Sensor module

Abstract

To provide a technique of detecting gas discharged from a partial region of a target site of a plant.SOLUTION: A sensor module includes: a first pipe through which gas discharged from a plant can pass; a fixation member for fixing an end part of the first tube to a partial region of a target site of a plant; a suction unit connected to the first tube, the suction unit making the pressure of the inside of the first tube a negative pressure; and a first sensor provided in the first tube, the first sensor detecting a target material derived from the plant in the gas and outputting information of the detected target material.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a sensor module. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a photosynthetic transpiration measuring device. This photosynthetic transpiration measuring device includes a box, a chamber, and an analyzer. The box is capable of airtightly housing a leaf to be measured and has light transmissivity. The chamber releases a portion of the air into the atmosphere from an exhaust port. A humidity sensor and an infrared sensor are connected downstream of the chamber as the analyzer. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 1-77342 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, it is known that plants emit various gases depending on their condition. The condition of a plant can be estimated based on the type and concentration of various gases emitted by the plant. In the method described in Patent Document 1, since an entire leaf of the plant is airtightly contained in a box, it is not possible to estimate the condition of a part of a target part of the plant, such as a part of a leaf. The present disclosure provides a technology that can detect gas emitted from a part of a target part of a plant. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A sensor module according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a first tube through which gas released from a plant can pass, a fixing member for fixing an end of the first tube to a partial area of ​​a target part of the plant, an aspirator connected to the first tube for creating negative pressure within the first tube, and a first sensor provided in the first tube for detecting a target substance derived from the plant contained in the gas and outputting information about the detected target substance. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present disclosure, gas emitted from a certain region of a target part of a plant can be appropriately detected. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of a sensor module according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a detailed external appearance of the sensor module according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a schematic cross-sectional configuration of the first detection device and the second detection device illustrated in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a detailed external appearance of a sensor module according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] [Examples of the embodiments of the present disclosure] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated description will be omitted. The dimensional ratios of the drawings do not necessarily match those of the description.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of a sensor module according to an embodiment. The sensor module 1 shown in FIG. 1 detects a target substance contained in a gas derived from a plant to detect the state of a partial area of ​​a target part of a plant. This state includes the health state or growth state of the partial area of ​​the target part of the plant. The sensor module 1 is arranged with respect to a partial area of ​​a target part of a cultivated plant P. Cultivated means planted and grown. The plant P is a vegetable, fruit tree, flower, or other plant cultivated in a farm such as a plant factory, a farm field, or a vinyl greenhouse. As an example, the plant P is cultivated in a box-shaped medium (ground). The plant P is a plant to be detected. The plant P may be a wild plant, flower, or the like. The target part of the plant P includes leaves, fruits, flowers, buds, stems, and roots. The sensor module 1 may be arranged with leaves, fruits, flowers, buds, stems, roots, or the like picked from a cultivated or wild plant P as the target part of the plant P.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a detailed appearance of the sensor module according to the embodiment. In the following, the sensor module 1 arranged with respect to the leaf L of the plant P under cultivation, which is an example of a target part of the plant P, will be described. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the sensor module 1 includes a fixing member 10, a first tube 21, a second tube 22, a suction device 30, a first detection device 40, and a second detection device 50. The sensor module 1 may include a plant state detection device 60. The first tube 21, the second tube 22, the first detection device 40, and the second detection device 50 in the sensor module 1 may be supported and fixed by a support (not shown). The suction device 30 and the plant state detection device 60 may be supported by a support (not shown) or may be placed on the ground or the like.

[0011] The fixing member 10 fixes the ends of the first tube 21 and the second tube 22 to a partial region R of the back surface La of the leaf L of the plant P. The first tube 21 and the second tube 22 may be fixed by the fixing member 10 in direct contact with the partial region R of the back surface La of the leaf L, or may be fixed indirectly to the partial region R of the back surface La of the leaf L via the fixing member 10. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the fixing member 10 is adhered to the partial region R of the back surface La of the leaf L. The fixing member 10 may be composed of one or more members. The fixing member 10 is configured to follow the shape of the leaf L. The fixing member 10 has, for example, a plate shape. The fixing member 10 has a thickness of 1 mm or less.

[0012] The fixing member 10 may be made of glass, silicone, metal, resin, or a combination of these materials. At least a part of the fixing member 10 of this embodiment is made of a material having translucency or a transparent material. For example, the fixing member 10 is a translucent gel-like adhesive sheet or a glass chip. The fixing member 10 is made of, for example, a material that transmits visible light. In this embodiment, the fixing member 10 is made of a transparent non-metallic material such as glass. Since the fixing member 10 is made of a non-metal, the fixing member 10 is lightweight and highly insulated compared to a container made of metal. Furthermore, the fixing member 10 may be made of cellulose nanofibers and a resin containing cellulose nanofibers having gas barrier properties. In this case, the sensor module 1 can reduce the burden on the plant P and suppress gas leakage from the fixing member 10.

[0013] The fixing member 10 has an adhesive surface 10a as a main surface and an installation surface 10b as a back surface. The adhesive surface 10a faces the back surface La of the leaf L. The installation surface 10b is not in contact with the back surface La of the leaf L and is exposed to the space on the back surface La side of the leaf L.

[0014] The adhesive surface 10a can be adhered to a partial region R of a leaf L of a plant P. Adhesion here refers to intimate contact and adhesion between the back surface La of the leaf L and the adhesive surface 10a of the fixing member 10. The fixing member 10 can be peeled off from the back surface La when a predetermined force is applied in a direction away from the back surface La of the leaf L.

[0015] For example, the adhesive surface 10a of the fixing member 10 adheres to a part of the region R of the back surface La of the leaf L of the plant P by adhesion. Adhesion is an example of adhesion, and refers to the back surface La of the leaf L and the adhesive surface 10a of the fixing member 10 being temporarily in close contact with each other and adhering to each other. An adhesive is applied to the adhesive surface 10a on the surface other than the openings of the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 described later. For example, this adhesive has a weak adhesive force and has a property that the fixing member 10 can be easily peeled off from the back surface La. The adhesive force here is a force generated by contact between the back surface La and the adhesive surface 10a. Also, for example, this adhesive has a strong holding force and has a property that glue is unlikely to remain on the adhesive surface 10a. The holding force here is a force that the adhesive can withstand against slippage when the fixing member 10 is stuck (attached) to the back surface La and a static load is applied to the adhesive surface 10a in one of the extending directions of the adhesive surface 10a. Furthermore, for example, this adhesive has strong tack and has a property that makes it easy for the fixing member 10 to temporarily adhere to the back surface La. Here, tack is a force that indicates wettability when contacting the back surface La, a force that causes the fixing member 10 to adhere to the back surface La in a short time with a light force, and is an element that indicates so-called stickiness. The adhesive of this embodiment is, for example, an adhesive that is detachable from an object and has an acrylic acid-based polymer as a main component. Due to these characteristics, the fixing member 10 adheres to the back surface La of the leaf L when detecting a gas, and can be easily peeled off from the back surface La of the leaf L when the gas detection is completed. In addition, the fixing member 10 can be re-adhered to the target site of the plant P.

[0016] The fixing member 10 is formed with a first flow path 11 and a second flow path 12 through which gas released from the plant P can pass. The first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 are each open toward the adhesive surface 10a of the fixing member 10. The diameter of each of the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 is several μm or more and several mm or less. Each of the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 penetrates, for example, from the adhesive surface 10a to the installation surface 10b. Each of the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 extends along the thickness direction of the fixing member 10.

[0017] The fixing member 10 is attached to the leaf L by an operator so that the positions of the openings of the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 correspond to the positions of the target stomata or cells in the region R. The operator attaches the fixing member 10 to the region R while checking the positions of the stomata, cells, etc. of the leaf L using a magnifying glass or the like. The operator can check the positions of the stomata, cells, etc. of the leaf L through the fixing member 10, which is made of a material that transmits visible light.

[0018] The first tube 21 is connected to the fixing member 10, and allows the gas that has passed through the first flow path 11 to pass therethrough. The second tube 22 is connected to the fixing member 10, and allows the gas that has passed through the second flow path 12 to pass therethrough. At least a part of the first tube 21 and at least a part of the second tube 22 are made of a translucent material or a transparent material. For example, the first tube 21 and the second tube 22 are straw-shaped tubes made of a transparent material. The first tube 21 and the second tube 22 are made of, for example, a resin. The first tube 21 and the second tube 22 have a bendable property. The first tube 21 and the second tube 22 may have an expandable property. The first tube 21 and the second tube 22 have a hollow cylindrical shape.

[0019] One end of the first tube 21 is connected to the installation surface 10b of the fixing member 10 so that the internal space of the first tube 21 communicates with the internal space of the first flow path 11. One end of the second tube 22 is connected to the installation surface 10b of the fixing member 10 so that the internal space of the second tube 22 communicates with the internal space of the second flow path 12. Since the first tube 21 and the second tube 22 are made of a transparent material, an operator can fix the first tube 21 and the second tube 22 to the fixing member 10 while checking the positions of the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 of the fixing member 10. The other end of the first tube 21 and the other end of the second tube 22 are connected to the sampling bag 31 so that the internal spaces of the first tube 21 and the second tube 22 communicate with the internal space of the sampling bag 31 described later.

[0020] The aspirator 30 is connected to the first tube 21 and the second tube 22, and creates a negative pressure in the first flow path 11, the second flow path 12, the inside of the first tube 21, and the inside of the second tube 22. The aspirator 30 includes a sampling bag 31, a suction tube 32, and a pump 33. The sampling bag 31 is provided to make the pressure in the first tube 21 and the pressure in the second tube 22 approximately equal. The sampling bag 31 is a bag for collecting a gas sample. In this embodiment, the sampling bag 31 is connected to the first tube 21, the second tube 22, and the suction tube 32. The sampling bag 31 has a space therein for temporarily storing the gas collected from the first tube 21 and the second tube 22. The gas stored in the space of the sampling bag 31 is discharged from the suction tube 32 connected to the sampling bag 31 toward the pump 33.

[0021] The pump 33 generates an airflow from the back surface La of the leaf L toward the suction tube 32 in the first flow path 11, the first tube 21, and the sampling bag 31. The pump 33 generates an airflow from the back surface La of the leaf L toward the suction tube 32 in the second flow path 12, the second tube 22, and the sampling bag 31. As a result, the pump 33 creates negative pressure in the first flow path 11, the second flow path 12, the first tube 21, and the second tube 22. The gas contained in the space of the sampling bag 31 is discharged to the outside through the suction tube 32 by the pump. The pump 33 is, for example, a MEMS pump. The pump 33 may be, for example, a micropump.

[0022] 3 is a diagram that shows a schematic cross-sectional configuration of the first detection device and the second detection device shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the first detection device 40 is provided in the first pipe 21, and has a first container 41, a first sensor 42, and a first filter 43 (an example of a filter). The second detection device 50 is provided in the second pipe 22, and has a second container 51, a second sensor 52, and a second filter 53 (an example of a filter). In the example shown in FIG. 3, the first detection device 40 and the second detection device 50 have the same configuration and function. In this embodiment, a description of the second detection device 50 is omitted.

[0023] The first container 41 has a space formed therein through which the gas G can flow. The first container 41 is connected to an intake section 23 and an exhaust section 24 which communicate with the space formed therein. The intake section 23 is a portion of the first tube 21 on the fixed member 10 side (upstream side). The exhaust section 24 is a portion of the first tube 21 on the aspirator 30 side (downstream side). The first container 41 has a larger diameter than the first tube 21, for example.

[0024] The first sensor 42 is provided in the first tube 21, detects a plant-derived target substance contained in the gas G, and outputs information on the detected target substance. When the pump 33 of the aspirator 30 is operated to reduce the pressure in the internal space of the first container 41, the gas G is drawn into the first container 41 from the intake section 23 via the first flow path 11 and the first tube 21. The gas G is a gas collected from the back surface La of the leaf L. The gas G includes, for example, various volatile compounds.

[0025] The first sensor 42 of the first detection device 40 and the second sensor 52 of the second detection device 50 detect the same target substance. One first sensor 42 is provided for each first detection device 40. The first sensor 42 detects the gas G emitted from the leaves L contained in the first container 41. The first sensor 42 may be a gas sensor of a semiconductor type, an electrochemical type, a quartz crystal oscillator type, or the like. The first sensor 42 is, for example, a VOC sensor including an organic film such as polyaniline and an oxide semiconductor such as tin oxide (SnO2). The first sensor 42 outputs information on the detected gas G to the plant state detection device 60. The information on the gas G includes, for example, the type of gas G and the concentration of the gas G.

[0026] The first filter 43 is provided in the first tube 21, and passes the target substance contained in the gas G, and removes non-target substances different from the target substance from the gas G. The first filter 43 is disposed upstream of the first sensor 42 in the flow direction of the gas G. The non-target substance is, for example, H2O (moisture). The first filter 43 has a mesh-like lattice including square openings with one side of 0.4 nm to 50 μm, or a mesh-like lattice including rectangular openings with short sides of 0.4 nm to 50 μm and long sides of 0.4 nm to 50 μm. The thickness of each member constituting the lattice of the first filter 43 is 0.4 nm to 50 μm. The material of the first filter 43 is, for example, a hard material that is resistant to rust, such as silicon or aluminum. The lower limit value "0.4 nm" in each numerical range corresponds to the size of one water molecule.

[0027] Here, the gas G emitted from the leaf L may contain a green scent, ethylene, and terpenes. Ethylene is emitted in large amounts from a mature or decaying plant P. Terpenes are emitted in large amounts from a plant P that is under stress due to disease or the like. By measuring ethylene and terpenes, the health condition of the region R on the back surface La of the leaf L of the plant P can be detected with high accuracy.

[0028] The green scent is a volatile substance such as aldehydes, alcohols, and their esters, which have a skeleton with six carbon atoms. Specifically, green scent substances include hexenol (leaf alcohol) and hexenal (leaf aldehyde). Terpenes are (C5H8) n These are organic compounds with unsaturated hydrocarbons as their basic structure, and substances such as terpene alcohols. Specifically, terpene substances include α-pinene and β-caryophyllene.

[0029] The plant state detection device 60 further includes, for example, a battery 61, a control unit 62, and a communication unit 63. The first sensor 42 and the second sensor 52 are connected to the communication unit 63 via the control unit 62. Each of the aspirator 30, the first sensor 42, the second sensor 52, the control unit 62, and the communication unit 63 is supplied with power from the battery 61. The battery 61, the control unit 62, and the communication unit 63 are arranged on, for example, a circuit board. The battery 61 may be connected to an external power source.

[0030] The control unit 62 analyzes the information output from the first sensor 42 and the second sensor 52 to estimate the state of the partial region R on the back surface La of the leaf L of the plant P. As a specific example, the control unit 62 estimates the state of the partial region R on the back surface La of the leaf L by referring to a table in which the type and concentration of the gas G correspond to the state of the partial region R on the back surface La of the leaf L. In addition, the control unit 62 can compare the state of each stomata or the state of each cell in the region R by comparing the concentration of the gas G detected by the first sensor 42 with the concentration of the gas G detected by the second sensor 52. The control unit 62 may estimate at least one state of the state of the back surface La of the leaf L, the state of the entire leaf L, and the state of the plant P based on the state of the partial region R of the leaf L.

[0031] The communication unit 63 is, for example, a wireless communication device. The communication unit 63 transmits information indicating the state of a part of the region R of the target part (leaf L) of the plant P estimated by the control unit 62 to the outside. The communication unit 63 may transmit the information output by the first sensor 42 and the second sensor 52 to an external information terminal. The information terminal may be a stationary or portable personal computer or workstation, or may be a portable terminal such as a notebook computer, a tablet terminal, or a smartphone. When the communication unit 63 transmits the information output by the first sensor 42 and the second sensor 52 to the information terminal, the state of the plant P may be estimated by the information terminal.

[0032] A method for collecting and detecting the gas G released from the leaf L will be described below. First, the fixing member 10 is formed with a first flow path 11 and a second flow path 12 penetrating from the adhesive surface 10a to the installation surface 10b. Next, the first tube 21 and the second tube 22 are connected to the installation surface 10b of the fixing member 10 at positions corresponding to the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12. The first tube 21 and the second tube 22 are respectively attached with a first detection device 40 and a second detection device 50. Next, the first tube 21 and the second tube 22 are connected to the aspirator 30. Power is supplied from a battery 61 to the aspirator 30, the first detection device 40, and the second detection device 50. Next, an adhesive is applied to the adhesive surface 10a of the fixing member 10. An adhesive layer may be formed in advance on the adhesive surface 10a of the fixing member 10. Next, the fixing member 10 is adhered to a part of the region R of the back surface La of the leaf L of the plant P.

[0033] Next, the aspirator 30 is operated to create a negative pressure in the first tube 21 and the second tube 22, so that the gas G released from the leaves L flows through the first tube 21 and the second tube 22 via the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12. In the gas G flowing through the first tube 21, non-target substances are removed by the first filter 43 of the first detection device 40. Then, in the gas G from which the non-target substances have been removed, the target substances in the gas G are detected by the first sensor 42, and information on the target substances is output to the plant state detection device 60. Similarly, in the gas G flowing through the second tube 22, non-target substances are removed by the second filter 53 of the second detection device 50.

[0034] Then, in the gas G from which non-target substances have been removed, the second sensor 52 detects the target substance in the gas G, and information on the target substance is output to the plant state detection device 60. The control unit 62 of the plant state detection device 60 analyzes the information output from the first sensor 42 and the second sensor 52 to estimate the state of a portion of the region R on the back surface La of the leaf L of the plant P. After the information on the target substance is output, the fixing member 10 is detached from the back surface La of the leaf L by the operator pulling the fixing member 10 with a predetermined force in a direction away from the back surface La of the leaf L.

[0035] [Summary of the embodiment] In the sensor module 1, the fixing member 10 fixes the first tube 21 and the second tube 22 to a partial region R of the back surface La of the leaf L, which is a target site of the plant P. This allows the first tube 21 and the second tube 22 to appropriately collect the gas G released from stomata, cells, etc. in the partial region R.

[0036] The gas G released from the region R of the target part of the plant P can pass through the first flow path 11 formed in the fixing member 10. The first flow path 11 and the first tube 21 are negatively pressurized by the aspirator 30, so that the gas G passes through the first tube 21 from the back surface La of the leaf L via the first flow path 11. This allows the first sensor 42 provided in the first tube 21 to detect the target substance derived from the plant contained in the passing gas G and output information on the detected target substance. Therefore, the sensor module 1 can appropriately detect the gas G released from the region R of the target part of the plant P on which the fixing member 10 is provided. The control unit 62 connected to the sensor module 1 can chemically measure the condition of the region of the target part of the plant P based on the information on the gas detected by the sensor module 1. The sensor module 1 can measure the health condition of each region in one target part in detail.

[0037] A part of the target part of the plant P from which the gas G is collected is, for example, the outer edge (leaf tip) of the leaf L. The outer edge of the leaf L is known to be more susceptible to withering or disease than other parts of the leaf L because nutrients and moisture are not distributed to the outer edge. In order to obtain bioinformation of a part of such a leaf L (one example of a target part), it is possible to use the gas G emitted from the leaf L. However, when a method of wrapping the entire leaf is adopted, as in the method described in Patent Document 1, the gas emitted from the entire leaf L is comprehensively collected and sensed, and unnecessary data based on gas other than the target part is also obtained. For this reason, there is a possibility that bioinformation of the target part cannot be obtained accurately.

[0038] On the other hand, the sensor module 1 of the present embodiment can appropriately detect the gas G emitted from a part of the region R of the target part of the plant P, as described above. For this reason, for example, the sensor module 1 can be provided in an area where a part of the leaf L is withered or diseased. This allows the state of the withered or diseased area to be accurately grasped. Also, for example, the sensor module 1 can be provided in the outer edge of a healthy leaf L that is not yet withered or diseased. This allows the sensor module 1 to capture the gas G before and after withering or disease, and to grasp the cause of withering or the type of disease (cause of disease) based on the type and concentration of the gas G detected before and after withering or disease. The worker can select an appropriate treatment for the leaf L of the plant P based on the grasped cause of withering or type of disease.

[0039] Moreover, in the sensor module 1 of this embodiment, the fixing member 10 is adhered to a partial region R of the back surface La of the leaf L, which is the target site of the plant P. Compared to the case where the end of the first tube is directly adhered to the target site of the plant P, the fixing member 10 can ensure a wide adhesion surface 10a for the target site, and therefore can be easily adhered to the target site.

[0040] In addition, in the sensor module 1, the fixing member 10 is formed with a second flow path 12 that allows the gas G released from the plant P to pass therethrough and is separate from the first flow path 11, and further includes a second tube 22 that corresponds to the second flow path 12 and is separate from the first tube 21, and the aspirator 30 is connected to the second tube 22 and creates a negative pressure in the second flow path 12 and the second tube 22. This sensor module 1 can collect the gas G released from stomata or cells in the region R to which the fixing member 10 is attached, via each of the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12. Therefore, this sensor module 1 can efficiently detect the gas G released from a part of the region R of the target site of the plant P.

[0041] The sensor module 1 further includes a second sensor 52 that is provided in the second pipe 22, detects a target substance derived from a plant contained in the gas G, and outputs information on the detected target substance, and the first sensor 42 and the second sensor 52 detect the same target substance. The first sensor 42 and the second sensor 52 can compare information on the concentration of the target substance collected at the same time for each component (e.g., stomata, cells, etc.) of the plant P corresponding to the respective positions of the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12.

[0042] The sensor module 1 further includes a first filter 43 provided in the first tube 21, which passes the target substance contained in the gas G and removes non-target substances different from the target substance from the gas G. In this case, by removing the non-target substances, the first sensor 42 can detect the target substance in the gas G released from the region R of the plant P to which the fixing member 10 is attached with high accuracy. The sensor module 1 further includes a second filter 53 provided in the second tube 22, which passes the target substance contained in the gas G and removes non-target substances different from the target substance from the gas G. In this case, by removing the non-target substances, the second sensor 52 can detect the target substance in the gas G released from the region R of the plant P to which the fixing member 10 is attached with high accuracy.

[0043] The adhesive surface 10a of the fixing member 10 adheres by adhesion to a partial region R of the target site (leaf L) of the plant P. Since the fixing member 10 is adhered to the partial region R of the target site of the plant P by a simple configuration, the gas G released from this region R can be easily detected.

[0044] Moreover, at least a portion of the fixing member 10, the first tube 21, and the second tube 22 is made of a light-transmitting material or a transparent material. This makes it possible to suppress inhibition of the photosynthetic action in the leaves L when the target part of the plant P is the leaves L. Also, when the target part of the plant P is fruit, it is possible to suppress deterioration of the color of the fruit. Furthermore, the worker can adhere the fixing member 10 to the target part while checking the target part, and can fix the first tube 21 and the second tube 22 to the fixing member 10 while checking the position of the fixing member 10.

[0045] Furthermore, since the fixing member 10 is a hard member made of a transparent non-metallic material such as glass, deformation of the first flow path and the second flow path is suppressed, and the positions of the openings of the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 are suppressed from shifting from the positions of the target pores or cells in the region R.

[0046] Although various exemplary embodiments have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made.

[0047] The adhesive surface 10a of the fixing member 10 may not be adhered to the region R by adhesion. The fixing member 10 may be adhered to a part of the region R by being fixed to the target site of the plant P by another clip member or the like. The fixing member 10 may be adsorbed to a part of the region R of the target site by, for example, creating negative pressure in the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 via the first tube 21 and the second tube 22 by the aspirator 30. The fixing member 10 and the first tube 21 and the second tube 22 may be integrally configured. The first tube 21 and the first container 41 of the first detection device 40 may be integrally configured. The second tube 22 and the second container 51 of the second detection device 50 may be integrally configured.

[0048] Each opening of the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 may be provided so that one or more tissues constituting the target object can enter therethrough. The second flow path 12 may not be provided in the fixed member 10. In this case, the sensor module 1 may not include the second tube 22 and the second sensor 52. The fixed member 10 may be provided with one or more flow paths different from the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12. In this case, the sensor module 1 may include one or more tubes and one or more sensors.

[0049] Also, the suction tube 32 may be an example of the first tube. A plurality of sensors may be provided in tubes such as the first tube 21 and the second tube 22. Each of the first detection device 40 and the second detection device 50 may have a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a CO2 sensor, and an illuminance sensor as a sensor.

[0050] In the sensor module 1, the first sensor 42 and the second sensor 52 may detect different target substances. In this case, the first sensor 42 and the second sensor 52 detect different target substances in the first tube 21 and the second tube 22. For example, the first sensor 42 and the second sensor 52 are different sensors. Therefore, the first tube 21 and the second tube 22 can collectively acquire information on the type of gas G released from the region R of the plant P to which the fixing member 10 is attached and the concentration of multiple types of gases. Note that the first tube 21 and the second tube 22 may be provided with one or more different sensors, and may also be provided with one or more identical sensors. The above-mentioned sensors that detect different target substances may be, for example, a sensor in which one sensor detects a compound having both a hydrophilic group and a hydrophobic group, such as green leaf alcohol or green leaf aldehyde, and a sensor in which the other sensor detects terpenes having a cyclic structure, such as α-pinene, β-pinene, or limonene.

[0051] The sensor module 1 may include a plurality of aspirators 30. In the sensor module 1, an aspirator may be provided for each of the first tube 21 and the second tube 22. In this case, the aspirator does not need to include the sampling bag 31. The first detection device 40 may not need to be provided with the first filter 43, and the second detection device 50 may not need to be provided with the second filter 53.

[0052] The fixing member 10 may not have an adhesive surface 10a. The fixing member 10 may not have the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12. The fixing member 10 may be, for example, a clip member or a double-sided tape. The fixing member 10 may fix the ends of the first tube 21 and the second tube 22 to a partial region R of the target site by sandwiching the target site of the plant P and the ends of the first tube 21 and the second tube 22. The end of the first tube 21 and the end of the second tube 22 may be positioned along the partial region R of the target site, or may be arranged to intersect.

[0053] 4 is a diagram showing a detailed appearance of a sensor module according to a modified example. As shown in FIG. 4, the sensor module 1A according to the modified example differs from the sensor module 1 according to the above-described embodiment in that the fixing member 15 is not provided with the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12. The sensor module 1A according to the modified example also differs from the sensor module 1 according to the above-described embodiment in that the end 26 of the first tube 25 is fixed along the back surface La of the leaf L of the target site. In the following description, descriptions that overlap with the above-described embodiment will be omitted as appropriate. The same reference numerals are given to configurations having the same configurations and functions as the above-described embodiment.

[0054] The fixing member 15 fixes the end 26 of the first tube 25 to a partial region R of the back surface La of the leaf L of the plant P. The first tube 25 is fixed by the fixing member 15 in direct contact with the partial region R of the back surface La of the leaf L. The fixing member 15 has an adhesive surface 15a as a main surface. The adhesive surface 15a faces the back surface La of the leaf L. The adhesive surface 15a can be adhered to the partial region R of the leaf L of the plant P. For example, the end 26 of the first tube 25 is provided so as to be sandwiched between the center of the adhesive surface 15a and the back surface La of the leaf L. The outer edge of the adhesive surface 15a is adhered to the back surface La of the leaf L. A part of the outer edge of the adhesive surface 15a is adhered to the end 26 of the first tube 25.

[0055] The first tube 25 has a bendable property. The end 26 of the first tube 25 is disposed along the back surface La of the leaf L and is fixed to the back surface La of the leaf L by the fixing member 10. The opening 26a of the end 26 of the first tube 25 opens toward a partial region R of the back surface La of the leaf L. The opening 26a of the end 26 of the first tube 25 may open in a direction perpendicular to (intersecting) the partial region R of the back surface La of the leaf L. The other end of the first tube 25 is connected so that each space inside the first tube 25 communicates with the aspirator 30. In this way, the sensor module 1A can appropriately detect the gas emitted from the partial region R of the target part of the plant P with a simple configuration. Although the form of only the first tube 25 has been described in FIG. 4, the sensor module 1A may include one or more tubes (second tubes) having a configuration similar to that of the first tube 25.

[0056] [Modes included in this disclosure] The present disclosure includes the aspects described in the following clauses.

[0057] (Clause 1) A sensor module according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a first tube through which gas released from a plant can pass, a fixing member that fixes an end of the first tube to a partial area of ​​a target part of the plant, an aspirator connected to the first tube that creates negative pressure inside the first tube, and a first sensor provided in the first tube that detects a target substance derived from the plant contained in the gas and outputs information about the detected target substance.

[0058] In the sensor module described in clause 1, the fixing member fixes an end of the first tube to a partial area of ​​the target part of the plant. Gas released from this area can pass through the first tube fixed to the fixing member. By applying negative pressure to the first tube by the aspirator, the gas passes through the first tube from the back surface La of the leaf L. This allows the first sensor provided in the first tube to detect a target substance derived from the plant contained in the passing gas and output information on the detected target substance. Therefore, this sensor module can appropriately detect gas released from a partial area of ​​the target part of the plant to which the fixing member is provided. For example, the sensor module can chemically measure the health condition of the plant based on information on the detected gas.

[0059] (Clause 2) In the sensor module described in clause 1, the fixing member is formed with a first flow path through which gas released from the plant can pass, the fixing member has an adhesive surface that can be adhered to a partial area of ​​a target part of the plant, the first tube is connected to the fixing member and allows the gas that has passed through the first flow path to pass through, and the aspirator creates negative pressure in the first flow path and inside the first tube.

[0060] In the sensor module described in clause 2, the fixing member is attached to a partial area of ​​the target part of the plant. The gas released from this area can pass through a first flow path formed in the fixing member. By applying negative pressure to the first flow path and the first tube by the aspirator, the gas passes through the first tube from the back surface La of the leaf L via the first flow path. This allows the first sensor provided in the first tube to detect a target substance derived from the plant contained in the passing gas and output information on the detected target substance. Therefore, this sensor module can appropriately detect the gas released from a partial area of ​​the target part of the plant to which the fixing member is provided. For example, the sensor module can chemically measure the health condition of the plant based on information on the detected gas.

[0061] (Clause 3) In the sensor module described in Clause 2, the fixing member may be formed with a second flow path that allows gas released from the plant to pass therethrough and is separate from the first flow path, and may further include a second tube that corresponds to the second flow path and is separate from the first tube, and the aspirator may be connected to the second tube and may create a negative pressure in the second flow path and the second tube. This sensor module can collect gas released from stomata or cells in the region where the fixing member is attached via each of the first and second flow paths. Thus, this sensor module can efficiently detect gas released from a partial region of a target part of a plant.

[0062] (Clause 4) The sensor module described in clause 3 may further include a second sensor provided in the second pipe, detecting a target substance derived from a plant contained in the gas, and outputting information on the detected target substance, and the first sensor and the second sensor may detect the same target substance. In this case, the same target substance is detected by the first sensor and the second sensor in the first pipe and the second pipe. Thus, the first sensor and the second sensor can compare information on the concentration of the target substance collected at the same time for each plant component (e.g., stomata, cells, etc.) corresponding to the respective positions of the first flow path and the second flow path.

[0063] (Clause 5) The sensor module described in clause 3 further includes a second sensor provided in the second tube, detecting a target substance derived from a plant contained in the gas, and outputting information on the detected target substance, and the first sensor and the second sensor may detect target substances different from each other. In this case, the first sensor and the second sensor detect target substances different from each other in the first tube and the second tube. Thus, the first tube and the second tube can collectively acquire information on the type of gas released from the region of the plant to which the fixing member is attached, and on the concentrations of multiple types of gases.

[0064] (Clause 6) The sensor module described in any one of clauses 1 to 5 may further include a filter provided in the first pipe for passing a target substance contained in the gas and removing non-target substances different from the target substance from the gas. In this case, by removing the non-target substances, the first sensor can detect with high accuracy the target substance in the gas released from the region of the plant to which the fixing member is attached.

[0065] (Clause 7) In the sensor module described in any one of clauses 2 to 6, the adhesive surface of the fixing member may be adhered to the partial area of ​​the target part of the plant by adhesion. Since the fixing member is adhered to the partial area of ​​the target part of the plant by a simple configuration, gas released from this area can be easily detected.

[0066] (Article 8) In the sensor module described in any one of clauses 1 to 7, at least a part of the fixing member and the first tube may be made of a light-transmitting material or a transparent material. In this case, for example, when the target part of the plant is a leaf, it is possible to suppress inhibition of photosynthesis in the leaf. Also, for example, when the target part of the plant is a fruit, it is possible to suppress deterioration of color in the fruit. Furthermore, an operator can fix the fixing member to the target part while checking the target part, and can fix the first tube while checking the position of the target part or the fixing member. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 1,1A...sensor module, 10,15...fixing member, 10a...adhesive surface, 11...first flow path, 12...second flow path, 21,25...first tube, 22...second tube, 30...aspirator, 42...first sensor, 43...first filter, 52...second sensor, 53...second filter, G...gas, L...leaf, P...plant, R...area.

Claims

1. a first pipe through which gas emitted from the plant can pass; A fixing member that fixes an end of the first tube to a partial region of the target site of the plant; an aspirator connected to the first tube and creating a negative pressure in the first tube; a first sensor provided in the first pipe, detecting a target substance derived from a plant contained in the gas, and outputting information on the detected target substance; A sensor module comprising:

2. The fixing member is formed with a first flow path through which a gas released from a plant can pass, the fixing member has an adhesive surface that can be adhered to a partial region of a target site of the plant, the first pipe is connected to the fixed member and allows the gas that has passed through the first flow path to pass therethrough, The sensor module according to claim 1 , wherein the aspirator creates a negative pressure in the first flow path and inside the first tube.

3. The fixing member has a second flow path formed therein, through which a gas released from a plant can pass and which is separate from the first flow path; a second tube corresponding to the second flow path and separate from the first tube; The sensor module according to claim 2 , wherein the aspirator is connected to the second pipe and creates a negative pressure in the second flow path and inside the second pipe.

4. a second sensor provided in the second pipe for detecting a target substance derived from a plant contained in the gas and outputting information on the detected target substance; The sensor module according to claim 3 , wherein the first sensor and the second sensor detect the same target substance.

5. a second sensor provided in the second pipe for detecting a target substance derived from a plant contained in the gas and outputting information on the detected target substance; The sensor module according to claim 3 , wherein the first sensor and the second sensor detect different target substances.

6. The sensor module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a filter provided in the first tube for passing a target substance contained in the gas and removing non-target substances different from the target substance from the gas.

7. The sensor module according to claim 2 , wherein the adhesive surface of the fixing member is adhered to the partial area of ​​the target site of the plant by adhesion.

8. The sensor module according to claim 1 , wherein the fixing member and at least a part of the first tube are made of a light-transmitting material or a transparent material.

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