Prediction device and prediction method

Abstract

To predict a future photosynthetic photon flux density necessary for algal culture.SOLUTION: A prediction device (30) acquires weather forecast information for a region where a container (6) storing a culture solution containing algae is installed, refers to correlation information indicating a relationship between photosynthetic photon flux density of sunlight (L) incident on the container (6) and past weather information, and the weather forecast information, and predicts a future photosynthetic photon flux density of the sunlight (L) based on the correlation information and the weather forecast information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a prediction device and a prediction method. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a culture system comprising a culture tank for culturing photosynthetic microorganisms by circulating a culture solution, a culture solution circulation device for circulating the culture solution stored in the culture tank, and a light-shielding member for shading at least a portion of the culture solution. The culture system also comprises a light intensity sensor for measuring the intensity of sunlight irradiating the culture solution, and an arithmetic and control device for controlling a light-shielding member arrangement device for controlling the arrangement of the light-shielding member based on the sunlight intensity measured by the light intensity sensor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-57989 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the culture system disclosed in Patent Document 1, the arithmetic and control device controls the light-blocking member arrangement device based on the current sunlight intensity measured by the light intensity sensor. Therefore, this culture system is not designed to predict the sunlight intensity irradiated onto the culture solution. One aspect of the present invention aims to predict the future photosynthetic photon flux density required for culturing algae. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problem, a prediction device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires weather forecast information indicating a weather forecast for an area where a container made of a light-transmitting material for storing a culture solution containing algae is installed; a reference unit that references correspondence information indicating a correspondence between the photosynthetic photon flux density of sunlight irradiated onto the container and past weather information for the area where the container is installed, and the weather forecast information acquired by the acquisition unit; and a prediction unit that predicts the future photosynthetic photon flux density of sunlight irradiated onto the container based on the correspondence information and the weather forecast information referenced by the reference unit.

[0006] Furthermore, a prediction method according to one aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition step of acquiring weather forecast information indicating a weather forecast for an area where a container formed of a light-transmitting material for storing a culture solution containing algae is installed; a reference step of referencing correspondence information indicating a correspondence between the photosynthetic photon flux density of sunlight irradiated onto the container and past weather information for the area where the container is installed, and the weather forecast information acquired by the acquisition step; and a prediction step of predicting the future photosynthetic photon flux density of sunlight irradiated onto the container based on the correspondence information and the weather forecast information referenced by the reference step. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to predict the future photosynthetic photon flux density required when culturing algae. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of an algae culture apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a view of the part surrounded by dotted line A1 in the algae culture device shown in FIG. 1, viewed from the positive direction of the Z axis. [Figure 3] 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a light-shielding member that covers a container provided in the algae culture apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4]2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a prediction device provided in the algae culture apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 5] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a process of generating correspondence information by a control unit included in the prediction device shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the correspondence between photosynthetic photon flux density and weather forecast information. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the correspondence between photosynthetic photon flux density and global solar radiation. [Figure 8] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for predicting a photosynthetic photon flux density and a process for setting a shading rate, which are performed by a control unit included in the prediction device shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] <Configuration of Algae Cultivation Device 1> FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of an algae culture apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the extension direction of the container 6 is the X-axis direction, the direction perpendicular to the ground on which the algae culture apparatus 1 is installed is the Z-axis direction, and the direction perpendicular to both the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction is the Y-axis direction. The X-axis and Z-axis directions are also perpendicular to each other. The algae culture apparatus 1 is installed outdoors and is an apparatus for cultivating algae using the container 6. As shown in FIG. 1, the algae culture apparatus 1 includes a container 2, a control panel 3, a tank 4, a pump 5, the container 6, and a measurement unit 8.

[0010] The container 2 is a storage unit that houses a control panel 3, a tank 4, and a pump 5. The control panel 3 houses a prediction device 30 and controls each part of the algae culture device 1. The prediction device 30 may be provided outside the control panel 3 or may be a server. The tank 4 is a storage unit that stores the culture solution, and is connected to the pump 5 via a pipe P1 and to the vessel 6 via a pipe P3. The tank 4 is supported by a support 41.

[0011] The pump 5 is a circulation unit that circulates the culture solution inside the vessel 6. By circulating the culture solution inside the vessel 6 with the pump 5, it is possible to reduce the settling of algae contained in the culture solution inside the vessel 6. The pump 5 is connected to the vessel 6 via a pipe P2. A portion of each of the pipes P2 and P3 is disposed inside an opening formed in the container 2.

[0012] <Configuration of Container 6> FIG. 2 is a view of the portion of the algae culture device 1 shown in FIG. 1 surrounded by dotted line A1, viewed from the positive direction of the Z axis. As shown in FIG. 2, the container 6 is tubular and U-shaped, and has extensions 61, 62 and a connection 63. The container 6 is made of a light-transmitting material and stores a culture solution containing algae. This allows sunlight L to be efficiently irradiated onto the algae inside the container 6. Note that the container 6 is not limited to being tubular and U-shaped, and may be, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0013] The container 6 is a closed container in which the inside of the container 6 is sealed so that the culture solution inside the container 6 is not exposed to the air outside the container 6. Note that the container 6 is not limited to a closed container, and may be, for example, an open container in which the culture solution stored in the container 6 is exposed to the air outside the container 6. The container 6 is supported by a support part 7. Sunlight L is irradiated onto the algae contained in the culture solution stored in the container 6.

[0014] The extension portion 61 is tubular, and the X-axis negative side of the extension portion 61 is connected to the pipe P2, and the X-axis positive side of the extension portion 61 is connected to the connection portion 63. The connection portion 63 connects the extension portion 61 and the extension portion 62, thereby forming a U-shape in the container 6. The culture medium flows inside the connection portion 63.

[0015] The extension portion 62 is tubular, and the negative side of the X-axis of the extension portion 62 is connected to the pipe P3, and the positive side of the X-axis of the extension portion 62 is connected to the connection portion 63. The extension portions 61 and 62 are arranged side by side in the Y-axis direction. As shown by the arrows in FIG. 2 , the culture solution flows from the inside of the pipe P2 to the inside of the extension portion 61, and then from the inside of the extension portion 61 to the inside of the extension portion 62 via the inside of the connection portion 63. The culture solution also flows from the inside of the extension portion 62 to the inside of the pipe P3.

[0016] <Configuration of measurement unit 8> The measurement unit 8 is provided near the top of a pillar 81 installed around the container 2. The measurement unit 8 is a photon density meter that measures the photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) of sunlight L. Because the measurement unit 8 is provided near the top of the pillar 81 installed around the container 2, it can measure the photosynthetic photon flux density of sunlight L irradiating the vessel 6. The measurement unit 8 may also be provided on top of the container 2.

[0017] <Configuration of light blocking member 9> Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a light-shielding member 9 that covers the container 6 included in the algae culture apparatus 1 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 3, the light-shielding member 9 is a light-shielding sheet that blocks sunlight L irradiating the container 6. The light-shielding member 9 is provided so as to cover the container 6 from above. The light-shielding member 9 is supported by supports (not shown) that are provided around the container 6 and the support 7. The light-shielding member 9 is installed manually, but is not limited to this. For example, the light-shielding member 9 may be installed in an opening / closing mechanism (not shown) that can open and close the light-shielding member 9.

[0018] <Configuration of prediction device 30> Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the prediction device 30 included in the algae culture apparatus 1 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 4, the prediction device 30 includes a communication unit 31, a storage unit 32, and a control unit 33. The communication unit 31 can be connected to a network NT such as the Internet via wired or wireless communication. The communication unit 31 can also communicate with the measurement unit 8 via wired or wireless communication.

[0019] The storage unit 32 stores the control contents by the control unit 33, and is, for example, a memory. The control unit 33 has an acquisition unit 331, a determination unit 332, a calculation unit 333, a reference unit 334, a generation unit 335, a prediction unit 336, a setting unit 337, a communication control unit 338, and a storage control unit 339. The communication control unit 338 controls the communication of the communication unit 31, and the storage control unit 339 controls the storage of the storage unit 32.

[0020] <Generating correspondence information> 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for generating correspondence information by the control unit 33 included in the prediction device 30 shown in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 5, the acquisition unit 331 acquires a photosynthetic photon flux density (S1). Specifically, the measurement unit 8 measures the photosynthetic photon flux density of sunlight L irradiated onto the container 6, and outputs the measured photosynthetic photon flux density to the communication unit 31. The acquisition unit 331 acquires the photosynthetic photon flux density output from the measurement unit 8 to the communication unit 31.

[0021] The memory control unit 339 stores the photosynthetic photon flux density acquired by the acquisition unit 331 in the memory unit 32 (S2). After the memory control unit 339 stores the photosynthetic photon flux density in the memory unit 32, the determination unit 332 determines whether a predetermined period has elapsed since the acquisition unit 331 started acquiring the photosynthetic photon flux density in step S1 (S3). The predetermined period is, for example, one hour or eight hours (e.g., 8:00 to 16:00). Hereinafter, the term "predetermined period" will always refer to the same period.

[0022] If the determination unit 332 determines that the predetermined period has not elapsed since the acquisition unit 331 started acquiring the photosynthetic photon flux density (NO in S3), the process of the control unit 33 returns to step S1. If the determination unit 332 determines that the predetermined period has elapsed since the acquisition unit 331 started acquiring the photosynthetic photon flux density (YES in S3), the calculation unit 333 calculates the average value of the photosynthetic photon flux density of the sunlight L irradiated onto the container 6 during the predetermined period (S4).

[0023] Specifically, the reference unit 334 refers to the multiple photosynthetic photon flux densities stored in the memory unit 32 in step S2 over a predetermined period of time. The calculation unit 333 calculates the average value of the photosynthetic photon flux densities by dividing the total value of the multiple photosynthetic photon flux densities referred to by the reference unit 334 by the number of times the photosynthetic photon flux density was measured over the predetermined period of time. The number of times the photosynthetic photon flux density was measured over the predetermined period of time is the same as the number of times the photosynthetic photon flux density was obtained over the predetermined period of time in step S1.

[0024] After the calculation unit 333 calculates the average value of the photosynthetic photon flux density, the memory control unit 339 stores the average value of the photosynthetic photon flux density calculated by the calculation unit 333 in the memory unit 32 (S5). Thereafter, the acquisition unit 331 acquires weather forecast information indicating a weather forecast for the region where the container 6 is installed (S6). Specifically, the communication control unit 338 causes the communication unit 31 to acquire the weather forecast information via the network NT from an external organization that provides weather forecast information, such as the Japan Meteorological Agency or the Japan Weather Association.

[0025] The acquisition unit 331 acquires weather forecast information from the communication unit 31. The weather forecast information acquired by the acquisition unit 331 is, for example, a weather forecast such as sunny, sunny with occasional cloudy spells, cloudy, or rain for the current date or for every hour on the current date. The acquisition unit 331 may also acquire, as the weather forecast information, at least one of, for example, weather forecast, total solar radiation, sunshine duration, and cloud cover.

[0026] Then, the memory control unit 339 stores the weather forecast information acquired by the acquisition unit 331 in the memory unit 32 (S7). Next, the generation unit 335 generates correspondence information indicating the correspondence between the average value of the photosynthetic photon flux density of sunlight L irradiated onto the container 6 for a predetermined period and the weather information for the region in which the container 6 is installed for the predetermined period (S8).

[0027] Specifically, the reference unit 334 references the average value of the photosynthetic photon flux density stored in the storage unit 32 in step S5 and the weather forecast information stored in the storage unit 32 in step S7. The generation unit 335 generates correspondence information by associating the average value of the photosynthetic photon flux density referenced by the reference unit 334 with the weather forecast information referenced by the reference unit 334. In the correspondence information, the predetermined period corresponding to the average value of the photosynthetic photon flux density is the same as the predetermined period corresponding to the weather forecast information.

[0028] After the generation unit 335 generates the correspondence information, the storage control unit 339 stores the correspondence information generated by the generation unit 335 in step S8 in the storage unit 32 (S9). Then, the series of processes by the control unit 33 ends. The flow shown in FIG. 5 is repeatedly performed at predetermined intervals, whereby correspondence information is generated at predetermined intervals and stored in the storage unit 32.

[0029] <Correspondence between photosynthetic photon flux density and weather forecast information> Figure 6 shows the relationship between photosynthetic photon flux density and weather forecast information. In Figure 6, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents photosynthetic photon flux density [μmol m -2 ·s -1 Graph G1 shows the actual measured values ​​of photosynthetic photon flux density by measurement unit 8, graph G2 shows the average value of photosynthetic photon flux density over one hour, and graph G3 shows the average value of photosynthetic photon flux density over the period from 8:00 to 16:00.

[0030] 5, the photosynthetic photon flux density is stored in memory unit 32, and thereby the photosynthetic photon flux density shown in graph G1 is stored in memory unit 32. When the predetermined period is one hour, the average value of the photosynthetic photon flux density is stored in memory unit 32 in step S5, and thereby the average value shown in graph G2 is stored in memory unit 32. When the predetermined period is the period from 8:00 to 16:00, the average value of the photosynthetic photon flux density is stored in memory unit 32 in step S5, and thereby the average value shown in graph G3 is stored in memory unit 32.

[0031] When the weather forecast information is stored in the storage unit 32 in step S7, the weather forecast information I1 shown in Fig. 6 is stored in the storage unit 32. The weather forecast information I1 is information indicating the correspondence between time and weather forecast for each hour. The weather forecast information I1 may also be information indicating the weather forecast for one day.

[0032] <Correlation between photosynthetic photon flux density and global solar radiation> Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the correspondence between photosynthetic photon flux density and global solar radiation. In Fig. 7, the horizontal axis represents the daily global solar radiation [MJ / m 2 ], and the vertical axis represents the photosynthetic photon flux density [μmol m -2 ·s -1 7, graph G4 shows a calibration curve for photosynthetic photon flux density, and the black dots show the average values ​​of the photosynthetic photon flux density actually measured by the measurement unit 8 in one day. Graph G4 is expressed by the following formula (1).

[0033] y=20.94x+27.324 (1) In the above formula (1), x is the amount of global solar radiation, and y is the photosynthetic photon flux density. The calibration curve shown in graph G4 is an approximate straight line obtained from the average value of the actually measured values ​​of photosynthetic photon flux density indicated by the black dots. The coefficient of determination R for the correlation between x and y in graph G4 is 2 The value was 0.9488. This indicates that the photosynthetic photon flux density has a positive correlation with the amount of global solar radiation.

[0034] Here, the following processing may be executed in steps S5, S6, and S8 shown in Fig. 5. Specifically, in step S5, the average value of the photosynthetic photon flux density indicated by the black dots in Fig. 7 is stored in the storage unit 32. Also, in step S6, the acquisition unit 331 acquires the amount of global solar radiation as weather forecast information for the area where the container 6 is installed. Furthermore, in step S8, the generation unit 335 generates, as correspondence information, the above formula (1) that indicates the correspondence relationship between the average value of the photosynthetic photon flux density and the amount of global solar radiation for the area where the container 6 is installed.

[0035] <Prediction of photosynthetic photon flux density and setting of shading rate> Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for predicting a photosynthetic photon flux density and a process for setting a shading rate by the control unit 33 included in the prediction device 30 shown in Fig. 4. As shown in Fig. 8, the acquisition unit 331 acquires weather forecast information (S11), similar to step S6.

[0036] Next, the reference unit 334 refers to correspondence information indicating the correspondence between the photosynthetic photon flux density of sunlight L irradiated onto the container 6 and past weather information in the area where the container 6 is installed, and the weather forecast information acquired by the acquisition unit 331 in step S11 (S12).

[0037] In step S12, the reference unit 334 refers to the correspondence information stored in the storage unit 32 in step S9. Also, in step S12, the reference unit 334 refers to correspondence information stored in the storage unit 32 for, for example, the most recent one to two weeks. Note that in step S12, the reference unit 334 may refer to the above formula (1) as the correspondence information and the amount of global solar radiation acquired by the acquisition unit 331 in step S11.

[0038] The prediction unit 336 identifies, from the past weather information referenced by the reference unit 334 in step S12, weather information that is closest to the weather forecast indicated by the weather forecast information acquired by the acquisition unit 331 in step S11 (S13). Identifying the weather information that is closest to the weather forecast indicated by the weather forecast information includes identifying the same weather information as the weather forecast indicated by the weather forecast information. Specifically, regarding step S13, for example, the prediction unit 336 identifies, from the past weather information, the weather forecast that is closest to the weather forecast indicated by the weather forecast information acquired in step S11.

[0039] The calculation unit 333 may also calculate a score for each of the past weather information and the weather forecast information acquired in step S11 according to at least one of the weather forecast, global solar radiation, sunshine hours, and cloud cover. In this case, the prediction unit 336 identifies, from the past weather information, the weather information with the score closest to the score of the weather forecast information acquired in step S11.

[0040] The prediction unit 336 identifies the weather information that is closest to the weather forecast indicated by the weather forecast information acquired in step S11, and then predicts the future photosynthetic photon flux density of the sunlight L irradiating the container 6 (S14). Specifically, the prediction unit 336 sets the photosynthetic photon flux density corresponding to the weather information identified in step S13 in the corresponding information referenced by the reference unit 334 in step S12 as the predicted value of the future photosynthetic photon flux density of the sunlight L irradiating the container 6.

[0041] More specifically, the prediction unit 336 sets the average value of the photosynthetic photon flux density corresponding to the weather information identified in step S13 as the predicted value of the future photosynthetic photon flux density. The predicted value of the future photosynthetic photon flux density corresponds to the weather information for each predetermined time period.

[0042] Through steps S12 to S14, the prediction unit 336 predicts the future photosynthetic photon flux density of the sunlight L irradiating the container 6 based on the correspondence information and weather forecast information referenced by the reference unit 334.

[0043] In step S14, the prediction unit 336 may substitute the global solar radiation acquired by the acquisition unit 331 in step S11 for x in the above formula (1) referenced by the reference unit 334 in step S12. In this way, the prediction unit 336 acquires a predicted value of the future photosynthetic photon flux density of sunlight L irradiating the container 6 from y in the above formula (1). Therefore, by the prediction unit 336 predicting the photosynthetic photon flux density using the above formula (1), it is possible to improve the prediction accuracy of the future photosynthetic photon flux density by the prediction unit 336.

[0044] After the prediction unit 336 predicts the future photosynthetic photon flux density, the setting unit 337 sets the shading rate of the shading member 9 based on the photosynthetic photon flux density predicted by the prediction unit 336 in step S14 (S15).

[0045] In step S15, the setting unit 337 sets the shading rate of the shading member 9 based on the photosynthetic photon flux density predicted in step S14 and the target value of the photosynthetic photon flux density. The setting unit 337 may set the shading rate using the following formula (2): In the following formula (2), LS is the shading rate, TA is the target value of the photosynthetic photon flux density, and PR is the photosynthetic photon flux density predicted in step S14, i.e., the average value of the photosynthetic photon flux density over a predetermined period.

[0046] LS=1-TA / PR (2) The setting unit 337 may set the shading rate using the above formula (2) in the early stage of algae growth when the algae concentration inside the container 6 is below a predetermined value. Furthermore, the setting unit 337 may set the shading rate to 0% after the early stage of algae growth when the algae concentration inside the container 6 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. The algae concentration is, for example, optical density (OD value), and the predetermined value is, for example, 0.5. When the algae concentration is below the predetermined value, the target value of the photosynthetic photon flux density is, for example, 350 or more and 400 or less.

[0047] Here, consider a case where the optical density inside the container 6 is less than 0.5 and the average value of the photosynthetic photon flux density over a predetermined period is 700. In this case, the setting unit 337 sets the shading rate to 50% so that the photosynthetic photon flux density measured by the measurement unit 8 will be the target value of 350. Then, a series of processes by the control unit 33 ends. The shading rate of the shading member 9 is (1-IL2 / IL1) × 100%, where IL1 is the amount of irradiation of sunlight L irradiating the shading member 9 and IL2 is the amount of irradiation of sunlight L irradiating the container 6.

[0048] As described above, in the prediction device 30, the reference unit 334 references correspondence information indicating the correspondence between the photosynthetic photon flux density of the sunlight L irradiating the container 6 and past weather information in the area where the container 6 is installed, and weather forecast information indicating the weather forecast. As a result, the prediction unit 336 can predict the future photosynthetic photon flux density of the sunlight L irradiating the container 6, based on the correspondence information and weather forecast information referenced by the reference unit 334.

[0049] Therefore, the prediction device 30 can convert an abstract prediction target, such as a weather forecast, into a specific numerical value, such as photosynthetic photon flux density, and obtain specific numerical values ​​as easy-to-handle information. In this way, the prediction device 30 can predict the future photosynthetic photon flux density required for culturing algae.

[0050] In step S15, the setting unit 337 sets the shading rate of the shading member 9 for blocking sunlight L irradiating the container 6. This makes it possible to determine the shading rate of the shading member 9 for allowing an appropriate amount of sunlight L to be irradiated onto the container 6 so as to promote the growth of algae.

[0051] Furthermore, since the shading rate is set based on the predicted value of the photosynthetic photon flux density predicted by the prediction device 30, the amount of sunlight L irradiated onto the container 6 can be made more appropriate compared to manually setting the shading rate based on experience and subjective judgment.

[0052] Furthermore, it is possible to realize shading operation of the shading member 9 in response to weather changes. Therefore, the amount of sunlight L irradiated on the algae in the early stages of algae cultivation can be appropriate, and algae cultivation can be promoted without causing photoinhibition such as color change or aggregation in the algae due to sunlight L. Photosynthetic photon flux density varies greatly depending on the season, but the prediction device 30 can set the shading rate in response to seasonal changes.

[0053] The setting unit 337 sets the shading rate based on the predicted value of the photosynthetic photon flux density predicted by the prediction unit 336 from past weather information, so that the shading rate can be set appropriately even when there is a major change in weather from the previous day.

[0054] Since the prediction device 30 can predict future photosynthetic photon flux density, workers can respond to future weather changes early, grasp the shading rate, and open and close the shading members 9. In addition, workers can replace the currently installed shading members 9 with shading members 9 different from the current shading members 9.

[0055] In steps S13 and S14, the prediction unit 336 identifies, from the past weather information, weather information that is closest to the weather forecast indicated by the weather forecast information acquired by the acquisition unit 331, and sets the photosynthetic photon flux density corresponding to the identified weather information as a predicted value. Therefore, the prediction unit 336 can predict the future photosynthetic photon flux density of sunlight L irradiating the container 6 from the past weather information and the corresponding photosynthetic photon flux density.

[0056] Because the numerical value of the photosynthetic photon flux density varies greatly, it is preferable to use the average value as the numerical value of the photosynthetic photon flux density referenced by the reference unit 334. By having the prediction unit 336 use the average value of the photosynthetic photon flux density as the predicted value, the prediction accuracy of the prediction unit 336 for the future photosynthetic photon flux density can be improved.

[0057] <Variation 1> In step S6, the acquisition unit 331 may acquire, instead of weather forecast information, weather information indicating currently observed weather results for the area where the container 6 is installed. Specifically, the acquisition unit 331 may acquire, via the communication unit 31, at least one of the global solar radiation, sunshine hours, and cloud cover measured by a measurement unit other than the measurement unit 8 as weather information. Therefore, the past weather information referenced by the reference unit 334 in step S12 is not limited to weather forecast information acquired in the past, but may also be weather information indicating weather results observed in the past.

[0058] <Variation 2> The algae culture device 1 may further include an opening / closing mechanism (not shown) that can open and close the light-shielding member 9, and the control unit 33 may further include an opening / closing control unit (not shown) that controls the opening / closing mechanism. The opening / closing mechanism can change the light-shielding rate of the light-shielding member 9 by opening and closing the light-shielding member 9.

[0059] The opening / closing control unit controls the opening / closing mechanism based on the light blocking rate set by the setting unit 337 in step S15. Specifically, the opening / closing control unit controls the opening / closing mechanism so that the light blocking rate of the light blocking member 9 becomes the light blocking rate set in step S15. This makes it possible to automatically change the light blocking rate of the light blocking member 9 without the need for an operator to open or close the light blocking member 9.

[0060] [Software implementation example] The functions of the prediction device 30 (hereinafter referred to as the "device") can be realized by a program that causes a computer to function as the device, and a program that causes a computer to function as each control block of the device (particularly each part included in the control unit 33).

[0061] In this case, the device includes a computer having at least one control device (e.g., a processor) and at least one storage device (e.g., a memory) as hardware for executing the program. The control device and storage device execute the program, thereby realizing each function described in the above embodiment.

[0062] The program may be non-transitory and may be recorded on one or more computer-readable recording media. The recording media may or may not be included in the device. In the latter case, the program may be supplied to the device via any wired or wireless transmission medium.

[0063] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the control blocks can be realized by logic circuits. For example, an integrated circuit in which a logic circuit that functions as each of the control blocks is formed is also included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, the functions of the control blocks can also be realized by, for example, a quantum computer.

[0064] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Configurations obtained by appropriately combining multiple technical means disclosed in the embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 1 Algae culture device 6 containers 9 Light blocking material 30 Prediction Device 331 Acquisition Department 334 Reference section 336 Prediction Department 337 Settings I1 Weather forecast information L Sunlight

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires weather forecast information indicating a weather forecast for a region where a container made of a light-transmitting material for storing a culture solution containing algae is installed; a reference unit that references correspondence information indicating a correspondence relationship between the photosynthetic photon flux density of sunlight irradiated onto the container and past weather information in the area where the container is installed, and the weather forecast information acquired by the acquisition unit; A prediction device characterized by comprising: a prediction unit that predicts the future photosynthetic photon flux density of sunlight irradiating the container based on the correspondence information and the weather forecast information referenced by the reference unit.

2. The prediction device according to claim 1, further comprising a setting unit that sets a shading rate of a shading member for shading sunlight irradiating the container based on the photosynthetic photon flux density predicted by the prediction unit.

3. The prediction unit Identifying, from among the past weather information referenced by the reference unit, weather information that is closest to the weather forecast indicated by the weather forecast information acquired by the acquisition unit; 3. The prediction device according to claim 1, wherein the photosynthetic photon flux density corresponding to the specified weather information is used as a predicted value of the future photosynthetic photon flux density of sunlight irradiating the container.

4. The reference unit refers to, as the correspondence information, information indicating a correspondence relationship between an average value of photosynthetic photon flux density of sunlight irradiated onto the container for a predetermined period and past weather information for the region in which the container is installed for the predetermined period; The prediction device according to claim 3 , wherein the prediction unit sets an average value of photosynthetic photon flux density corresponding to the specified weather information as the predicted value.

5. an acquisition step of acquiring weather forecast information indicating a weather forecast for a region in which a container made of a light-transmitting material for storing a culture solution containing algae is installed; a reference step of referencing correspondence information indicating a correspondence relationship between the photosynthetic photon flux density of sunlight irradiated onto the container and past weather information in the area where the container is installed, and the weather forecast information acquired by the acquisition step; A prediction method characterized by including a prediction step of predicting the future photosynthetic photon flux density of sunlight irradiating the container based on the correspondence information and the weather forecast information referenced by the reference step.

Images