation time. After T8 when the irrigation is stopped, the pF value is controlled within the above-mentioned control range.

[0179] In addition, when the pF value increases during the irrigation stop and exceeds the control range of the pF value, the soil state becomes an over-dry state. In this case, the processing unit 334 or the comprehensive calculation unit 600 determines the stop threshold to be a high value based on the high pF value and updates it so that the subsequent change of the pF value is within the control range.

[0180] Figure 6 This is an example of water retention characteristic information obtained from the measured values ​​of pF value and VWC, and shows the case of soil with a lot of sand. Figure 7 This is an example of water retention characteristic information obtained from the measured values ​​of pF value and VWC, and shows the case of soil with a lot of silt. This water retention characteristic information is also called a water retention curve of the soil. The processing unit 334 or the comprehensive calculation unit 600 uses the measured pF value and the measured value of VWC to obtain the water retention characteristic information related to the soil. The processing unit 334 or the comprehensive calculation unit 600 can also perform processing to calculate the water retention characteristic information based on the measured values ​​of pF value and VWC as Figure 4 The processing included in the flowchart.

[0181] The water retention characteristic information is stored in the storage unit 333 or the information storage unit 500. The water retention characteristic information is displayed on the monitor 700 of the portable terminal device or the computer. Through this processing, the user can know the water retention characteristic information unique to the soil, and the user can understand to what extent the field needs to be irrigated. In addition, the user can know how much the soil hardens after cultivating the field, and can grasp the deviation from the target soil. In addition, the user can flexibly use the water retention characteristic information unique to the soil as data for future soil improvement.

[0182] The irrigation system 1 of the first embodiment includes a water supply path for supplying water for releasing water to plants, a pF sensor 312, a VWC sensor 311, and a control device 200. The control device 200 controls the irrigation operation of releasing water to plants through the water supply path using the pF value detected by the pF sensor 312 and the volumetric water content detected by the VWC sensor 311. The control device 200 controls the start timing of the irrigation operation based on the detected pF value and the start threshold. The control device 200 controls the stop timing of the irrigation operation in operation based on the detected volumetric water content and the stop threshold. The control device 200 updates the stop threshold based on the change in the detected pF value.

[0183] According to this system, the stop threshold value related to VWC is updated using the pF value which is useful as an environmental value of the soil state. Therefore, it is possible to provide irrigation operation reflected by VWC with good irrigation responsiveness. In addition, the irrigation system 1 can provide irrigation operation control that controls the operation time by replacing the change of the pF value with the change of the VWC. Therefore, the irrigation system 1 can implement irrigation operation control suitable for the soil state according to the irrigation stop timing controlled by associating the pF value with the VWC. Furthermore, according to this system, since it is possible to implement irrigation operation control suitable for the soil state with the minimum irrigation amount, it is possible to provide irrigation that helps save water.

[0184] The acquisition unit 331 acquires the pF value detected by the pF sensor 312 as an environmental value related to the soil state, and the volumetric water content detected by the VWC sensor 311 as an environmental value related to the soil state. The processing unit 334 controls the irrigation operation for releasing water to the plant using the pF value detected by the pF sensor and the volumetric water content detected by the VWC sensor. The processing unit 334 controls the start timing of the irrigation operation based on the detected pF value and the start threshold. The processing unit 334 controls the stop timing of the irrigation operation in operation based on the detected volumetric water content and the stop threshold. The processing unit 334 updates the stop threshold based on the change in the detected pF value.

[0185] According to the control device 200, the stop threshold value related to the VWC is updated using the pF value which is useful as an environmental value of the soil state. Therefore, the control device 200 can provide an irrigation operation reflected by the VWC with good irrigation responsiveness. In addition, the control device 200 can provide an irrigation operation control in which the operation time is controlled by replacing the change of the pF value with the change of the VWC. Therefore, the control device 200 can implement the irrigation operation control suitable for the soil state according to the irrigation stop timing controlled by associating the pF value with the VWC.

[0186] According to the control device 200 in the irrigation system constructed as described above, the following problems when only the pF value is used for control or only the VWC is used for control can be eliminated. In the case of control using only the pF value, since the pF value responds slowly to water, the pF value continues to change even after the irrigation operation is stopped, so it is difficult to determine the appropriate irrigation stop timing. Therefore, the yield of crop growth decreases due to excessive watering or insufficient water for the soil. Since the correlation between VWC and the pF value depends on the properties of the soil, it is difficult to control the pF value by VWC if soil analysis is not performed after the system is set up when only the VWC is used for control. Furthermore, since the properties of the soil change over time, it is not enough to perform soil analysis only once, and performing soil analysis multiple times requires cost and labor.

[0187] When the detected pF value changes in the direction of the soil state being moist, the control device 200 updates the stop threshold value so that the next irrigation operation time becomes shorter. For example, when the detected pF value changes in the direction of the soil state being moist, the control device 200 updates the stop threshold value to a lower value. As a result, the next irrigation operation time becomes shorter, and the soil moist state can be alleviated, so that the volumetric moisture content and pF value suitable for the crop can be approached, thereby achieving environmental improvement.

[0188] When the detected pF value changes in the direction of drying the soil state, the control device 200 updates the stop threshold value so that the next irrigation operation time becomes longer. For example, when the detected pF value changes in the direction of drying the soil state, the control device 200 updates the stop threshold value to a high value. As a result, the next irrigation operation time becomes longer, and the dry state of the soil can be alleviated, so that the volumetric moisture content and pF value suitable for the crop can be approached, and the environment can be improved.

[0189] The control device 200 updates the stop threshold value based on the change in the pF value detected during the stop of the irrigation operation. Thus, a pF value with poor responsiveness to the VWC is detected during the stop of the irrigation operation. Therefore, a pF value that helps to find the stop timing of the irrigation operation with high accuracy can be used.

[0190] When the detected pF value deviates from the control range of the pF value set as the appropriate variation range, the control device 200 updates the stop threshold to a lower value. Thus, in the next irrigation operation, the pF value can be varied within the appropriate control range, and the soil can be quickly restored from the over-wet state to the appropriate state.

[0191] When the detected pF value deviates from the control range of the pF value set as the appropriate variation range, the control device 200 updates the stop threshold to a higher value. Thus, in the next irrigation operation, the pF value can be varied within the appropriate control range, and the soil can be quickly restored from an overdry state to an appropriate state.

[0192] Second Embodiment

[0193] Reference Figure 8 The second embodiment will be described. The irrigation system 1 of the second embodiment executes the irrigation operation control process in accordance with Figure 8 The irrigation system 1 of the second embodiment executes Figure 8 The processing shown in the first embodiment is replaced by Figure 4 The structure, function, and effect not particularly described in the second embodiment are the same as those in the above-described embodiment, and the differences will be described below.

[0194] When the irrigation system 1 performs irrigation operation control processing, it executes the following Figure 8 Processing of the flowchart shown. Figure 8 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation when an irrigation command is given. Figure 8 In Figure 4 In the steps with the same reference numerals as those in the steps shown, the same processing as that in the first embodiment is performed.

[0195] The control device 200 executes the following operations, for example, through the monitoring unit 300 or the integrated calculation unit 600. Figure 8 For example, the processing unit 334 first determines in step S10 whether the irrigation time set by the timer has arrived.

[0196] If it is determined in step S10 that the irrigation time set by the timer has not arrived, the irrigation is not started and the process is ended. In the irrigation operation control of the second embodiment, the pF value of the soil is not confirmed before the irrigation time set by the timer arrives. If it is determined in step S10 that the irrigation time set by the timer has arrived, the pF value is checked, and it is determined in step S100 whether the irrigation start condition is met. The subsequent processing is the same as the irrigation operation control described in the first embodiment.

[0197] Third Embodiment

[0198] Reference Fig. 9 The third embodiment is described. The irrigation system 1 of the third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that it includes an integrated sensor device 313 that integrates the pF sensor 312 and the VWC sensor 311. The structure, function, and effect that are not particularly described in the third embodiment are the same as those in the above-mentioned embodiment, and the differences are described below.

[0199] The integrated sensor device 313 detects the environmental value related to the soil state of the corresponding divided area. The integrated sensor device 313 detects both the pF value and the VWC related to the soil state and outputs them to the acquisition unit 331. The pF value and VWC output to the acquisition unit 331 are used for irrigation operation control as described in the above embodiment.

[0200] Fourth Embodiment

[0201] Reference Fig.10 The fourth embodiment is described. The irrigation system 1 of the fourth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that Fig.10 The pF sensor 312 and the VWC sensor 311 are provided at the positions shown. The configuration, operation, and effects not particularly described in the fourth embodiment are the same as those in the above-described embodiment, and the differences will be described below.

[0202] like Fig.10 As shown, the pF sensor 312 and the VWC sensor 311 are provided so as to correspond to each of the plurality of ridges arranged in the field 20. The VWC sensor 311 and the pF sensor 312 detect the soil state of each ridge. With this configuration, the soil state can be determined for each ridge, and irrigation suitable for the soil state can be managed individually.

[0203] Fifth Embodiment

[0204] Reference Figure 11-12 The fifth embodiment of an example of an irrigation system is described below. Hereinafter, three directions that are orthogonal to each other are represented as x-direction, y-direction, and z-direction. In this specification, the plane defined by the x-direction and the y-direction is along the horizontal plane. The z-direction is along the vertical direction. In the figure, the description of "direction" is omitted and simply represented as x, y, and z.

[0205] <Field>

[0206] The irrigation system 10 is applied to an outdoor field 20 cultivated on a hill or a plain. Fig.11 As shown, the irrigation system 10 is applied to a field 20 cultivated on a plain. The area of ​​the field 20 is from several tens of square meters to several thousand square kilometers. A plurality of cultivation sites such as ridges extending in the x direction are provided in the field 20. These plurality of cultivation sites extending in the x direction are arranged apart from each other in the y direction. Plant seeds or seedlings are buried in each of these plurality of cultivation sites. Examples of the plants include grapes, corn, almonds, raspberries, leafy vegetables, cotton, and the like. The irrigation system 10 may also be a structure applied to a field 20 set indoors in a house or the like. Therefore, the field 20 in this specification is applicable to soil set outdoors or indoors.

[0207] A plurality of plants are cultivated in one cultivation site. The plurality of plants are arranged in a row in the x direction. Hereinafter, the plurality of plants arranged in a row in the x direction are referred to as a plant group. In the field 20, the plurality of plant groups are arranged in a row separated from each other in the y direction. The shortest distance between the plurality of plant groups in the y direction is longer than the shortest distance between the plurality of plants included in one plant group in the x direction. The distance between the plurality of plant groups in the y direction is changed in various ways depending on the type of plants cultivated, the undulations of the field 20, and the climate. The distance between the plurality of plant groups in the y direction is about 1 m to 10 m. Even if the branches and leaves of the plants grow luxuriantly in the y direction, a width is ensured between the two plant groups to allow a person to move at least in the x direction.

[0208] <Irrigation System>

[0209] The irrigation system 10 includes a water supply device 100 and a control device 200. The water supply device 100 supplies irrigation water to plants in a field 20. The control device 200 determines the supply time and supply amount of irrigation water supplied from the water supply device 100 to the plants during irrigation. The control device 200 determines an irrigation schedule for the water supply device 100. The irrigation system 10 can detect abnormal conditions such as leakage and blockage during irrigation and implement irrigation recovery (fail safe protection) when an abnormal condition occurs.

[0210] <Water supply device>

[0211] The water supply device 100 includes a pump 110 , a water supply pipe 130 , etc. The pump 110 is a water supply source that causes irrigation water to flow down the water supply pipe 130 .

[0212] <Pump>

[0213] The pump 110 is usually in a driving state. Or the pump 110 is in a daytime driving state. In addition, the driving and stopping of the pump 110 are controlled by the control device 200. The pump 110 extracts the irrigation water stored in the water tank or the water reservoir and supplies it to the water supply pipe 130. The irrigation water is, for example, well water, river water, rain water, tap water, etc. A plurality of water supply valves 15 are provided in the water supply pipe 130, and the plurality of water supply valves 15 can control the flow rate of the irrigation water sprayed on the field 20. When these water supply valves 15 are in a closed state and there is no leakage of the 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 is a value (also called pump pressure) depending on the ejection capacity of the pump 110. If the water supply valve 15 is changed from a closed state to an open state, the irrigation water is sprayed from the water supply pipe 130 to the field 20. If the amount of irrigation water sprayed is stable in terms of time average, the water pressure in the water supply pipe 130 is a flow pressure lower than the pump pressure.

[0214] <Water supply piping>

[0215] The water supply pipe 130 includes a main pipe. The main pipe is connected to a pump 110. The pump 110 supplies irrigation water to the main pipe. The irrigation water is supplied to the field 20 via the main pipe.

[0216] <Main piping>

[0217] The main pipe includes a longitudinal pipe 131 and a first connecting pipe 134. The longitudinal pipe 131 extends in the y direction. The first connecting pipe 134 extends in the x direction. The longitudinal pipe 131 and the first connecting pipe 134 are connected to each other. Due to this structure, irrigation water flows in the main pipe in the y direction and the x direction. Fig.11 In the example shown, one vertical pipe 131 is connected to one pump 110. A plurality of first connection pipes 134 extend from the vertical pipe 131 extending in the y direction.

[0218] Fig.11 , Fig.17 The structure of the water supply path shown is only an example of a passage structure related to irrigation. The number of pumps 110 and longitudinal pipes 131 installed in the field 20, the number of longitudinal pipes 131 connected to one pump 110, the number of longitudinal pipes 131 connected to one first connecting pipe 134, and the positions of the first connecting pipe 134 and the longitudinal pipe 131 in the z direction are not particularly limited.

[0219] The plurality of first connecting pipes 134 are arranged apart in the y direction. The shortest spacing distance of the plurality of first connecting pipes 134 in the y direction is equal to the shortest spacing distance of the plurality of plant groups in the y direction. One of the plurality of first connecting pipes 134 is provided for one of the plurality of plant groups. The first connecting pipe 134 extends along the direction in which the plurality of plants included in the plant group are arranged. The first connecting pipe 134 is connected to a supply pipe.

[0220] The irrigation system 10 has a plurality of distribution pipes 136 for discharging irrigation water at the downstream of the first connection pipe 134 on the water supply path. Each distribution pipe 136 is a supply unit for supplying irrigation water to plants in the field 20. Each distribution pipe 136 is provided at a position where irrigation water can be supplied to ridges provided in the field 20. The distribution pipe 136 may have a pressure correction mechanism for achieving a certain amount of water spray regardless of changes in water pressure, or may have no pressure correction mechanism.

[0221] A plurality of through holes are formed in the distribution pipe 136, and the plurality of through holes connect the inside and the outside of the pipe through which the irrigation water flows. In each pipe, the plurality of through holes are arranged at predetermined intervals in the axial direction of the pipe. In addition, in each pipe, the through holes may be arranged at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of the pipe. The axial spacing (for example, the x-direction) of the plurality of through holes is equal to the spacing of the plurality of plants in the x-direction. In addition, the spacing of the plurality of through holes may be different from the spacing of the plurality of plants.

[0222] <Flow of irrigation water>

[0223] The irrigation water supplied to the longitudinal pipe 131 by the pump 110 flows in the y direction in the longitudinal pipe 131. The irrigation water is supplied to each first connecting pipe 134 connected to the longitudinal pipe 131. The irrigation water flows in the first connecting pipes 134 in the x direction. The irrigation water flowing in the first connecting pipe 134 flows down to the distribution pipe 136 through the branch pipe 134a. The irrigation water is sprayed from each through hole of the distribution pipe 136 and supplied to the plants. The irrigation water supplied from each through hole of the distribution pipe 136 is mainly supplied to the stems and roots of the plants.

[0224] The through hole is provided, for example, at a position higher than the portion facing the ground in each distribution pipe 136. In this case, the irrigation water ejected from the through hole spreads in a radial direction relative to the central axis of the distribution pipe 136 and can be sprayed to a position away from the pipe.

[0225] <Water supply valve>

[0226] The water supply valve 15 is provided upstream of the distribution pipe 136 in the water supply path. When the water supply valve 15 is in an open state, the water supply pipe 130 is connected to each through hole of the distribution pipe 136. Thus, irrigation water is sprayed out from the through hole. On the contrary, when the water supply valve 15 is in a closed state, the communication between the water supply pipe 130 and each through hole of the distribution pipe 136 is cut off. Thus, the spraying of irrigation water from the through hole is stopped.

[0227] The water supply valve 15 controls the flow rate of irrigation water sprayed from the through hole of the distribution pipe 136 by controlling the valve opening by the control device 200. The control device 200 controls the valve opening of the water supply valve 15 to an arbitrary value between a predetermined opening and a fully open position. The water supply valve 15 is a flow regulating valve or a pressure regulating valve that adjusts the pressure downstream or upstream to precisely change the flow rate passing through. The predetermined opening is set to a value including a slightly opened opening or an opening of 0%, that is, a fully closed position.

[0228] The control device 200 controls the discharge flow rate or discharge flow rate per unit time sprayed from each through hole by controlling the valve opening of the water supply valve 15. Through this control, the control device 200 can control the distance of the irrigation water sprayed from the distribution pipe 136 from the distribution pipe 136 to the ground, that is, the water spray distance or the discharge amount. The water spray distance is the distance between the soil landing point of the irrigation water flying out of the distribution pipe 136 through the through hole and the distribution pipe 136. According to the technology of controlling the water spray distance, effective irrigation can be implemented to the place that needs irrigation, which also helps to save water. The water supply valve 15 is an on-off valve that controls the flow of water supply and the cut-off of water supply, and functions as a flow regulating valve that can control the water supply flow rate.

[0229] The control device 200 determines the spraying distance of the irrigation water based on the type of plant to be supplied with irrigation water, the range of the topsoil layer of the field 20, and the like. The control device 200 controls the valve opening of the water supply valve 15 in such a manner that the determined spraying distance can be obtained. For example, when the roots of the plant extend widely or the topsoil layer is shallow and has a wide range, the valve opening of the water supply valve 15 is controlled so that the spraying distance is increased. In addition, when the roots of the plant extend deeply or the topsoil layer is located near the distribution pipe 136, the valve opening of the water supply valve 15 is controlled so that the spraying distance is suppressed to be small. In other words, the spraying distance can be called the irrigation distance.

[0230] <Water pressure sensor>

[0231] The water pressure sensor 14 is provided in the pipe included in the water supply pipe 130. The water pressure sensor 14 is a pressure sensor for detecting the water pressure in the pipe. The water pressure detected by the water pressure sensor 14 is output to the control device 200. The water pressure sensor 14 is provided in the water supply path at an upstream position of the distribution pipe 136. Furthermore, the water pressure sensor 14 may be provided in the water supply path at a downstream position of the distribution pipe 136.

[0232] When the water supply valve 15 is in a closed state and the pipe is filled with irrigation water, the pump pressure is detected by the water pressure sensor 14. When the water supply valve 15 is changed from a closed state to an open state, irrigation water is sprayed from the distribution pipe 136. If the amount of irrigation water sprayed is stable in terms of time average, the flow pressure is detected by the water pressure sensor 14. When the water supply valve 15 is changed from an open state to a closed state, the spraying of irrigation water from the water supply pipe 130 stops. The water pressure in the water supply pipe 130 gradually recovers from the flow pressure to the pump pressure. The water pressure during this transition period of gradual recovery from the flow pressure to the pump pressure is detected by the water pressure sensor 14.

[0233] When the water supply pipe 130 or the water supply valve 15 is damaged and irrigation water leaks from the damaged portion, the water pressure detected by the water pressure sensor 14 decreases. Thus, it is possible to detect whether damage has occurred. The damage detection process is performed by the control device 200. The irrigation system 10 may also be a structure that includes a flow sensor that detects the flow rate of the fluid flowing in the passage instead of the water pressure sensor 14. The irrigation system 10 performs feedback control on the valve opening of the water supply valve 15 using the detection value of the water pressure sensor 14 or the flow sensor.

[0234] <Control device>

[0235] like Fig.11 , Fig.12 As shown, the control device 200 includes a monitoring unit 300, an integrated communication unit 400, an information storage unit 500, and an integrated calculation unit 600. In the figure, the integrated communication unit 400 is expressed as ICD. The control device 200 has a plurality of monitoring units 300. The plurality of monitoring units 300 correspond to predetermined divisions in the field 20, respectively.

[0236] The water pressure detected by the water pressure sensor 14 is input to the monitoring unit 300. The monitoring unit 300 detects an environmental value which is a physical quantity related to the environment of the field 20. The plurality of monitoring units 300 output the water pressure and the environmental value to the integrated communication unit 400 through wireless communication.

[0237] The integrated communication unit 400 outputs the water pressure and environmental values ​​input from each monitoring unit 300 to the information storage unit 500 via a wireless communication channel. The information storage unit 500 stores these water pressure and environmental values. An example of the information storage unit 500 is a so-called cloud. The integrated computing unit 600 reads each information such as the water pressure and environmental values ​​stored in the information storage unit 500. The integrated computing unit 600 appropriately processes each information read out, and displays each information and processing results on the monitor 700 of the user's smartphone or personal computer.

[0238] The integrated computing unit 600 is included in a user's smartphone or personal computer. The integrated computing unit 600 includes an information processing computing device 610, a memory 620, and a communication device 630. In the drawings, the information processing computing device 610 is represented as an IPCE, the memory 620 is represented as an MM, and the communication device 630 is represented as a CD. The information processing computing device 610 includes a processor. The information processing computing device 610 performs computing processing related to irrigation processing. Such functions are realized by downloading an irrigation application to the information processing computing device 610. The integrated computing unit 600 may also be a computing device installed on the cloud. In this case, a structure in which the integrated computing unit 600 and the information storage unit 500 are installed on the cloud together may also be made.

[0239] The memory 620 is a non-transitory physical storage medium that non-temporarily stores various programs and various information that can be read by a computer or a processor. The memory 620 has 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 computing device 610. The information processing computing device 610 uses the information stored in the memory 620 to perform various computing processes.

[0240] The communication device 630 has a wireless communication function. The communication device 630 converts the received wireless signal into an electrical signal and outputs it to the information processing computing device 610. The communication device 630 outputs the processing result of the information processing computing device 610 as a wireless signal. Hereinafter, the information processing computing device 610, the memory 620, and the communication device 630 are not particularly distinguished and are collectively referred to as the integrated computing unit 600, and the technical content of this embodiment is explained using the integrated computing unit 600. The information processing computing device 610 is equivalent to the processing computing unit.

[0241] The user inputs user instructions related to the irrigation process and the irrigation schedule to the integrated computing unit 600 using an input device 800 such as a touch panel or a keyboard. The integrated computing unit 600 outputs an irrigation process instruction or determines an irrigation schedule based on the user instructions and the information read from the information storage unit 500. In the absence of instructions from the user, the integrated computing unit 600 automatically determines the irrigation schedule based on the information.

[0242] When the integrated computing unit 600 detects an irrigation processing instruction or determines that it is the irrigation supply start time based on the irrigation schedule, it outputs an instruction signal for controlling the water supply valve 15 to the information storage unit 500. The instruction signal is input to the monitoring unit 300 from the information storage unit 500 via the integrated communication unit 400. The monitoring unit 300 controls the output or non-output of the water supply signal to the water supply valve 15 based on the instruction signal. In this way, the opening and closing state of the water supply valve 15 is controlled. As a result, the supply of irrigation water to the field 20 is controlled. At least one of the instruction signal and the water supply signal corresponds to the control signal.

[0243] <Partition>

[0244] One monitoring unit 300 is provided for each distribution pipe 136. The monitoring unit 300 may also be configured to be provided for each predetermined number of distribution pipes 136. The monitoring unit 300 may also be configured to be provided for each ridge. Fig.11 As shown, the plurality of monitoring units 300 , together with the water supply valves 15 and the water pressure sensors 14 , are arranged in a matrix in the field 20 with the x direction being the row direction and the y direction being the column direction.

[0245] With such a configuration, the environment of each of the plurality of divided areas divided in the row direction and the column direction is individually monitored by the monitoring unit 300 corresponding to each divided area. Furthermore, the supply of irrigation water to each divided area is individually controlled by the corresponding monitoring unit 300.

[0246] <Monitoring Department>

[0247] like Fig.12 As shown, the monitoring unit 300 includes a control unit 320 and the like. The environment sensor 310, the water supply valve 15, the water pressure sensor 14, the water temperature sensor 160 and the like are electrically connected to the control unit 320. In the figure, the environment sensor 310 is represented as ES, the water supply valve 15 is represented as WV, and the water pressure sensor 14 is represented as WPS. The water supply valve 15 includes a water supply valve 150a and a water supply valve 151a as specific devices provided in the water supply path. The water pressure sensor 14 includes a water pressure sensor 140a, a water pressure sensor 141a, and a water pressure sensor 142a as specific devices provided in the water supply path.

[0248] The plurality of environmental sensors 310 are arranged in a matrix in the field 20 corresponding to the plurality of divisions. Each environmental sensor 310 detects an environmental value of each division. The water pressure sensor 14 detects the water pressure of each division. The detected environmental value and water pressure of each division are stored in the information storage unit 500.

[0249] The control unit 320 includes a microcomputer 330, a communication unit 340, an RTC 350, and a power generation unit 360. Microcomputer is an abbreviation of a microcomputer system. RTC is an abbreviation of a real time clock. In the figure, the communication unit 340 is expressed as a CDP.

[0250] Environmental values ​​and water pressure are input to the microcomputer 330. The microcomputer 330 outputs the environmental values ​​and water pressure to the integrated communication unit 400 via the communication unit 340. An instruction signal is input to the microcomputer 330 from the integrated communication unit 400. The microcomputer 330 outputs a water supply signal to the water supply valve 15 based on the instruction signal. The microcomputer 330 is equivalent to the calculation processing unit. The microcomputer 330 is a control device that controls the operation of the water supply valve 15. The microcomputer 330 has a sleep mode and a normal mode as operation modes. The sleep mode is a state in which the microcomputer 330 stops the calculation processing. The normal mode is a state in which the microcomputer 330 is performing the calculation processing. The normal mode consumes more power than the sleep mode.

[0251] The communication unit 340 performs wireless communication with the integrated communication unit 400. The communication unit 340 outputs the electrical signal output from the microcomputer 330 to the integrated communication unit 400 as a wireless signal. 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. When the electrical signal includes an instruction signal, the microcomputer 330 switches from the sleep mode to the normal mode. The microcomputer 330 may also be in an awake state before receiving the electrical signal.

[0252] The RTC 350 has a clock function for subdividing time and a timer function for measuring time. When a preset time has arrived or a preset time has passed, the RTC 350 outputs a wake-up signal to the microcomputer 330. When the wake-up signal is input to the microcomputer 330 in the sleep mode, the microcomputer 330 switches from the sleep mode to the normal mode.

[0253] The power generation unit 360 converts the light energy obtained by the solar cell 361 into electric energy. The power generation unit 360 functions as a power supply source for the monitoring unit 300. The power supply from the power generation unit 360 to the RTC 350 is performed uninterruptedly. Thus, the damage to the clock function and the timer function of the RTC 350 is suppressed. The solar cell 361 may also be replaced with a primary battery or a secondary battery.

[0254] <Environmental Sensor>

[0255] As one of the environmental values ​​that are assumed to be different for each segment of the field 20, there is soil moisture. The environmental sensor 310 detects the environmental value in the corresponding segment. The environmental sensor 310 includes a soil sensor 311a that detects soil moisture, etc. The plurality of soil sensors 311a detects soil moisture in the plurality of segments arranged in the field 20. In the figure, the soil sensor 311a is expressed as SMS.

[0256] The sunshine amount is one of the environmental values ​​that is assumed to be different for each partition according to the undulation of the field 20 and the growth status of the plants. In this specification, each environmental sensor 310 includes a sunshine sensor for detecting the sunshine amount. The plurality of sunshine sensors detect the sunshine amount for the plurality of partitions in the field 20.

[0257] The soil moisture content and the sunshine content detected in the plurality of divided areas are arranged in a matrix on the monitor 700, thereby mapping and displaying the soil moisture content distribution and the sunshine content distribution in the field 20. Similarly, the water pressure detected by the plurality of water pressure sensors 14 is arranged in a matrix on the monitor 700, thereby mapping and displaying the water pressure distribution of the water supply pipe 130 in the field 20 on the monitor 700. Such mapping and display processing is performed by the integrated computing unit 600.

[0258] The environmental values ​​of the field 20 include rainfall, temperature, humidity, air pressure, carbon dioxide concentration, and wind volume. Sensors for detecting these environmental values ​​are a rainfall sensor, a ground temperature sensor 312a, a humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, a CO2 sensor, and a wind sensor. These are included in at least one environmental sensor 310 in the plurality of monitoring units 300.

[0259] The environmental sensors 310 of the monitoring unit 300 include various sensors for detecting the environmental values ​​of the entire field 20. In the figure, the ground temperature sensor 312a is represented as GTS. The wind sensor may be configured to detect not only the wind volume but also the wind direction. At least one of the rainfall sensor, the ground temperature sensor 312a, the humidity sensor, the air pressure sensor, and the wind sensor may be configured to be arranged in a matrix in the field 20.

[0260] Such a configuration is effective when the rainfall, temperature, humidity, air pressure, and wind volume are likely to change greatly for each divided area, for example, because the field 20 is large, the field 20 is undulating violently, or the climate of the field 20 changes rapidly. By arranging the rainfall, temperature, humidity, air pressure, and wind volume detected by these sensors in a matrix, these environmental values ​​can be mapped and displayed on the monitor 700. 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.

[0261] <Soil moisture content>

[0262] Among the various environmental values ​​described so far, the environmental values ​​controlled by the irrigation system 10 include soil moisture. The irrigation system 10 controls the supply timing and supply amount of irrigation water for each division, thereby individually controlling the soil moisture of each division.

[0263] The roots of the plants extend in the topsoil layer of the field 20. The cultivation of the plants depends on the amount of water contained in the soil of the topsoil layer (also called soil moisture). If the soil moisture is higher than the growth retardation moisture point, the plants will develop diseases. If the soil moisture is lower than the permanent wilting point, the plants will no longer recover from wilting. These growth retardation moisture points and permanent wilting points vary depending on the type of plant, and these values ​​are stored in the information storage unit 500.

[0264] The current value of the soil moisture content is detected by the soil sensor 311a. Physical quantities related to the soil moisture content include soil water tension (pF value) and soil dielectric constant (ε). The soil sensor 311a in this specification detects the pF value.

[0265] The amount of soil moisture in the topsoil layer increases or decreases according to environmental changes in the field 20. If it rains in the field 20, the amount of soil moisture increases. If water evaporates from the topsoil layer, the amount of soil moisture decreases. In addition, if plants absorb water or water infiltrates toward a layer lower than the topsoil layer, the amount of soil moisture decreases. The amount of rain (rainfall) falling on the topsoil layer is detected by a rain sensor. The amount of moisture evaporated from the topsoil layer, i.e., the amount of evaporation, depends on the amount of sunshine, temperature, humidity, and wind volume. They are detected by a sunshine sensor, a ground temperature sensor 312a, a humidity sensor, and a wind sensor.

[0266] The amount of water absorbed by the plant per unit time can be estimated in advance based on the type of the plant. The amount of water that permeates into the layer below the topsoil layer per unit time can be estimated in advance based on the water retention capacity of the soil. The estimated value is stored in the information storage unit 500.

[0267] As shown above, the environmental sensor 310 detects the current value of the soil moisture content of the topsoil layer and the predicted value related to the prediction of the increase and decrease of the soil moisture content of the topsoil layer from the current value due to environmental changes. These values ​​are stored in the information storage unit 500 as environmental values. The information storage unit 500 stores the growth retardation moisture point and permanent wilting point of the plant, the water absorption amount of the plant per unit time, and the water retention capacity of the soil. The above-mentioned instructions from the user, i.e., the user instructions, are stored in the information storage unit 500. In this way, the information used to determine the irrigation schedule is stored in the information storage unit 500. The irrigation system 10 can also be configured as follows: the detection value of the soil sensor is confirmed in real time, and control such as terminating irrigation is performed when the detection value reaches a threshold value.

[0268] <Microcomputer>

[0269] like Fig.12 As shown in FIG. 1 , the microcomputer 330 includes an acquisition unit 331, a signal output unit 332, a storage unit 333, and a processing unit 334. In the figure, the acquisition unit 331 is represented as AD, the signal output unit 332 is represented as SOU, the storage unit 333 is represented as MU, and the processing unit 334 is represented as PU. The environmental value detected by the environmental sensor 310 is input to the acquisition unit 331. The water pressure detected by the water pressure sensor 14 is input to the acquisition unit 331. The acquisition unit 331 is electrically connected to the environmental sensor 310 and the water pressure sensor 14, respectively.

[0270] The signal output unit 332 is electrically connected to the water supply valve 15. A control signal (water supply signal) for controlling the valve opening of the water supply valve 15 is output from the signal output unit 332 to the water supply valve 15. When the water supply signal is not input, the water supply valve 15 is in a closed state. When the water supply signal is input, the water supply valve 15 is in an open state. In addition, the water supply valve 15 can be configured to maintain the status quo when the water supply signal is not input, and to open and close according to the input content when the water supply signal is input. For example, when the control signal is not input, the valve opening of the water supply valve 15 is maintained, and the valve opening of the water supply valve 15 is adjusted according to the control signal indicating the opening when the water supply signal is input.

[0271] The storage unit 333 is a non-transitory physical storage medium that non-temporarily stores programs and data that can be read by a computer or a processor. The storage unit 333 includes a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory. The storage unit 333 stores a program for the processing unit 334 to perform arithmetic processing. The program includes at least a part of the above-mentioned irrigation application. The storage unit 333 temporarily stores data when the processing unit 334 performs arithmetic processing. The storage unit 333 stores various data input to the acquisition unit 331 and the communication unit 340, respectively, and the acquisition time of the various data.

[0272] When the wake-up signal is input from the RTC 350, the processing unit 334 changes from the sleep mode to the normal mode. In the normal mode, the processing unit 334 reads the program and various data stored in the storage unit 333 and performs arithmetic processing. The arithmetic processing includes the calculation of the valve opening required for the water sprayed through the through hole of the distribution pipe 136 to reach the desired irrigation position. The processing unit 334 is equivalent to the calculation unit. It is also possible to have a structure in which the information processing calculation device 610 of the integrated calculation unit 600 performs the calculation.

[0273] The processing unit 334 reads various sensor signals input to the acquisition unit 331, and reads the acquisition time of the instruction signal input to the communication unit 340 from the RTC 350. The processing unit 334 causes the storage unit 333 to store the instruction signal and the acquisition time. The acquisition time may be read by causing the integrated communication unit 400 to record the data acquisition time when the integrated communication unit 400 receives data from each monitoring unit 300 in a wireless manner. In addition, the information storage unit 500 may record the data acquisition time when the information storage unit 500 receives data from the integrated communication unit 400 in a wireless manner.

[0274] The processing unit 334 stores the environmental value and water pressure input from the environmental sensor 310 and the water pressure sensor 14 and the time of obtaining them in the information storage unit 500 via the communication unit 340 and the integrated communication unit 400. The processing unit 334 outputs a water supply signal to the water supply valve 15 via the signal output unit 332 based on the instruction signal input from the integrated operation unit 600 via the information storage unit 500, the integrated communication unit 400 and the communication unit 340.

[0275] <Ministry of Communications>

[0276] The communication unit 340 converts the electrical signal input from the processing unit 334 into a wireless signal. The communication unit 340 outputs the wireless signal to the integrated communication unit 400. The communication unit 340 converts the wireless signal output from the integrated communication unit 400 into an electrical signal. The communication unit 340 outputs the electrical signal to the processing unit 334. The wireless signal output by the communication unit 340 includes an address and data. Wireless signals are transmitted and received between the plurality of communication units 340 and the integrated communication unit 400. The address included in the wireless signal is an identification code indicating which of the plurality of communication units 340 the output is from. In other words, the address included in the wireless signal is an identification code indicating which of the plurality of processing units 334 the output is from. In each of the plurality of storage units 333, a unique address is stored.

[0277] The wireless signal output from the integrated communication unit 400 also includes an address. And the data of the wireless signal includes an instruction signal. Each communication unit 340 receives the wireless signal. Each communication unit 340 converts the wireless signal into an electrical signal. And the electrical signal is input to each processing unit 334. Among the multiple processing units 334, only the processing unit 334 having the same address as the address included in the electrical signal performs arithmetic processing based on the electrical signal. The microcomputer 330 performs intermittent driving alternately and repeatedly between the sleep mode and the normal mode. Therefore, wireless communication between the communication unit 340 and the integrated communication unit 400 is not frequently performed.

[0278] <Power Generation Department>

[0279] The power generation unit 360 includes a solar cell 361, a storage unit 362, a voltage sensor 363, and a power sensor 364. In the figure, the solar cell 361 is represented as SB, the storage unit 362 is represented as ESU, the voltage sensor 363 is represented as CS, and the power sensor 364 is represented as PS. The solar cell 361 converts light energy into electric energy. The storage unit 362 stores the electric energy (electric power). The electric power stored in the storage unit 362 is used flexibly as the driving power of the monitoring unit 300.

[0280] The voltage sensor 363 detects the voltage value output from the solar cell 361 to the storage unit 362. The power sensor 364 detects the power output from the storage unit 362. The processing unit 334 saves the detected current value and power value to the information storage unit 500 via the communication unit 340 and the integrated communication unit 400. The driving power of the monitoring unit 300 depends on the power generated by the power generation unit 360. Therefore, if the amount of light incident on the power generation unit 360 is small, there is a situation where the driving power of the monitoring unit 300 is insufficient. In order to avoid this situation, the microcomputer 330 of the monitoring unit 300 is intermittently driven. It is also possible to configure that the voltage sensor 363 is replaced by a current sensor that detects the current output from the solar cell 361 to the storage unit 362. In addition, it is also possible that the power generation unit 360 does not have a voltage sensor or a current sensor.

[0281] <rtc>

[0282] The RTC 350 outputs a wake-up signal to the microcomputer 330 every time the intermittent drive time interval (drive cycle) passes. Thus, the microcomputer 330 alternately and repeatedly performs the sleep mode and the normal mode. The drive cycle is determined by the integrated calculation unit 600 based on the amount of power (storage amount) stored in the storage unit 362. The intermittent drive interval is determined by the integrated calculation unit 600 based on the storage amount.

[0283] The comprehensive calculation unit 600 calculates the stored power based on the power stored in the information storage unit 500. The less the stored power, the longer the intermittent drive interval is set by the comprehensive calculation unit 600. The more the stored power, the shorter the intermittent drive interval is set by the comprehensive calculation unit 600. The comprehensive calculation unit 600 includes the intermittent drive interval in the indication signal. When the processing unit 334 of the microcomputer 330 obtains the indication signal, the processing unit 334 adjusts the intermittent drive interval. The processing unit 334 adjusts the drive cycle of the RTC 350. The environment of the field 20 rarely changes extremely in units of a few seconds. Therefore, the intermittent drive interval is in units of tens of seconds to tens of hours. Correspondingly, the time interval for wireless communication is also in units of tens of seconds to tens of hours.

[0284] <Drive of irrigation system>

[0285] In the irrigation system 10, signals are sent and received between the plurality of monitoring units 300 and the integrated computing unit 600, and various data are stored in the information storage unit 500. The plurality of monitoring units 300 and the integrated computing unit 600 respectively execute cyclic tasks that are processed in each driving cycle and event tasks that are processed suddenly.

[0286] There is a priority order of processing among these cyclic tasks and event tasks. When the processing timing of these tasks is the same, the processing of the event task is given priority over the cyclic task. As a cyclic task, each monitoring unit 300 performs sensor processing. The integrated computing unit 600 performs update processing. As an event task, each monitoring unit 300 performs monitoring processing and water supply processing. The integrated computing unit 600 performs irrigation processing, user update processing, and forced update processing.

[0287] <Sensor Processing>

[0288] Before the sensor processing, the microcomputer 330 of the monitoring unit 300 is in the sleep mode, and a wake-up signal is input to the microcomputer 330 from the RTC 350. As a result, the microcomputer 330 switches from the sleep mode to the normal mode. Next, the microcomputer 330 starts to execute the sensor processing. The sensor processing is performed at the intermittent drive interval of the microcomputer 330. First, the sensor signals input from various sensors are obtained, and then the acquisition time of the sensor signal is obtained based on the output of the RTC 350. Furthermore, the obtained sensor signal and the acquisition time are stored separately. Next, the sensor signal and the acquisition time are output as sensor information from the communication unit 340 to the integrated communication unit 400 through wireless communication. The sensor information is saved in the information storage unit 500 through the integrated communication unit 400. The microcomputer 330 is transferred to the sleep mode, and the sensor processing ends.

[0289] <Update Process>

[0290] The integrated computing unit 600 performs update processing every time an update cycle passes. The update cycle is the same as the intermittent drive interval of the microcomputer 330. First, each information stored in the information storage unit 500 is read. Next, based on the read information, the irrigation schedule of each of the plurality of monitoring units 300 is updated. In addition, the integrated computing unit 600 updates the sensor processing in each monitoring unit 300. The integrated computing unit 600 updates the intermittent drive interval corresponding to the timing of executing the sensor processing. The integrated computing unit 600 itself maintains the updated irrigation schedule and intermittent drive interval, and stores them in the information storage unit 500, and ends the update processing. As shown above, the sensor information, the irrigation schedule, and the intermittent drive interval are updated through the cyclic task.

[0291] The monitoring process, water supply process and irrigation process are each performed during the daytime in order to avoid exhaustion of the driving power of the monitoring unit 300. Whether it is daytime can be determined by the current time and the amount of sunshine detected by the sunshine sensor.

[0292] <Monitoring Process>

[0293] Before the monitoring process, the microcomputer 330 of each monitoring unit 300 is in the sleep mode. The microcomputer 330 receives an instruction signal from the integrated computing unit 600 via wireless communication. As a result, the microcomputer 330 switches from the sleep mode to the normal mode and starts the monitoring process.

[0294] First, the input instruction signal and the time when it is obtained are stored. Next, it is determined whether the instruction signal contains a water supply instruction for changing the water supply valve 15 from a closed state to an open state. If the instruction signal contains a water supply instruction, the water supply process is performed. In the water supply process, the microcomputer 330 outputs a water supply signal to the water supply valve 15 according to the water supply instruction. Furthermore, the microcomputer 330 determines whether the water supply time included in the instruction signal has passed. If the water supply time has not passed, the output of the water supply signal to the water supply valve 15 continues. If the water supply time has passed, the output of the water supply signal is stopped and the water supply process ends.

[0295] When the instruction signal does not include the water supply instruction, the water supply process is not performed, but it is determined whether the instruction signal includes the update instruction of the intermittent drive interval. The update instruction of the intermittent drive interval is outputted regularly or irregularly from the comprehensive calculation unit 600 or the information storage unit 500 to each monitoring unit 300 as the instruction signal. When the instruction signal includes the update instruction of the intermittent drive interval, the processing unit 334 of the microcomputer 330 adjusts the time interval of outputting the wake-up signal of the RTC 350.

[0296] When the indication signal does not include an indication for updating the intermittent drive interval, the sensor processing is performed. When the water supply processing is performed, the environmental value after the irrigation is supplied is detected in the sensor processing. When the water supply processing is not performed, the environmental value when no irrigation water is supplied is detected in the sensor processing. The environmental value is saved in the information storage unit 500. When the sensor processing is performed and ends, the microcomputer 330 switches to the sleep mode and ends the monitoring processing. The start condition of the monitoring processing is not limited to the indication signal from the integrated computing unit 600. After the RTC 350 starts the microcomputer 330, the microcomputer 330 sends the sensor data to the integrated computing unit 600 after processing. In addition, it is also possible to send the valve opening indication from the integrated computing unit 600 together with the indication of the timing of the next intermittent drive.

[0297] <Irrigation treatment>

[0298] The integrated operation unit 600 performs the irrigation process every time the irrigation water supply timing in the irrigation schedule of each monitoring unit 300 is reached. The integrated operation unit 600 first outputs a water supply signal including a water supply instruction to the monitoring unit 300 of the divided area where the irrigation water is planned to be supplied among the plurality of monitoring units 300. The water supply instruction includes the output start of the water supply signal and the output time of the water supply signal (water supply time). The monitoring unit 300 that receives the water supply instruction performs the above-mentioned monitoring process.

[0299] The integrated operation unit 600 is in a standby state until the monitoring process of the monitoring unit 300 is completed. When the monitoring process is completed, the update process is performed. Whether the monitoring process has been completed is determined, for example, based on whether the time at which the monitoring process is estimated to be completed has passed. Whether the monitoring process has been completed can also be determined by inquiring the monitoring unit 300. The method for determining the end of the monitoring process is not particularly limited.

[0300] <User update processing>

[0301] The integrated computing unit 600 performs a user update process when a user instruction related to adjustment of the irrigation schedule or the intermittent driving interval is input from the input device 800. The integrated computing unit 600 first saves the input user instruction to the information storage unit 500. Then, the above-mentioned update process is performed. Accordingly, the irrigation schedule or the intermittent driving interval is updated based on the user instruction.

[0302] <Forced update processing>

[0303] The integrated computing unit 600 performs a forced update process when a user instruction regarding the update of the irrigation schedule and the intermittent driving interval is input. The integrated computing unit 600 first outputs a request signal including a request instruction for requesting the execution of the sensor process. The request signal is output to the monitoring unit 300 via wireless communication. Then, the update process enters a standby state until the sensor process of the monitoring unit 300 is completed.

[0304] When the sensor processing is completed, the above-mentioned update processing is performed. Whether the sensor processing is completed can be determined based on, for example, whether the time for estimating the completion of the sensor processing has passed. Alternatively, it can be determined by inquiring the monitoring unit 300 whether the sensor processing is completed. The method for determining the completion of the sensor processing is not particularly limited. The irrigation schedule and the intermittent driving interval are updated based on various data at the time of the user's update request.

[0305] <Individual irrigation treatment>

[0306] As described above, the integrated computing unit 600 determines the irrigation schedule in each of the plurality of divided areas. The integrated computing unit 600 controls the supply of irrigation water based on each irrigation schedule. In addition, although the irrigation schedule in each divided area is determined by the integrated computing unit 600, a configuration may be adopted in which each monitoring unit 300 individually controls the supply of irrigation water based on each irrigation schedule.

[0307] <Independent Update>

[0308] As a further example, a configuration may be adopted in which the corresponding monitoring unit 300 independently determines the irrigation schedule for each divided area. In such a configuration, each monitoring unit 300 executes the above-mentioned update process.

[0309] <Weather Forecast and Irrigation Schedule>

[0310] The current value of the soil moisture content and the predicted value of the reduction change and the user instruction are stored in the information storage unit 500. The plant's growth stagnation moisture point and permanent wilting point, the amount of water absorbed by the plant per unit time, and the soil's moisture retention capacity are stored in the information storage unit 500. In addition to these, the weather forecast of the field 20 output and distributed from the external information source 1000 is also stored in the information storage unit 500. Fig.11 In the example, the external information source 1000 is expressed as ESI. In the update process, the integrated calculation unit 600 reads various information including the weather forecast from the information storage unit 500. The integrated calculation unit 600 determines the irrigation schedule in each monitoring unit 300.

[0311] <Target value and estimated value>

[0312] Every time the irrigation schedule is determined, the integrated computing unit 600 calculates the target value and estimated value of the soil moisture content. The target value of the soil moisture content is of course set to a value between the growth retardation moisture point and the permanent wilting point. In order to try to grow plants healthily, the target value of the soil moisture content is set to a value that is somewhat distant from the theoretical value, that is, the growth retardation moisture point and the permanent wilting point.

[0313] The comprehensive calculation unit 600 sets the upper limit target value on the growth-blocking moisture point side and the lower limit target value on the permanent wilting point side as the target value of the soil moisture amount. The comprehensive calculation unit 600 determines the irrigation schedule so that the estimated value of the soil moisture amount during the irrigation period of the irrigation schedule becomes a value between the upper limit target value and the lower limit target value. Even when it is expected that the estimated value of the soil moisture amount will exceed the upper limit target value due to rainfall, the comprehensive calculation unit 600 determines the irrigation schedule so that the estimated value of the soil moisture amount does not exceed the growth-blocking moisture point.

[0314] There is a discrepancy between the growth blocking moisture point and the upper limit target value. The upper limit deviation range is determined based on the climate of the field 20 in consideration of the healthy cultivation of the above-mentioned plants. The climate of the field 20 includes the expected value of the average rainfall of the field 20 during the irrigation period of the irrigation schedule and the total rainfall predicted by the weather forecast during the irrigation period. The expected value of the average rainfall of the field 20 during the irrigation period is stored in the information storage unit 500.

[0315] There is a deviation between the permanent wilting point and the lower limit target value. The lower limit deviation range is determined based on the estimated recovery time when a failure occurs in the water supply device 100, the reduction amount of the soil moisture per unit time, etc. in consideration of healthy cultivation of the plant. For example, the lower limit deviation range is determined based on the value obtained by multiplying the recovery time by the reduction amount of the soil moisture per unit time. The recovery time is stored in the information storage unit 500.

[0316] For example, when a one-week weather forecast from an external information source 1000 is stored in the information storage unit 500, the comprehensive calculation unit 600 determines an irrigation schedule for one week. If there is no rainfall forecast according to the weather forecast during the one-week period, it is expected that the estimated value of the soil moisture content will gradually decrease over time. The decrease per unit time of the estimated value of the soil moisture content is determined based on the predicted value of the decrease in the soil moisture content of the topsoil layer. In the following, in order to simplify the description, the estimated value of the soil moisture content is simply expressed as an estimated value as needed.

[0317] As described above, the irrigation schedule is determined based on the estimated value of soil moisture based on environmental values ​​and weather forecasts, etc. This can prevent the soil moisture content of the outdoor partition from becoming unsuitable for plants due to weather changes such as rainfall or dryness.

[0318] The comprehensive calculation unit 600 supplies water at the time when the estimated value of the soil moisture content in the irrigation schedule reaches the lower limit target value. In this way, the soil moisture content can be suppressed from falling below the lower limit target value. The comprehensive calculation unit 600 makes the rainfall forecast time and the irrigation water supply time different. In this way, even if the rainfall is more than the rainfall forecast, the excessive increase of the soil moisture content can be suppressed. In addition, the irrigation system 10 can also confirm the detection value of the soil sensor 311a in real time and perform control such as terminating irrigation when the detection value reaches the threshold. In this case, it is not necessary to calculate the estimated value of the soil moisture content.

[0319] Reference Figure 13 to Figure 15 An example of a valve device applicable to the water supply valve 15 is described below. The valve device is a so-called rotary valve device. The valve device includes one fluid inlet and three fluid outlets. The valve device is mounted on the irrigation system 10 by connecting an upstream pipe to the fluid inlet and connecting the distribution pipe 136 to one of the fluid outlets. Furthermore, the passage may be blocked by installing a blocking member on the fluid outlet to which the distribution pipe 136 is not connected.

[0320] like Fig.13 As shown in FIG. 1 , the valve device includes a housing 9, a valve 90, a drive unit 70, a drive unit cover 80, etc. The valve device is configured as a ball valve that performs an opening and closing operation of the valve device by rotating the valve 90 around the axis of the shaft 92. In this specification, the direction along the axis of the shaft 92 is referred to as the axial direction DRa, and the direction perpendicular to the axial direction DRa and extending radially from the axial direction DRa is referred to as the radial direction DRr.

[0321] The housing 9 is a housing portion for housing the valve 90. The housing 9 is formed of, for example, a resin member. The housing 9 includes a hollow housing body 21 for housing the valve 90, a pipe member 50 for allowing cooling water to flow out of the housing body 21, and a partition wall portion 60 mounted on the housing body 21. The housing body 21 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and is formed into a bottomed shape having an opening on the other side of the axial direction DRa. The housing body 21 has a housing outer wall portion 22 constituting the outer peripheral portion of the housing body 21. The housing outer wall portion 22 forms a cylindrical valve housing space 23 having an axis in the axial direction DRa inside the housing body 21.

[0322] An inlet hole 251 for allowing the supply water to flow into the valve accommodating space 23 is formed in the housing outer wall portion 22. The inlet hole 251 is formed to open in a circular shape and is connected to the connecting pipe 135. The inlet hole 251 corresponds to a fluid inflow portion.

[0323] The pipe member 50 is mounted on the housing outer wall portion 22. The housing outer wall portion 22 has a first outlet hole 261, a second outlet hole 262, and a third outlet hole 263 for allowing the cooling water flowing into the valve accommodating space 23 through the inlet hole 251 to flow out to the pipe member 50. The first outlet hole 261, the second outlet hole 262, and the third outlet hole 263 correspond to a fluid outflow portion.

[0324] The housing opening surface 24 of the housing outer wall portion 22 is provided with a partition wall portion 60. The housing opening surface 24 is arranged on the other side of the axial direction DRa in the housing main body portion 21. The housing opening surface 24 is provided with a housing opening portion 241 that communicates the valve accommodating space 23 with the outside of the housing main body portion 21. The housing opening portion 241 is closed by installing the partition wall portion 60 on the housing opening surface 24.

[0325] The pipe member 50 includes a first pipe portion 51, a second pipe portion 52, and a third pipe portion 53 each formed in a cylindrical shape. The first pipe portion 51, the second pipe portion 52, and the third pipe portion 53 are connected by a pipe connecting portion 54. The pipe connecting portion 54 is a portion that connects the first pipe portion 51, the second pipe portion 52, and the third pipe portion 53 and mounts the pipe member 50 on the housing outer wall portion 22. The upstream side of the first pipe portion 51 is arranged inside the first outlet hole 261. The upstream side of the second pipe portion 52 is arranged inside the second outlet hole 262. The upstream side of the third pipe portion 53 is arranged inside the third outlet hole 263.

[0326] The partition wall 60 blocks the housing opening 241 and holds the valve 90 accommodated in the valve accommodation space 23. The partition wall 60 is in the shape of a disk with the axial direction DRa being the plate thickness direction, and is configured to be embedded from the other side of the axial direction DRa toward one side of the housing opening 241. When the partition wall 60 is embedded in the housing opening 241, the outer peripheral portion of the partition wall 60 abuts against the inner peripheral surface of the housing, thereby blocking the housing opening 241.

[0327] The driving unit cover 80 accommodates the driving unit 70. The driving unit cover 80 is a hollow shape made of resin, and a driving unit space for accommodating the driving unit 70 is formed inside. The driving unit cover 80 has a connector part 81 for connecting to the microcomputer 330. The connector part 81 connects the valve device to the microcomputer 330, and has a built-in terminal for connecting the driving unit 70 and the rotation angle sensor 73.

[0328] The driving unit 70 includes a motor 71 that outputs a rotational force for rotating the valve 90, a gear unit 72 that transmits the output of the motor 71 to the valve 90, and a rotation angle sensor 73 that detects the rotation angle of the gear unit 72. Fig.14 As shown, the motor 71 includes a motor body, a motor shaft 711, a worm gear 712, and a motor side terminal. The motor 71 is configured so that the motor body can output power by supplying power to the motor side terminal. The motor body is formed into a substantially cylindrical shape, and the motor shaft 711 protrudes from the end of the other side of the motor body. The power output from the motor body is output to the gear portion 72 via the motor shaft 711 and the worm gear 712.

[0329] The gear portion 72 is composed of a reduction mechanism having a plurality of resin gears, and is configured to transmit the power output from the worm gear 712 to the shaft 92. The gear portion 72 includes a first gear 721, a second gear 722 meshing with the first gear 721, and a third gear 723 meshing with the second gear 722. The shaft 92 is connected to the third gear 723. In the gear portion 72, the outer diameter of the second gear 722 is formed to be larger than the outer diameter of the first gear 721, and the outer diameter of the third gear 723 is formed to be larger than the outer diameter of the second gear 722.

[0330] The first gear 721, the second gear 722, and the third gear 723 are arranged in such a manner that their respective axes are orthogonal to the axis of the worm wheel 712. The third gear 723 is arranged in such a manner that the axis of the third gear 723 is on the same axis as the axis of the shaft 92. The third gear 723 is connected to the shaft 92. The drive unit 70 is constructed so that the worm wheel 712 rotates integrally with the first gear 721, the second gear 722, the third gear 723, and the valve 90, and their respective rotations have a mutual correlation. The gears and the shaft 92 are constructed so that their respective rotation angles have a correlation, and the rotation angle of one of the components having a correlation can be calculated based on the rotation angles of other components.

[0331] A rotation angle sensor 73 for detecting the rotation angle of the third gear 723 is mounted on the inner circumference of the driving portion cover 80 at a position opposed to the third gear 723. The rotation angle sensor 73 is a Hall sensor having a Hall element built therein, and is configured to detect the rotation angle of the third gear 723 in a non-contact manner. The rotation angle sensor 73 is connected to the microcomputer 330 via the connector portion 81. The detected rotation angle of the third gear 723 is sent to the microcomputer 330. The processing unit 334 of the microcomputer 330 is configured to calculate the rotation angle of the valve 90 based on the rotation angle of the third gear 723 sent from the rotation angle sensor 73.

[0332] Reference Fig.13 and Fig.15 The shaft 92 and the valve 90 are described. The shaft 92 is configured to be rotatable around the axis by the rotational force output by the drive unit 70. The shaft 92 is connected to the valve 90, and is configured to rotate the valve 90 and the shaft 92 together when the shaft 92 rotates. The shaft 92 is formed to extend in a cylindrical shape along the axis, and passes through the valve 90 from one side to the other side. The shaft 92 is connected to the shaft support portion of the housing body 21 on one side in the axial direction DRa, and is connected to the gear portion 72 on the other side. The valve 90 is fixed to the outer periphery of the shaft.

[0333] The valve 90 is configured to adjust the flow rate of the output fluid by rotating around the axis. The valve 90 is inserted into the shaft 92 inside and is accommodated in the valve accommodation space 23 in a manner that it can rotate integrally with the shaft 92. The valve 90 is cylindrical with an axis extending along the axial direction DRa. The valve 90 is formed by connecting the first valve 93, the second valve 94, the third valve 95, the cylindrical connecting portion 914 and the cylindrical valve connecting portion 915, which are respectively cylindrical. The valve 90 is arranged with the first valve 93, the cylindrical connecting portion 914, the second valve 94, the cylindrical valve connecting portion 915 and the third valve 95 arranged in sequence from one side of the axial direction DRa to the other side. The first valve 93 and the second valve 94 are connected via the cylindrical connecting portion 914. The second valve 94 and the third valve 95 are connected via the cylindrical valve connecting portion 915.

[0334] The valve 90 is in the valve accommodating space 23, and the second valve 94 and the cylindrical connecting portion 914 are opposite to the inlet hole 251 in the radial direction DRr. The valve 90 has a cylindrical shaft connecting portion 916 in the center for inserting the shaft 92. The valve 90 is connected to the shaft 92 by inserting the shaft 92 into the shaft connecting portion 916. For example, the first valve 93, the second valve 94, the third valve 95, the cylindrical connecting portion 914, the cylindrical valve connecting portion 915, and the shaft connecting portion 916 are integrally formed by injection molding.

[0335] The valve 90 is a valve element for allowing the cooling water flowing into the valve 90 to flow out to the first outlet hole 261, the second outlet hole 262, and the third outlet hole 263. When the valve 90 rotates, the first valve 93 opens and closes the first outlet hole 261, the second valve 94 opens and closes the second outlet hole 262, and the third valve 95 opens and closes the third outlet hole 263.

[0336] The axes of the first valve 93, the second valve 94, and the third valve 95 are arranged on the same axis as the axis of the shaft 92. The central parts of the first valve 93, the second valve 94, and the third valve 95 in the axial direction DRa are raised outwardly in the radial direction DRr relative to the two end sides. The first valve 93, the second valve 94, and the third valve 95 are respectively configured so that the fluid can flow inside.

[0337] like Fig.15 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first valve 93 has a first valve outer peripheral portion 931 forming an outer peripheral portion, and a first flow path portion 961 is formed inside the first valve outer peripheral portion 931. A first inner opening portion 936 for allowing a fluid to flow into the first flow path portion 961 is formed in the first valve 93. The first valve 93 allows the fluid flowing into the valve accommodating space 23 to flow into the first flow path portion 961 through the first inner opening portion 936. The first flow path portion 961 corresponds to the flow path portion of the valve device.

[0338] like Fig.15 As shown, a first peripheral opening 934 is formed in the first valve outer peripheral portion 931, and the first peripheral opening 934 connects the first flow path portion 961 with the first outlet hole 261 via the first sealing opening 581 when the shaft 92 rotates. The first valve 93 is connected with the first outlet hole 261 through the first peripheral opening 934, so that the fluid flowing into the first flow path portion 961 flows out from the first outlet hole 261. The first peripheral opening 934 formed in the first valve outer peripheral portion 931 is equivalent to the peripheral opening formed in the valve outer peripheral portion. The first peripheral opening 934 is formed to extend in the circumferential direction of the axis of the shaft 92 in the first valve outer peripheral portion 931. The flow rate of the fluid flowing out of the device from the first valve 93 is adjusted according to the overlapping area of ​​the first peripheral opening 934 and the first sealing opening 581 when the shaft 92 rotates. The first inner opening 936 functions as a communication path that allows the outside of the first valve 93 to communicate with the first flow path 961 .

[0339] like Fig.15 As shown in FIG. 1 , the second valve 94 has a second valve outer peripheral portion 941 forming an outer peripheral portion, and a second flow path portion 962 is formed inside the second valve outer peripheral portion 941. The second valve 94 has a second inner opening portion 946 formed on one side in the axial direction DRa for allowing fluid to flow into the second flow path portion 962. The second valve 94 is configured so that the fluid flowing into the valve accommodating space 23 through the inlet hole 251 can flow through the second inner opening portion 946 in the second flow path portion 962. The second flow path portion 962 corresponds to the flow path portion in the valve device.

[0340] like Fig.15 As shown, a second outer peripheral opening 944 is formed in the second valve outer peripheral portion 941, and the second outer peripheral opening 944 allows the second flow path portion 962 to communicate with the second outlet hole 262 via the second sealing opening 582 when the shaft 92 rotates. The second valve 94 communicates with the second outlet hole 262 through the second outer peripheral opening 944, so that the fluid flowing into the second flow path portion 962 flows out from the second outlet hole 262. The second outer peripheral opening 944 formed in the second valve outer peripheral portion 941 is equivalent to the outer peripheral opening formed in the valve outer peripheral portion.

[0341] The second outer peripheral opening 944 is formed in a manner extending in the circumferential direction along the axis of the shaft 92. The flow rate of the fluid flowing out from the second valve 94 to the outside of the device is adjusted according to the overlapping area of ​​the second outer peripheral opening 944 and the second sealing opening 582 when the shaft 92 rotates. The second inner opening 946 functions as a connecting path that connects the outside of the second valve 94 with the second flow path portion 962. The second inner opening 946 is opposite to the first inner opening 936. The cylindrical connecting portion 914 is used to connect the first valve 93 and the second valve 94. The cylindrical connecting portion 914 forms a first inter-valve space 97 between the outer peripheral portion of the cylindrical connecting portion 914 and the inner peripheral surface of the shell. The first flow path portion 961 and the second flow path portion 962 are connected via the first inter-valve space 97.

[0342] The second valve 94 is provided with a shaft connecting portion 916 covering the outer peripheral portion of the shaft 92 at the approximate center of the interior thereof. The second valve 94 is connected to a tubular valve connecting portion 915 on the other side of the second valve outer peripheral portion 941 in the axial direction DRa. The second valve 94 is configured so that the fluid flowing into the second flow path portion 962 can flow into the third valve 95 via the tubular valve connecting portion 915.

[0343] The second inter-valve space 98 is formed inside the cylindrical valve connection part 915. The second inter-valve space 98 is connected to the second flow path part 962 and the third flow path part 963. The outer diameter of the cylindrical valve connection part 915 on one side of the axial direction DRa is the same as the outer diameter of the second valve 94 on the other side of the axial direction DRa. The outer diameter of the cylindrical valve connection part 915 on the other side of the axial direction DRa is the same as the outer diameter of the third valve 95 on one side of the axial direction DRa. The cylindrical valve connection part 915 is formed by connecting the second valve outer peripheral part 941 and the third valve outer peripheral part 951.

[0344] like Fig.15 As shown in FIG. 1 , the third valve 95 has a third valve outer peripheral portion 951 forming the outer peripheral portion of the third valve 95, and a third flow path portion 963 is formed inside the third valve outer peripheral portion 951. The third valve 95 is connected to the tubular valve connecting portion 915 at one side of the axial direction DRa of the third valve outer peripheral portion 951. The third valve 95 allows the fluid flowing into the second flow path portion 962 to flow into the third flow path portion 963 via the second inter-valve space 98. The third flow path portion 963 corresponds to the flow path portion of the valve device.

[0345] like Fig.15 As shown, a third peripheral opening 954 is formed in the third valve outer peripheral portion 951, and the third peripheral opening 954 allows the third flow path portion 963 to communicate with the third outlet hole 263 via the third sealing opening 583 when the shaft 92 rotates. The third valve 95 is connected to the third outlet hole 263 through the third peripheral opening 954, so that the fluid flowing into the third flow path portion 963 flows out of the third outlet hole 263 to the outside of the device. The third peripheral opening 954 formed in the third valve outer peripheral portion 951 is equivalent to the peripheral opening formed in the valve outer peripheral portion.

[0346] The third peripheral opening portion 954 is formed by extending in the circumferential direction of the axis in the third valve peripheral portion 951. The flow rate of the fluid flowing out of the third valve 95 to the outside of the device is adjusted according to the overlapping area of ​​the third peripheral opening portion 954 and the third sealing opening portion 583 when the shaft 92 rotates. The shaft connecting portion 916 is cylindrical and connects the valve 90 to the shaft 92 by fixing the inserted shaft 92. When the shaft 92 rotates, the shaft connecting portion 916 transmits the rotational force of the shaft 92 to the valve 90 via the shaft connecting portion 916. The shaft connecting portion 916 is formed by extending from the second valve 94 to the third valve 95 toward the other side of the axial direction DRa.

[0347] The operation of the water supply valve 15 will be described. The microcomputer 330 calculates the rotation angle of the valve for supplying the required flow rate of water to the distribution pipe 136, that is, the rotation angle of the motor 71. The microcomputer 330 sends information on the calculated rotation angle of the motor 71 to the water supply valve 15. At this time, the blocking parts are installed in the two fluid outflow parts that are not connected to the distribution pipe 136. It is also possible to configure that the calculation of the rotation angle of the motor 71 is performed by the information processing operation device 610 of the comprehensive operation unit 600.

[0348] The water supply valve 15 rotates the motor 71 based on the rotation angle information received from the microcomputer 330. The water supply valve 15 rotates the motor 71 to rotate the valve 90 via the gear portion 72 and the shaft 92, so that the fluid of the required flow rate flows out from the first peripheral opening 934, the second peripheral opening 944, and the third peripheral opening 954.

[0349] For example, the case where the first outlet hole 261 is used as the fluid outflow portion connected to the distribution pipe 136 is described. The water supply valve 15 rotates the valve 90 to connect the first outer peripheral opening 934 of the first valve 93 with the first outlet hole 261. The water supply valve 15 adjusts the overlapping area of ​​the first outer peripheral opening 934 and the first sealed opening 581 by adjusting the rotation position of the valve 90. The water supply valve 15 allows the fluid flowing from the inlet hole 251 into the valve accommodating space 23 to flow into the first flow path portion 961 through the first inner opening 936 and flow out from the first outer peripheral opening 934 to the first outlet hole 261. The microcomputer 330 controls the spray distance of the irrigation water by controlling the valve opening, which is the overlapping area of ​​the first outer peripheral opening 934 and the first sealed opening 581, and supplies the irrigation water to the required position.

[0350] For example, the case where the second outlet hole 262 is used as the fluid outflow portion connected to the distribution pipe 136 is described. The water supply valve 15 rotates the valve 90 to connect the second outer peripheral opening 944 of the second valve 94 with the second outlet hole 262. The water supply valve 15 adjusts the overlapping area of ​​the second outer peripheral opening 944 and the second sealed opening 582 by adjusting the rotation position of the valve 90. The water supply valve 15 allows the fluid flowing from the inlet hole 251 into the valve accommodating space 23 to flow into the second flow path portion 962 through the second inner opening 946 and flow out from the second outer peripheral opening 944 to the second outlet hole 262. The microcomputer 330 controls the spray distance of the irrigation water by controlling the valve opening, which is the overlapping area of ​​the second outer peripheral opening 944 and the second sealed opening 582, and supplies the irrigation water to the required position.

[0351] For example, the case where the third outlet hole 263 is used as the fluid outflow portion communicating with the distribution pipe 136 will be described. The water supply valve 15 rotates the valve 90 to communicate the third outer peripheral opening 954 of the third valve 95 with the third outlet hole 263. The water supply valve 15 adjusts the overlapping area of ​​the third outer peripheral opening 954 and the third sealed opening 583 by adjusting the rotation position of the valve 90. The water supply valve 15 allows the fluid flowing from the inlet hole 251 into the valve accommodating space 23 to flow into the third flow path 963 via the second flow path 962 of the second valve 94, and to flow out from the third outer peripheral opening 954 to the third outlet hole 263. The microcomputer 330 controls the valve opening, which is the overlapping area of ​​the third outer peripheral opening 954 and the third sealed opening 583, to control the spray distance of the irrigation water and supply the irrigation water to the required position. Alternatively, the information processing device 610 of the integrated computing unit 600 may be configured to control the valve openings.

[0352] The water supply valve 15 detects the rotation angle of the third gear 723 by the rotation angle sensor 73 , and feeds back information of the detected rotation angle to the microcomputer 330 , thereby adjusting the rotation angle of the motor 71 .

[0353] Reference Fig.16 The curve diagram in exemplifies the relationship between the rotation angle of the shaft 92 and the flow rate of the valve device. Fig.16 The horizontal axis is the rotation angle RA of the motor 71, and the vertical axis is the flow rate FR of the fluid flowing out of the valve device. Fig.16 , FO1 is the first valve 93, FO2 is the second valve 94, and FO3 is the third valve 95. Fig.16 In the figure, FS indicates that the valve is fully open, FC indicates that the valve is fully closed, and MO indicates that the valve is intermediate. The intermediate opening is the opening between the fully closed state and the fully open state. Fig.16 The solid line graph shows the relationship between the flow rate of the fluid flowing out of the third valve 95 and the rotation angle. Fig.16 The dashed line graph in shows the relationship between the flow rate of the fluid flowing out of the second valve 94 and the rotation angle. Fig.16 The one-dot chain line graph in shows the relationship between the flow rate of the fluid flowing out of the first valve 93 and the rotation angle.

[0354] like Fig.16 As shown, near the rotation angle of 0 degrees, the third valve 95 is in a fully open state, and the other valves are in a fully closed state, and the fluid flows out of the device only through the third valve 95. If the rotation angle is increased from this state, the third valve 95 is transferred to an intermediate opening, and if the rotation angle is further increased, all three valves are in a fully closed state.

[0355] If the rotation angle of all three valves is increased from the fully closed state, only the second valve 94 is transferred to the fully open state via the intermediate opening. If the rotation angle is further increased, the first valve 93 is transferred to the fully open state via the intermediate opening, and the first valve 93 and the second valve 94 are in the fully open state. If the rotation angle is increased from this state, the second valve 94 is transferred to the fully closed state via the intermediate opening, and the second valve 94 and the third valve 95 are in the fully closed state. If the rotation angle is further increased, the first valve 93 is transferred to the fully closed state via the intermediate opening, and all valves are in the fully closed state.

[0356] As described above, the opening of each valve changes according to the rotation angle, and the flow rate of the fluid flowing out of each valve changes. Each water supply valve 15 in the irrigation system 10 is structured to supply fluid from only one of the three valves, thereby controlling the spraying distance and water supply amount to the field 20 according to the rotation angle.

[0357] Next, use Figures 17 to 20 The operation of the irrigation system 10 for performing irrigation while suppressing adverse effects on plant growth will be described. Fig.17 An example of a water supply valve, a water supply path provided with a water pressure sensor and a water temperature sensor, a ground temperature sensor, and a soil sensor is shown. Fig.17 The irrigation system 10 shown is provided with a water supply valve 15, a water pressure sensor 14, a water temperature sensor 160, etc., which are arranged in a passage on one end side of a plurality of distribution pipes 136 arranged therein. Each distribution pipe 136 is arranged at a position where irrigation water can be sprayed on the corresponding ridge through a plurality of through holes. The passage on the one end side is a passage connecting the longitudinal pipe 131 and one end of the distribution pipe 136, and the longitudinal pipe 131 allows water supply from a water supply source to flow down. The first water supply valve controls the pressure of the water supply from one end side flowing down from one end of the distribution pipe 136 toward the other end. The first water supply valve includes a water supply valve 150a and a plurality of water supply valves 151a.

[0358] The longitudinal pipe 131 is connected to a passage leading to the inlet hole 251 of each water supply valve. Each distribution pipe 136 is connected to a passage leading to the first pipe portion 51, which is one of the fluid outflow portions of each water supply valve. In this case, the second pipe portion 52 and the third pipe portion 53, which are other fluid outflow portions, are blocked by the blocking member. The signal output portion 332 outputs a control signal for controlling the valve opening by feedback control using the water supply information detected at the downstream end to the water supply valve. The signal output portion 332 outputs a control signal for controlling the valve opening by feedback control using the water supply information detected in the upstream passage to the water supply valve.

[0359] The longitudinal pipe 131 is connected to a plurality of passages leading to one end of the plurality of distribution pipes 136. The longitudinal pipe 131 is provided with a water supply valve 150a for opening and closing the passage upstream of the connection portion with the first connecting pipe 134. The plurality of passages include a plurality of branch pipes 134a branching to one end of two adjacent distribution pipes 136. The plurality of branch pipes 134a constitute a plurality of passages branching from the first connecting pipe 134. The first connecting pipe 134 is connected to the longitudinal pipe 131 at an upstream portion and to the branch pipe 134a at a downstream portion.

[0360] The plurality of branch pipes 134a are passages connecting the plurality of distribution pipes 136 to the first connecting pipe 134. Each branch pipe 134a connects one end of two adjacent distribution pipes 136 to the first connecting pipe 134. A water supply valve 151a is provided at the downstream portion of the branch pipe 134a. One branch pipe 134a is provided so that the water supply flows down to a predetermined number of distribution pipes 136 forming one group. In addition, the distribution pipes 136 connected to one branch pipe 134a may be one or more than three. That is, the predetermined number may also be one or more than three. In the first connecting pipe 134, one or more drain valves 152 for opening and closing the passage are provided downstream of the connection portion with the branch pipe 134a. When the drain valve 152 is in an open state, the water in the first connecting pipe 134 can be discharged to the outside through the drain valve 152.

[0361] The water supply valve 151a has one fluid inflow portion and two fluid outflow portions, and can control the opening of each of the two branched passages. The water supply valve 151a opens and closes the passage at the downstream portion of the first connecting pipe 134, and controls the flow rate flowing to a predetermined number of distribution pipes 136 constituting one group. The irrigation system 10 can implement irrigation for multiple groups simultaneously by controlling the valve opening of the water supply valve 150a and each water supply valve 151a.

[0362] In the longitudinal pipe 131, a water pressure sensor 140a for detecting the water supply pressure is provided in a passage upstream of the connection portion with the first connecting pipe 134. In the longitudinal pipe 131, a water temperature sensor 160 for detecting the water supply temperature is provided in a passage upstream of the connection portion with the first connecting pipe 134. The water pressure sensor 141a detects the water supply pressure at a portion of the first connecting pipe 134 located upstream of the branch pipe 134a. The water pressure sensor 142a detects the water supply pressure at a portion upstream of the through hole of each distribution pipe 136. The control device 200 can obtain the flow rate of each portion using the water supply pressures detected by the water pressure sensors 140a, 141a, and 142a, respectively.

[0363] Soil sensors 311a and ground temperature sensors 312a are provided on ridges corresponding to a predetermined number of distribution pipes 136 forming one group. Fig.17 In the irrigation system 10 shown, a soil sensor 311a and a ground temperature sensor 312a are provided for the soil irrigated by one group of distribution pipes 136. Alternatively, a soil sensor 311a and a ground temperature sensor 312a may be provided for each distribution pipe 136. In the case of this structure, the soil moisture content and the soil temperature can be detected with higher accuracy.

[0364] like Fig.12 As shown, the water supply pressure detected by the water pressure sensor 140a, the water pressure sensor 141a, and the water pressure sensor 142a is output to the microcomputer 330 of the monitoring unit 300. The soil temperature detected by the ground temperature sensor 312a is output to the microcomputer 330. The water temperature detected by the water temperature sensor 160 is output to the microcomputer 330. The processing unit 334 compares the soil temperature detected by the ground temperature sensor 312a with the water temperature of the water supply path detected by the water temperature sensor 160 to determine whether irrigation is to be performed. The processing unit 334 determines whether irrigation is to be performed based on the water temperature of the water supply path detected by the water temperature sensor 160. The signal output unit 332 outputs a control signal for controlling the valve opening to the water supply valves 150a, 151a, and the drain valve 152, respectively, based on the determination result of whether irrigation is to be performed. Here, the control of the valve opening described above may be performed by the information processing computing device 610 of the integrated computing unit 600.

[0365] In accordance with Figure 18 to Figure 20 In the irrigation process described in the sixth embodiment below, the temperature of the soil and the water temperature of the water supply path can be replaced as described below. It can be configured so that the temperature of the soil is replaced by the ground temperature detected by the ground temperature sensor 312a. The ground temperature includes not only the temperature of the soil but also the temperature of artificial ground such as natural grass and artificial turf that is not soil. In addition, the soil includes the soil quality of an orchard, etc. It can also be configured so that the water temperature of the water supply path detected by the water temperature sensor 160 is replaced by the temperature of the water supply path detected by the temperature sensor. The temperature of the water supply path includes not only the water temperature but also the temperature of the piping, etc. that forms the water supply path. Therefore, the processing unit 334 compares the ground temperature detected by the ground temperature sensor 312a with the temperature of the water supply path to determine whether irrigation is to be implemented. The processing unit 334 determines whether irrigation is to be implemented based on the temperature of the water supply path.

[0366] When the irrigation system 10 performs irrigation processing, it executes Figure 18 to Figure 20 Processing of the flowchart shown. Figure 18 to Figure 20 Each of them is a flowchart showing an example of the operation when an irrigation instruction is given. Fig.18 The processing shown, Fig.19 The processing shown, Fig. 20 The processes shown are executed in parallel at the timing of the irrigation process. Alternatively, the irrigation system 10 may be configured such that the control device 200 executes at least one of the processes. The control device 200 executes, for example, the monitoring unit 300 and the integrated computing unit 600. Fig.18 The processing shown, Fig.19 The processing shown, Fig. 20 Hereinafter, an example in which the monitoring unit 300 executes each process will be described as a representative.

[0367] The integrated computing unit 600 outputs an irrigation execution command to the monitoring unit 300 corresponding to the partition to be irrigated. In this state, the drain valve 152 and the water supply valve 150a are controlled to be closed. The microcomputer 330 of the monitoring unit 300, which receives the signal related to the irrigation process output from the integrated computing unit 600, executes Fig.18 When the irrigation time comes or the irrigation execution command is output, the execution Fig.18 The processing shown is repeated multiple times in one day, for example. Fig.18 The processing shown is performed, for example, in early spring, late autumn, etc. The acquisition unit 331 acquires the temperature of the soil detected by the ground temperature sensor 312a and the temperature of the water in the water supply path detected by the water temperature sensor 160. In step S1000, the processing unit 334 determines whether the detected value of the soil temperature is less than the detected value of the water temperature. In this specification, the soil temperature detected by the ground temperature sensor 312a is sometimes referred to as "ground temperature".

[0368] When the detected value of the soil temperature is less than the detected value of the water temperature, the microcomputer 330 performs the process of implementing irrigation in step S1200. The microcomputer 330 outputs a control signal to open the water supply valve 151a corresponding to the segment to be irrigated among the multiple water supply valves 151a. In addition, the microcomputer 330 outputs a control signal to close the water supply valve 151a corresponding to the segment not to be irrigated. The valve opening is controlled to meet the target irrigation amount and the target water spraying distance, and irrigation is started from the distribution pipe 136 located downstream of the water supply valve 151a controlled to be in the open state. In addition, in this state, the pump 110 is driven, and the water supply from the water supply source flows down in the water supply pipe 130. Through step S1200, the water supply flows down from one end of the distribution pipe 136 to the other end, and irrigation is performed by spraying water from each through hole toward the ridge.

[0369] The irrigation is continued until the processing unit 334 determines in step S1250 that the irrigation termination condition is met. For example, if the irrigation flow rate from the start of irrigation reaches the target irrigation amount, the irrigation termination condition is met. In addition, for example, if the irrigation time from the start of irrigation reaches the target irrigation time, the irrigation termination condition is met. If it is determined in step S1250 that the irrigation termination condition is met, the microcomputer 330 controls the first water supply valve to a fully closed state, and ends the irrigation by supplying water from one end to the other end. Thus, the irrigation is terminated. Fig.18 The process shown.

[0370] When the detected value of the soil temperature is higher than the detected value of the water temperature, the processing unit 334 determines in step S1100 whether the detected value of the water temperature is greater than the first threshold value. When the detected value of the water temperature is greater than the first threshold value, the above-mentioned step S1200 is executed to implement irrigation until the above-mentioned end condition is satisfied. In this case, the water temperature is not so low as to hinder plant cultivation, and irrigation is implemented. The first threshold value is an irrigation inhibition threshold value for determining whether to prohibit irrigation. In step S1200, control may be performed in such a manner that the irrigation amount is increased compared to the irrigation amount in step S1150.

[0371] When the detected value of the water temperature is lower than the first threshold value, the microcomputer 330 performs a process of not implementing irrigation in step S1150, and ends the process. The microcomputer 330 outputs a control signal to control all water supply valves 151a to a closed state. Alternatively, the microcomputer 330 outputs a control signal to close the water supply valve 150a. As a result, the water supply path located upstream of the water supply valve 151a is cut off from the distribution pipe 136, which can prevent the low-temperature water in the piping from being sprayed on the plants. In step S1150, instead of not implementing irrigation, control can be performed so that the irrigation amount is reduced compared to the irrigation amount in step S1200. This helps to suppress the amount of water sprayed on the plants by the low-temperature water in the piping.

[0372] When the detected value of soil temperature is higher than the detected value of water temperature, the temperature of water in the water supply path is lower than the ground temperature. If low-temperature water is sprayed on plants, it will cause poor survival and reduce the yield of plant shipment.

[0373] The first threshold value is stored in the storage unit 333. The first threshold value is set to a low temperature that is lower than the ground temperature and has a high possibility of hindering the growth of plants, for example, based on past actual values. For example, the first threshold value is a value set based on past actual values ​​of ground temperature and water temperature data that can predict growth hindrance based on plant types. The first threshold value is a temperature lower than the ground temperature and is set to a growth-hindering temperature that can predict growth hindrance based on plant types. The growth-hindering temperature is, for example, a temperature that is lower than the ground temperature and causes poor survival of plants.

[0374] The irrigation system 10 can automatically force the irrigation to stop when the water temperature in the pipe of the water supply path is lower than the first threshold value at the irrigation implementation timing. If the water temperature in the pipe of the water supply path changes to a state higher than the first threshold value or higher than the ground temperature, the irrigation system 10 can automatically cancel the irrigation stop and implement the irrigation. In addition, if the water temperature in the pipe changes to a state higher than the first threshold value or higher than the ground temperature at the next irrigation implementation timing, the irrigation system 10 can automatically return to the irrigation implementation from the irrigation stop. The irrigation system 10 performs the operation multiple times per day at each irrigation implementation timing. Fig.18 The irrigation system 10 helps prevent inappropriate irrigation for plant growth when water temperature is low, such as in the early spring morning or evening, by controlling the irrigation delay until the temperature rises.

[0375] Furthermore, the first threshold value may be configured not as a value stored in the storage unit 333 but as a value input to the integrated computing unit 600 by the user operating the input device 800. In this case, it is possible to provide an irrigation system 10 in which the first threshold value can be set at any time based on the user's experience, etc., and the stopping and implementation of irrigation can be controlled according to the climate and environmental conditions suitable for the land.

[0376] Next, Fig.19 The microcomputer 330 receives the signal related to the irrigation process output from the integrated computing unit 600 and executes Fig.19 When the irrigation time comes or when the irrigation execution command is output, the execution Fig.19 The processing shown is repeated multiple times in one day, for example. The acquisition unit 331 acquires the temperature of the water in the water supply path detected by the water temperature sensor 160. The processing unit 334 determines in step S2000 whether the detected value of the water temperature in the water supply path is greater than the second threshold value. The second threshold value is set to a value higher than the first threshold value and is stored in the storage unit 333. Fig.19 The processing shown is executed, for example, in the summer season, etc. The second threshold value is a water temperature that may damage the roots of plants, and is a drainage threshold value for determining whether drainage should be performed.

[0377] When the detected value of the water temperature is lower than the second threshold value, the microcomputer 330 proceeds to step S2500 and executes the process of implementing irrigation. When the detected value of the water temperature is above the second threshold value, in step S2100, the microcomputer 330 outputs a control signal to open the drain valve 152 provided in the first connecting pipe 134. Furthermore, in step S2200, the microcomputer 330 outputs a control signal to open the water supply valve 150a (also referred to as the water source valve) provided upstream of the first connecting pipe 134. Through the processing of these steps, in step S2300, the stagnant water in the piping of the water supply path is discharged to the outside from the open drain valve 152, and no water is sprayed on the plants. In addition, since the pressure is dissipated toward the opened drain valve 152, the water stagnant in the distribution pipe 136 can also be discharged to the outside via the drain valve 152.

[0378] When the stagnant water in the pipe of the water supply path has passed the prescribed time, it is discharged, and the microcomputer 330 outputs a control signal to close the drain valve 152 in step S2400. Thus, the drainage process ends. Next, step S2500 is executed to implement irrigation. If the determination process of step S2600 is established, the irrigation is completed and the present process ends. Steps S2500 and S2600 are respectively Fig.18 The same processing is performed in step S1200 and step S1250.

[0379] When the temperature of the water remaining in the pipe is above the second threshold, the air temperature or the ground temperature is high. If the water is sprayed on the plants, the roots will be injured, resulting in a decrease in the yield of the shipped plants. The second threshold is set to a temperature that is higher than the first threshold and has a high possibility of hindering the cultivation of plants, for example, based on past actual values. For example, the second threshold is a value set based on the actual value of the ground temperature in the past and water temperature data that can predict cultivation obstacles such as root injuries based on the type of plant. For example, the second threshold is a specified temperature that is lower than the ground temperature or above the ground temperature, and is set to a cultivation-hindering temperature that can predict cultivation obstacles based on the type of plant. The cultivation-hindering temperature is, for example, a temperature that is lower than the ground temperature and causes root injuries to the plant.

[0380] The irrigation system 10 can automatically force drainage when the water temperature in the pipe of the water supply path is above the second threshold value during the irrigation. The irrigation system 10 can automatically drain the stagnant water before irrigation when the water temperature in the pipe of the water supply path is above the second threshold value.

[0381] Furthermore, the irrigation system 10 may be configured to automatically drain the remaining water when the remaining water in the pipe exceeds the second threshold value, and then postpone the irrigation until the remaining water in the pipe falls below the second threshold value. Fig.19 The process shown can eliminate inappropriate irrigation before the air temperature or water temperature drops. The irrigation system 10 helps prevent inappropriate irrigation for plant cultivation when the water temperature is high in summer or during the day.

[0382] Furthermore, the second threshold value may be configured not as a value stored in the storage unit 333 but as a value input to the integrated computing unit 600 by the user operating the input device 800. In this case, it is possible to provide an irrigation system in which the second threshold value based on the user's experience or the like can be set at any time, and the stop and implementation of drainage and irrigation can be controlled according to conditions such as the climate suitable for the land.

[0383] Next, Fig. 20 The microcomputer 330 receives the signal related to the irrigation process output from the integrated computing unit 600 and executes Fig. 20 When the irrigation time comes or when the irrigation execution command is output, the Fig. 20 The processing shown in the figure is repeated multiple times in one day, for example. In addition, it can also be configured to be executed at a predetermined time in one day. Fig. 20 It can also be configured to execute the process before the specified time of the irrigation implementation timing. Fig. 20 Processing shown.

[0384] First, the acquisition unit 331 acquires the water temperature of the water supply path detected by the water temperature sensor 160. In step S3000, the processing unit 334 determines whether the detected value of the water temperature of the water supply path is less than or equal to a third threshold. The third threshold is set to a value lower than the first threshold and is stored in the storage unit 333. Fig. 20 The processing shown is performed, for example, in winter when water can freeze. The third threshold is set to a temperature higher than the freezing temperature of water and is a pre-freezing threshold for determining whether to perform drainage before freezing.

[0385] When the detected value of the water temperature is higher than the third threshold value, the microcomputer 330 ends this process. When the detected value of the water temperature is lower than the third threshold value, in step S3100, the microcomputer 330 outputs a control signal to open the drain valve 152 provided in the first connecting pipe 134. Furthermore, in step S3200, the microcomputer 330 outputs a control signal to open the irrigation valves such as the water supply valve 151a provided downstream of the first connecting pipe 134. Through these processes, the stagnant water accumulated in the water supply path is discharged to the outside from the open drain valve 152, and water is not sprayed on the plants. After a predetermined time has passed, the discharge of the stagnant water in the pipe is completed. Thus, this process ends.

[0386] When the temperature of the water remaining in the pipe is below the third threshold, the remaining water may freeze in the future. The third threshold is set to a temperature at which the remaining water in the pipe is likely to freeze before the next irrigation is implemented, based on, for example, the actual values ​​of the past water temperature and air temperature. The third threshold is set to a value at which the water remaining in the pipe is likely to freeze before the next irrigation is implemented, assuming that the air temperature will drop in the future and the water will be drained from the pipe before the remaining water freezes, and the drainage process can be completed. The third threshold is a value set based on the actual values ​​of the air temperature and water temperature in the past. The third threshold is set to, for example, a temperature higher than 0°C at which the freezing of water begins by a predetermined temperature.

[0387] The irrigation system 10 can automatically force drainage when the water temperature of the standing water in the pipe is lower than the third threshold value at the time of irrigation. The irrigation system 10 automatically drains water regardless of the high-low relationship between the ground temperature and the water temperature when the water temperature of the standing water in the pipe is lower than the third threshold value indicating that the water may freeze in the future due to the change of the subsequent temperature drop and the freezing temperature of the water. Thus, the freezing state is eliminated at the time of the next irrigation, so that smooth irrigation can be implemented, and pipe damage caused by freezing can be prevented in advance.

[0388] The irrigation system 10 removes water from the pipes before the remaining water freezes in the evening or at night in winter, so that the irrigation can be smoothly carried out at the next irrigation. When the water temperature is lower than the pre-freezing threshold at the timing of the irrigation, the control device does not release the remaining water in the water supply path to the plants but drains the water regardless of the high-low relationship between the ground temperature and the water temperature. When the water temperature is lower than the pre-freezing threshold or higher than the drainage threshold at the timing of the irrigation, the control device does not release the remaining water in the water supply path to the plants but drains the water.

[0389] In addition, the third threshold value may be configured not as a value stored in the storage unit 333 but as a value input to the integrated computing unit 600 by the user operating the input device 800. The system can set the third threshold value based on the user's experience or weather information at any time, and can implement smooth irrigation next time or protect the pipes according to conditions such as the climate suitable for the land.

[0390] The irrigation system 10 of the fifth embodiment includes: a water supply path for supplying irrigation water for releasing to plants; a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the water supply path; and a ground temperature sensor 312a for detecting ground temperature. The irrigation system 10 includes a control device 200, which controls the irrigation amount using the ground temperature detected by the ground temperature sensor and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor.

[0391] This system can control the irrigation amount to change when the temperature of the water supply path is higher or lower than the ground temperature. This system can implement irrigation that can suppress the adverse effects of the water supply temperature on plant growth when it is predicted that the adverse effects will be caused by the water supply temperature.

[0392] The control device 200 controls the irrigation amount to be reduced when the ground temperature is higher than the temperature of the water supply path and the temperature of the water supply path is lower than the irrigation suppression threshold value at the timing of irrigation. Furthermore, when the ground temperature is not lower than the temperature of the water supply path or when the ground temperature is higher than the temperature of the water supply path and the temperature of the water supply path is higher than the irrigation suppression threshold value, the control device 200 controls the irrigation amount to be increased compared to when the ground temperature is higher than the temperature of the water supply path and the temperature of the water supply path is lower than the irrigation suppression threshold value.

[0393] According to this system, the irrigation amount can be suppressed when the temperature of the water supply path is low and has not risen to the ground temperature, and irrigation can be suppressed before the water temperature rises. On the other hand, when the ground temperature is not higher than the temperature of the water supply path, etc., it is possible to supply an irrigation amount that suppresses adverse effects on plant cultivation and promotes growth.

[0394] The irrigation system 10 includes a control device that determines whether to implement irrigation using the ground temperature detected by the ground temperature sensor 312a and the temperature of the water supply path. The control device 200 prohibits irrigation when the ground temperature is higher than the temperature of the water supply path and the temperature of the water supply path is lower than the irrigation suppression threshold at the timing of irrigation. The control device 200 implements irrigation when the ground temperature is not higher than the temperature of the water supply path, or when the ground temperature is higher than the temperature of the water supply path and the temperature of the water supply path is higher than the irrigation suppression threshold.

[0395] According to this system, it is possible to suppress irrigation when the temperature of the water supply path is low and has not risen to the ground temperature, and it is possible to postpone irrigation until the temperature of the water supply path rises. On the other hand, when the conditions for implementing irrigation as described above are met, it is possible to achieve appropriate water supply that suppresses adverse effects on plant cultivation and promotes growth.

[0396] When the temperature of the water supply path is higher than the drainage threshold at the timing of irrigation, the control device 200 performs irrigation after drainage instead of releasing the stagnant water in the water supply path to the plants, and performs irrigation including stagnant water when the temperature of the water supply path is lower than the drainage threshold. The control device 200 can perform this control even when the timing of irrigation has not arrived.

[0397] According to this system, when the temperature of the water supply path is higher than the drainage threshold, it is possible to implement irrigation at an appropriate temperature after drainage without releasing high-temperature stagnant water to the plants. On the other hand, when the temperature of the water supply path is lower than the drainage threshold, irrigation including stagnant water at an appropriate temperature is implemented, and it is possible to achieve appropriate water supply that suppresses adverse effects on plant cultivation and promotes growth.

[0398] The control device includes a processing unit 334 and a signal output unit 332. The processing unit 334 uses the temperature of the water supply path existing in the water supply path for supplying irrigation water and the ground temperature of the field to determine whether to implement irrigation. At the timing of implementing irrigation, when the processing unit 334 determines that the ground temperature is higher than the temperature of the water supply path and the temperature of the water supply path is lower than the threshold value for inhibiting irrigation, the signal output unit 332 outputs a signal for prohibiting irrigation. When the processing unit 334 determines that the ground temperature is not higher than the temperature of the water supply path, the signal output unit 332 outputs a signal for prohibiting irrigation. When the processing unit determines that the ground temperature is not higher than the temperature of the water supply path, or when the ground temperature is higher than the temperature of the water supply path and the temperature of the water supply path is higher than the threshold value for inhibiting irrigation, the signal output unit 332 outputs a signal for implementing irrigation.

[0399] The control device can suppress irrigation when the temperature of the water supply path is low and has not risen to the ground temperature, and can postpone irrigation until the temperature of the water supply path rises. On the other hand, the control device implements irrigation when the temperature of the water supply path is higher than the ground temperature, or when the ground temperature is higher than the temperature of the water supply path and the temperature of the water supply path is higher than the threshold for irrigation suppression. By combining the control of the irrigation prohibition with the irrigation implementation, it is possible to achieve appropriate water supply that suppresses adverse effects on plants and promotes growth.

[0400] The control device includes a processing unit 334 and a signal output unit 332. The processing unit 334 uses the temperature of the water supply path of the water supply water in the water supply path for supplying irrigation water to determine whether to implement irrigation. When the processing unit 334 determines that the temperature of the water supply path is higher than the drainage threshold at the timing of irrigation implementation, the signal output unit 332 outputs a signal to drain the stagnant water in the water supply path. Then, the signal output unit 332 outputs a signal to implement irrigation. When the processing unit 334 determines that the temperature of the water supply path is lower than the drainage threshold at the timing of irrigation implementation, the signal output unit 332 outputs a signal to implement irrigation including stagnant water.

[0401] The control device can implement irrigation at an appropriate temperature after drainage without releasing high-temperature stagnant water to plants when the temperature of the water supply path is higher than the drainage threshold. On the other hand, the control device implements irrigation including stagnant water at an appropriate temperature when the temperature of the water supply path is lower than the drainage threshold. By combining the drainage and irrigation, it is possible to implement appropriate water supply that suppresses adverse effects on plant cultivation and promotes growth.

[0402] Sixth Embodiment

[0403] Reference Fig.21 , Fig. 22 The sixth embodiment will be described. The irrigation system 10 of the sixth embodiment is different from the fifth embodiment in that a weather sensor 313a is provided instead of a Fig.17 The water temperature sensor 160 is shown. The structure, operation, and effect not particularly described in the sixth embodiment are the same as those in the above-mentioned embodiment, and the differences will be described below.

[0404] Fig.21 , Fig. 22 The meteorological sensor 313a shown is a sensor that detects information related to air temperature and sunshine. The control device 200 obtains the detection value of the meteorological sensor 313a and uses the detection value to estimate the water temperature in the pipe of the water supply path. The control device 200 uses the estimated value of the water temperature instead of Figure 18 to Figure 20 The control device 200 obtains the estimated value of the water temperature in the pipe based on the characteristic data stored in the storage unit 333 and the detection value of the meteorological sensor 313a. The characteristic data is data indicating the correlation between the water temperature information and the information about the air temperature and sunshine. In addition, the control device 200 may also be configured to obtain the characteristic data from the outside via the integrated communication unit 400.

[0405] In addition, the control device 200 may also be configured to replace Fig.17 The water temperature is estimated based on the detection value of the water temperature sensor 160 shown in FIG. 1 and the weather forecast is obtained from the outside.

[0406] Seventh Embodiment

[0407] Reference Fig.23 The seventh embodiment will be described. The irrigation system 10 of the seventh embodiment performs irrigation according to Fig.23 The irrigation system 10 of the seventh embodiment is different in that the irrigation system 10 executes Fig.23 The processing shown in the fifth embodiment is replaced by Fig.18 The structure, function, and effect not particularly described in the seventh embodiment are the same as those in the above-described embodiment, and the differences will be described below.

[0408] The control device 200 is executed by, for example, the monitoring unit 300 and the integrated calculation unit 600. Fig.23 The processing shown, Fig.19 The processing shown, Fig. 20 Processing shown. Fig.23 The processing shown only includes step S4000 and Fig.18 Therefore, steps S4100, S4200, S4250, S4300, and S4350 are the same as steps S1000, S1100, S1150, S1200, and S1250, respectively. Fig.23 In the process shown, the equivalent of Fig.18 The determination process of step S4000 is performed before the process of .

[0409] The microcomputer 330 of the monitoring unit 300 receives the signal related to the irrigation process output from the integrated computing unit 600 and executes Fig.23 When the irrigation time comes or when the irrigation execution command is output, the Fig.23 The above-described treatment is repeated multiple times in one day, for example. Fig.23 The processing shown is performed, for example, in early spring or late autumn. The acquisition unit 331 acquires the soil moisture content detected by the soil sensor 311a. The processing unit 334 determines whether the detected value of the soil moisture content is equal to or less than a fourth threshold value in step S4000.

[0410] If the detected value of the soil moisture content is higher than the fourth threshold value, the irrigation is not performed and the process ends. If the detected value of the soil moisture content is lower than the fourth threshold value, the determination process of step S4100 is performed. Fig.18 The same processing is steps S1000, S1100, S1150, S1200, and S1250.

[0411] When the soil moisture content is higher than the fourth threshold value, the soil moisture content that can be absorbed by the plant is sufficient and irrigation is not required from now on. In this state, if the plant is irrigated, the soil becomes excessively hydrated, which has an adverse effect on cultivation and causes a decrease in the yield rate of plant shipment.

[0412] The fourth threshold value is stored in the storage unit 333. The fourth threshold value is, for example, a cultivation obstruction threshold value that indicates that the possibility that the soil moisture content will obstruct the cultivation of plants becomes high when irrigation is performed, based on past actual values. For example, the fourth threshold value is a value set based on past actual values ​​of soil moisture content and irrigation amount, and soil moisture content data that can predict cultivation obstruction based on the type of plant.

[0413] The irrigation system 10 can automatically and forcibly prohibit irrigation when the soil moisture content is higher than such a fourth threshold value at the irrigation implementation timing. If the state changes to the state where the soil moisture content is lower than the fourth threshold value, the irrigation system 10 can automatically cancel the irrigation prohibition and transfer to the determination of whether to implement irrigation. In addition, if the state changes to the state where the soil moisture content is lower than the fourth threshold value at the next irrigation implementation timing, the irrigation system 10 can automatically transfer from the irrigation prohibition state to the determination of whether to implement irrigation. The irrigation system 10 can prohibit excessive irrigation and postpone inappropriate irrigation implementation until the air temperature or water temperature rises by performing this process multiple times every day at each irrigation implementation timing. Before determining whether the ground temperature is higher than the water temperature, the control device 200 forcibly prohibits irrigation when the soil moisture content is higher than the cultivation obstacle threshold.

[0414] In addition, the fourth threshold value may be configured not as a value stored in the storage unit 333 but as a value input to the integrated computing unit 600 by the user operating the input device 800. The irrigation system 10 can set the fourth threshold value based on the user's experience at any time. The irrigation system 10 can achieve both prohibition of excessive irrigation amount and stop and implement irrigation according to the climate and environmental conditions suitable for the land.

[0415] Eighth Embodiment

[0416] Reference Fig.24 The eighth embodiment will be described. The irrigation system 10 of the eighth embodiment performs irrigation in accordance with Fig.24 The irrigation system 10 of the eighth embodiment is different from the irrigation system 10 of the fifth embodiment in that the irrigation system 10 is executed. Fig.24 The processing shown is replaced Fig.19 The structure, function, and effect not particularly described in the eighth embodiment are the same as those in the fifth and seventh embodiments, and the differences will be described below.

[0417] The control device 200 is executed by, for example, the monitoring unit 300 and the integrated calculation unit 600. Fig.24 The processing shown, Fig.18 The processing shown, Fig. 20 That is, Fig.24 The processing shown can be replaced by the processing described in the fifth embodiment. Fig.19 Processing shown.

[0418] The microcomputer 330 receives the signal related to the irrigation process output from the integrated computing unit 600 and executes Fig.24 When the irrigation time comes or when the irrigation execution command is output, the execution Fig.24 The processing shown is repeated multiple times in one day, for example. The acquisition unit 331 acquires the soil moisture detected by the soil sensor 311a. In step S5000, the processing unit 334 performs the same determination processing as the above-mentioned step S4000. Through this determination processing, the irrigation system 10 of the eighth embodiment achieves the same effects as those described in the seventh embodiment. For the content of the effects, refer to the seventh embodiment.

[0419] When the soil moisture content is lower than the fourth threshold value, in step S5100, the processing unit 334 determines whether the detected value of the temperature of the water supply path is equal to or higher than the second threshold value. Fig.24 The processing shown is performed, for example, in the summer season.

[0420] When the detected value of the temperature of the water supply path is lower than the second threshold value, the process proceeds to step S5300, and the microcomputer 330 performs the process of implementing irrigation. When the detected value of the temperature of the water supply path is higher than the second threshold value, in step S5200, the microcomputer 330 outputs a control signal to open the drain valve 152 provided in the first connecting pipe 134. Through this process, the stagnant water in the pipe of the water supply path is discharged to the outside from the opened drain valve 152, and the plants are not sprayed with water. Furthermore, since the pressure is dissipated to the opened drain valve 152, the water stagnant in the distribution pipe 136 is also discharged to the outside through the drain valve 152.

[0421] Next, step S5300 is executed to implement irrigation, and the irrigation is continued until the processing unit 334 determines that the end condition of irrigation is met in step S5400. This end condition is the same as the end condition of the fifth embodiment. If it is determined in step S5400 that the end condition of irrigation is met, the microcomputer 330 controls the first water supply valve to a fully closed state, and ends the irrigation by supplying water from one end to the other end. Thus, the irrigation is ended. Fig.24 The irrigation system 10 can prohibit excessive irrigation and postpone inappropriate irrigation until the air temperature or water temperature drops by executing this process multiple times each time the irrigation is scheduled in one day. The control device 200 forcibly prohibits irrigation when the soil moisture content is higher than the cultivation obstacle threshold before determining whether the temperature of the water supply path is higher than the drainage threshold.

[0422] Ninth Embodiment

[0423] Reference Fig.25 The ninth embodiment will be described. The irrigation system 10 of the ninth embodiment performs irrigation according to Fig.25 The irrigation system 10 of the ninth embodiment is different in that Fig.25 The processing of step S6000 shown in the figure replaces the processing of step S4000 of the seventh embodiment. The configuration, operation, and effect not particularly described in the ninth embodiment are the same as those of the above-mentioned embodiment, and the differences will be described below.

[0424] The control device 200 is executed by, for example, the monitoring unit 300 and the integrated calculation unit 600. Fig.25 The processing shown, Fig.19 The processing shown, Fig. 20 Processing shown. Fig.25 The processing shown only includes step S6000 and Fig.23 Therefore, steps S6100, S6200, S6250, S6300, and S6350 are respectively different from Fig.18 The steps S1000, S1100, S1150, S1200, and S1250 are the same. Fig.25 In the process shown, the equivalent of Fig.18 The determination process of step S6000 is performed before the process of .

[0425] The microcomputer 330 of the monitoring unit 300 receives the signal related to the irrigation process output from the integrated computing unit 600 and executes Fig.25 When the irrigation time comes or when the irrigation execution command is output, the execution Fig.25 The above-described treatment is repeated multiple times in one day, for example. Fig.25 The processing shown is executed, for example, in early spring, late autumn, etc. In step S6000, the processing unit 334 determines whether the time set by the timer has arrived.

[0426] If the processing unit 334 determines that the timer setting time has not arrived, the process ends. If it is determined that the timer setting time has arrived, the determination process of step S6100 is executed. Fig.18 The same processing is steps S1000, S1100, S1150, S1200, and S1250.

[0427] A signal indicating that the timer setting time has arrived is outputted from the RTC 350 to the processing unit 334. When the processing unit 334 receives the signal, it determines that the timer setting time has arrived. The timer setting time is the time when the ground temperature is detected, and it is preset. It is also possible to configure that the user operates the input device 800 to input the timer setting time to the integrated computing unit 600. The irrigation system 10 can set the timer setting time based on the user's experience at any time.

[0428] Tenth Embodiment

[0429] Reference Fig.26 The tenth embodiment will be described. The irrigation system 10 of the tenth embodiment performs irrigation according to Fig.26 The irrigation system 10 of the tenth embodiment is different in that the Fig.26 The processing shown in the fifth embodiment is replaced by Fig.18 The structure, function, and effect not particularly described in the tenth embodiment are the same as those in the above-described embodiment, and the differences will be described below.

[0430] The control device 200 is executed by, for example, the monitoring unit 300 and the integrated calculation unit 600. Fig.26 The processing shown, Fig.18 The processing shown, Fig. 20 Processing shown. Fig.26 The processing shown only includes steps S7000 and Fig.18 Therefore, steps S7100, S7200, S7300, S7400, S7500, S7600, and S7700 are the same as steps S2000, S2100, S2200, S2300, S2400, S2500, and S2600, respectively. Fig.26 In the process shown, the equivalent of Fig.19 The determination process of step S7000 is performed before the process of .

[0431] When the irrigation time comes or when the irrigation execution command is output, the Fig.26 The processing shown is repeated multiple times in one day, for example. In step S7000, the processing unit 334 performs the same determination processing as the above-mentioned step S6000. Through this determination processing, the irrigation system 10 of the tenth embodiment achieves the same effects as those described in the ninth embodiment. For the content of the effects, refer to the ninth embodiment.

[0432] 11th Embodiment

[0433] Reference Fig. 27 , Fig.28 The 11th embodiment is described. The irrigation system 10 of the 11th embodiment is different from the 5th embodiment in the passage structure on the other end side of the distribution pipe 136. The structure, function, and effect not particularly described in the 11th embodiment are the same as those in the above-mentioned embodiment, and the differences are described below.

[0434] Fig. 27 The irrigation system 10 of the 11th embodiment shown in the figure has a drainage passage downstream of the plurality of distribution pipes 136. The other ends of the plurality of distribution pipes 136 are connected to the second connection pipe 137. The other end of the distribution pipe 136 is also the downstream end of the distribution pipe 136. The second connection pipe 137 is connected to a drainage pipe at a downstream portion, and is connected to a plurality of branch pipes 137a at an upstream portion. The plurality of branch pipes 137a constitute a plurality of passages that merge into the second connection pipe 137. Each branch pipe 137a is connected to the second connection pipe 137 at the downstream end of a predetermined number of distribution pipes 136 that form one group. The plurality of branch pipes 137a are passages that connect the plurality of distribution pipes 136 to the second connection pipe 137.

[0435] A water supply valve 153 for opening and closing the passage is provided at the upstream portion of the branch pipe 137a. One branch pipe 137a is provided so that the drainage discharged from the predetermined number of distribution pipes 136 forming one group flows downward. A drain valve 154 for opening and closing the passage is provided in the drainage pipe downstream of the second connecting pipe 137. When the drain valve 152 is in an open state, the water in the water supply path can be discharged to the outside through the distribution pipe 136, the second connecting pipe 137, the branch pipe 137a and the drain valve 154. The water supply valve 153 and the drain valve 154 are the second water supply valves for opening and closing the passage on the other end side of the distribution pipe 136.

[0436] The irrigation system 10 controls the valve opening of each water supply valve 151a so that the water supply valve 151a functions as a flow rate regulating valve to supply water at a low flow rate. Each distribution pipe 136 has a characteristic of spraying water from each through hole within a predetermined pressure range.

[0437] Fig.28 The control structure of the irrigation system 10 of the eleventh embodiment is shown. When the stagnant water in the pipe or the stagnant water is drained as described above, the microcomputer 330 outputs a control signal to open the water supply valve 151a connected to the drainage path among the multiple water supply valves 151a. At this time, the microcomputer 330 controls the valve opening of the water supply valve 151a so that the internal pressure is outside the prescribed pressure range in which water is not sprayed from the distribution pipe 136. Furthermore, the microcomputer 330 outputs a control signal to open the water supply valve 153 and the drainage valve 154 connected to the drainage path. As a result, the irrigation system 10 can suppress the spraying of water to the ridge, and can drain the stagnant water in the water supply path to the outside from the other end side of the distribution pipe 136.

[0438] 12th Embodiment

[0439] Reference Fig.29 The twelfth embodiment is described. The irrigation system 10 of the twelfth embodiment is different from the above-mentioned embodiments in the number of drain valves 152. The structure, function, and effect not particularly described in the twelfth embodiment are the same as those of the above-mentioned embodiments, and the differences are described below.

[0440] Fig.29 The irrigation system 10 of the twelfth embodiment shown in FIG. Fig.17 Compared with the structure shown in the figure, more drain valves 152 are provided. The irrigation system 10 of the twelfth embodiment includes one or more drain valves 152 for opening and closing the passage branched from the branch pipe 134a. When the drain valve 152 is in an open state, water in the branch pipe 134a can be discharged to the outside through the drain valve 152.

[0441] <Other Implementation Methods>

[0442] The disclosure of this specification is not limited to the illustrated embodiments. The disclosure includes the illustrated embodiments and the deformation forms made by those skilled in the art based on them. For example, the disclosure is not limited to the combination of parts and elements shown in the embodiments, but can be implemented in various deformations. The disclosure can be implemented through a variety of combinations. The disclosure may have additional parts that can be added to the embodiments. The disclosure includes forms in which parts and elements of the embodiments are omitted. The disclosure includes replacement or combination of parts and elements between one embodiment and other embodiments. The disclosed technical scope is not limited to the description of the embodiments. The disclosed technical scope is expressed by the description of the claims, and it should be understood that it also includes the meaning equivalent to the description of the claims and all changes within the scope.

[0443] Figure 1 , Figure 2 The components shown are conceptual functions and do not necessarily need to be physically configured as shown in the figure. For example, the specific form of the dispersion and integration of each functional block is not limited to the figure, but all or part of it can be functionally or physically dispersed and integrated in any unit according to various loads, usage conditions, etc.

[0444] The control device 200 may also be configured to control the irrigation system to Fig.18 The processing shown, Fig.19 The processing and Fig. 20 The structure in which all the processes shown are executed in parallel. In this case, in any process, when the condition for drainage execution or irrigation prohibition is satisfied, the process for drainage execution or irrigation prohibition is executed accordingly.

[0445] The above-mentioned embodiment can also be configured as a sensor device that integrates a water pressure sensor and a water temperature sensor, and the sensor device detects the water pressure and water temperature in the pipe. The above-mentioned embodiment can also be configured as a device that integrates various sensors and valves, and the device performs various water supply information detection and passage opening and closing functions.

[0446] The apparatus and methods described in the present disclosure may also be implemented by a special-purpose computer that is composed of a processor that is programmed to execute one or more functions embodied by a computer program. Alternatively, the apparatus and methods described in the present disclosure may also be implemented by a special-purpose hardware logic circuit. Alternatively, the apparatus and methods described in the present disclosure may also be implemented by one or more special-purpose computers that are composed of a combination of a processor that executes a computer program and one or more hardware logic circuits. In addition, the computer program may also be stored as an instruction executed by a computer in a computer-readable non-migratable tangible recording medium.

[0447] Disclosure of technical ideas

[0448] This specification discloses multiple technical concepts recorded in the following multiple items. Sometimes, some items are recorded in a multiple dependent form in which the previous items are selectively cited in the subsequent items. These items recorded in the multiple dependent form define multiple technical concepts.

[0449] Technical Thought 1

[0450] An irrigation system comprises: a water supply path to which water is supplied for release to plants; a pF sensor (312) for detecting a pF value as an environmental value related to soil conditions; a VWC sensor (311) for detecting a volumetric water content as an environmental value related to soil conditions; and a control device (200) for controlling an irrigation operation for releasing water to plants via the water supply path using the pF value detected by the pF sensor and the volumetric water content detected by the VWC sensor, wherein the control device controls the start timing of the irrigation operation based on the detected pF value and a start threshold value, controls the stop timing of the irrigation operation in operation based on the detected volumetric water content and a stop threshold value, and updates the stop threshold value based on changes in the detected pF value.

[0451] Technical Thought 2

[0452] In the irrigation system according to technical idea 1, when the detected pF value changes in a direction indicating that the soil state is moist, the control device updates the stop threshold value so that the next irrigation operation time becomes shorter.

[0453] Technical Thought 3

[0454] In the irrigation system according to the technical idea 1 or the technical idea 2, when the detected pF value changes in the direction of drying of the soil state, the control device updates the stop threshold value so that the next irrigation operation time becomes longer.

[0455] Technical Thought 4

[0456] In the irrigation system according to any one of technical ideas 1 to 3, the control device updates the stop threshold value based on a change in the pF value detected during stop of the irrigation operation.

[0457] Technical Thought 5

[0458] In the irrigation system according to any one of technical ideas 1 to 4, the control device updates the stop threshold to a lower value when the detected pF value is lower than the control range of the pF value set as an appropriate variation range.

[0459] Technical Thought 6

[0460] In the irrigation system according to any one of technical ideas 1 to 5, the control device updates the stop threshold to a higher value when the detected pF value is higher than the control range of the pF value set as an appropriate variation range.

[0461] Technical Thought 7

[0462] In the irrigation system according to any one of technical concepts 1 to 6, the control device stores the pF value and the volumetric water content detected during irrigation operation and when irrigation operation is stopped, or displays them on a display unit (700) that can be viewed by a user.

[0463] Technical Thought 8

[0464] In the irrigation system described in any one of Technical Ideas 1 to 6, the control device uses the detected pF value and the detected volumetric moisture content to calculate water retention characteristic information representing the soil state, and the control device saves the water retention characteristic information or displays it on a display unit (700) that can be viewed by a user.

[0465] Technical Thought 9

[0466] An irrigation system comprises: a water supply path to which irrigation water for releasing to plants is supplied; a temperature sensor (160) to detect the temperature of the water supply path; a ground temperature sensor (312a) to detect ground temperature; and a control device (200) to control the irrigation amount using the ground temperature detected by the ground temperature sensor and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor.

[0467] Technical Thought 10

[0468] In the irrigation system as described in Technical Idea 9, the control device, when implementing irrigation, controls to reduce the irrigation amount when the ground temperature is higher than the temperature of the water supply path and the temperature of the water supply path is lower than the irrigation inhibition threshold; and controls to increase the irrigation amount compared to when the ground temperature is higher than the temperature of the water supply path and the temperature of the water supply path is lower than the irrigation inhibition threshold when the ground temperature is not higher than the temperature of the water supply path, or when the ground temperature is higher than the temperature of the water supply path and the temperature of the water supply path is higher than the irrigation inhibition threshold.

[0469] Technical Thought 11

[0470] In the irrigation system as described in Technical Idea 9, the control device, when implementing irrigation, prohibits irrigation when the ground temperature is higher than the temperature of the water supply path and the temperature of the water supply path is lower than the irrigation inhibition threshold; and implements irrigation when the ground temperature is not higher than the temperature of the water supply path, or when the ground temperature is higher than the temperature of the water supply path and the temperature of the water supply path is higher than the irrigation inhibition threshold.

[0471] Technical Thought 12

[0472] In the irrigation system described in Technical Idea 9, the control device, when the temperature of the water supply path is higher than the drainage threshold, does not release the stagnant water in the water supply path to the plants but implements irrigation after drainage; when the temperature of the water supply path is lower than the drainage threshold, implements irrigation including the stagnant water.

[0473] Technical Thought 13

[0474] In the irrigation system as described in Technical Idea 9, the control device, when implementing irrigation, does not release the stagnant water in the water supply path to the plants but implements irrigation after drainage when the temperature of the water supply path is higher than the drainage threshold. When the temperature of the water supply path is lower than the drainage threshold, irrigation including the stagnant water is implemented.

[0475] Technical Thought 14

[0476] In the irrigation system as described in Technical Idea 9, the control device, when implementing irrigation, when the temperature of the water supply path is lower than the pre-freezing threshold value set to be higher than the freezing temperature of water, does not release the stagnant water in the water supply path to the plants but drains the water regardless of the high or low relationship between the ground temperature and the temperature of the water supply path.

[0477] Technical Thought 15

[0478] In the irrigation system as described in Technical Idea 13, the control device, when implementing irrigation, does not release the stagnant water in the water supply path to the plants but drains the water instead, in either of the following cases: when the temperature of the water supply path is lower than a pre-freezing threshold value set to be higher than the freezing temperature of water, and when the temperature of the water supply path is higher than the drainage threshold value.

[0479] Technical Thought 16

[0480] In the irrigation system as described in any one of Technical Ideas 9 to 15, before judging whether the ground temperature is higher than the temperature of the water supply path or whether the temperature of the water supply path is higher than the drainage threshold, the control device forcibly prohibits irrigation when the soil moisture content is higher than a value with a high possibility of hindering the growth of the above-mentioned plants, i.e., a cultivation hindering threshold.

[0481] Technical Thought 17

[0482] In the irrigation system according to any one of technical ideas 9 to 16, the temperature of the water supply path is the water temperature of the supply water in the water supply path.

[0483] Technical Thought18

[0484] In the irrigation system according to any one of technical ideas 9 to 16, the temperature of the water supply path is the temperature of a pipe forming the water supply path.

[0485] Technical Thought 19

[0486] In the irrigation system according to any one of technical ideas 9 to 18, the ground temperature detected by the ground temperature sensor is the temperature of the soil in the field.

[0487] Technical Thought 20

[0488] In the irrigation system according to any one of technical ideas 9 to 18, the ground temperature detected by the ground temperature sensor is the temperature of natural grass.< / rtc> < / rtc>

Claims

1. An irrigation system, have: a water supply path, supplied with water for release to the plants; A pF sensor (312) for detecting a pF value as an environmental value related to a soil state; A VWC sensor (311) for detecting a volumetric water content as an environmental value related to a soil state; and The control device (200) controls an irrigation operation of releasing water to the plants through the water supply path using the pF value detected by the pF sensor and the volumetric water content detected by the VWC sensor. The control device controls the start timing of the irrigation operation based on the detected pF value and the start threshold, and controls the stop timing of the irrigation operation in operation based on the detected volumetric water content and the stop threshold. The control device updates the stop threshold value based on the detected change in the pF value.

2. The irrigation system according to claim 1, When the detected pF value changes in a direction that the soil state tends to become moist, the control device updates the stop threshold value so that the next irrigation operation time becomes shorter.

3. An irrigation system according to claim 1 or 2, When the detected pF value changes in a direction that the soil state tends to be dry, the control device updates the stop threshold value so that the next irrigation operation time becomes longer.

4. The irrigation system according to claim 1 or 2, The control device updates the stop threshold value based on a change in the pF value detected during the stop of the irrigation operation.

5. The irrigation system according to claim 1 or 2, When the detected pF value is lower than the control range of the pF value set as an appropriate variation range, the control device updates the stop threshold value to a lower value.

6. The irrigation system according to claim 1 or 2, When the detected pF value is higher than the control range of the pF value set as an appropriate variation range, the control device updates the stop threshold value to a higher value.

7. The irrigation system according to claim 1 or 2, The control device stores the pF value and the volumetric water content detected during the irrigation operation and when the irrigation operation is stopped, or displays them on a display unit (700) that can be viewed by a user.

8. The irrigation system according to claim 1 or 2, The control device obtains water retention characteristic information indicating the state of the soil using the detected pF value and the detected volumetric water content. The control device stores the moisture retention characteristic information or displays it on a display unit (700) that can be viewed by a user.

9. A control device, have: an acquisition unit (331) for acquiring a pF value as an environmental value related to soil conditions detected by a pF sensor (312) and a volumetric water content as an environmental value related to soil conditions detected by a VWC sensor (311); and a processing unit (334) for controlling an irrigation operation for releasing water to the plants via a water supply path using the pF value detected by the pF sensor and the volumetric water content detected by the VWC sensor; The processing unit controls the start timing of the irrigation operation based on the detected pF value and the start threshold value, and controls the stop timing of the irrigation operation in operation based on the detected volumetric water content and the stop threshold value, The processing unit updates the stop threshold value based on the detected change in the pF value.

10. An irrigation system, have: a water supply path, supplied with irrigation water for release to the plants; A temperature sensor (160) for detecting the temperature of the water supply path; A ground temperature sensor (312a) for detecting ground temperature; and The control device (200) controls the irrigation amount using the ground temperature detected by the ground temperature sensor and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor.

11. The irrigation system of claim 10, When implementing irrigation timing, When the ground temperature is higher than the temperature of the water supply path and the temperature of the water supply path is lower than a threshold value for suppressing irrigation, the control device controls so that the irrigation amount is reduced; In the case where the ground temperature is not higher than the temperature of the water supply path, or when the ground temperature is higher than the temperature of the water supply path and the temperature of the water supply path is higher than the threshold for irrigation inhibition, the control device controls so that the irrigation amount is increased compared to the case where the ground temperature is higher than the temperature of the water supply path and the temperature of the water supply path is lower than the threshold for irrigation inhibition.

12. The irrigation system of claim 10, When implementing irrigation timing, When the ground temperature is higher than the temperature of the water supply path and the temperature of the water supply path is lower than the irrigation inhibition threshold, the control device prohibits irrigation; The control device performs irrigation when the ground temperature is not higher than the temperature of the water supply path, or when the ground temperature is higher than the temperature of the water supply path and the temperature of the water supply path is higher than the irrigation suppression threshold.

13. The irrigation system of claim 10, When the temperature of the water supply path is higher than a drainage threshold, the control device discharges the stagnant water in the water supply path instead of releasing it to the plants and then irrigates the plants; The control device performs irrigation including the stagnant water when the temperature of the water supply path is lower than the drainage threshold value.

14. The irrigation system of claim 10, When implementing irrigation timing, When the temperature of the water supply path is higher than a drainage threshold, the control device discharges the stagnant water in the water supply path instead of releasing it to the plants and then irrigates the plants; The control device performs irrigation including the stagnant water when the temperature of the water supply path is lower than the drainage threshold value.

15. The irrigation system of claim 10, When implementing irrigation timing, When the temperature of the water supply path is lower than the pre-freezing threshold value set to a temperature higher than the freezing temperature of water, regardless of the high or low relationship between the ground temperature and the temperature of the water supply path, the control device discharges the stagnant water in the water supply path instead of releasing it to the plants.

16. The irrigation system of claim 14, When implementing irrigation timing, In either the case where the temperature of the water supply path is lower than a pre-freezing threshold value set to be higher than the freezing temperature of water, or the case where the temperature of the water supply path is higher than the drainage threshold value, the control device discharges the stagnant water in the water supply path instead of releasing it to the plants.

17. The irrigation system according to any one of claims 10 to 16, Before determining whether the ground temperature is higher than the temperature of the water supply path or whether the temperature of the water supply path is higher than the drainage threshold, the control device forcibly prohibits irrigation when the soil moisture content is higher than a cultivation obstruction threshold value which is a value with a high possibility of hindering the cultivation of the above-mentioned plants.

18. The irrigation system according to any one of claims 10 to 16, The temperature of the water supply path is the water temperature of the supply water in the water supply path.

19. The irrigation system according to any one of claims 10 to 16, The temperature of the water supply path is the temperature of the pipe forming the water supply path.

20. The irrigation system according to any one of claims 10 to 16, The ground temperature detected by the ground temperature sensor is the temperature of the soil in the field.

21. The irrigation system according to any one of claims 10 to 16, The ground temperature detected by the above-mentioned ground temperature sensor is the temperature of natural grass.

22. A control device, have: a processing unit (334) for determining whether to implement irrigation using the temperature of a water supply path and the ground temperature, the water supply path being supplied with irrigation water for releasing to the plants; The signal output unit (332) outputs a signal to prohibit irrigation when the processing unit determines that the ground temperature is higher than the temperature of the water supply path and the temperature of the water supply path is lower than the irrigation inhibition threshold during the irrigation implementation. The signal output unit (332) outputs a signal to prohibit irrigation when the processing unit determines that the ground temperature is not higher than the temperature of the water supply path. The signal output unit (332) outputs a signal to implement irrigation when the processing unit determines that the ground temperature is not higher than the temperature of the water supply path or the ground temperature is higher than the temperature of the water supply path and the temperature of the water supply path is higher than the irrigation inhibition threshold.

23. A control device, have: a processing unit (334) that determines whether to implement irrigation using the temperature of a water supply path to which irrigation water is supplied for release to the plants; and The signal output unit (332) outputs a signal for implementing irrigation after outputting a signal to discharge the retained water in the water supply path instead of releasing it to the plants when the processing unit determines that the temperature of the water supply path is higher than the drainage threshold value during the irrigation. The signal output unit (332) outputs a signal for implementing irrigation after outputting a signal to discharge the retained water in the water supply path instead of releasing it to the plants. When the processing unit determines that the temperature of the water supply path is lower than the drainage threshold value, the signal for implementing irrigation including the retained water is output.

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