Crop measurement device

Abstract

To provide a crop measurement device which allows a light projection unit and a light reception unit to be easily installed at appropriate locations in a farm field.SOLUTION: A crop measurement device is provided, comprising a cylindrical first container, light projection unit, light reception unit, and holding unit. The cylindrical first container accommodates a crop. The light projection unit projects light on the crop. The light reception unit receives reflected light and transmitted light from the crop. The holding unit holds the light projection unit and the light reception unit in such a way that the light projection unit and the light reception unit face the crop accommodated in the first container.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to crop measurement devices. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an apparatus for non-destructively determining the internal quality, such as sugar content, contained in agricultural products such as strawberries, tomatoes, and mandarin oranges. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-251777 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The device places a light-projecting unit and a light-receiving unit on either side of the crop, scans the light, and judges the quality of the crop based on the light received after passing through the crop. However, it is not easy to scan the light on crops in a field, as their shapes are not uniform.

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, the present disclosure aims to provide a crop measuring device that can easily install a light-projecting unit and a light-receiving unit in suitable positions in a farm field. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A crop measuring device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a cylindrical first container for containing crops, a light-projecting unit that projects light onto the crops, a light-receiving unit that receives reflected light and transmitted light from the crops, and a holding unit that holds the light-projecting unit and the light-receiving unit so that they face the crops contained inside the first container. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, the light-projecting unit and the light-receiving unit can be easily provided in suitable positions in a farm field. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an overview of the crop measuring device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the movement mechanism. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing an overview of the crop measuring device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing an overview of the crop measuring device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing an overview of the crop measuring device according to the first modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] <Summary of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure> The following provides an outline of embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0010] (1) A crop measuring device according to one aspect of this embodiment includes a cylindrical first container for containing crops, a light-projecting unit for projecting light onto the crops, a light-receiving unit for receiving light reflected from and transmitted through the crops, and a holding unit for holding the light-projecting unit and the light-receiving unit so as to face the crops contained inside the first container.

[0011] According to the crop measuring device of this embodiment, the light projecting unit and the light receiving unit can be easily provided in suitable positions facing the crops stored in the first container.

[0012] (2) In the above (1), a part or all of the first container may be made of a light-blocking material.

[0013] Since the first container is made of a light-blocking material, the amount of light incident on the inside of the first container is reduced, thereby reducing the risk of a decrease in measurement accuracy due to light incident from outside.

[0014] (3) In (2) above, the agricultural product measuring device may further include an opening / closing mechanism that can freely close the opening on the first end side of the first container, and a closing member that blocks the opening on the second end side of the first container.

[0015] As a result, the opening of the first container is closed by the opening / closing mechanism and the closing member, which further blocks out light and further reduces the risk of a decrease in measurement accuracy due to light entering from outside.

[0016] (4) The agricultural product measuring device according to any one of (1) to (3) above may further include a movement mechanism that moves the light projecting unit and the light receiving unit so as to face the agricultural product.

[0017] This allows the light projecting unit and the light receiving unit to move facing the crops, allowing the light projecting unit and the light receiving unit to scan a wide range of crops, even if the crops have a uniform shape, thereby improving measurement accuracy.

[0018] (5) In the above (4), the movement mechanism may include a holder movement device that moves the holder along at least one of the axial direction and the circumferential direction of the first container.

[0019] As a result, the holder-moving device moves the holder along at least one of the axial and circumferential directions of the first container, allowing the light-projecting and light-receiving units to scan a wider area of ​​crops that are not uniform in shape, thereby improving measurement accuracy.

[0020] (6) In the above (4), the movement mechanism may include a container movement device that moves the first container in the axial direction of the first container and rotates the first container around the central axis of the first container.

[0021] As a result, the container moving device moves the first container in the axial direction of the first container and rotates the first container around its central axis, so the light projecting unit and the light receiving unit move in the axial and circumferential directions of the first container, scanning a wider area of ​​crops that are not uniform in shape, thereby improving measurement accuracy.

[0022] (7) The agricultural product measuring device described in any one of (1) to (6) above may further include a cylindrical second container located inside the first container, and the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit may be located between the first container and the second container.

[0023] As a result, the crops are separated from the light-projecting unit and the light-receiving unit by the second container, reducing the risk of the light-projecting unit and the light-receiving unit damaging the crops.

[0024] (8) The crop for the crop measuring device according to any one of (1) to (7) above may be grapes.

[0025] According to the agricultural produce measuring device of this embodiment, the light-projecting unit and the light-receiving unit can be easily provided in suitable positions facing the grapes contained in the first container.

[0026] [Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure] Hereinafter, the details of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that at least some of the embodiments described below may be combined in any manner.

[0027] <Embodiment 1> [1-1 Overall configuration of agricultural crop measurement device] FIG. 1 is an overview diagram showing an example of the overview of a crop measuring device 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the crop measuring device 1 of the present disclosure includes a first container 2, a light-projecting unit 3, a light-receiving unit 4, and a holding unit 5. The first container 2 is a cylindrical container that contains a crop F. The light-projecting unit 3 projects light onto the crop F. The light-receiving unit 4 receives light reflected from and transmitted through the crop F. The holding unit 5 holds the light-projecting unit 3 and the light-receiving unit 4 so that they face the crop F contained inside the first container 2. The crop measuring device 1 further includes a movement mechanism 6 that moves the light-projecting unit 3 and the light-receiving unit 4 so that they face the crop F.

[0028] [1-2 Details of each component] Next, each component will be described in detail.

[0029] [1-2-1 1st container] The first container 2 is a cylindrical container. The first container 2 is a molded body with a uniform cross section that is elongated in the normal direction of the cross section. The cross section has a circular shape, for example, a circular or rectangular shape. The size of the inner edge of the cross section is large enough to accommodate the crops F, light-projecting unit 3, light-receiving unit 4, and moving mechanism 6 located inside the first container 2. The axial length of the first container 2 is at least long enough to accommodate the crops F.

[0030] The first container 2 may be made of a light-transmitting material. When made of a light-transmitting material, light from outside the first container 2 (hereinafter referred to as "external light") enters the inside of the first container 2. The incident external light is incident on the light-receiving unit 4. Even in such a case, the light-receiving unit 4 can receive reflected light and transmitted light from the crops F resulting from the light projected by the light-projecting unit 3. Specifically, for example, the drive current of the light-projecting unit 3 is modulated by a signal of a predetermined frequency (hereinafter referred to as a "modulation signal"). As a result, the light emitted by the light-projecting unit 3 is modulated by the predetermined frequency. The light-receiving unit 4 selectively detects signals of the predetermined frequency using the modulated signal as a reference signal. Because external light has a constant intensity, it does not affect the signal intensity of the predetermined frequency detected by the light-receiving unit 4. This eliminates the influence of external light.

[0031] Part or all of the first container 2 may be made of a light-blocking material. In this case, the first container 2 can be made in various forms. For example, the material making up the first container 2 may be a light-opaque material, synthetic resin, or metal. Alternatively, the outside of the first container 2 may be covered with a coating that does not transmit light, or may be covered with a light-blocking film or light-blocking material. Furthermore, the inside of the first container 2 may be covered with a light-absorbing coating. In this way, since the first container 2 is made of a light-blocking material, the amount of light entering the inside of the first container 2 is reduced.

[0032] If part or all of the first container 2 is made of a light-blocking material, the risk of measurement accuracy being reduced due to external light can be reduced. As explained above, when the first container 2 is made of a light-transmitting material, even if external light enters the inside of the first container, the light-receiving unit 4 can receive reflected light and transmitted light from the crop F. However, when external light enters the inside of the crop measuring device 1, the external light is incident on the light-receiving unit 4. The light-receiving unit 4 is made of, for example, a photodiode. If strong light enters the photodiode, the photodiode may become saturated, and the output signal from the photodiode may contain errors. On the other hand, if the first container 2 is made of a light-blocking material, the risk of measurement accuracy being reduced due to external light can be reduced. This is because the light-blocking material reduces the amount of external light entering the inside of the first container 2. This reduces the risk of the photodiode becoming saturated, and reduces errors in the output signal from the photodiode.

[0033] [1-2-2 Opening and closing mechanism] The agricultural crop measuring device 1 may further include an opening / closing mechanism 7 and a closing member 8. The opening / closing mechanism 7 closes the opening on the first end 2a side of the first container 2 in an openable / closable manner. The closing member 8 closes the opening on the second end 2b side of the first container 2. The closing member 8 may be fixed to the first container 2, or may be provided so as to be freely removable. Part or all of the opening / closing mechanism 7 and the closing member 8 may be made of a light-blocking material.

[0034] The outer peripheral shape of the opening / closing mechanism 7 is, for example, a shape that is a predetermined distance outside or inside the cross-sectional shape of the first container 2. One end of the outer periphery of the opening / closing mechanism 7 is provided with a hinge 7a that freely pivots between the first container 2 and the opening / closing mechanism 7. The other end of the opening / closing mechanism 7 includes a cutout 7b that cuts out a portion of the opening / closing mechanism 7 from the outer edge toward the center. When the crop measuring device 1 measures the crop F, the opening / closing mechanism 7 is opened, and the opening on the first end 2a side is opened. The crop F is then inserted into the first container 2 through the opening. The opening / closing mechanism 7 then closes the opening on the first end 2a side. When the opening / closing mechanism 7 closes the opening, for example, the portion of the stalk connecting the grape cluster to the stem passes through the cutout 7b. This prevents the stalk from interfering with the opening and closing operation of the opening / closing mechanism 7. When opening / closing mechanism 7 closes first end 2a, external light entering the inside of agricultural crop measuring device 1 is reduced, and errors in the measurement values ​​of agricultural crop measuring device 1 caused by external light are reduced.

[0035] [1-2-3 Movement mechanism] 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the movement mechanism 6. The crop measuring device 1 may further include the movement mechanism 6. The movement mechanism 6 moves the light-projecting unit 3 and the light-receiving unit 4 so that they face the crop F. The movement mechanism 6 may include a holder movement device 21. The holder movement device 21 moves the holder 5 along at least one of the axial direction and circumferential direction of the first container 2.

[0036] Holder moving device 21 includes a first slider 22, a second slider 23, and a moving rail 24. Holder 5 is provided on first slider 22. Holder 5 may further include a distance measurement sensor 25. Distance measurement sensor 25 measures the distance from holder 5 to crop F facing holder 5.

[0037] <Holding unit moving device> Next, we will explain the details of the holder moving device 21. The holder moving device 21 includes a first slider 22, a second slider 23, and a moving rail 24. The first slider 22 and the second slider 23 are controlled by a control device 9, which will be described later.

[0038] <First slider> The first slider 22 is guided by a movable rail 24 (described later) and moves from the vicinity of the first end 2a to the vicinity of the second end 2b. The first slider 22 has a structure that holds the movable rail 24, for example, and does not fall off the movable rail 24 even when the first slider 22 moves along the movable rail 24. The movable rail 24 guides the first slider 22 so that the holder 5 faces a fixed direction. The light-projecting unit 3 and the light-receiving unit 4 are held by the holder 5 so that the light-projecting direction of the light-projecting unit 3 and the light-receiving direction of the light-receiving unit 4 face the crops F. This allows the light-projecting unit 3 and the light-receiving unit 4 to move so as to face the crops F contained inside the first container 2. The first slider 22 includes, for example, a linear motor. The linear motor is controlled by a control device 9 (described later). When the linear motor is driven, the first slider 22 moves along the movable rail 24.

[0039] <Moving rail> The movable rail 24 is provided along the inner wall surface 2c of the first container 2. The longitudinal direction of the movable rail is parallel to the axial direction of the first container 2, and the length in the longitudinal direction is shorter than the axial length of the first container 2 by a predetermined length. The movable rail 24 has a linear shape and is made of, for example, aluminum. One end of the movable rail 24 is connected to the second slider 23.

[0040] <Second slider> The second slider 23 is guided by a fixed rail 26 (described later) and moves circumferentially along the inner wall surface 2c of the first container 2. The second slider 23 has a structure that holds the fixed rail 26, for example, so that it does not fall off the fixed rail 26 even when moved along the rail. The second slider moves on the fixed rail 26, thereby allowing the movable rail 24 to move circumferentially around the first container 2. The fixed rail 26 is provided along the edge of the inner wall surface 2c on the first end 2a side of the first container 2. Therefore, the second slider 23 moving along the fixed rail 26 moves so that the light-projecting direction of the light-projecting unit 3 and the light-receiving direction of the light-receiving unit 4 are directed toward the central axis of the first container 2. This allows the light-projecting unit 3 and the light-receiving unit 4 to move so as to face the crops F contained inside the first container 2. The second slider 23 includes, for example, a linear motor. The linear motor is controlled by a control device 9 (described later). The linear motor moves the second slider 23 along the fixed rail 26 .

[0041] <Fixed rail> The fixed rail 26 is provided along the edge of the first end 2a of the first container 2. The fixed rail 26 has a uniform cross section and is elongated in the normal direction of the cross section. The cross section has, for example, an L-shape. When viewed in the normal direction of the cross section of the first container 2, the fixed rail 26 has a circular ring shape. The fixed rail 26 is made of, for example, aluminum or synthetic resin.

[0042] <Range measuring sensor> Distance measurement sensor 25 is a sensor that measures the distance from the sensor to an object. Distance measurement sensor 25 outputs a signal containing information corresponding to the measured distance. Distance measurement sensor 25 is provided, for example, in holder 5. In this case, distance measurement sensor 25 measures the distance from holder 5 to crop F facing holder 5. Distance measurement sensor 25 may be provided at first end 2a or second end 2b of first container 2. In this case, distance measurement sensor 25 measures the distance from first end 2a or second end 2b to crop F contained inside first container 2. This makes it possible to determine how far crop F has been inserted inside first container 2.

[0043] The distance measuring sensor can be of various types. For example, it may be a sensor that irradiates an object with light from a light-emitting diode or laser diode and determines the distance by triangulation. Alternatively, it may be a sensor that irradiates an object with light from a light-emitting element, detects the reflected light with a light-receiving element, and measures the time of flight of the light from the light-emitting element to the light-receiving element to measure the distance.

[0044] [1-2-4 Light Projector] The light projecting unit 3 projects light toward the crop F. The light projecting units 3 are mounted on the holder 5, for example, at equidistant positions on a circle centered on the light receiving unit 4 (described later). The light projecting units 3 are controlled by a control device 9 (described later). The light projecting units 3 are, for example, light-emitting diodes. The wavelength of the light projected toward the crop F is, for example, near-infrared light of 0.8 μm to 1.2 μm. Near-infrared light is selected because substances such as sugar contained in the crop F absorb light of wavelengths corresponding to the substances (sugars, anthocyanins, etc.), and this wavelength is near-infrared light. While the example of a light-emitting diode has been described, any light projecting unit that emits near-infrared light may be used. For example, a halogen lamp may be used. Alternatively, a light-emitting device (not shown) provided external to the crop measuring device 1 may output light, which is guided to the holder 5 via an optical fiber.

[0045] [1-2-5 Light receiving section] The light receiving unit 4 receives reflected and transmitted light from the crop F. The light receiving unit 4 is controlled by a control unit 9, which will be described later. The light receiving unit 4 is, for example, a spectrophotometer that measures the spectral distribution of light intensity. The spectrophotometer includes, for example, a diffraction grating and a line sensor. The diffraction grating diffracts light of a predetermined wavelength to a predetermined position. The line sensor is a sensor in which multiple photodiodes are arranged at equal intervals in a straight line and capture an image as a line. The spectrophotometer identifies the wavelength and intensity of the received light based on the output signal of the line sensor. As mentioned above, substances (sugars, anthocyanins, etc.) contained in the crop F absorb light of wavelengths corresponding to those substances. Therefore, by analyzing the spectral distribution of the light intensity output by the spectrophotometer, the amount of substances contained in the crop F can be identified.

[0046] Although the light-receiving unit 4 has been described as a spectrophotometer, it is not limited to this. For example, if the agricultural produce measuring device 1 is a single-function measuring device that evaluates sugars and the half-width of the light-emitting wavelength of the light-projecting unit is narrow enough to be unaffected by substances other than sugars, the light-receiving unit may be a photodiode.

[0047] [1-2-6 Control Device] The control device 9 controls the light-projecting unit 3, the light-receiving unit 4, the first slider 22, and the second slider 23. The control device 9 includes a control unit 9a, a memory 9b, and an input / output interface 9c (hereinafter referred to as the input / output I / F 9c). The control unit 9a, the memory 9b, and the input / output I / F 9c are electrically connected to each other via an internal bus 9d so that they can communicate with each other.

[0048] The control unit 9a includes a circuit configuration such as a processor. Specifically, the control unit 9a includes one or more central processing units (CPUs). The processor included in the control unit 9a may be a graphics processing unit (GPU). In this case, the control unit 9a reads out a computer program stored in the memory 9b and executes various calculations and controls.

[0049] The memory 9b includes a volatile memory and a nonvolatile memory, and stores various types of data. The volatile memory includes, for example, a random access memory (RAM). The nonvolatile memory includes, for example, a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a read-only memory (ROM).

[0050] The input / output I / F 9c is an interface for communicating with the light-projecting unit 3, the light-receiving unit 4, the first slider 22, and the second slider 23. The input / output I / F 9c transmits data including information for controlling the light-projecting unit 3, the light-receiving unit 4, the first slider 22, and the second slider 23. The input / output I / F 9c receives data from the light-receiving unit 4 including information indicating the spectral distribution of the intensity of the received light.

[0051] [1-3 Operation of the crop measuring device] The operation of the agricultural crop measuring device 1 described in the present application will now be described. When the crop measuring device 1 is to measure the crop F, first the opening / closing mechanism 7 of the first container 2 is opened. Next, the crop F to be measured is inserted inside the first container 2. Then, the opening / closing mechanism 7 is closed as the fruit stalk of the crop F passes through the cutout portion 7b. If the first container 2, opening / closing mechanism 7, and closing member 8 are made of a light-blocking material, the amount of light entering the inside of the first container 2 from outside is reduced.

[0052] Next, for example, after detecting that the opening / closing mechanism 7 is closed, the control device 9 controls the first slider 22 and the second slider 23 to move the light projecting unit 3 and the light receiving unit 4 to the measurement positions. The control device 9 may also control the first slider 22 and the second slider 23 upon detecting that a switch operated by an operator has been turned on.

[0053] First slider 22, controlled by control device 9, is guided by movable rails 24 and moves to a predetermined position in the axial direction of first container 2. Second slider 23, controlled by control device 9, is guided by fixed rails 26 and moves to a predetermined position in the circumferential direction inside first container 2. As a result, light-projecting unit 3 and light-receiving unit 4 held by holding unit 5 provided on first slider 22 can move toward crop F and inside first container 2 to a measurement position.

[0054] For example, the measurement positions are three points P1, P2, and P3 in Figure 1. The reason for measuring values ​​at multiple measurement positions is that when crop F contains multiple fruits gathered in clusters, such as grapes, the sugar content varies from fruit to fruit. In such cases, the sugar content of the entire cluster is the average of multiple measured values. On the other hand, for a crop with a single fruit, such as a tomato, crop measuring device 1 may measure a single measurement value at position P2.

[0055] P1, P2, and P3 are identified, for example, as follows: Control device 9 moves first slider 22 along movable rail 24 from near first end 2a to near second end 2b. Distance measurement sensor 25 attached to first slider 22 moves from first end 2a to second end 2b. Distance measurement sensor 25 measures the distance from distance measurement sensor 25 to crop F while moving in the longitudinal direction of movable rail 24. Control device 9 identifies the position of first slider 22 when the distance measured by distance measurement sensor 25 becomes shorter than, for example, half the distance from distance measurement sensor 25 to the opposing inner wall surface 2c as upper end P4 of crop F. Control device 9 identifies the position of first slider 22 when the distance measured by distance measurement sensor 25 becomes longer than half the distance from distance measurement sensor 25 to the opposing inner wall surface 2c as lower end P0 of crop F. Then, the distance from the bottom end P0 to the top end P4 is divided into four equal parts, and the control device identifies the positions of P1, P2, and P3 from the closest to P0.

[0056] The control device 9 moves the light-projecting unit 3 and the light-receiving unit 4 to predetermined positions, and then controls the light-projecting unit 3 and the light-receiving unit 4 to measure the crop F. Specifically, the control device 9 transmits, for example, a command to the light-projecting unit 3 and the light-receiving unit 4. Upon receiving the command, the light-projecting unit 3 emits near-infrared light onto the crop F. The light-receiving unit then receives the reflected light and transmitted light from the crop F that is caused by the light from the light-projecting unit 3. The light-receiving unit 4, for example, a spectrophotometer, begins analysis based on the received light. After starting the analysis, the spectrophotometer analyzes the received light and transmits data to the control device 9 that includes information indicating the spectral distribution of the intensity of the received light. The control device 9 receives the data and determines the sugar content, etc., of the crop F based on the information included in the received data.

[0057] After determining the sugar content, etc., the control device 9 sends a command to the light projector 3 indicating that irradiation of near-infrared light should be terminated. The control device 9 then sends a movement command including information indicating the next measurement position to the first slider 22. Upon receiving the movement command, the first slider 22 moves to the measurement position indicated by the information included in the movement command. The agricultural crop measuring device 1 repeats the above operations to measure the sugar content, etc. of the agricultural crop F.

[0058] In the above description, an example has been given in which the first slider 22 and the second slider 23 move, but the present invention is not limited to this, and only the first slider 22 or only the second slider may move.

[0059] As described above, when measuring agricultural product F, the measurement is completed simply by inserting agricultural product F into first container 2. Furthermore, since the sugar content and the like of agricultural product F are measured by, for example, averaging multiple measurement values, measurement variability is reduced.

[0060] [1-4 Summary] The agricultural produce measuring device 1 according to this embodiment includes a light-projecting unit 3 and a light-receiving unit 4 inside the first container 2, so that the light-projecting unit 3 and the light-receiving unit 4 can be easily positioned to face the agricultural produce F contained in the first container 2. This makes it easy to measure the quality of the agricultural produce F in the field.

[0061] Since the first container 2 is made of a light-blocking material, it reduces the amount of light that enters the inside of the first container 2. This reduces the risk of a decrease in measurement accuracy due to light that enters the first container 2 from outside.

[0062] Since the opening of the first container 2 is closed by the opening / closing mechanism and the closing member, the amount of light incident on the inside of the first container 2 is further reduced, and the risk of a decrease in measurement accuracy can be further reduced.

[0063] Since the movement mechanism 6 moves the light projecting unit 3 and the light receiving unit 4 so that they face the crops F, it is possible to widely scan the crops F, which do not have a uniform shape.

[0064] The holder moving device 21 moves the holder 5 along at least one of the axial direction and the circumferential direction of the first container 2, so that the light projecting unit and the light receiving unit can scan a wider area of ​​agricultural produce that does not have a uniform shape.

[0065] <Embodiment 2> [2-1 Configuration of agricultural crop measurement device] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an overview of a crop measuring device 1 according to a second embodiment. The crop measuring device 1 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 3. The difference from the first embodiment is that the crop measuring device 1 according to the second embodiment further includes a cylindrical second container 31 located inside the first container 2. The light projecting unit 3 and the light receiving unit 4 are located between the first container 2 and the second container 31. The second container 31 is made of a light-transmitting material. The light-transmitting material may be any material that transmits light having a wavelength of light irradiated toward the crops F, for example, near-infrared light having a wavelength of 0.8 μm to 1.2 μm. Examples of light-transmitting materials include sapphire glass and quartz glass. Sapphire glass has a higher bending strength than quartz glass. Quartz glass has a higher transmittance than sapphire glass in the near-infrared region.

[0066] [2-2 Operation of the crop measuring device] In the first embodiment, the crop measuring device 1 does not have any components that separate the space between the crop F and the light-projecting unit 3 and the light-receiving unit 4. In other words, the crop F was positioned directly opposite the light-projecting unit 3 and the light-receiving unit 4. For this reason, if the crop F had a uniform shape, the crop F would come into contact with the light-projecting unit 3 and the light-receiving unit 4, which could damage the crop F.

[0067] The agricultural product measuring device 1 in the second embodiment further includes a cylindrical second container 31 located inside the first container 2. The light projecting unit 3 and the light receiving unit 4 are located between the first container 2 and the second container 31. The second container thereby separates the spaces between the agricultural product F and the light projecting unit 3 and light receiving unit 4.

[0068] When crop measuring device 1 measures crop F, crop F is inserted inside second container 31 and opening / closing mechanism 7 is closed. Control device 9 detects that opening / closing mechanism 7 is closed, and controls first slider 22 and second slider 23 to move light-projecting unit 3 and light-receiving unit 4 to predetermined positions. At this time, light-projecting unit 3 and light-receiving unit 4 move in the space between first container 2 and second container 31. This space is separated from the space inside the second container by second container 31. This reduces the risk of light-projecting unit 3 and light-receiving unit 4 damaging crop F as they move.

[0069] [2-3 Summary] The second container 31 separates the space inside the second container 31 where the crops F are located from the space where the light-projecting unit 3 and the light-receiving unit 4 are located, thereby reducing the risk of the light-projecting unit 3 and the light-receiving unit 4 damaging the crops F.

[0070] <Embodiment 3> [3. Crop measurement device of embodiment 3] FIG. 4 is an overview diagram showing an overview of the agricultural produce measuring device 1 according to the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, the movement mechanism 6 includes a container movement device 41. The container movement device 41 moves the first container 2 in the axial direction of the first container 2 and rotates the first container 2 about the central axis of the first container 2. In FIG. 4, the container movement device 41 is a robot arm 41. The first container 2 is provided at the tip of the robot arm 41. The first container 2 has a holder 5 provided inside the first container 2. The holder 5 may be fixed to the first container 2. The holder 5 holds the light-projecting unit 3 and the light-receiving unit 4 so as to face the agricultural produce F contained inside the first container 2.

[0071] The robot arm 41 moves the first container 2 in the axial direction of the first container 2 and rotates the first container 2 around the central axis of the first container 2. Specifically, the robot arm 41 drives the joints of the robot arm 41 to move the first container 2 in the longitudinal direction of the stalk of the crop F. The robot arm 41 rotates the tip of the robot arm 41 to rotate the first container 2 around the stalk of the crop F as the central axis. As a result, the light-projecting unit 3 and the light-receiving unit 4 move along the axial direction and circumferential direction of the first container 2.

[0072] <Summary> Container moving device 41 moves first container 2 in the axial direction of first container 2 and rotates first container 2 around the central axis of first container 2, so light projecting unit 3 and light receiving unit 4 move in the axial and circumferential directions of first container 2, scanning crops F that are not uniform in shape over a wider area. This improves measurement accuracy.

[0073] <Variation 1> [4. Crop measurement device according to variant 1] FIG. 5 is an overview diagram showing an overview of the agricultural crop measuring device 1 according to Modification 1. In Modification 1, the agricultural crop measuring device 1 is held by an operator 51. The operator 51 moves the first container 2 in the axial direction of the first container 2 and rotates the first container 2 about the central axis of the first container 2. By inserting the agricultural crop F inside the first container 2, the light-projecting unit 3 and the light-receiving unit 4 can be easily positioned to face the agricultural crop held in the first container.

[0074] For example, a distance measuring sensor is provided at the first end 2a or the second end 2b of the first container 2. The distance measuring sensor measures the distance from the first end 2a or the second end 2b to the crops F. For example, the control device 9 displays information indicating the distance measured by the distance measuring sensor on a display device (not shown) provided in the control device 9. Alternatively, the control device 9 notifies the worker 51 using a voice synthesizer (not shown) provided in the control device 9. The worker 51 can easily grasp the measurement position and can easily move the first container 2.

[0075] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but includes all modifications within the scope of equivalents to the configurations described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 1 Crop measuring device 2 1st container 2a 1st end 2b Second end 2c Inner wall 3 Light emitter 4 Light receiving section 5 Holding part 6 Moving mechanism 7 Opening and closing mechanism 7a Hinge 7b Notch 8 Closure member 9 Control Device 9a Control section 9b Memory 9c input / output I / F 9d Internal Bus 21 Holding part moving device 22 First slider 23 Second slider 24 Moving Rail 25 Distance measurement sensor 26 Fixed rail 31 Second container 41 Container moving device (robot arm) 51 Workers F. Crops

Claims

1. a cylindrical first container for containing agricultural produce; a light projecting unit that projects light onto the crops; a light receiving unit that receives reflected light and transmitted light from the crops; a holder that holds the light-projecting unit and the light-receiving unit so as to face the crops contained inside the first container; A crop measuring device comprising:

2. The crop measuring device according to claim 1 , wherein a part or all of the first container is made of a light-shielding material.

3. an opening / closing mechanism that freely closes an opening on a first end side of the first container; a closing member that closes an opening on the second end side of the first container; The crop measuring device of claim 2 further comprising:

4. The agricultural product measuring device according to claim 1 , further comprising a movement mechanism that moves the light projecting unit and the light receiving unit so as to face the agricultural product.

5. the moving mechanism includes a holder moving device that moves the holder along at least one of an axial direction and a circumferential direction of the first container. The crop measuring device according to claim 4.

6. the moving mechanism includes a container moving device that moves the first container in an axial direction of the first container and rotates the first container around a central axis of the first container. The crop measuring device according to claim 4.

7. Further provided is a cylindrical second container located inside the first container, The agricultural crop measuring device according to claim 1 , wherein the light projecting unit and the light receiving unit are located between the first container and the second container.

8. The crops are The crop measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the crop is grapes.

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