Temperature measurement control device, temperature measurement system, agricultural machine and temperature measurement method

The temperature measurement control device on agricultural machinery addresses the challenge of limited temperature measurement in composting facilities by using a shape-sensing system to trigger thermal camera measurements, ensuring efficient and affordable temperature monitoring across existing facilities.

JP2025144354APending Publication Date: 2025-10-02NAT AGRI & FOOD RES ORG
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024044095
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-03-19
Publication Date
2025-10-02

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing composting facilities, particularly pile-type facilities using wheel loaders, face challenges in measuring the temperature of compost due to limited operating ranges of temperature sensors and high costs associated with introducing advanced temperature measurement systems.

Method used

A temperature measurement control device that uses an agricultural machine equipped with a holding unit, a sensor to measure the shape of the holding unit, and a thermal camera positioned to measure temperature when the holding unit assumes a predetermined shape, allowing for automated temperature measurement.

Benefits of technology

Enables easy and cost-effective temperature measurement in existing fermentation facilities using agricultural machinery other than cranes, facilitating comprehensive temperature monitoring without requiring extensive facility modifications.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To easily perform temperature measurement of a material even in an existing fermentation facility in which an agricultural machine other than a crane repeats turn-back of fermented materials.SOLUTION: A temperature measurement control device (1) for controlling temperature measurement of materials by an agricultural machine (M) for holding and conveying a portion of the materials that generate heat by fermentation by a holding part (B) includes an acquisition part (131) for acquiring form information showing a form of the holding part from a sensor (2) for measuring the form of the holding part, and a transmission control part (132) for transmitting a control signal that starts temperature measurement to a thermocamera (3) arranged so as to be able to measure an area including the holding part in the case that the form of the holding part shown by form information becomes a prescribed form.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a temperature measurement control device, a temperature measurement system, an agricultural machine, and a temperature measurement method. [Background technology]

[0002] Various technologies for determining the composting status of livestock manure have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a composting management device that includes a turning operation control unit that controls the turning operation of the compost material gripping unit, a composting status acquisition unit that acquires composting information that can be used to determine the composting status of the compost material gripped by the compost material gripping unit during the turning operation, a memory management unit that stores the composting information in a memory unit, and a composting determination unit that determines the completion of composting based on the composting information. Furthermore, Non-Patent Document 1 describes an automatic composting system that includes a compost crane that automatically turns over and a temperature measurement system that automatically inserts and removes a temperature sensor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-130078 [Non-patent literature]

[0004] [Non-Patent Document 1] Automatic composting system, [online], Biomass Solutions Co., Ltd., [Retrieved December 20, 2023], Internet<URL:https: / / biosol.jp / system.html> Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The prior art described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 is ancillary technology for compost cranes. Meanwhile, 60% of composting facilities are pile-type composting facilities that use wheel loaders for turning. For this reason, the prior art described in Patent Document 1 cannot be introduced into many existing composting facilities (it is not versatile). In particular, the prior art described in Non-Patent Document 1 moves a temperature sensor using a folding arm attached to a rail post. Because the folding arm has a limited operating range, it is difficult to grasp the temperature of the entire compost. Furthermore, the folding arm used in the prior art described in Non-Patent Document 1 would be very expensive to introduce into existing composting facilities, and the range over which the temperature can be measured is limited.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention aims to make it possible to easily measure the temperature of materials even in existing fermentation facilities where materials to be fermented are turned over using agricultural machinery other than cranes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, one embodiment of the present invention provides a temperature measurement control device that controls the temperature measurement of a material that generates heat through fermentation by an agricultural machine that holds and transports a portion of the material in a holding section, and includes an acquisition unit that acquires shape information indicating the shape of the holding section from a sensor that measures the shape of the holding section, and a transmission control unit that, when the shape of the holding section indicated by the shape information becomes a predetermined shape, sends a control signal to a thermal camera that is positioned so that it can measure an area including the holding section, indicating that temperature measurement should begin.

[0008] In addition, a temperature measurement system according to another aspect of the present invention comprises the above-mentioned temperature measurement control device and a sensor that measures the shape of a holding part of an agricultural machine that holds and transports a portion of a material that generates heat through fermentation.

[0009] Furthermore, an agricultural machine according to another aspect of the present invention is an agricultural machine that holds and transports a portion of a material that generates heat through fermentation in a holding part, and is equipped with the above-described temperature measurement system.

[0010] Another aspect of the present invention is a temperature measurement method for measuring the temperature of a material that generates heat through fermentation using agricultural machinery that holds and transports a portion of the material in a holding part, and includes an acquisition step in which a computer acquires shape information indicating the shape of the holding part from a sensor that measures the shape of the holding part, and a transmission control step in which, when the shape of the holding part indicated by the shape information becomes a predetermined shape, the computer transmits a control signal to a thermal camera positioned so that it can measure an area including the holding part, indicating that temperature measurement should begin. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, the temperature of materials can be easily measured even in existing fermentation facilities where materials to be fermented are turned over using agricultural machinery other than cranes. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overview of a temperature measurement system according to an embodiment of one aspect of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing how an agricultural machine equipped with the system turns over ingredients that generate heat through fermentation. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a temperature measurement control device provided in the system. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is an image diagram showing an example of a measurement result displayed on a display device provided in the system. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a temperature measurement method according to an embodiment of another aspect of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] <Embodiments of agricultural machinery, temperature measurement system, and temperature measurement control device> First, an agricultural machine M, a temperature measurement system 100, and a temperature measurement control device 1 according to an embodiment of one aspect of the present invention will be described.

[0014] [Outline of agricultural machinery] The agricultural machine M is a machine that holds and transports a portion of a material that generates heat through fermentation in a holding unit. Examples of "materials that generate heat through fermentation" include a mixture of livestock manure and moisture-regulating material that becomes compost, fermented and dried material that becomes bedding in cowsheds and the like, and pasture grass that becomes feed. The agricultural machine M according to this embodiment is, for example, a vehicle that is equipped with a bucket B having an opening A as a holding unit, as shown in FIG. 1 , and is capable of rotating the bucket B around an axis of rotation that is a straight line that extends horizontally in a direction perpendicular to the traveling direction of the vehicle. Examples of the "vehicle" include a wheel loader, a tractor or forklift equipped with the bucket B, and the like. The agricultural machine M is also equipped with a temperature measurement system 100. The agricultural machine M may also be a crane, a mixer that mixes materials, or the like.

[0015] [Temperature measurement system overview] The temperature measurement system 100 measures the temperature of a material that generates heat due to fermentation. As shown in FIG. 1, the temperature measurement system 100 includes a temperature measurement control device 1 and a sensor 2. The temperature measurement system 100 according to this embodiment further includes a thermal camera 3, a display device 4, a speed sensor 5, a temperature sensor 6, and a distance sensor 7. Of the temperature measurement system 100 according to this embodiment, at least the sensor 2, the thermal camera 3, the speed sensor 5, and the distance sensor 7 are mounted on the agricultural machine M. These can be easily attached using magnets, suction cups, etc.

[0016] (Temperature measurement and control device) The temperature measurement control device 1 controls the temperature measurement of materials by the agricultural machine M. Details of the temperature measurement control device will be described later.

[0017] (sensor) The sensor 2 measures the shape of the holding part of the agricultural machine M. The sensor 2 then outputs shape information indicating the measured shape of the holding part to the temperature measurement control device 1. The sensor 2 according to this embodiment repeatedly measures the shape and outputs the shape information while the agricultural machine M is operating. The sensor 2 according to this embodiment is an angle sensor. That is, the sensor 2 according to this embodiment measures an angle at which the orientation of the opening A of the bucket B can be identified. Examples of the "angle at which the orientation of the opening A can be identified" include a first rotation angle of the support part of the bucket B (the rotation angle of the bucket B relative to the arm supporting the bucket B), a second rotation angle of the support part of the arm (the rotation angle of the arm relative to the main body of the agricultural machine M), the sum of the first rotation angle and the second rotation angle, the angle between the horizontal plane and the direction in which the opening A faces, and the angle between the bottom of the bucket B and the ground. The angle that is defined as the "angle at which the orientation of the opening A can be identified" may be set appropriately depending on the type, mechanism, manufacturer, etc. of the agricultural machine M. The sensor 2 then outputs angle information indicating the measured angle to the temperature measurement control device 1. The sensor 2 may be a distance sensor or the like that measures the extension / contraction length of a hydraulic cylinder provided on the top of the bucket B.

[0018] (Thermal camera) The thermal camera 3 is positioned so that it can measure the area including the holding part. The thermal camera 3 according to this embodiment is attached to the roof of the cab of the agricultural machine M with its lens facing in the direction where the holding part is located. Upon receiving a control signal from the temperature measurement control device 1, the thermal camera 3 measures the temperature distribution within the area and outputs the measurement results to the temperature measurement control device 1. The measurement results may be the temperature at the moment measurement starts, or the average temperature or maximum temperature over a predetermined period of time.

[0019] (display device) The display device 4 displays the measurement results obtained by the thermal camera 3. The display device 4 according to this embodiment is attached to the driver's cab of the agricultural machine M so that the operator can see it while operating the agricultural machine M. The temperature measurement system 100 may also include a printer that prints out the measurement results, a speaker that outputs the measurement results (numerical values ​​such as average temperature and maximum temperature) as audio, and the like. In this case, the temperature measurement system 100 does not need to include the display device 4. The display device 4 may be configured integrally with the temperature measurement control device 1.

[0020] (speed sensor) The speed sensor 5 is provided in the agricultural machine M. The speed sensor 5 measures the speed acting on the agricultural machine M, and outputs speed information indicating the speed to the temperature measurement control device 1. The speed sensor 5 according to this embodiment repeatedly measures the speed and outputs the speed information while the agricultural machine M is operating. Note that the temperature measurement system 100 may be equipped with an acceleration sensor instead of the speed sensor 5.

[0021] (Temperature sensor) The temperature sensor 6 is provided in a facility (such as a composting facility) where the agricultural machine M is used, or on the agricultural machine M. The temperature sensor 6 measures the outside air temperature and outputs temperature information indicating the temperature to the temperature measurement control device 1. The temperature sensor 6 according to this embodiment repeatedly measures the temperature and outputs the temperature information while the agricultural machine M is in operation. Note that the temperature sensor 6 may be configured to measure only the temperature at the moment the thermal camera 3 starts temperature measurement.

[0022] (Range sensor) The distance measurement sensor 7 is provided in the agricultural machine M. The distance measurement sensor 7 measures the distance from a predetermined structure in the facility where the material is piled up, and outputs position information indicating the position to the temperature measurement control device 1. The structures include the walls (of the fermentation tank) surrounding the back and both left and right sides of the material pile-up area, the edge of the roof of the facility, the pillars supporting the roof, etc. As shown in FIG. 2 , the distance measurement sensor 7 according to this embodiment measures the distance D1 from the back wall W1 of the material pile-up area and the distance D2 from the side wall W2. The distance measurement sensor 7 may also be provided in the facility where the agricultural machine M is used.

[0023] [Specific configuration of temperature measurement control device] 3, the temperature measurement control device 1 includes an input / output unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a calculation unit 13. The temperature measurement control device 1 is configured by a computer such as a PC, a mobile phone, or a tablet terminal.

[0024] [Input / output section] The input / output unit 11 is composed of a communication module that transmits and receives various types of information data, a terminal to which one end of a cable connected to another device is connected, and the other end of the cable is connected. The input / output unit 11 is connected to the sensor 2, and receives morphological information from the sensor 2. The input / output unit 11 is also connected to the thermal camera 3, and receives measurement results from the thermal camera 3. The input / output unit 11 is also connected to the display device 4, and outputs the measurement results to the display device 4. The input / output unit 11 may be divided into an input unit and an output unit. If the temperature measurement control device 1 and the display device 4 are configured as an integrated unit, the input / output unit 11 does not need to have the function of outputting measurement results.

[0025] [Storage section] The storage unit 12 stores a temperature measurement control program 121. This temperature measurement control program 121 is used to operate the calculation unit 13. The storage unit 12 according to this embodiment also stores a threshold value 122. The threshold value 122 is used by the calculation unit 13 to compare with the morphology information, and differs depending on the model of the agricultural machine M, the installation position of the sensor 2, etc. The storage unit 12 according to this embodiment also stores a second threshold value 123. The second threshold value 123 is used by the calculation unit 13 to compare with the speed information. The storage unit 12 is also capable of storing measurement results, etc., which will be described later. The storage unit 12 according to this embodiment is configured with a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, etc. The storage unit 12 may be divided into a storage unit that stores some of the temperature measurement control program 121, the threshold value 122, the second threshold value 123, and the measurement results, etc., and a storage unit that stores the rest.

[0026] [Calculation section] The calculation unit 13 includes an acquisition unit 131 and a transmission control unit 132. The calculation unit 13 according to this embodiment further includes a second acquisition unit 133, a third acquisition unit 134, a fourth acquisition unit 135, a fifth acquisition unit 136, a correction unit 137, a recording unit 138, a generation unit 139, and an output processing unit 140. The calculation unit 13 according to this embodiment is configured with a processor. Therefore, the functions of the control blocks 131 to 140 are realized by the calculation unit 13 executing a temperature measurement control program 121 stored in the storage unit 12.

[0027] (Acquisition Department) The acquisition unit 131 acquires morphological information indicating the shape of the holding unit from the sensor 2 that measures the shape of the holding unit. As described above, the sensor 2 according to this embodiment is an angle sensor. Therefore, the acquisition unit 131 according to this embodiment acquires angle information indicating an angle as morphological information. Also, as described above, the sensor 2 according to this embodiment repeatedly outputs morphological information. Therefore, the acquisition unit 131 according to this embodiment repeatedly acquires morphological information.

[0028] (Second Acquisition Department) The second acquisition unit 133 acquires speed information indicating the speed acting on the agricultural machine M from the speed sensor 5 provided in the agricultural machine M. As described above, the speed sensor 5 according to this embodiment repeatedly outputs the speed information. Therefore, the second acquisition unit 133 according to this embodiment repeatedly acquires the speed information.

[0029] (Transmission control unit) The transmission control unit 132 transmits a control signal to the thermal camera 3 to start temperature measurement when the shape of the holder indicated by the shape information becomes a predetermined shape. As described above, the acquisition unit 131 according to this embodiment repeatedly acquires angle information. Therefore, the transmission control unit 132 according to this embodiment transmits a control signal to the thermal camera 3 when the angle indicated by the angle information falls within a predetermined range. The "predetermined range" is a range determined by the threshold value 122 stored in the storage unit 12. As described above, the calculation unit 13 according to this embodiment further includes a second acquisition unit 133, which repeatedly acquires speed information. Therefore, the transmission control unit 132 transmits a control signal to the thermal camera 3 when the angle indicated by the angle information falls within the predetermined range and the speed indicated by speed information acquired at the same time as the angle information becomes a predetermined speed (second threshold value 123).

[0030] An investigation into the relationship between the timing of temperature measurement and the measured temperature revealed that the highest temperature was observed immediately after bucket B was inserted into the pile of accumulated material and some of the material was scooped up. Specifically, the most favorable timing for temperature measurement is when opening A of bucket B faces upward as shown in FIG. 1 (the angle between the horizontal plane and the direction in which opening A of bucket B faces is, for example, approximately 80 degrees) and the agricultural machine is stopped (speed is 0 km / h). Therefore, the transmission control unit 132 according to this embodiment transmits a control signal when the angle indicated by the angle information (the angle at which the angle is specified) is equal to or greater than threshold value 122 (the angle between the horizontal plane and the direction in which opening A of bucket B faces is specified to be, for example, 70 degrees or greater) and the speed indicated by the speed information is equal to or less than second threshold value 123 (for example, 5 km / h).

[0031] (Third Acquisition Department) The third acquisition unit 134 acquires measurement results from the thermal camera 3 provided on the agricultural machine M. The third acquisition unit 134 according to this embodiment acquires measurement results input from the thermal camera 3 to the input / output unit 11. Furthermore, the third acquisition unit 134 acquires measurement results every time the transmission control unit 132 transmits a control signal.

[0032] (Fourth Acquisition Department) The fourth acquisition unit 135 acquires, from the distance measurement sensor 7, location information at the time when the transmission control unit transmits a control signal. The location information is information indicating the location of the agricultural machine (the distance of the agricultural machine from a predetermined structure in the facility where material is deposited). The fourth acquisition unit 135 according to this embodiment acquires the location information input from the distance measurement sensor 7 to the input / output unit 11. In addition, the fourth acquisition unit 135 acquires location information each time the transmission control unit 132 transmits a control signal.

[0033] (Fifth Acquisition Department) The fifth acquisition unit 136 acquires temperature information indicating the temperature from the temperature sensor 6 that measures the outside air temperature. The fifth acquisition unit 136 according to this embodiment acquires the temperature information input from the temperature sensor 6 to the input / output unit 11.

[0034] (correction section) The correction unit 137 corrects the measurement results based on the temperature information. The correction unit 137 also corrects the measurement results based on the temperature information and speed information. For example, when the temperature is low or the speed is high, the measurement results will be generally low. In this case, the correction unit 137 corrects the measurement results to be higher. Note that if there is no need to correct the measurement results, the calculation unit 13 does not need to include the correction unit 137 and the fifth acquisition unit 136. In this case, the temperature measurement system 100 does not need to include the temperature sensor 6.

[0035] (Recording Department) The recording unit 138 records the measurement results. The recording unit 138 according to this embodiment records the measurement results by storing them in the memory unit 12. The recording unit 138 according to this embodiment also records position information in association with the measurement results. The recording unit 138 may be configured to further record at least one of shape information, speed information, and temperature information. The recording unit 138 may be configured to record the number of turns (how many turns) in one pile of material as shown in FIG. 2 in place of the position information in association with the measurement results.

[0036] (Generation part) The generation unit 139 generates a heat map based on the recorded measurement results 124 (stored in the storage unit 12) and the associated position information 125. A heat map is an image showing the temperature distribution of the entire material piled up in the facility. The generation unit 139 according to the present embodiment generates the heat map when a predetermined turning operation completion operation is performed (for example, when the operator presses a turning end button provided in the driver's seat of the agricultural machine M). Note that, when the recording unit 138 records the number of turning operations in association with the measurement results, the generation unit 139 may be configured to generate the heat map based on the recorded measurement results 124 and the associated number of turning operations. Furthermore, when a heat map is not generated, the calculation unit 13 does not need to include the generation unit 139 and the fourth acquisition unit 135. Furthermore, in this case, the temperature measurement system 100 does not need to include the distance measurement sensor 7.

[0037] (output processing section) The output processing unit 140 controls the input / output unit 11 to output the measurement results. As a result, the input / output unit 11 outputs the measurement results. As described above, the calculation unit 13 according to this embodiment includes the correction unit 137. Therefore, the input / output unit 11 according to this embodiment outputs the corrected measurement results. The measurement results output by the input / output unit 11 are then transmitted to the display device 4. The display device 4 receives the measurement results and displays the temperature distribution T of the imaging area including the holding unit B, for example, as shown in FIG. 4. Also, as described above, the calculation unit 13 according to this embodiment includes the generation unit 139. Therefore, the input / output unit 11 according to this embodiment outputs a heat map. The display device 4 receives the heat map and displays the heat map showing the temperature distribution of the entire material deposited in the facility.

[0038] [Effects of the temperature measurement system (temperature measurement control device)] The temperature measurement system 100 (temperature measurement control device 1) described above can be installed simply by attaching the sensor 2, which communicates with the temperature measurement control device 1, and the thermal camera 3 to the agricultural machine M (wheel loader, etc.). The temperature measurement system 100 (temperature measurement control device 1) automatically starts measuring the temperature of the material held in the holding unit when the holding unit takes on a predetermined shape. Therefore, the temperature measurement system 100 (temperature measurement control device 1) can easily measure the temperature of materials even in existing fermentation facilities where materials to be fermented are turned over using agricultural machines M other than cranes. In other words, the equipment can be introduced at low cost, and temperature measurements can be performed while the user is concentrating on operating the agricultural machine M.

[0039] <Temperature measurement method> Next, a temperature measuring method according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0040] The temperature measurement method is a method for measuring the temperature of material using an agricultural machine M. As shown in Fig. 5, the temperature measurement method includes an acquisition step S1 and a transmission control step S2 (definition step). The temperature measurement method may further include a second acquisition step S3, a third acquisition step S4, a fourth acquisition step S5, a fifth acquisition step S6, a correction step S7, a recording step S8, a generation step S9, and an output step S10.

[0041] (Acquisition step) In the initial acquisition step S1, a computer acquires shape information from a sensor 2 that measures the shape of a holding part of the agricultural machine M. The computer used in acquisition step S1 may be the above-mentioned temperature measurement control device 1, or may be another device.

[0042] (Second acquisition step) In a case where the temperature measurement method includes the second acquisition step S3, the second acquisition step S3 is performed before the transmission control step S2 is performed. In the second acquisition step S3 according to the present embodiment, speed information is acquired from the speed sensor 5 provided in the agricultural machine M.

[0043] (Transmission control step) After acquiring the shape information, a transmission control step S2 is performed. In the transmission control step S2, when the shape of the holding part indicated by the shape information becomes a predetermined shape, the computer transmits a control signal to the thermal camera 3. When the second acquisition step S3 is performed, in the transmission control step S2, when the angle indicated by the angle information falls within a predetermined range and the speed indicated by the speed information becomes a predetermined speed, a control signal is transmitted to the thermal camera 3. The computer used in the transmission control step S2 may be the above-mentioned temperature measurement control device 1, or may be another device.

[0044] (Third acquisition step) When the temperature measurement method includes the third acquisition step S4, the third acquisition step S4 is performed after the transmission control step S2 is performed. In the third acquisition step S4 according to this embodiment, measurement results are acquired from a thermal camera 3 provided on the agricultural machine M. The computer used in the third acquisition step S4 may be the temperature measurement control device 1 described above, or may be another device. Furthermore, the computer used in the third acquisition step S4 may be the same as or different from the computer that performed the acquisition step S1 and the transmission control step S2.

[0045] (Fourth acquisition step) If the temperature measurement method includes a fourth acquisition step S5, the fourth acquisition step S5 is performed after the transmission control step S2. In the fourth acquisition step S5, position information at the timing when the control signal is transmitted in the transmission control step S2 is acquired. In the fourth acquisition step S5 according to this embodiment, position information is acquired from the distance measurement sensor 7. Furthermore, the fourth acquisition unit 135 according to this embodiment acquires position information each time the transmission control unit 132 transmits a control signal. The computer used in the fourth acquisition step S5 may be the temperature measurement control device 1 described above, or may be another device. Furthermore, the computer used in the fourth acquisition step S5 may be the same as or different from the computer that performed the acquisition step S1 and the transmission control step S2.

[0046] (Fifth acquisition step) If the temperature measurement method includes a fifth acquisition step S6, the fifth acquisition step S6 is performed after the transmission control step S2. In the fifth acquisition step S6, temperature information is acquired. In the fifth acquisition step S6 according to this embodiment, the temperature information is acquired from the temperature sensor 6. The computer used in the fifth acquisition step S6 may be the temperature measurement control device 1 or another device. Furthermore, the computer used in the fifth acquisition step S6 may be the same as or different from the computer that performed the acquisition step S1 and the transmission control step S2.

[0047] (correction step) If the temperature measurement method includes a correction step S7, the correction step S7 is performed after the fifth acquisition step S6. In the correction step S7, the measurement result is corrected based on the temperature information. If the temperature measurement method includes a second acquisition step S3, the correction step S7 is performed after the second acquisition step S3 and the fifth acquisition step S6. In this case, in the correction step S7, the measurement result is corrected based on the temperature information and the speed information. The computer used in the correction step S7 may be the temperature measurement control device 1 or another device. Furthermore, the computer used in the correction step S7 may be the same as or different from the computer that performed the acquisition step S1 and the transmission control step S2.

[0048] (Recording step) If the temperature measurement method includes a recording step S8, the recording step S8 is performed after the third obtaining step S4. In the recording step S8, the measurement results are recorded. In the recording step S8 according to this embodiment, the measurement results are recorded by storing them in a memory unit of a computer. In addition, in the recording step S8 according to this embodiment, the position information is recorded in association with the measurement results. The computer used in the recording step S8 may be the temperature measurement control device 1 described above, or may be another device. In addition, the computer used in the recording step S8 may be the same as or different from the computer that performed the obtaining step S1 and the transmission control step S2.

[0049] (Generation step) If the temperature measurement method includes the generating step S9, the generating step S9 is performed after the third acquiring step S4 and the fourth acquiring step S5. In the generating step S9, a heat map showing the temperature distribution of the entire material deposited in the facility is generated based on the recorded measurement results and the associated location information. The computer used in the generating step S9 may be the temperature measurement control device 1 or another device. Furthermore, the computer used in the generating step S9 may be the same as or different from the computer that performed the acquiring step S1 and the transmission control step S2.

[0050] (output step) If the temperature measurement method includes an output step S10, the output step S10 is performed after the third acquisition step S4. In the output step S10, the measurement result is output. The output may be performed by a computer or another device connected to the computer. If the temperature measurement method includes a correction step S7, the output step S10 is performed after the correction step S7. In this case, the corrected measurement result is output in the output step S10. The computer used in the output step S10 may be the temperature measurement control device 1 described above, or may be another device. Furthermore, the computer used in the output step S10 may be the same as or different from the computer that performed the acquisition step S1 and the transmission control step S2.

[0051] [Effects of temperature measurement method] In the temperature measurement method described above, installation is completed simply by attaching the sensor 2, which communicates with a computer, and the thermal camera 3 to the agricultural machine M (wheel loader, etc.). In addition, in the temperature measurement method, the computer automatically starts measuring the temperature of the material held in the holding unit when the holding unit takes on a predetermined shape. Therefore, according to the temperature measurement method, similar to the temperature measurement system 100 (temperature measurement control device 1) described above, material temperatures can be easily measured even in existing fermentation facilities where materials to be fermented are turned over using agricultural machinery other than cranes.

[0052] <Modification> The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Furthermore, embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0053] For example, the temperature measurement control device 1 does not need to be mounted on the agricultural machine M when wireless communication is performed with the other devices 2 to 7 that make up the temperature measurement system 100.

[0054] 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.

[0055] Furthermore, each process described in each of the above embodiments may be implemented using AI (Artificial Intelligence). In this case, the AI ​​may be executed by the control device, or may be executed by another device (for example, an edge computer or a cloud server).

[0056] The temperature measurement control program 121 may be stored in one or more computer-readable storage media, rather than being stored temporarily. The storage media may or may not be included in the device. In the latter case, the temperature measurement control program 121 may be supplied to the device via any wired or wireless transmission medium.

[0057] 〔summary〕 The temperature measurement control device of aspect 1 of the present invention is a temperature measurement control device that controls the temperature measurement of a material that generates heat through fermentation by an agricultural machine that holds and transports a portion of the material in a holding part, and is configured to include an acquisition unit that acquires shape information indicating the shape of the holding part from a sensor that measures the shape of the holding part, and a transmission control unit that, when the shape of the holding part indicated by the shape information becomes a predetermined shape, transmits a control signal to start temperature measurement to a thermal camera that is positioned so that it can measure an area including the holding part.

[0058] A temperature measurement control device according to aspect 2 of the present invention may be configured as follows: in aspect 1 above, the agricultural machine is a vehicle equipped with a bucket having an opening as the holding part, and the bucket is capable of rotating around a straight line extending horizontally in a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the vehicle as the axis of rotation; the sensor is an angle sensor that measures an angle that can identify the orientation of the opening in the bucket; the acquisition unit acquires angle information indicating the angle as the morphological information; and the transmission control unit transmits the control signal to the thermal camera when the angle indicated by the angle information falls within a predetermined range.

[0059] The temperature measurement control device of aspect 3 of the present invention may be configured in the above-mentioned aspect 2, further comprising a second acquisition unit that acquires speed information indicating the speed acting on the vehicle from a speed sensor provided on the vehicle, and the transmission control unit transmits the control signal to the thermal camera when the angle falls within a predetermined range and the speed indicated by the speed information becomes a predetermined speed.

[0060] The temperature measurement control device of aspect 4 of the present invention may be configured in any of aspects 1 to 3 above, further comprising a third acquisition unit that acquires measurement results from the thermal camera, an output unit that outputs the measurement results, and a recording unit that records the measurement results.

[0061] The temperature measurement control device of aspect 5 of the present invention may be configured in the above-mentioned aspect 4, further comprising a fourth acquisition unit that acquires location information indicating the location of the agricultural machine at the time the transmission control unit transmits the control signal from a ranging sensor that measures the distance of the agricultural machine from a specified structure in the facility where the material is deposited, and the recording unit records the location information in association with the measurement result.

[0062] A temperature measurement control device according to aspect 6 of the present invention may be configured as in aspect 5 above, wherein the third acquisition unit acquires the measurement results each time the transmission control unit transmits the control signal, and the fourth acquisition unit acquires the location information each time the transmission control unit transmits the control signal, and further includes a generation unit that generates a heat map showing the temperature distribution of the entire material deposited in the facility based on the recorded measurement results and the associated location information.

[0063] A temperature measurement control device according to aspect 7 of the present invention may be configured in accordance with aspect 4 above, further comprising a fifth acquisition unit that acquires temperature information indicating the temperature from a temperature sensor that measures the outside air temperature, and a correction unit that corrects the measurement result based on the temperature information, and the output unit that outputs the corrected measurement result.

[0064] The temperature measurement control device according to aspect 8 of the present invention may be configured in the above-mentioned aspect 7, further comprising a second acquisition unit that acquires speed information indicating the speed acting on the agricultural machine from a speed sensor provided on the agricultural machine, and the correction unit corrects the measurement result based on the temperature information and the speed information.

[0065] A temperature measurement system according to aspect 9 of the present invention may be configured in any one of aspects 1 to 8 above, including the temperature measurement control device and a sensor that measures the shape of a holding part of an agricultural machine that holds and transports a portion of a material that generates heat through fermentation.

[0066] A temperature measurement system according to a tenth aspect of the present invention may be configured as in the above ninth aspect, further comprising a thermal camera arranged so as to be able to measure an area including the holding portion.

[0067] A temperature measurement system according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention may be configured in the above ninth aspect, further comprising a display device that displays the measurement results obtained by the thermal camera.

[0068] The agricultural machine according to aspect 12 of the present invention may be configured as an agricultural machine according to any one of aspects 9 to 11 above, which holds and transports a portion of a material that generates heat through fermentation in a holding part, and which is equipped with the temperature measurement system.

[0069] A temperature measurement method according to aspect 13 of the present invention is a temperature measurement method for measuring the temperature of a portion of a material that generates heat through fermentation using agricultural machinery that holds and transports the material in a holding part, the method including an acquisition step in which a computer acquires shape information indicating the shape of the holding part from a sensor that measures the shape of the holding part, and a transmission control step in which, when the shape of the holding part indicated by the shape information becomes a predetermined shape, the computer transmits a control signal to a thermal camera positioned so as to be able to measure an area including the holding part, indicating that temperature measurement should begin. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] M Agricultural machinery 100 Temperature Measurement System 1 Temperature measurement and control device 11 Input / output section 12 Storage section 121 Temperature measurement control program 122 Threshold 123 Second Threshold 124 Measurement results 125 Location information 13 Arithmetic section 131 Acquisition Department 132 Transmission control section 133 Second Acquisition Department 134 Third Acquisition Department 135 Fourth Acquisition Department 136 Fifth Acquisition Department 137 Correction Unit 138 Recording Department 139 Generation part 140 Output Processing Unit 2 sensors 3. Thermal camera 4 Display device 5 Speed ​​Sensor 6 Temperature Sensor 7. Distance Sensor D1, D2 distance W1, W2 walls S1 Acquisition step S2 Transmission control step S3 Second acquisition step S4 Third acquisition step S5 Fourth acquisition step S6 Fifth acquisition step S7 Correction step S8 Recording Step S9 Generation Step S10 Output Step

Claims

1. A temperature measurement control device that controls temperature measurement of a material by an agricultural machine that holds and transports a part of a material that generates heat through fermentation, comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires shape information indicating the shape of the holding unit from a sensor that measures the shape of the holding unit; a transmission control unit that transmits a control signal to start temperature measurement to a thermal camera that is arranged so as to be able to measure an area including the holding unit when the shape of the holding unit indicated by the shape information becomes a predetermined shape; and Equipped with Temperature measurement and control device.

2. the agricultural machine is a vehicle that includes a bucket having an opening as the holding part, and that is capable of rotating the bucket around a rotation axis that is a straight line that extends horizontally in a direction perpendicular to a traveling direction of the vehicle, the sensor is an angle sensor that measures an angle that can identify the orientation of the opening in the bucket, the acquisition unit acquires angle information indicating the angle as the morphological information; the transmission control unit transmits the control signal to the thermal camera when the angle indicated by the angle information falls within a predetermined range. The temperature measurement and control device of claim 1 .

3. a second acquisition unit that acquires speed information indicating a speed acting on the vehicle from a speed sensor provided in the vehicle; the transmission control unit transmits the control signal to the thermal camera when the angle falls within a predetermined range and the speed indicated by the speed information reaches a predetermined speed. The temperature measurement and control device of claim 2 .

4. A third acquisition unit that acquires measurement results from the thermal camera; an output unit that outputs the measurement results; a recording unit that records the measurement results; Further provided with The temperature measurement and control device of claim 1 .

5. a fourth acquisition unit that acquires, from a distance measuring sensor that measures the distance of the agricultural machine from a predetermined structure in a facility where the material is deposited, location information that indicates the location of the agricultural machine at the time when the transmission control unit transmitted the control signal; The recording unit records the position information in association with the measurement result.

5. The temperature measurement and control device of claim 4.

6. the third acquisition unit acquires the measurement result each time the transmission control unit transmits the control signal; the fourth acquisition unit acquires the location information every time the transmission control unit transmits the control signal; a generating unit configured to generate a heat map showing a temperature distribution of the entire material deposited in the facility based on the recorded measurement results and the associated position information; The temperature measurement and control device of claim 5 .

7. a fifth acquisition unit that acquires temperature information indicating an outside air temperature from a temperature sensor that measures the outside air temperature; a correction unit that corrects the measurement result based on the temperature information; Furthermore, The output unit outputs the corrected measurement result.

5. The temperature measurement and control device of claim 4.

8. a second acquisition unit that acquires speed information indicating a speed acting on the agricultural machine from a speed sensor provided in the agricultural machine, The correction unit corrects the measurement result based on the temperature information and the speed information. The temperature measurement and control device of claim 7.

9. The temperature measurement control device according to claim 1 ; a sensor for measuring a shape of a holding part of an agricultural machine that holds and transports a part of a material that generates heat through fermentation; Equipped with Temperature measurement system.

10. Further provided is a thermal camera arranged so as to be able to measure an area including the holding portion. The temperature measurement system of claim 9.

11. Further provided is a display device that displays the measurement results by the thermal camera. The temperature measurement system of claim 9.

12. An agricultural machine that holds and transports a portion of a material that generates heat through fermentation using a holding part, A temperature measurement system according to any one of claims 9 to 11, Agricultural machinery.

13. 1. A temperature measurement method for measuring the temperature of a material that generates heat through fermentation by an agricultural machine that holds and transports a part of the material using a holding part, comprising: an acquisition step in which a computer acquires shape information indicating the shape of the holding portion from a sensor that measures the shape of the holding portion; a transmission control step in which, when the shape of the holding unit indicated by the shape information becomes a predetermined shape, the computer transmits a control signal to start temperature measurement to a thermal camera arranged so as to be able to measure an area including the holding unit; Including, Temperature measurement method.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Composting management device and composting management method

    JP2021130078A