Management device, management method, and program

Abstract

To manage control of growth of perishable articles such as root vegetables during storage with a high degree of precision.SOLUTION: A management device includes: an acquisition unit for acquiring storage condition information indicating a total storage capacity and a storage period of a storage unit for storing perishable articles; and a determination unit for determining a supply condition for a first material and a second material to be supplied to the storage unit on the basis of: supply condition information indicating an amount per unit capacity to be supplied in the storage unit for each of the first material that causes a first action to the perishable articles and the second material that suppresses a second action caused to the perishable articles by the first material; and the storage condition information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a management device, a management method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 provides a method for storing root vegetables such as potatoes and onions in an atmosphere of low concentration ethylene gas after setting various conditions inside the storage facility, such as temperature, light, and gas concentrations such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water vapor, in order to suppress germination during storage. [Prior art document] [Patent documents] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 2732505 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] It is desirable to be able to precisely control the growth of perishables such as root vegetables during storage. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] A management device according to an aspect of the present invention may include an acquisition unit that acquires storage condition information indicating a total volume and a storage period of a storage unit that stores fresh produce. The management device may include a determination unit that determines supply conditions of the first substance and the second substance to be supplied to the storage unit based on supply condition information indicating an amount per unit volume of a first substance that causes a first effect on the fresh produce and a second substance that suppresses a second effect caused by the first substance on the fresh produce to be supplied to the storage unit.

[0005] The management device may further include a prediction unit that predicts a future environmental state within the storage unit based on a past detection result from a sensor unit that detects an environmental state within the storage unit. The acquisition unit may acquire concentration information indicating a detection result of a concentration of the first substance from the sensor unit. The prediction unit may predict a predicted concentration indicating a predicted result of a concentration of the second substance based on the concentration information. The determination unit may determine, as the supply condition, an amount of the second substance to be supplied to the storage unit based on the predicted concentration and an amount per unit volume of the second substance in the supply condition information.

[0006] In the management device, the prediction unit may predict a diffusion rate equation for the second substance from the concentration information, the saturation amount of the first substance, the saturation amount of the second substance, the sustained release rate equation for the first substance, and the sustained release rate equation for the second substance, and predict a predicted concentration of the second substance in the storage unit from the sustained release rate equation for the second substance and the diffusion rate equation for the second substance.

[0007] In the management device, the acquisition unit may acquire the storage condition information further indicating a total volume of the fresh goods stored in the storage unit.

[0008] In any of the management devices, the determination unit may determine supply conditions for the first substance and the second substance to be supplied to the storage unit based on the difference between the total volume of the storage unit and the total volume of the fresh products and the supply condition information.

[0009] In any of the management devices, the storage condition information may further indicate at least one of a temperature and a humidity in the storage unit, and the supply condition information may indicate an amount per unit volume of the first substance and the second substance to be supplied into the storage unit according to at least one of the temperature and the humidity of the storage unit.

[0010] In any of the management devices, the storage condition information may further indicate an air permeability of the storage unit, and the supply condition information may indicate an amount per unit volume of the first substance and the second substance to be supplied into the storage unit according to the air permeability of the storage unit.

[0011] In any of the management devices, the supply condition information may further indicate an amount per unit volume of a third substance that has a third effect on the fresh product to be supplied into the storage section.

[0012] In any one of the management devices, the third action may be an action of contributing to maintaining the quality of the fresh product.

[0013] Any one of the management devices may further include a notification unit that notifies an outside party of the supply conditions.

[0014] Any of the management devices may further include a supply control unit that controls an air conditioning unit that adjusts at least one of the temperature and humidity in the storage unit in accordance with the supply conditions, a first supply unit that supplies the first substance into the storage unit, and a second supply unit that supplies the second substance into the storage unit.

[0015] Any of the management devices may further include a supply control unit that controls a first supply unit that supplies the first substance into the storage unit, a second supply unit that supplies the second substance into the storage unit, and a third supply unit that supplies the third substance into the storage unit in accordance with the supply conditions.

[0016] In any of the above-mentioned control devices, the substance that brings about the first effect may be ethylene, the substance that inhibits the second effect may be a cyclopropene derivative, and the substance that brings about the third effect may be oxygen or carbon dioxide.

[0017] In any one of the management devices, the fresh produce may be a root vegetable.

[0018] In any of the management devices, the fresh produce may be tubers.

[0019] In any of the management devices, the fresh produce may be potatoes.

[0020] In any one of the management devices, a prediction unit may be further provided that predicts a future environmental state within the storage unit based on a past detection result from a sensor unit that detects an environmental state within the storage unit. The notification unit may further notify an external device of the prediction result by the prediction unit.

[0021] In any of the management devices, a prediction unit may be further provided that predicts a future environmental state in the storage unit based on a past detection result from a sensor unit that detects an environmental state in the storage unit. The supply control unit may control at least one of the first supply unit and the second supply unit based on a prediction result by the prediction unit.

[0022] In any one of the management devices, the environmental condition may include at least one of a temperature, a humidity, a concentration of the first substance, and a concentration of the second substance within the storage unit.

[0023] In any of the management devices, a prediction unit may be provided that predicts an environmental state in the storage unit after a detection result from a sensor unit that detects an environmental state in the storage unit based on the detection result from the sensor unit. The supply control unit may control at least one of the first supply unit, the second supply unit, and the third supply unit based on a prediction result by the prediction unit.

[0024] In any one of the management devices, the environmental condition may include at least one of the temperature, humidity, concentration of the first substance, concentration of the second substance, and concentration of the third substance within the storage unit.

[0025] A management method according to one aspect of the present invention may include a step in which an acquisition unit acquires storage condition information indicating a total volume and a storage period of a storage unit that stores fresh products. The management method may include a step in which a determination unit determines supply conditions for the first substance and the second substance to be supplied to the storage unit based on supply condition information indicating an amount per unit volume of a first substance that causes a first effect on the fresh product and a second substance that suppresses a second effect caused by the first substance on the fresh product to be supplied to the storage unit, and on the storage condition information.

[0026] A program according to one aspect of the present invention may cause a computer to execute a step of acquiring storage condition information indicating a total volume and a storage period of a storage section for storing fresh produce. The program may cause the computer to execute a step of determining supply conditions for the first substance and the second substance to be supplied to the storage section based on supply condition information indicating an amount per unit volume of a first substance that causes a first effect on the fresh produce and a second substance that suppresses a second effect caused by the first substance on the fresh produce to be supplied to the storage section, and on the storage condition information.

[0027] The above summary of the invention does not list all of the features of the present invention. Also, subcombinations of these features may also be inventions. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating functional blocks of a management device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of supply condition information. [Diagram 3] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for notifying a supply condition. [Figure 4] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for presenting adjustment conditions for a substance according to a prediction result. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating functional blocks of a management device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for adjusting the amount of material supplied into the container by the supply control unit based on the prediction result. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a measurement result of the concentration of a first substance. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a curve represented by the sustained release rate equation for a first substance, a curve represented by the sustained release rate equation for a second substance, and actually measured concentrations of the first substance and the second substance. [Figure 9]8 is a diagram showing an example of a curve expressed by an emission rate equation of a first substance derived from the measurement results shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a sustained release process based on concentration prediction by a management device. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] The present invention will be described below through embodiments of the invention, but the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention according to the claims. Furthermore, not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention.

[0030] 1 shows functional blocks of a management device 10 according to a first embodiment. The management device 10 manages the environmental state within a storage unit that stores fresh produce. Fresh produce includes all items that are required to be fresh, including fruits and vegetables, fresh flowers, fresh fish, meat, and processed foods such as ham and sausage. Fruits and vegetables include root vegetables. Root vegetables include tubers. Tubers include potatoes, garlic, onions, sweet potatoes, and the like.

[0031] For example, potatoes sprout during long-term storage, resulting in weight loss and increased costs due to the removal of sprouts. When potatoes are stored at low temperatures, sprouting is inhibited. However, when the temperature of the environment during potato transportation or distribution increases, sprouting progresses and the starch is reduced to reducing sugars during storage. When potatoes containing reducing sugars are sliced ​​and fried, the chip color darkens and the quality of the chipped potatoes decreases.

[0032] It is known that germination of tubers such as potatoes can be inhibited by ethylene. However, for example, potato germination can be inhibited by ethylene, but this causes an increase in reducing sugars. However, it is known that the increase in reducing sugars can be inhibited by supplying 1-MCP (1-methylcyclopropene) to potatoes before supplying ethylene.

[0033] In this way, by supplying a first substance such as ethylene that has a first effect, such as inhibiting germination, on fresh produce such as potatoes to a storage section such as a container or warehouse that holds the fresh produce, and further supplying a second substance to the storage section that inhibits a second effect, such as an increase in reducing sugars, that is brought about in the fresh produce by the first substance, it may be possible to maintain the quality of the fresh produce for a long period of time.

[0034] However, such a system for maintaining the quality of fresh produce using multiple substances has not yet been put to practical use in storage or distribution storage.

[0035] In the first embodiment, a management device 10 is provided that can manage the quality of fresh produce by supplying a plurality of substances that contribute to maintaining the quality of fresh produce during storage or distribution of the fresh produce. Here, the quality of fresh produce is an index based on a predetermined definition of the appearance characteristics of the fresh produce, such as color or size, or the content characteristics, such as ingredients or taste, that are predetermined for each type of fresh produce.

[0036] The management device 10 includes a control unit 100, a memory unit 120, an input unit 130, a sensor unit 132, a first storage unit 150, a second storage unit 152, a third storage unit 154, and an air conditioning facility 160.

[0037] The management device 10 may be disposed inside a storage section that stores fresh products, or adjacent to the outside of the storage section.

[0038] The containment may be a warehouse or storehouse where the perishable goods are stored. The containment may be a container on board a truck, train, or ship that transports the perishable goods.

[0039] The control unit 100 controls the entire management device 10. The control unit 100 may be configured with a microprocessor such as a CPU or an MPU, a microcontroller such as an MCU, etc. The input unit 130 is a user interface that accepts instructions from a user.

[0040] The sensor unit 132 includes various sensors that detect the environmental conditions inside the storage unit. The sensor unit 132 includes a temperature and humidity sensor and a gas sensor. The storage unit 120 stores various programs for controlling the management device 10.

[0041] The first storage unit 150 stores, as the first substance, a first slow-release agent that generates a substance that brings about a first effect on fresh produce. The first substance may be, for example, an ethylene slow-release agent that slowly releases ethylene that inhibits the germination of tubers such as potatoes. The first storage unit 150 has a communication port that communicates with the space inside the storage unit, and supplies the substance that brings about the first effect that has been slowly released from the slow-release agent into the storage unit through the communication port.

[0042] The second storage unit 152 stores, as a second substance, a second sustained-release agent that generates a substance that inhibits a second effect caused by the first substance on the fresh produce. The substance that inhibits the second effect may be a cyclopropene derivative. The cyclopropene derivatives may be cyclopentadiene, cyclopropene, diazocyclopentadiene, 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), 3,3-dimethylcyclopropene, methylenecyclopropane, trans-cyclooctene, cis-cyclooctene, 2,5-norbornadiene, 3,3-dipentylcyclopropene, 1-pent-2-enyl-2-pentyl-cyclopropene, 1-pent-2-enyl-3,3-dipentylcyclopropene, 4-(1-cyclopropenyl)-2-methylbutan-2-ol, 1-(n-amyl)-cyclopropene, 1-(5,5,5-trifluoropentyl)-cyclopropene and 1,2-dipentyl-cyclopropene, or derivatives thereof. The substance that inhibits the second action is preferably 1-MCP, which inhibits the increase in reducing sugars caused in potatoes by the action of ethylene. The second substance may be, for example, a 1-MCP slow-release agent that slowly releases 1-MCP, which inhibits the increase in reducing sugars that occurs in potatoes due to the action of ethylene.

[0043] The third storage section 154 stores a substance that controls the concentration of the substance that brings about a third action in the storage section as a third substance, such as a third sustained-release agent that generates a substance that brings about a third action on fresh produce, a third absorbent that absorbs the substance that brings about a third action, or a third decomposer that decomposes the substance that brings about a third action. The third substance may be a sustained-release agent that sustains the release of carbon dioxide or oxygen that contributes to maintaining the quality of the fresh produce, an adsorbent that adsorbs, or a decomposer that decomposes. The third substance may be, for example, an oxygen sustained-release agent that sustains the release of oxygen that contributes to maintaining the quality of tubers such as potatoes. The third storage section 154 may store an adsorbent that adsorbs a specific gas present in the storage section. The third storage section 154 may store an adsorbent that adsorbs carbon dioxide or oxygen present in the storage section. The third storage section 154 may store, for example, a decomposer that decomposes carbon dioxide or oxygen present in the storage section.

[0044] The air conditioning equipment 160 adjusts the temperature and humidity of the air in the storage unit, and circulates the temperature- and humidity-adjusted air inside the storage unit. The air conditioning equipment 160 may have a ventilation function that releases the air in the storage unit to the outside and takes in outside air. The air permeability of the storage unit is determined in advance based on the ventilation capacity of the air conditioning equipment 160, the airtightness of the walls surrounding the space of the storage unit, and the like.

[0045] The control unit 100 includes an acquisition unit 102, a determination unit 104, a notification unit 106, and a prediction unit .

[0046] The acquisition unit 102 acquires the total volume (m 3 The determination unit 104 determines the supply conditions of the first and second substances to be supplied to the storage units based on the supply condition information indicating the amounts per unit volume of the first and second substances to be supplied to the storage units and the storage condition information acquired by the acquisition unit 102.

[0047] The determination unit 104 may determine the amounts of the first substance and the second substance to be supplied to the storage unit based on the amounts per unit volume of the first substance and the second substance to be supplied to the storage unit, respectively, and the total volume of the storage unit that stores the fresh product. The determination unit 104 may determine the amounts of the first substance and the second substance to be supplied to the storage unit based on the amounts per unit volume of the first substance and the second substance to be supplied to the storage unit, respectively, and the total volume of the storage unit that stores the fresh product, and the storage period. The determination unit 104 may determine the amounts of the first substance and the second substance to be supplied to the storage unit by multiplying the amounts per unit volume of the first substance and the second substance to be supplied to the storage unit, respectively, by the total volume of the storage unit that stores the fresh product, and the storage period.

[0048] The determination unit 104 may determine the number of first sustained-release agents to be stored in the first storage unit 150 and the number of second sustained-release agents to be stored in the second storage unit 152 as the amounts of the first substance and the second substance to be supplied to the storage units based on the amounts per unit volume of the first substance and the second substance to be supplied to the storage units, the total volume of the storage units that store the fresh produce, and the storage period.

[0049] The acquisition unit 102 may acquire storage condition information further indicating the total volume of the fresh produce stored in the storage unit. The determination unit 104 may determine the supply conditions of the first substance and the second substance to be supplied to the storage unit based on the difference between the total volume of the storage unit and the total volume of the fresh produce, i.e., the free space of the storage unit, and the supply condition information. The determination unit 104 may further determine the timing of each of the first substance and the second substance to be supplied to the storage unit as a supply condition. For example, in the case where the fresh produce is potato, it is preferable that ethylene is supplied to the storage unit after a predetermined period of time has elapsed after 1-MCP is supplied. The predetermined period of time may be determined in advance according to the results of an experiment or the like, and stored in the memory unit 120.

[0050] The memory unit 120 may store a reference value such as an average value of the total volume of fresh products per box for each size of the cardboard box. The storage condition information may indicate the size and number of cardboard boxes of fresh products stored in the storage unit as the total volume of the fresh products. The determination unit 104 may derive the total volume of the fresh products by multiplying the number of cardboard boxes indicated in the storage condition information by the average value of the total volume of the fresh products per box of the size corresponding to the size indicated in the storage condition information stored in the memory unit 120.

[0051] The storage condition information may further indicate at least one of the temperature and humidity in the storage section. The supply condition information may indicate the amount per unit volume of the first substance and the second substance to be supplied into the storage section according to at least one of the temperature and humidity of the storage section. For example, depending on the characteristics of the sustained-release agent, the amount of the substance released per unit time may change depending on the temperature or humidity. Therefore, the memory unit 120 may store the sustained-release rate according to at least one of the temperature and humidity of each sustained-release agent.

[0052] The storage condition information is the ventilation rate (cm 3 / (cm 2 The air permeability is the amount of air passing through the test fabric per square centimeter per second (cm 2 sec). 3) The supply condition information may indicate the amount per unit volume of the first substance and the second substance to be supplied into the storage section according to the air permeability of the storage section. When the air permeability is high, the amount of the first substance and the second substance remaining in the storage section decreases. Therefore, the amount per unit volume to be supplied into the storage section increases in proportion to the air permeability.

[0053] In addition to the first and second substances, a third substance may be further supplied into the container, the third substance providing a third action to the fresh produce. The third action may be an action for maintaining the quality of the fresh produce. The third substance may be carbon dioxide or oxygen. In the case where the fresh produce is potatoes, supplying carbon dioxide helps maintain the quality of the potatoes.

[0054] The notification unit 106 notifies the outside of the supply conditions of the first substance and the second substance to be supplied to the storage unit. The notification unit 106 may notify the outside of the supply conditions of the first substance, the second substance, and the third substance to be supplied to the storage unit. The notification unit 106 may notify the supply conditions to a user terminal that manages the storage unit. The supply conditions may indicate the concentrations, temperature, and humidity of the first substance, the second substance, and the third substance to be satisfied in the storage unit. Furthermore, the supply conditions may indicate the number of the first sustained-release agent, the second sustained-release agent, and the third sustained-release agent to be stored in the first storage unit 150, the second storage unit 152, and the third storage unit 154, respectively, to realize the concentrations of the first substance, the second substance, and the third substance to be satisfied in the storage unit. By referring to the supply conditions, the user may store the first sustained-release agent, the second sustained-release agent, and the third sustained-release agent in numbers that satisfy the supply conditions in the first storage unit 150, the second storage unit 152, and the third storage unit 154. For example, if the substance can be supplied from a gas cylinder into the storage unit as a gas, the substance may be supplied from the gas cylinder into the storage unit instead of the sustained-release agent.

[0055] The prediction unit 108 predicts a future environmental state in the container based on past detection results from the sensor unit 132 that detects the environmental state in the container. The environmental state may include at least one of the temperature, humidity, concentration of the first substance, concentration of the second substance, and concentration of the third substance in the container. For example, the prediction unit 108 sequentially acquires the concentration of the first substance from the sensor unit 32, and derives the rate of change of the concentration of the first substance in the container. Furthermore, the prediction unit 108 may predict the future concentration of the first substance in the container from the rate of change of the concentration of the first substance and the latest concentration of the first substance. The prediction unit 108 may predict the future environmental state in the container from past detection results from the sensor unit 132 using a prediction model using a Kalman filter.

[0056] The notification unit 106 may further notify the prediction result to the outside. The notification unit 106 may notify the supply conditions and the prediction result to the outside. For example, when the concentration of the substance indicated in the prediction result is lower than the concentration of the substance indicated in the supply conditions, the user may take measures such as adding a sustained-release agent. Alternatively, when the concentration of the substance indicated in the prediction result is higher than the concentration of the substance indicated in the supply conditions, the user may take measures such as replenishing an adsorbent that adsorbs the substance.

[0057] Here, the fresh produce stored in the storage sections is not limited to one type, and different types of fresh produce may be stored in each storage section.

[0058] Therefore, the storage unit 120 may store supply condition information indicating the amounts of the first substance, the second substance, and the third substance per unit time and unit volume for each type of fresh product. The storage unit 120 may store, for example, supply condition information as shown in FIG.

[0059] The acquiring unit 102 may acquire storage condition information indicating the type of fresh produce stored in the storage unit, together with the total volume and storage period of the storage unit that stores the fresh produce. The determining unit 104 may determine, as supply conditions, the amounts of the first substance, the second substance, and the third substance to be supplied to the storage unit, based on the storage condition information, the type of fresh produce stored in the storage unit, the total volume of the storage unit, and the storage period, and on the supply condition information as shown in FIG.

[0060] The supply condition information may further indicate an environmental condition in the storage unit for each fresh product. The environmental condition may be at least one of temperature and humidity. The determination unit 104 may further determine the environmental condition in the storage unit as a supply condition. The control unit 100 may control the air conditioning equipment 160 so as to satisfy the environmental condition indicated in the supply condition.

[0061] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for notifying a supply condition.

[0062] The acquiring unit 102 acquires storage condition information (S100). The acquiring unit 102 may acquire the storage condition information input by the user via the input unit 130. The acquiring unit 102 may acquire, for example, the type and quantity (size and number of cardboard boxes) of fresh products to be stored in the container, the storage period (storage period), and the environmental conditions of the container (temperature, humidity, ventilation rate, etc.) as the storage condition information.

[0063] The determination unit 104 determines the supply conditions of the first substance, the second substance, and the third substance based on the storage condition information and the supply condition information (S102). The determination unit 104 may determine the supply conditions indicating, for example, the concentrations, temperature, and humidity of the substance that brings about the first effect, the substance that suppresses the second effect, and the substance that brings about the third effect to be satisfied in the container. The memory unit 120 may store the amount of the sustained-release agent, the adsorbent, or the decomposition agent per unit time and unit volume according to the concentrations of the substance that brings about the first effect, the substance that suppresses the second effect, and the substance that brings about the third effect. The determination unit 104 may determine the amount of the first sustained release agent (first adsorbent or first decomposition agent), the second sustained release agent (second adsorbent or second decomposition agent), and the third sustained release agent (third adsorbent or third decomposition agent) to be provided to the storage unit based on the amount of the sustained release agent, adsorbent, or decomposition agent per unit time and unit volume depending on the concentrations of the substance that brings about the first effect, the substance that suppresses the second effect, and the substance that brings about the third effect, the concentrations of the substance that brings about the first effect, the substance that suppresses the second effect, and the substance that brings about the third effect to be filled in the container, and the storage period.

[0064] The notification unit 106 notifies the supply conditions of the first substance, the second substance, and the third substance to the outside (S104). The notification unit 106 may transmit a message indicating the supply conditions to a user terminal such as a manager of the storage unit or a truck driver.

[0065] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for presenting adjustment conditions for a substance according to a prediction result.

[0066] The prediction unit 108 predicts the future environmental state in the container based on the past detection results from the sensor unit 132 that detects the environmental state in the container (S200). The determination unit 104 judges whether the prediction result satisfies the supply condition (S202). The determination unit 104 derives, for example, the difference between the concentrations of the substance that brings about the first effect, the substance that suppresses the second effect, and the substance that brings about the third effect indicated in the prediction result and the concentrations of the substance that brings about the first effect, the substance that suppresses the second effect, and the substance that brings about the third effect indicated in the supply condition. If there is a substance whose difference is equal to or greater than a threshold, the determination unit 104 judges that the prediction result does not satisfy the supply condition.

[0067] If the predicted concentration of the substance is lower than the concentration indicated in the supply condition, the determination unit 104 may determine the amount of additional sustained-release agent according to the magnitude of the difference. If the predicted concentration of the substance is higher than the concentration indicated in the supply condition, the determination unit 104 may determine the amount of adsorbent that adsorbs the substance according to the magnitude of the difference.

[0068] The notification unit 106 notifies the adjustment condition indicating the amount of additional sustained-release agent or the amount of adsorbent to the outside (S204). The prediction unit 108 judges whether the storage period of the fresh product has ended (S206). If the storage period of the fresh product has not ended, the prediction unit 108 repeats the process from step S200 onwards after a predetermined period (e.g., 5 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, or 24 hours) has elapsed since the previous prediction.

[0069] By the above process, the user can be notified to replenish sustained-release agents or adsorbents to meet the supply conditions according to the prediction results.

[0070] 5 shows functional blocks of the management device 10 according to the second embodiment. The management device 10 according to the second embodiment differs from the management device 10 according to the first embodiment in that the management device 10 according to the second embodiment includes a first supply unit 170, a second supply unit 172, and a third supply unit 174 instead of the first storage unit 150, the second storage unit 152, and the third storage unit 154. Furthermore, the management device 10 according to the second embodiment differs from the management device 10 according to the first embodiment in that the control unit 100 includes a supply control unit 110 that controls the first supply unit 170, the second supply unit 172, and the third supply unit 174.

[0071] The first supplying unit 170 supplies the storage unit with a first slow-release agent that generates a first substance that provides a first effect to fresh produce. The first supplying unit 170 may hold a plurality of first slow-release agents and supply a required number of first slow-release agents from the plurality of first slow-release agents into the storage unit as necessary. The first substance may be, for example, an ethylene slow-release agent that slowly releases ethylene that inhibits the germination of tubers such as potatoes. If the first substance is a substance that can be stored in a gas cylinder, the first supplying unit 170 may have a gas cylinder and a control valve, and supply the first substance into the storage unit by controlling the opening and closing of the control valve.

[0072] The second supply unit 172 supplies the storage unit with a second sustained-release agent that generates a substance that suppresses the second action brought about on the fresh product by the substance that brings about the first action as the second substance. The second supply unit 172 may hold a plurality of second sustained-release agents and supply a required number of second sustained-release agents from the plurality of second sustained-release agents into the storage unit as necessary. The second substance may be, for example, a 1-MCP sustained-release agent that slowly releases 1-MCP that suppresses the increase in reducing sugar generated in potatoes by the action of ethylene. If the substance that suppresses the second action is a substance that can be stored in a gas cylinder, the second supply unit 172 may have a gas cylinder and a control valve, and may supply the substance that suppresses the second action into the storage unit by controlling the opening and closing of the control valve.

[0073] The third supply unit 174 supplies the storage unit with a third sustained-release agent that generates a substance that brings about a third action on fresh produce as the third substance. The third supply unit 174 may hold a plurality of third sustained-release agents and supply a required number of third sustained-release agents from among the plurality of third sustained-release agents into the storage unit as necessary. The third substance may be, for example, a carbon dioxide sustained-release agent that slowly releases carbon dioxide that inhibits the germination of tubers such as potatoes. If the substance that brings about the third action is a substance that can be stored in a gas cylinder, the third supply unit 174 may have a gas cylinder and a control valve, and may supply the substance that brings about the third action into the storage unit by controlling the opening and closing of the control valve. The third supply unit 174 may supply the storage unit with an adsorbent that adsorbs a specific gas present in the storage unit as the third substance. The third supply unit 174 may supply, for example, an adsorbent that adsorbs carbon dioxide or oxygen present in the storage unit as the third substance.

[0074] The first supply unit 170, the second supply unit 172, or the third supply unit 174 may supply the first sustained release agent (first adsorbent or first decomposition agent), the second sustained release agent (second adsorbent or second decomposition agent), or the third sustained release agent (third adsorbent or third decomposition agent) into the storage unit by controlling the opening and closing of an inlet through which the first sustained release agent (first adsorbent or first decomposition agent), the second sustained release agent (second adsorbent or second decomposition agent), or the third sustained release agent (third adsorbent or third decomposition agent) is introduced into the storage unit.

[0075] The supply control unit 110 may control at least one of the first supply unit 170 and the second supply unit 172 based on the supply conditions. The supply control unit 110 may control at least one of the first supply unit 170, the second supply unit 172, and the third supply unit 174 based on the supply conditions.

[0076] The supply control unit 110 may supply the first sustained release agent (first adsorbent or first decomposition agent), the second sustained release agent (second adsorbent or second decomposition agent), and the third sustained release agent (third adsorbent or third decomposition agent) to the storage unit by controlling the first supply unit 170, the second supply unit 172, and the third supply unit 174 according to the respective amounts of the first sustained release agent (first adsorbent or first decomposition agent), the second sustained release agent (second adsorbent or second decomposition agent), and the third sustained release agent (third adsorbent or third decomposition agent) indicated in the supply conditions.

[0077] The supply control unit 110 may control at least one of the first supply unit 170 and the second supply unit 172 based on the prediction result by the prediction unit 108. The supply control unit 110 may control at least one of the first supply unit 170, the second supply unit 172, and the third supply unit 174 based on the prediction result.

[0078] The supply control unit 110 may control at least one of the first supply unit 170, the second supply unit 172, and the third supply unit 174 based on a comparison between the supply conditions and the prediction result. For example, when the concentration of the substance causing the first effect indicated in the prediction result is lower than the concentration of the substance causing the first effect indicated in the supply conditions, the supply control unit 110 may control the first supply unit 170 so that the amount of the substance causing the first effect supplied from the first supply unit 170 to the storage unit is increased. The supply control unit 110 may additionally supply the first sustained-release agent to the storage unit. Alternatively, the supply control unit 110 may further open the control valve of the gas cylinder storing the substance causing the first effect to increase the amount of the substance causing the first effect supplied to the storage unit.

[0079] FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an example of a procedure in which the supply control unit 110 adjusts the amount of the substance to be supplied into the container based on the prediction result.

[0080] The acquiring unit 102 acquires storage condition information (S300). The acquiring unit 102 may acquire the storage condition information input by the user via the input unit 130. The acquiring unit 102 may acquire, for example, the type and quantity (size and number of cardboard boxes) of fresh products to be stored in the container, the storage period (storage period), and the environmental conditions of the container (temperature, humidity, ventilation rate, etc.) as the storage condition information.

[0081] The determination unit 104 determines the supply conditions of the first substance, the second substance, and the third substance based on the storage condition information and the supply condition information (S302). The determination unit 104 may determine the supply conditions indicating, for example, the concentrations, temperature, and humidity of the substance that brings about the first effect, the substance that suppresses the second effect, and the substance that brings about the third effect to be satisfied in the container. The storage unit 120 may store the amount of sustained-release agent per unit time and unit volume according to the concentrations of the substance that brings about the first effect, the substance that suppresses the second effect, and the substance that brings about the third effect. The determination unit 104 may determine the amount of the first sustained release agent (first adsorbent or first decomposition agent), the second sustained release agent (second adsorbent or second decomposition agent), and the third sustained release agent (third adsorbent or third decomposition agent) to be provided to the storage unit based on the amount of sustained release agent per unit time and unit volume depending on the concentrations of the substance that brings about the first effect, the substance that suppresses the second effect, and the substance that brings about the third effect, the concentrations of the substance that brings about the first effect, the substance that suppresses the second effect, and the substance that brings about the third effect to be filled in the container, and the storage period.

[0082] The supply control unit 110 supplies the first sustained release agent, the second sustained release agent, and the third sustained release agent to the storage unit by controlling the first supply unit 170, the second supply unit 172, and the third supply unit 174 according to the respective amounts of the first sustained release agent, the second sustained release agent, and the third sustained release agent indicated in the supply conditions (S304).

[0083] The prediction unit 108 predicts the future environmental state in the container based on past detection results from the sensor unit 132 that detects the environmental state in the container (S306). The determination unit 104 judges whether the prediction result satisfies the supply condition (S308). The determination unit 104 derives, for example, the difference between the concentrations of the substance that brings about the first effect, the substance that suppresses the second effect, and the substance that brings about the third effect indicated in the prediction result, and the concentrations of the first substance, the second substance, and the third substance indicated in the supply condition. If there is a substance whose difference is equal to or greater than a threshold, the determination unit 104 judges that the prediction result does not satisfy the supply condition.

[0084] If the predicted concentration of the substance is lower than the concentration indicated in the supply condition, the determination unit 104 may determine the amount of additional sustained-release agent according to the magnitude of the difference. If the predicted concentration of the substance is higher than the concentration indicated in the supply condition, the determination unit 104 may determine the amount of adsorbent that adsorbs the substance according to the magnitude of the difference.

[0085] The supply control unit 110 adjusts the amount of at least one of the first substance, the second substance, and the third substance supplied into the container by controlling at least one of the first supply unit 170, the second supply unit 172, and the third supply unit 174 based on a comparison between the supply conditions and the prediction result (S310). For example, when the concentration of the substance causing the first effect, the substance suppressing the second effect, or the substance causing the third effect shown in the prediction result is lower than the concentration of the substance causing the first effect, the substance suppressing the second effect, or the substance causing the third effect shown in the supply conditions, the supply control unit 110 may control the first supply unit 170, the second supply unit 172, or the third supply unit 174 so that the amount of the first substance, the second substance, or the third substance supplied from the first supply unit 170 into the container is increased. The supply control unit 110 may additionally supply the first sustained-release agent, the second sustained-release agent, or the third sustained-release agent into the container. Alternatively, the supply control unit 110 may further open the control valve of the gas cylinder storing the substance that brings about the first effect, the substance that suppresses the second effect, or the substance that brings about the third effect, thereby increasing the amount of the substance that brings about the first effect, the substance that suppresses the second effect, or the substance that brings about the third effect supplied into the storage unit.

[0086] The prediction unit 108 determines whether the storage period of the fresh product has ended (S312). If the storage period of the fresh product has not ended, the prediction unit 108 repeats the process from step S306 onwards after a predetermined period (e.g., 5 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, or 24 hours) has elapsed since the previous prediction.

[0087] Through the above processing, the amount of the substance that brings about the first effect, the substance that suppresses the second effect, or the substance that brings about the third effect can be adjusted based on a comparison between the predicted results and the supply conditions, thereby maintaining the environmental conditions within the storage section so as to satisfy the supply conditions.

[0088] Next, an example will be described in which the management device 10 predicts the concentration of the substance in the storage unit using the sustained release rate equation of the substance, and determines the supply conditions of the substance.

[0089] The acquiring unit 102 may acquire concentration information indicating a detection result of the concentration of the first substance from the sensor unit 132. The acquiring unit 102 may successively acquire concentration information indicating a detection result of the concentration of the first substance from the sensor unit 132. The predicting unit 108 may predict a predicted concentration indicating a predicted result of the concentration of the second substance based on the concentration information of the first substance. The determining unit 104 may determine a supply amount of the second substance to the storage unit as a supply condition based on the predicted concentration of the second substance and the amount per unit volume of the second substance in the supply condition information.

[0090] The prediction unit 108 derives a diffusion rate equation for the first substance from the difference between the concentration of the first substance derived from a predetermined diffusion rate equation for the first substance and the concentration of the first substance indicated in the concentration information of the first substance acquired by the acquisition unit 102. The prediction unit 108 predicts a diffusion rate equation for the second substance from the diffusion rate equation for the first substance in accordance with a predetermined assumed condition. The prediction unit 108 predicts the concentration of the second substance in the storage unit from the diffusion amount of the second substance derived from the predetermined diffusion rate equation for the second substance and the diffusion amount of the second substance derived from the diffusion rate equation for the second substance.

[0091] The predetermined assumption is that when the concentrations of the first and second substances are the same, the diffusion rates of the first and second substances are the same, and when the concentrations of the first and second substances are different, the diffusion rates are proportional to the saturation amounts. The predetermined assumption further includes a condition that when the concentrations of the first and second substances are both below the minimum amount necessary for the manifestation of the effect, a sustained release is performed.

[0092] If the minimum required amount of the first substance is p [ppm or %], the minimum required amount of the second substance is q [ppm or %], the saturation amount of the first substance is P [L], the saturation amount of the second substance is Q [L], and the diffusion rate equation of the first substance is y = f(t), the prediction unit 108 predicts the diffusion rate equation of the second substance as y = (Q / P) × f(t). For example, if the saturation amount of the first substance is 1000 μL, the diffusion rate equation of the first substance is y = f(t), and the saturation amount of the second substance is 100 μL, the prediction unit 108 predicts the diffusion rate equation of the second substance as y = 0.1 × f(t).

[0093] The release rate equation (y=g(t)) of the first and second substances and the saturation amount (concentration at saturation x volume) of the first and second substances may be experimentally derived in advance in a closed space and stored in the memory unit 120. The release rate equation of the first substance is, for example, y=1-e -0.5x The saturation amount of the first substance can be 1. The release rate of the second substance can be expressed as, for example, y=1-e -0.2x , the saturation amount of the second substance may be 0.1. Fig. 7 shows an example of the results of actually measuring the concentration of the first substance under these conditions. In Fig. 7, the first substance is an ethylene controlled-release agent, and the second substance is a 1-MCP controlled-release agent. Fig. 8 shows a curve represented by the controlled-release rate equation for the first substance under these conditions, a curve represented by the controlled-release rate equation for the second substance, and the actual concentrations of the first substance and the second substance actually measured.

[0094] The prediction unit 108 derives the difference between the concentration of the first substance derived from the sustained release rate equation of the first substance and the concentration of the first substance from the concentration information of the first substance acquired from the sensor unit 132, and derives the diffusion rate equation of the first substance from the difference. The prediction unit 108 derives, for example, f(x)=4E-05x3-0.002x2+0.0318x+0.005 from the measurement results shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 shows a curve represented by the diffusion rate equation of the first substance derived from the measurement results shown in FIG. 7. Furthermore, the prediction unit 108 derives the diffusion rate equation of the second substance as (0.1 / 1)×f(x) from the saturation amounts of the first substance and the second substance. Next, the prediction unit 108 calculates the concentration of the second substance in the storage unit as (1-e -0.2x ) -0.1 × f(x).

[0095] FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing an example of a sustained release process based on a concentration prediction by the management device 10.

[0096] The prediction unit 108 receives an input of the release rate formulae and the saturation amount of the first substance and the second substance via the input unit 130 (S400). The prediction unit 108 may register the release rate formulae and the saturation amount of the first substance and the second substance in the storage unit 120.

[0097] Supply control unit 110 instructs first supply unit 170 to gradually release the first substance, and instructs second supply unit 172 to gradually release the second substance (S500). In response to the instructions, first supply unit 170 supplies the first substance to the storage unit and starts the slow release of the first substance (S700), and second supply unit 172 supplies the second substance to the storage unit and starts the slow release of the second substance (S800).

[0098] After the sustained release of the substance is started, the sensor unit 132 measures the concentration of the first substance in the container and provides concentration information of the first concentration to the prediction unit 108 (S600). The prediction unit 108 derives the difference between the concentration of the first substance derived from the sustained release rate equation of the first substance and the concentration of the first substance from the concentration information of the first substance acquired from the sensor unit 132, and derives the diffusion rate equation of the first substance from the difference (S402).

[0099] Furthermore, the prediction unit 108 derives a diffusion rate equation for the second substance from the sustained release rate equation for the first substance and the saturation amounts of the first substance and the second substance (S404). The prediction unit 108 derives the concentration of the second substance in the storage unit from the sustained release rate equation and diffusion rate equation for the second substance (S406). The prediction unit 108 may derive the concentration of the second substance in the storage unit by subtracting the concentration of the second substance derived from the diffusion rate equation for the second substance from the concentration of the second substance derived from the sustained release rate equation for the second substance.

[0100] After t minutes, the sensor unit 132 again measures the concentration of the first substance in the container and provides the concentration information of the first substance to the prediction unit 108 (S602). If the concentration of the first substance has reached a minimum concentration (S604), the supply control unit 110 instructs the first supply unit 170 to perform additional gradual release of the first substance (S502). In response to the instruction, the first supply unit 170 starts the additional gradual release of the first substance (S702).

[0101] When the concentration information of the first substance is provided, the prediction unit 108 again derives the diffusion rate equation (S408) and derives the diffusion rate equation of the second substance (S410). Furthermore, the prediction unit 108 again derives the concentration of the second substance in the storage unit (S412). If the concentration of the second substance has reached the minimum concentration (S414), the supply control unit 110 instructs the second supply unit 172 to additionally slowly release the second substance (S504). In response to the instruction, the second supply unit 172 starts the additional slowly release of the second substance (S802).

[0102] By the above process, the management device 10 predicts the concentration of the substance in the storage unit using the sustained release rate equation of the substance, and can control the sustained release of the substance based on the prediction result.

[0103] According to the management device 10 according to each of the above-described embodiments, a system for maintaining the quality of fresh produce using a plurality of substances during storage or distribution can be realized.

[0104] 11 shows an example of a computer 1200 in which aspects of the present invention may be embodied in whole or in part. A program installed on the computer 1200 may cause the computer 1200 to perform operations associated with an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention or one or more "parts" of the apparatus. Alternatively, the program may cause the computer 1200 to execute the operations or one or more "parts". The program may cause the computer 1200 to execute a process or steps of the process according to an embodiment of the present invention. Such a program may be executed by the CPU 1212 to cause the computer 1200 to execute specific operations associated with some or all of the blocks of the flowcharts and block diagrams described herein.

[0105] The computer 1200 according to this embodiment includes a CPU 1212 and a RAM 1214, which are connected to each other by a host controller 1210. The computer 1200 also includes a communication interface 1222 and an input / output unit, which are connected to the host controller 1210 via an input / output controller 1220. The computer 1200 also includes a ROM 1230. The CPU 1212 operates according to programs stored in the ROM 1230 and the RAM 1214, thereby controlling each unit.

[0106] The communication interface 1222 communicates with other electronic devices via a network. The hard disk drive may store programs and data used by the CPU 1212 in the computer 1200. The ROM 1230 stores a boot program executed by the computer 1200 when activated and / or a program that depends on the hardware of the computer 1200. The programs are provided via a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a USB memory, or an IC card, or a network. The programs are installed in the RAM 1214, which is also an example of a computer-readable recording medium, or the ROM 1230, and executed by the CPU 1212. The information processing described in these programs is read by the computer 1200, and brings about cooperation between the programs and the various types of hardware resources. An apparatus or method may be configured by implementing an operation or processing of information according to the use of the computer 1200.

[0107] For example, when communication is performed between the computer 1200 and an external device, the CPU 1212 may execute a communication program loaded in the RAM 1214 and instruct the communication interface 1222 to perform communication processing based on the processing described in the communication program. Under the control of the CPU 1212, the communication interface 1222 reads transmission data stored in a transmission buffer area provided in the RAM 1214 or a recording medium such as a USB memory, transmits the read transmission data to a network, or writes reception data received from the network to a reception buffer area or the like provided on the recording medium.

[0108] Furthermore, the CPU 1212 may cause all or a necessary portion of a file or database stored in an external recording medium such as a USB memory to be read into the RAM 1214, and may perform various types of processing on the data on the RAM 1214. The CPU 1212 may then write back the processed data to the external recording medium.

[0109] Various types of information, such as various types of programs, data, tables, and databases, may be stored in the recording medium and undergo information processing. The CPU 1212 may perform various types of processing on the data read from the RAM 1214, including various types of operations, information processing, conditional judgment, conditional branching, unconditional branching, information search / replacement, etc., as described throughout this disclosure and specified by the instruction sequence of the program, and write back the results to the RAM 1214. The CPU 1212 may also search for information in a file, database, etc. in the recording medium. For example, when a plurality of entries each having an attribute value of a first attribute associated with an attribute value of a second attribute are stored in the recording medium, the CPU 1212 may search for an entry that matches a condition, in which the attribute value of the first attribute is specified, from among the plurality of entries, read the attribute value of the second attribute stored in the entry, and thereby obtain the attribute value of the second attribute associated with the first attribute that satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0110] The above-described programs or software modules may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium on the computer 1200 or in the vicinity of the computer 1200. Also, a recording medium such as a hard disk or a RAM provided in a server system connected to a dedicated communication network or the Internet can be used as a computer-readable storage medium, thereby providing the programs to the computer 1200 via the network.

[0111] A computer-readable medium may include any tangible device capable of storing instructions that are executed by a suitable device. As a result, a computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon comprises an article of manufacture that includes instructions that can be executed to create means for performing the operations specified in the flowchart or block diagram. Examples of computer-readable media may include electronic storage media, magnetic storage media, optical storage media, electromagnetic storage media, semiconductor storage media, and the like. More specific examples of computer-readable media may include floppy disks, diskettes, hard disks, random access memories (RAMs), read-only memories (ROMs), erasable programmable read-only memories (EPROMs or flash memories), electrically erasable programmable read-only memories (EEPROMs), static random access memories (SRAMs), compact disk read-only memories (CD-ROMs), digital versatile disks (DVDs), Blu-ray (RTM) disks, memory sticks, integrated circuit cards, and the like.

[0112] The computer readable instructions may include either source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages. The source code or object code includes conventional procedural programming languages. The conventional procedural programming languages ​​may be assembler instructions, instruction set architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state setting data, or object oriented programming languages ​​such as Smalltalk®, JAVA®, C++, etc., and the “C” programming language or similar programming languages. The computer readable instructions may be provided to a processor or programmable circuitry of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus locally or over a wide area network (WAN) such as a local area network (LAN), the Internet, etc. The processor or programmable circuitry may execute the computer readable instructions to create means for performing the operations specified in the flowcharts or block diagrams. Examples of processors include computer processors, processing units, microprocessors, digital signal processors, controllers, microcontrollers, etc.

[0113] Although the present invention has been described above using the embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. It is clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications and improvements can be made to the above embodiments. It is clear from the description of the claims that such modifications and improvements can also be included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0114] It should be noted that the order of execution of each process, such as operations, procedures, steps, and stages, in the devices, systems, programs, and methods shown in the claims, specifications, and drawings is not specifically stated as "before," "prior to," etc., and may be realized in any order unless the output of a previous process is used in a later process. Even if the operational flow in the claims, specifications, and drawings is explained using "first," "next," etc. for convenience, it does not mean that it is essential to perform the process in this order. [Explanation of symbols]

[0115] 10 Management device 32 Sensor section 100 Control section 102 Acquisition Department 104 Decision Section 106 Notification Department 108 Prediction Department 110 Supply control section 120 Storage section 130 Input section 132 Sensor section 150 1st Storage Department 152 2nd Storage Department 154 3rd Storage Department 160 Air conditioning equipment 170 1st supply section 172 2nd supply section 174 3rd Supply Department 1200 Computer 1210 Host Controller 1212 CPU 1214 RAM 1220 Input / Output Controller 1222 Communication Interface 1230 ROM

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires storage condition information indicating a total volume and a storage period of the storage unit that stores fresh products; a determination unit that determines supply conditions for the first substance and the second substance to be supplied to the storage unit based on supply condition information indicating amounts per unit volume of a first substance that brings about a first effect on the fresh product and a second substance that suppresses a second effect brought about by the first substance on the fresh product to be supplied to the storage unit, and the storage condition information; A management device comprising:

2. a prediction unit that predicts a future environmental state in the storage unit based on a past detection result from a sensor unit that detects an environmental state in the storage unit, the acquisition unit acquires concentration information indicating a detection result of a concentration of the first substance from the sensor unit; The prediction unit predicts a predicted concentration indicating a prediction result of the concentration of the second substance based on the concentration information, The management device according to claim 1 , wherein the determination unit determines the supply amount of the second substance to the storage unit as the supply condition based on the predicted concentration and an amount per unit volume of the second substance in the supply condition information.

3. The management device described in claim 2, wherein the prediction unit predicts a diffusion rate equation for the second substance from the concentration information, the saturation amount of the first substance, the saturation amount of the second substance, the sustained release rate equation for the first substance, and the sustained release rate equation for the second substance, and predicts a predicted concentration of the second substance in the storage section from the sustained release rate equation for the second substance and the diffusion rate equation for the second substance.

4. The acquisition unit acquires the storage condition information, which further indicates a total volume of the fresh products to be stored in the storage unit, The management device according to claim 1 , wherein the determination unit determines the supply conditions of the first substance and the second substance to be supplied to the storage unit based on the difference between the total volume of the storage unit and the total volume of the fresh products and the supply condition information.

5. The storage condition information further indicates at least one of a temperature and a humidity in the storage section, The management device according to claim 1 , wherein the supply condition information indicates an amount per unit volume of the first substance and the second substance to be supplied into the storage section according to at least one of a temperature and a humidity of the storage section.

6. The storage condition information further indicates the air permeability of the storage section, The management device according to claim 1 , wherein the supply condition information indicates an amount per unit volume of the first substance and the second substance to be supplied into the storage section according to an air permeability of the storage section.

7. The management device according to claim 1 , wherein the supply condition information further indicates an amount per unit volume of a third substance that has a third effect on the fresh product to be supplied into the storage section.

8. The management device according to claim 7 , wherein the third function is a function that contributes to maintaining the quality of the fresh product.

9. The management device according to claim 1 , further comprising a notification unit that notifies an outside party of the supply condition.

10. The management device of claim 1, further comprising a supply control unit that controls an air conditioning unit that adjusts at least one of the temperature and humidity in the storage unit in accordance with the supply conditions, a first supply unit that supplies the first substance into the storage unit, and a second supply unit that supplies the second substance into the storage unit.

11. 8. The management device of claim 7, further comprising a supply control unit that controls a first supply unit that supplies the first substance into the storage unit, a second supply unit that supplies the second substance into the storage unit, and a third supply unit that supplies the third substance into the storage unit in accordance with the supply conditions.

12. the substance that produces the first effect is ethylene; The management device according to claim 1 , wherein the substance that suppresses the second action is a cyclopropene derivative.

13. the substance that produces the first effect is ethylene; the substance that inhibits the second action is a cyclopropene derivative; The management device according to claim 7 , wherein the substance that brings about the third effect is carbon dioxide or oxygen.

14. The management device according to claim 1 , wherein the fresh produce is a root vegetable.

15. The management device according to claim 14 , wherein the fresh produce is a tuber.

16. The management device according to claim 15 , wherein the fresh produce is potatoes.

17. a prediction unit that predicts a future environmental state in the storage unit based on a past detection result from a sensor unit that detects an environmental state in the storage unit, The management device according to claim 9 , wherein the notification unit further notifies an outside party of the prediction result by the prediction unit.

18. a prediction unit that predicts a future environmental state in the storage unit based on a past detection result from a sensor unit that detects an environmental state in the storage unit, The management device according to claim 10 , wherein the supply control unit controls at least one of the first supply unit and the second supply unit based on a result of the prediction by the prediction unit.

19. The management device according to claim 18 , wherein the environmental condition includes at least one of a temperature, a humidity, a concentration of the first substance, and a concentration of the second substance in the storage unit.

20. a prediction unit that predicts an environmental state in the storage unit after a detection result from a sensor unit that detects an environmental state in the storage unit, The management device according to claim 11 , wherein the supply control unit controls at least one of the first supply unit, the second supply unit, and the third supply unit based on a result of the prediction by the prediction unit.

21. The management device according to claim 20 , wherein the environmental condition includes at least one of a temperature, a humidity, a concentration of the first substance, a concentration of the second substance, and a concentration of the third substance within the storage unit.

22. An acquisition unit acquires storage condition information indicating a total volume and a storage period of a storage unit that stores fresh products; a determination unit determining supply conditions for the first substance and the second substance to be supplied to the storage unit based on supply condition information indicating an amount per unit volume of a first substance that causes a first effect on the fresh product and a second substance that suppresses a second effect caused by the first substance on the fresh product to be supplied to the storage unit, and based on the storage condition information; A management method comprising:

23. acquiring storage condition information indicating a total volume of a storage section for storing fresh products and a storage period; determining supply conditions for the first substance and the second substance to be supplied to the storage section based on supply condition information indicating the amount per unit volume of a first substance that exerts a first effect on the fresh product and a second substance that suppresses a second effect exerted on the fresh product by the first substance to the fresh product to be supplied to the storage section, and based on the storage condition information; A program for causing a computer to execute the following.

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