Cultivation management system

Abstract

To provide a cultivation management system capable of evaluating the growth status of cultivated plants.SOLUTION: A system includes an imaging unit that images a cultivated plant P, a state detection unit that detects the state of a flower cluster D of the cultivated plant P based on the image acquired by the imaging unit, a separation detection unit that detects a separation index value that is a value indicating the degree of separation between a stem apex B of the cultivated plant P and the flower cluster D based on the image, and an index output unit that outputs a growth index that is an index indicating the growth state of the cultivated plant P based on the detection result by the state detection unit and the detection result by the separation detection unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cultivation management system. [Background technology]

[0002] The cultivation management system described in Patent Document 1 (referred to as an "irrigation control system" in Patent Document 1) is configured to perform irrigation according to the degree of leaf firmness of cultivated plants. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-43779 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Patent Document 1 does not contain any description of evaluating the growth state of cultivated plants (for example, the degree of bias toward reproductive growth or vegetative growth).

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a cultivation management system capable of evaluating the growth state of cultivated plants. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention is characterized by comprising: an imaging unit that images a cultivated plant; a state detection unit that detects a state of an inflorescence of the cultivated plant based on the image acquired by the imaging unit; and a separation detection unit that detects a separation index value, which is a value indicating the degree of separation between the stem apex of the cultivated plant and the inflorescence, based on the image; The state detection unit detects a flowering stage of each flower in the flower cluster, and and, The distance index value and outputting a growth index, which is an index indicating the growth state of the cultivated plant, based on the result. Department Preparation 、 The growth index output by the index output unit indicates the degree of bias toward reproductive growth or vegetative growth of the cultivated plant.

[0007] According to this configuration, a growth index is output based on the detection result by the state detection unit and the detection result by the separation detection unit. The inventors of the present application found that the growth index thus output makes it possible to evaluate the growth state of cultivated plants (for example, the degree of bias toward reproductive growth or vegetative growth). Therefore, according to this configuration, it is possible to realize a cultivation management system that can evaluate the growth state of cultivated plants.

[0008]

[0009] Furthermore, according to this configuration, a growth index is output based on the flowering stage of each flower in the inflorescence and the detection result by the separation detection unit. The inventors of the present application found that the growth index thus output makes it easy to accurately evaluate the growth state of cultivated plants (for example, the degree of bias toward reproductive growth or vegetative growth). Therefore, according to this configuration, a cultivation management system that makes it easy to accurately evaluate the growth state of cultivated plants can be realized.

[0010] Furthermore, in the present invention, the index output unit has an identification unit that identifies a reference inflorescence, which is the inflorescence in a predetermined flowering state, based on the detection result by the state detection unit, and the separation detection unit is configured to detect a reference separation index value, which is a value indicating the degree of separation between the stem tip and the reference inflorescence, and it is preferable that the index output unit outputs the growth index based on the reference separation index value.

[0011] According to this configuration, when comparing a growth index of a cultivated plant whose growth state is being evaluated with a growth index to be compared (for example, a past growth index in the same growing season, a growth index in a past growing season, a growth index from last year, a growth index of a cultivated plant in another facility, a standard growth index, etc.), these growth indexes can be output based on the standard distance index value. This makes it possible to make a comparison after aligning the conditions for the flowering state of the inflorescence. As a result, it becomes easier to accurately evaluate the growth state of the cultivated plant.

[0012] Furthermore, in the present invention, the index output unit has an estimation unit that estimates a value indicating the degree of separation between the stem apex and the inflorescence at the time when the inflorescence was in the specified flowering state based on the flowering stage of each flower in the inflorescence that is more advanced in flowering than a specified flowering state and the detection result by the separation detection unit, and it is preferable that the index output unit outputs the growth index based on the estimation result by the estimation unit.

[0013] According to this configuration, when comparing a growth index of a cultivated plant that is the subject of evaluation of the growth state with a growth index to be compared (for example, a past growth index in the same growing season, a growth index in a past growing season, a growth index from last year, a growth index of a cultivated plant in another facility, a standard growth index, etc.), the comparison can be performed after aligning the conditions of the flowering state of the inflorescence. As a result, it is easy to accurately evaluate the growth state of the cultivated plant.

[0014] Furthermore, in the present invention, it is preferable that the specified flowering state is a state in which there is only one flower at a reference flowering stage, which is a specified flowering stage, in one inflorescence, and there are no flowers that are more flowered than the reference flowering stage.

[0015] According to this configuration, the period during which the inflorescence is in the predetermined blooming state is relatively short. Therefore, when comparing the growth index of the cultivated plant being evaluated for growth state with the growth index to be compared (for example, past growth indexes in the same growing season, growth indexes in past growing seasons, growth indexes from last year, growth indexes of cultivated plants in other facilities, standard growth indexes, etc.), it is easy to accurately align the conditions of the inflorescence state. Therefore, it is possible to realize a cultivation management system that can easily and accurately evaluate the growth state of cultivated plants.

[0016] Furthermore, in the present invention, it is preferable that the separation detection unit detects, as the separation index value, the length of the stem between the stem apex and a pedicel corresponding to the inflorescence.

[0017] According to this configuration, a growth index is output based on the length of the stem between the stem apex and the peduncle corresponding to the inflorescence. The inventors of the present application found that the growth index thus output makes it easy to accurately evaluate the growth state of a cultivated plant (for example, the degree of bias toward reproductive growth or vegetative growth). Therefore, according to this configuration, a cultivation management system that makes it easy to accurately evaluate the growth state of a cultivated plant can be realized. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the entire interior of the horticultural facility. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the entire interior of the horticultural facility. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a captured image acquired by an imaging section; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a cultivation management system. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing how flowering stages are divided. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a detection result by a state detection unit. [Figure 7] FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] [Configuration of horticultural facilities] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, ridges A1 to A8 for planting cultivated plants P (see FIG. 2) are arranged vertically and horizontally in a horticultural facility 10 as shown in FIG. 1. Passages are provided between each of the ridges A so that a caretaker of the cultivated plants P can pass through. The horticultural facility 10 may be, for example, a vinyl greenhouse or a solar powered plant factory.

[0020] Each ridge A is made of, for example, a nonporous hydrophilic film. A cultivated plant P, for example, a tomato, is planted in each ridge A. As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, an imaging unit Ca is provided inside the horticultural facility 10. The number of imaging units Ca provided may be one, or two or more.

[0021] The imaging unit Ca is a fixed camera having, for example, a CCD element or a CMOS element, and is configured to be able to capture visible light that is visible to the naked eye. The imaging unit Ca captures an image of the cultivated plant P.

[0022] More specifically, the imaging unit Ca is located at a position corresponding to the vertical center of the cultivated plant P. The imaging unit Ca is oriented horizontally and is directed toward the cultivated plant P on the ridge A1.

[0023] 3 shows an example of a captured image acquired by the imaging unit Ca. A first individual P1, a second individual P2, and a third individual P3 are captured in this captured image. The first individual P1, the second individual P2, and the third individual P3 are all cultivated plants P. The captured image also shows the stem apex B and inflorescence D of each of the first individual P1, the second individual P2, and the third individual P3. The imaging unit Ca captures an image of the cultivated plant P in this way so that the stem apex B and inflorescence D of the cultivated plant P are captured in the captured image.

[0024] Although not shown, the horticultural facility 10 is also equipped with environmental sensors, side windows, blackout curtains, heat pump type air conditioning equipment, etc.

[0025] [Configuration of the cultivation management system] As shown in Fig. 4, the cultivation management system S in this embodiment includes a management computer 2 and a display 3. The display 3 is capable of displaying various information. The display contents on the display 3 are controlled by the management computer 2. In addition, the cultivation management system S includes a horticultural facility 10.

[0026] That is, the cultivation management system S is equipped with an imaging unit Ca that captures an image of the cultivated plant P.

[0027] [Regarding the status detection unit] As shown in Fig. 4, the management computer 2 has a status detection unit 21. The status detection unit 21 receives a captured image acquired by the imaging unit Ca. The status detection unit 21 detects the status of each inflorescence D of the cultivated plant P based on the captured image. More specifically, the status detection unit 21 detects the flowering stage of each flower in the inflorescence D.

[0028] Incidentally, "the flowering stage of each flower in the inflorescence D" is a specific example of "the state of the inflorescence D." In addition, the method by which the state detection unit 21 detects the flowering stage of each flower in the inflorescence D is not particularly limited, but the flowering stage of each flower in the inflorescence D may be detected by analyzing the captured image using a machine-learned neural network.

[0029] In this manner, the cultivation management system S includes the state detection unit 21 that detects the state of the inflorescence D of the cultivated plant P based on the captured image acquired by the imaging unit Ca.

[0030] In this embodiment, the state detection unit 21 distinguishes the flowering stage of each flower into five stages, "not yet flowered", "early flowering", "middle flowering", "late flowering", and "fruit bearing", as shown in Fig. 5. Flowering progresses in the order of "not yet flowered", "early flowering", "middle flowering", "late flowering", and "fruit bearing".

[0031] Each flowering stage is assigned a flowering progress level represented by a symbol (e.g., a number or an alphabet). In this embodiment, the flowering progress levels of "not yet flowered", "early flowering", "mid flowering", "late flowering", and "fruiting" are FS0, FS1, FS2, FS3, and FS4, respectively.

[0032] "Unbloomed" means that the sepals have not yet split, or that the sepals have split but the petals are not visible.

[0033] In the "early flowering" stage, the sepals are split, the petals are visible, the tips of the sepals are pointing inward, the petals are not split, and the flower as a whole is roughly rectangular in shape.

[0034] In the "mid-flowering stage," the petals are split, the sepals are not curled outward, and the flower as a whole is bell-shaped.

[0035] In the "late flowering" stage, the sepals curl outward and the petals also curl outward except in the morning.

[0036] "Fruit set" refers to the state in which fruit can be visually confirmed.

[0037] In this embodiment, a flower is considered to be in any of the following states: "unflowered," "early flowering," "mid flowering," "late flowering," or "fruit-bearing," regardless of whether the petals are visible or not.

[0038] The state detection unit 21 individually detects the flowering stage of each flower in all the inflorescences D captured in the captured images acquired by the imaging unit Ca. In other words, the state detection unit 21 individually detects the flowering stage of each flower captured in the captured images acquired by the imaging unit Ca.

[0039] However, the present invention is not limited to this. The state detection unit 21 may detect the flowering stage of each flower only for some of the flower clusters D among the flower clusters D captured in the captured image acquired by the imaging unit Ca. The state detection unit 21 may also detect the flowering stage of only some of the flowers among the flowers captured in the captured image acquired by the imaging unit Ca.

[0040] 6 shows an example of the detection result by the state detection unit 21. Here, the detection result of the flowering stage of each flower in the upper inflorescence D of the two inflorescences D of the first individual P1 is shown.

[0041] 6 shows an inflorescence D having four flowers. The state detection unit 21 detects that the flowering stage of the flower located at the top of these flowers is "early flowering" (in other words, the flowering stage is FS1), and that the flowering stages of all the other flowers are "not yet flowered" (in other words, the flowering stage is FS0).

[0042] The method of dividing the flowering stages (in other words, the definition of each flowering stage) and the number of stages are not limited to those described above, and may be changed as appropriate.

[0043] 4, the management computer 2 has an index output unit 22. The result of detection by the status detection unit 21 is sent to the index output unit 22.

[0044] [About the length detector] As shown in FIG. 4, the management computer 2 has a length detection unit 23 (corresponding to the "distance detection unit" of the present invention). The length detection unit 23 receives the captured image acquired by the imaging unit Ca. The length detection unit 23 detects a distance index value based on the captured image. The distance index value is a value indicating the degree of distance between the stem apex B and the inflorescence D of the cultivated plant P. In this embodiment, the length detection unit 23 detects the length of the stem between the stem apex B and the pedicel E corresponding to the inflorescence D as the distance index value. That is, the length of the stem between the stem apex B and the pedicel E corresponding to the inflorescence D is a specific example of the distance index value. It can be said that the longer the length of the stem between the stem apex B and the pedicel E corresponding to the inflorescence D, the greater the distance between the stem apex B and the inflorescence D.

[0045] In this way, the cultivation management system S is equipped with a length detection unit 23 that detects a separation index value, which is a value indicating the degree of separation between the stem apex B and the inflorescence D of the cultivated plant P, based on the captured image.

[0046] The method by which the length detection unit 23 detects the length of the stem between the stem apex B and the pedicel E corresponding to the inflorescence D is not particularly limited, but the length may be detected by analyzing the captured image using a machine-learned neural network to recognize the stem apex B and the pedicel E. Information indicating the distance from the imaging unit Ca to the cultivated plant P may also be used to detect the length. The information may be acquired, for example, by a radar or the like.

[0047] For example, when the length detection unit 23 detects the length of the stem between the shoot apex B and the pedicel E of the first individual P1, the length detection unit 23 detects the detected length G1 as shown in Fig. 7. The detected length G1 is the length of the stem between the shoot apex B of the first individual P1 and the pedicel E corresponding to the upper one of the two inflorescences D of the first individual P1.

[0048] However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, when the length detection unit 23 detects the length of the stem between the shoot apex B of the cultivated plant P and the peduncle E corresponding to the inflorescence D, the inflorescence D may be any inflorescence D of the cultivated plant P.

[0049] Furthermore, the length detection unit 23 may detect the stem lengths of only some of the cultivated plants P captured in the captured image acquired by the imaging unit Ca, or may detect the stem lengths of all of the cultivated plants P. Furthermore, the length detection unit 23 may detect the linear distance between the stem apex B and the pedicel E (particularly, the base of the pedicel E) corresponding to the inflorescence D. The linear distance between the stem apex B and the pedicel E (particularly, the base of the pedicel E) corresponding to the inflorescence D is a specific example of a distance index value. It can be said that the longer the linear distance between the stem apex B and the pedicel E (particularly, the base of the pedicel E) corresponding to the inflorescence D, the greater the distance between the stem apex B and the inflorescence D.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 4, the detection result by the length detection unit 23 is sent to the index output unit 22.

[0051] [Regarding the indicator output section] The index output unit 22 outputs a growth index based on the detection result by the state detection unit 21 and the detection result by the length detection unit 23. The growth index is an index that indicates the growth state of the cultivated plant P.

[0052] That is, the cultivation management system S is equipped with an index output unit 22 that outputs a growth index, which is an index indicating the growth state of the cultivated plant P, based on the detection results by the status detection unit 21 and the detection results by the length detection unit 23.

[0053] The growth index may be any index that indicates the growth state of the cultivated plant P. The growth index is preferably an index that indicates the degree of bias toward reproductive growth or vegetative growth of the cultivated plant P. The degree of bias toward reproductive growth or vegetative growth of the cultivated plant P is a specific example of the growth state of the cultivated plant P.

[0054] Although not particularly limited, the index output unit 22 may output a growth index for some of the cultivated plants P (for example, one cultivated plant P) among the multiple cultivated plants P (in other words, all the cultivated plants P in the horticultural facility 10) that are managed by the cultivation management system S, or may output a growth index for all the cultivated plants P. Furthermore, the index output unit 22 may output a growth index for one or more cultivated plants P selected as representatives of all the cultivated plants P as the growth index for all the cultivated plants P. Furthermore, the index output unit 22 may output a growth index for each of the multiple cultivated plants P individually (in other words, it may output multiple growth indexes), or it may output one growth index as the growth index for the multiple cultivated plants P.

[0055] Although not particularly limited, the growth index may be a separation index value. The growth index may be the length of the stem between the shoot apex B of the cultivated plant P and the peduncle E corresponding to the inflorescence D, or may be a numerical value or a category determined based on the length. The numerical value may be, for example, a statistical value such as an average value or a median value of a plurality of the lengths corresponding to a plurality of cultivated plants P, or may be a numerical value of the degree of bias toward reproductive growth or vegetative growth of the cultivated plant P. The category may be, for example, one of the three categories of "leaning toward reproductive growth", "well-balanced state", and "leaning toward vegetative growth" to which the state of the cultivated plant P corresponds.

[0056] 4, the index output unit 22 controls the display content on the display 3. When the index output unit 22 outputs a growth index, the index output unit 22 causes the growth index to be displayed on the display 3. This allows the user to check the growth index output by the index output unit 22.

[0057] In this embodiment, the management computer 2 (index output unit 22) outputs the growth index by two types of processing, a first output processing and a second output processing. The first output processing and the second output processing will be described below.

[0058] [First output process] 4, the index output unit 22 has a specification unit 24. The specification unit 24 specifies a reference inflorescence DA based on the detection result by the state detection unit 21. The reference inflorescence DA is an inflorescence D in a predetermined blooming state.

[0059] That is, the index output unit 22 has an identification unit 24 that identifies a reference inflorescence DA, which is an inflorescence D in a predetermined flowering state, based on the detection result by the state detection unit 21.

[0060] Although not particularly limited, in this embodiment, the predetermined flowering state is a state in which there is only one flower at the reference flowering stage in one inflorescence D, and there are no flowers that are more advanced in flowering than the reference flowering stage. The reference flowering stage is a predetermined flowering stage.

[0061] In other words, the specified flowering state is a state in which in one inflorescence D, there is only one flower at a specified flowering stage, which is the reference flowering stage, and there are no flowers that are more flowered than the reference flowering stage.

[0062] In this embodiment, the reference flowering stage is "early flowering". However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the reference flowering stage may be "mid-flowering" or "late flowering".

[0063] In the first output process, first, the flowering stage of each flower in all inflorescences D captured in the captured image acquired by the imaging unit Ca is detected individually by the state detection unit 21. For example, in the example shown in Fig. 3, the flowering stage of each flower in all inflorescences D of the first individual P1, the second individual P2, and the third individual P3 is detected individually.

[0064] Next, the identification unit 24 acquires the detection result by the state detection unit 21, and identifies a reference inflorescence DA from among the inflorescences D based on the detection result. For example, in the example shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 6, the flowering stage of one flower in the upper inflorescence D of the two inflorescences D owned by the first individual P1 is "early flowering", and the flowering stages of all the other flowers are "not yet flowered". Therefore, this inflorescence D is identified as the reference inflorescence DA.

[0065] Next, the length detection unit 23 obtains the result of the determination by the determination unit 24 from the index output unit 22, and detects a reference distance index value based on the result of the determination. The reference distance index value is a value indicating the degree of distance between the apex B of the cultivated plant P having the reference inflorescence DA and the reference inflorescence DA. In this embodiment, the length detection unit 23 detects a reference length as the reference distance index value. The reference length is the length of the stem between the apex B of the cultivated plant P having the reference inflorescence DA and the peduncle E corresponding to the reference inflorescence DA. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 7, the detected length G1 is the reference length. The reference length is a specific example of the reference distance index value. It can be said that the longer the reference length, the greater the distance between the apex B of the cultivated plant P having the reference inflorescence DA and the reference inflorescence DA.

[0066] In this way, the length detection unit 23 is configured to detect a reference distance index value, which is a value indicating the degree of distance between the stem apex B and the reference inflorescence DA. As is clear from the above explanation, the reference distance index value is a specific example of a distance index value.

[0067] Next, the index output unit 22 acquires the reference distance index value (more specifically, the reference length) detected by the length detection unit 23, and outputs a growth index based on the reference length. That is, in the first output process, the index output unit 22 outputs a growth index based on the reference distance index value (more specifically, the reference length).

[0068] In the first output process, the growth index is output by the method described above. Although not particularly limited, the growth index output by the first output process may be the reference distance index value (more specifically, the reference length) itself, or may be a numerical value or a classification determined based on the reference distance index value (more specifically, the reference length). The numerical value may be, for example, a numerical value representing the degree of bias toward reproductive growth or vegetative growth of the cultivated plant P (more specifically, the cultivated plant P having the reference inflorescence DA). The classification may be, for example, a classification to which the state of the cultivated plant P (more specifically, the cultivated plant P having the reference inflorescence DA) corresponds, among the three classifications of "leaning toward reproductive growth", "well-balanced state", and "leaning toward vegetative growth".

[0069] In addition, a cultivated plant P having an inflorescence D in a predetermined flowering state is evaluated as being more reproductive the smaller the distance between the shoot apex B and the inflorescence D, and more vegetative the larger the distance. For example, the shorter the length of the stem between the shoot apex B and the pedicel E corresponding to the inflorescence D, the more reproductive the plant is evaluated, and the longer the length, the more vegetative the plant is evaluated.

[0070] [Second output process] As shown in FIG. 4, the index output unit 22 has an estimation unit 25. The estimation unit 25 estimates a value indicating the degree of separation between the apex B and the inflorescence D at the time when the inflorescence D was in the predetermined flowering state based on the flowering stage of each flower in the inflorescence D that is more advanced than the predetermined flowering state and the detection result by the length detection unit 23. In this embodiment, the estimation unit 25 estimates the length of the stem between the apex B and the pedicel E corresponding to the inflorescence D at the time when the inflorescence D was in the predetermined flowering state as the value. In other words, the length of the stem between the apex B and the pedicel E corresponding to the inflorescence D at the time when the inflorescence D was in the predetermined flowering state is a specific example of a value indicating the degree of separation between the apex B and the inflorescence D at the time when the inflorescence D was in the predetermined flowering state.

[0071] In this way, the index output unit 22 has an estimation unit 25 that estimates a value indicating the degree of separation between the stem apex B and the inflorescence D at the time when the inflorescence D was in the predetermined flowering state, based on the flowering stage of each flower in the inflorescence D that is more flowered than the predetermined flowering state and the detection result by the length detection unit 23. That is, the estimation unit 25 estimates a past separation index value (more specifically, the separation index value at the time when the inflorescence D was in the predetermined flowering state).

[0072] In the second output process, first, the state detection unit 21 individually detects the flowering stage of each flower in one of the multiple inflorescences D captured in the captured image acquired by the imaging unit Ca. For example, in the example shown in Fig. 3, the flowering stage of each flower in the upper inflorescence D of the two inflorescences D of the second individual P2 may be individually detected.

[0073] Of the two inflorescences D of the second individual P2, the upper inflorescence D has eight flowers. Of these flowers, one is in "late flowering", two are in "mid flowering", another two are in "early flowering", and three are "unflowered". Therefore, the inflorescence D is one in which each flower has flowered more than the predetermined flowering state. In other words, the inflorescence D was in the predetermined flowering state at a point in the past.

[0074] In addition, the selection condition of the inflorescence D to be detected at this time may be any condition. For example, the inflorescence D may be selected based on the position of the inflorescence D, the number of flowers that the inflorescence D has, or the like.

[0075] Next, the length detection unit 23 detects the length of the stem between the apex B of the stem of the cultivated plant P having the inflorescence D that is the detection target of the condition detection unit 21 and the pedicel E corresponding to the inflorescence D. For example, when the detection target of the condition detection unit 21 is the upper inflorescence D of the two inflorescences D of the second individual P2, the length of the stem between the apex B of the second individual P2 and the pedicel E corresponding to the inflorescence D is detected.

[0076] Next, the index output unit 22 acquires the detection result by the state detection unit 21 and the detection result by the length detection unit 23. Then, based on the detection result by the state detection unit 21 and the detection result by the length detection unit 23, the estimation unit 25 estimates the length of the stem between the shoot apex B of the cultivated plant P having the inflorescence D detected by the state detection unit 21 and the pedicel E corresponding to the inflorescence D at the time when the inflorescence D was in a predetermined blooming state.

[0077] For example, when the detection target by the state detection unit 21 is the upper inflorescence D of the two inflorescences D of the second individual P2, the length of the stem between the stem apex B of the second individual P2 and the pedicel E corresponding to the inflorescence D at the time when the inflorescence D was in a specified flowering state is estimated.

[0078] Although not particularly limited, the estimation result by the estimation unit 25 may be a result of performing a correction process on the detection result by the length detection unit 23 according to the detection result by the status detection unit 21. The correction process may be performed based on past environmental information. The environmental information may be, for example, the temperature, the accumulated temperature, or the humidity inside the horticultural facility 10. The correction process may be a process of decreasing a value. The correction process may be, for example, multiplying by a coefficient. The coefficient may be, for example, a value greater than 0 and less than 1, or may be a value calculated according to the detection result by the status detection unit 21.

[0079] Next, the index output unit 22 outputs a growth index based on the estimation result by the estimation unit 25.

[0080] In the second output process, the growth index is output by the method described above. Although not particularly limited, the growth index output by the second output process may be the estimation result by the estimation unit 25 itself, or may be a numerical value or a classification determined based on the estimation result by the estimation unit 25. The numerical value may be, for example, a numerical value representing the degree of bias toward reproductive growth or vegetative growth of the cultivated plant P (more specifically, the cultivated plant P that is the subject of estimation by the estimation unit 25). The classification may be, for example, a classification to which the state of the cultivated plant P (more specifically, the cultivated plant P that is the subject of estimation by the estimation unit 25) corresponds, out of the three classifications of "leaning toward reproductive growth", "well-balanced state", and "leaning toward vegetative growth".

[0081] In addition, a cultivated plant P having an inflorescence D that is more advanced in flowering than the predetermined flowering state is evaluated as being closer to reproductive growth the smaller the degree of separation between the shoot apex B and the inflorescence D at the time when the inflorescence D was in the predetermined flowering state, and as being closer to vegetative growth the greater the separation. For example, the shorter the length of the stem between the shoot apex B and the pedicel E corresponding to the inflorescence D at that time, the closer it is to reproductive growth, and the longer it is, the closer it is to vegetative growth.

[0082] Furthermore, in this embodiment, each element such as the status detection unit 21 included in the management computer 2 may be a functional unit in software, or may be configured by a physical device such as a microcomputer.

[0083] According to the configuration described above, a growth index is output based on the detection result by the state detection unit 21 and the detection result by the length detection unit 23. The inventors of the present application have found that the growth index thus output makes it possible to evaluate the growth state of the cultivated plant P (for example, the degree of bias toward reproductive growth or vegetative growth). Therefore, according to the configuration described above, it is possible to realize a cultivation management system S that is capable of evaluating the growth state of the cultivated plant P.

[0084] Other embodiments (1) In the first output process, the state detection unit 21 may detect the flowering stage of each flower in some of the inflorescences D among the multiple inflorescences D captured in the captured image acquired by the imaging unit Ca.

[0085] (2) In the second output process, the state detection unit 21 may detect the flowering stage of each of the flowers in the plurality of inflorescences D captured in the captured image acquired by the imaging unit Ca.

[0086] (3) The imaging direction and position of the imaging unit Ca may be changeable by an actuator (for example, an electric motor). In this case, in the first output process, if none of the inflorescences D shown in the captured images are in the predetermined blooming state, the imaging direction and position of the imaging unit Ca may be automatically changed, a new captured image may be acquired, and detection by the state detection unit 21 may be performed based on the new captured image. With this configuration, it is possible to change the imaging range of the imaging unit Ca until the reference inflorescence DA is identified (in other words, until an inflorescence D in the predetermined blooming state is captured).

[0087] (4) In the first output process, if none of the inflorescences D captured in the captured image are in a predetermined blooming state, the first output process may be stopped and the second output process may be executed.

[0088] (5) The state detection unit 21 may be configured not to detect the flowering stage of each flower in the inflorescence D. For example, the state of the inflorescence D of the cultivated plant P detected by the state detection unit 21 may be the number of flowers in the inflorescence D.

[0089] (6) The index output unit 22 does not have to include the identifying unit 24. That is, the management computer 2 (index output unit 22) may be configured not to be able to execute the first output process.

[0090] (7) The index output unit 22 does not have to include the estimation unit 25. In other words, the management computer 2 (index output unit 22) may be configured not to be able to execute the second output process.

[0091] (8) The length detection unit 23 may detect, as the separation index value, a value other than the length of the stem between the stem apex B and the pedicel E corresponding to the inflorescence D. For example, the length detection unit 23 may detect, as the separation index value, the straight-line distance between the stem apex B and the inflorescence D, or the straight-line distance between the stem apex B and any flower in the inflorescence D. In other words, the straight-line distance between the stem apex B and the inflorescence D, and the straight-line distance between the stem apex B and any flower in the inflorescence D are both specific examples of separation index values.

[0092] It can be said that the longer the linear distance between the stem apex B and the inflorescence D, the greater the distance between the stem apex B and the inflorescence D. It can also be said that the longer the linear distance between the stem apex B and any flower in the inflorescence D, the greater the distance between the stem apex B and the inflorescence D.

[0093] (9) The length detection unit 23 may detect a value other than the reference length as the reference distance index value. For example, the length detection unit 23 may detect the linear distance between the stem apex B of a cultivated plant P having a reference inflorescence DA and the reference inflorescence DA as the reference distance index value, or may detect the linear distance between the stem apex B and any flower in the reference inflorescence DA. In other words, the linear distance between the stem apex B and the reference inflorescence DA, and the linear distance between the stem apex B and any flower in the reference inflorescence DA are both specific examples of the reference distance index value.

[0094] (10) The estimation unit 25 may estimate a value other than the length of the stem between the apex B and the peduncle E corresponding to the inflorescence D at the time when the inflorescence D was in the predetermined flowering state as the separation index value at the time when the inflorescence D was in the predetermined flowering state. For example, the estimation unit 25 may estimate the linear distance between the apex B and the inflorescence D at the time when the inflorescence D was in the predetermined flowering state as the separation index value at the time when the inflorescence D was in the predetermined flowering state, or may estimate the linear distance between the apex B and any flower in the inflorescence D at the time when the inflorescence D was in the predetermined flowering state. In other words, the linear distance between the apex B and the inflorescence D at the time when the inflorescence D was in the predetermined flowering state, and the linear distance between the apex B and any flower in the inflorescence D at the time when the inflorescence D was in the predetermined flowering state are both specific examples of the separation index value at the time when the inflorescence D was in the predetermined flowering state.

[0095] The configurations disclosed in the above-mentioned embodiments (including other embodiments, the same applies below) can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, unless a contradiction occurs. In addition, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and can be appropriately modified within the scope of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0096] The present invention can be used in a cultivation management system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 21: Status detection unit 22: Index output section 23: Length detection unit (separation detection unit) 24: Specific part 25: Estimation part B: Shoot apex Ca: Imaging section D: Flower cluster DA: Standard flower cluster E :Flower stalk P:Cultivated plants S: Cultivation management system

Claims

1. An imaging unit that images a cultivated plant; A state detection unit that detects a state of the inflorescence of the cultivated plant based on the captured image acquired by the imaging unit; a separation detection unit that detects a separation index value that is a value indicating a degree of separation between the stem apex of the cultivated plant and the inflorescence based on the captured image; and an index output unit that outputs a growth index that is an index showing the growth state of the cultivated plant based on the detection result by the state detection unit and the detection result by the separation detection unit.

2. The cultivation management system according to claim 1 , wherein the state detection unit detects a flowering stage of each flower in the inflorescence.

3. The index output unit has an identification unit that identifies a reference inflorescence that is the inflorescence in a predetermined flowering state based on the detection result by the state detection unit, The separation detection unit is configured to detect a reference separation index value which is a value indicating a degree of separation between the stem apex and the reference inflorescence, The cultivation management system according to claim 2 , wherein the index output unit outputs the growth index based on the reference distance index value.

4. The index output unit has an estimation unit that estimates a value indicating a degree of separation between the stem apex and the inflorescence at a time when the inflorescence was in the predetermined flowering state, based on a flowering stage of each of the flowers in the inflorescence that is more advanced in flowering than a predetermined flowering state and a detection result by the separation detection unit, The cultivation management system according to claim 2 , wherein the index output unit outputs the growth index based on a result of the estimation by the estimation unit.

5. 5. The cultivation management system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the specified flowering state is a state in which in one inflorescence, there is only one flower at a reference flowering stage which is a specified flowering stage, and there are no flowers that are more flowered than the reference flowering stage.

6. The cultivation management system according to claim 1 , wherein the separation detection unit detects, as the separation index value, a length of a stem between the stem tip and a peduncle corresponding to the inflorescence.

Images