Crop measurement apparatus

Abstract

To provide a technique which can be made compact even when a plurality of kinds of light sources are arranged.SOLUTION: A crop measurement device 1 according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of first light sources 34 that emit first light, a plurality of second light sources 36 that emit second light having a wavelength different from a wavelength of the first light, and a light receiving unit 16 that receives reflected light of the first light and the second light reflected by a crop. The plurality of first light sources 34 are arranged so as to surround the light receiving part 16. The plurality of second light sources 36 are arranged outside the arrangement of the plurality of first light sources 34.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a measuring device that irradiates a measurement object such as a fruit with light and performs spectroscopic analysis of the reflected light to obtain quality values ​​such as sugar content and acidity of the measurement object. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-116141 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The conventional measuring device includes a plurality of light sources and a light receiving element. The light sources and the light receiving element are mounted on a single substrate. The light receiving element is exposed on the surface of the substrate and receives light reflected from the object to be measured. The plurality of light sources include a plurality of types of light sources that emit light of different wavelengths.

[0005] To perform measurements with higher accuracy, it is necessary to ensure that each of the multiple types of light sources has a sufficient amount of light, which requires increasing the number of each of the multiple types of light sources. If an attempt is made to further increase the number of each of the multiple types of light sources, the area in which the multiple light sources are arranged will become wider, which may lead to an increase in the size of the device.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a technology that enables compactness even when multiple types of light sources are arranged. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The presently disclosed agricultural crop measuring device includes a plurality of first light sources that emit a first light, a plurality of second light sources that emit a second light having a wavelength different from that of the first light, and a light receiving unit that receives the first light reflected by the agricultural crop and the light reflected by the second light. The plurality of first light sources are arranged to surround the light receiving unit. The plurality of second light sources are arranged outside the arrangement of the plurality of first light sources. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, compactness is possible even when multiple types of light sources are arranged. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a crop measuring device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the agricultural product measuring device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an external view showing the light source circuit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an arrangement of light sources in a light source circuit according to a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the arrangement of light sources in a light source circuit according to another modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an arrangement of light sources in a light source circuit according to yet another modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an arrangement of light sources in a light source circuit according to yet another modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the light source circuit. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of a light source circuit according to a second modification of the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of a farm produce measuring device according to a third modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an external view showing a light source circuit according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an external view showing a light source circuit according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view showing another example of the internal configuration of the agricultural product measuring device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] First, the contents of the embodiment will be listed and explained. [Outline of the embodiment] (1) The presently disclosed agricultural crop measuring device includes a plurality of first light sources that emit a first light, a plurality of second light sources that emit a second light having a wavelength different from that of the first light, and a light receiving unit that receives the first light reflected by the agricultural crop and the light reflected by the second light. The plurality of first light sources are arranged to surround the light receiving unit. The plurality of second light sources are arranged outside the arrangement of the plurality of first light sources. According to the above configuration, the second light sources are arranged outside the array of the first light sources arranged so as to surround the light receiving unit, so that the second light sources are arranged in a row separate from the array of the first light sources. In this way, the light sources are arranged in multiple rows around the light receiving unit, which allows for more compact design than, for example, when multiple types of light sources are arranged in a single row.

[0011] (2) In the agricultural crop measuring device of (1) above, the plurality of first light sources may be arranged on a placement circle surrounding the light receiving unit, and the plurality of second light sources may be arranged on a circle concentric with the placement circle. In this case, the plurality of first light sources and the plurality of second light sources can be arranged so as to form two annular rows.

[0012] (3) In the agricultural crop measuring device of (2) above, the center of one of the plurality of second light sources may be located on a straight line passing through the center of the arrangement circle and the center of one of the plurality of first light sources. In this case, one first light source and one second light source are close to each other, so if, for example, the first light source and the second light source are mounted on the same circuit board and the first light source and the second light source can be connected in series, the wiring length when connecting the first light source and the second light source can be shortened.

[0013] (4) In the agricultural crop measuring device of (2) above, the centers of the plurality of second light sources may each be located on a straight line passing through the center of the arrangement circle and the center of one of the plurality of first light sources. In this case too, the first light source and the second light source, which are positioned on the same straight line, are close to each other, so that, for example, if the first light source and the second light source are mounted on the same circuit board and the first light source and the second light source can be connected in series, the wiring length when connecting the first light source and the second light source can be shortened.

[0014] (5) In addition, in the agricultural crop measuring device of (2) above, the center of one of the plurality of second light sources may be located at a position other than a position on a straight line passing through the center of the arrangement circle of the plurality of first light sources and the center of one of the plurality of first light sources. In this case, the circumferential position of one second light source is between a pair of adjacent first light sources. Therefore, even if the arrangement circle and the concentric circle are brought close to each other, it is easy to avoid interference between the first light source and the second light source. As a result, it is easy to further reduce the arrangement area in which multiple first light sources and multiple second light sources are provided.

[0015] (6) In the agricultural crop measuring device of (2) above, the centers of the plurality of second light sources may each be located at a position other than a position on a straight line passing through the center of the arrangement circle of the plurality of first light sources and the center of one of the plurality of first light sources. In this case, the second light source is also positioned circumferentially between a pair of adjacent first light sources. Therefore, even if the arrangement circle and the concentric circle are brought closer together, interference between the first light source and the second light source can be easily avoided. As a result, it is easy to further reduce the arrangement area in which the multiple first light sources and multiple second light sources are provided.

[0016] (7) In the agricultural crop measuring device according to any one of (1) to (6) above, the number of light sources in the plurality of second light sources may be greater than the number of light sources in the plurality of first light sources. (8) In the agricultural produce measuring device according to any one of (1) to (6) above, the number of light sources in the plurality of second light sources may be equal to or greater than the number of light sources in the plurality of first light sources. In this case, the number of the plurality of first light sources and the number of the plurality of second light sources can be adjusted as necessary.

[0017] (9) In any one of the agricultural crop measuring devices (2) to (6) above, if the agricultural crop measuring device further comprises one or more third light sources arranged on the arrangement circle and one or more fourth light sources arranged on the concentric circle, the one or more third light sources may be light sources that emit the second light, and the one or more fourth light sources may be light sources that emit the first light. In this case, the degree of freedom in arranging the light sources can be increased.

[0018] (10) The agricultural crop measuring device according to any one of (1) to (9) above may further include a substrate having a mounting surface on which the plurality of first light sources and the plurality of second light sources are mounted. (11) In the agricultural crop measuring device of (10) above, the distance from one of the plurality of first light sources to the mounting surface may be different from the distance from one of the plurality of second light sources to the mounting surface. (12) In addition, in the agricultural product measuring device of (10) above, the distance from one of the plurality of first light sources and the plurality of second light sources to the mounting surface may be different from the distance from the other light sources other than the one light source to the mounting surface. In this case, the first light source and the second light source can be arranged three-dimensionally in accordance with the shape of the crop.

[0019] [Details of the embodiment] Preferred embodiments will now be described with reference to the drawings. At least some of the embodiments described below may be combined in any manner.

[0020] [Overall configuration of the agricultural crop measuring device] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a crop measuring device. The agricultural product measuring device 1 is a device used to measure the quality values ​​of agricultural products. Measurable quality values ​​include, for example, sugar content, acidity, pH, and polyphenol content. Crop measuring device 1 has the function of emitting light including near-infrared rays toward crops and receiving light reflected from the crops. Furthermore, crop measuring device 1 has the function of separating the reflected light into spectra and outputting information related to the near-infrared rays in the reflected light as crop quality information. The reflected light includes not only light reflected from the surface of the crop, but also diffuse reflected light, which occurs when light penetrates the interior of the crop, scatters within the crop, and is then emitted back out.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the agricultural product measuring device 1 includes a housing 2, a handle 3, a light projecting and receiving unit 4, and a power switch 5. The housing 2 is a member made of resin or the like, and has a horizontally long shape. Inside the housing 2, circuits and the like for realizing the functions of the agricultural crop measuring device 1 are housed. The light projecting and receiving unit 4 is provided at the tip of one side of the housing 2. The light projecting and receiving unit 4 has a light projecting and receiving surface 4a for emitting light toward the crops and receiving light reflected from the crops. Inside the light projecting and receiving unit 4, a light source circuit 6 and a light receiving unit 16 are provided, as will be described later. Handle 3 extends along the longitudinal direction of housing 2 and is provided on the outer surface of housing 2. Handle 3 is a part that is held by an operator who operates agricultural produce measuring device 1. The power switch 5 is a switch for starting up the agricultural crop measuring device 1. The power switch 5 has a function of switching the state of the agricultural crop measuring device 1 between an activated state and a stopped state in response to an operator's operation input. In this embodiment, the power switch 5 is provided on the side of the housing 2, but is not limited to this and may be provided on the top or end surface of the housing 2 or on the handle 3.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the agricultural crop measuring device 1. The light-emitting / receiving unit 4 has a light source circuit 6, a protective plate 8, and a holder 10. The light source circuit 6 has a plurality of light sources 12 and a circuit board 14. The plurality of light sources 12 have the function of emitting light to be emitted toward the crops G. Here, grapes are shown as the crops G, but other crops such as apples, peaches, pears, tomatoes, etc. may be used.

[0023] The circuit board 14 is a dielectric substrate made of polyimide resin, epoxy resin, PPE resin, fluororesin, or the like. The circuit board 14 has a mounting surface 14a on which a plurality of light sources 12 are mounted. The circuit board 14 has a disk shape. The circuit board 14 has a hole 14b. The center of the hole 14b coincides with the center of the outline of the circuit board 14. The light receiving unit 16 is provided in the hole 14b so as to be exposed to the protection plate 8.

[0024] The protective plate 8 is a disc-shaped member made of glass that transmits at least near-infrared rays. The protective plate 8 may also be made of resin that transmits at least near-infrared rays. The holder 10 is a resin member integrally formed at the end of the housing 2, and has an opening 11. The opening 11 communicates between the inside and outside of the housing 2. The opening 11 has a cylindrical inner circumferential surface 11a. The light source circuit 6 and the protection plate 8 are held and fixed to the inner circumferential surface 11a of the opening 11. The holding portion 10 holds the periphery of the light source circuit 6 and the periphery of the protection plate 8. Therefore, the light source circuit 6 and the protection plate 8 are fixed to the inner circumferential surface 11a so as to close the opening hole 11. Moreover, the circuit board 14 is disposed so as to be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the housing 2.

[0025] The light source circuit 6 and the protective plate 8 are arranged concentrically and parallel to each other, facing each other. The light source circuit 6 and the protective plate 8 are arranged in this order from the inside to the outside of the housing 2. The mounting surface 14a of the light source circuit 6 faces the protective plate 8. The mounting surface 14a faces the outside of the housing 2. Therefore, the light emitted by the light source 12 of the light source circuit 6 passes through the protection plate 8 and is emitted to the outside. The light source circuit 6 will be described in detail later.

[0026] The agricultural crop measuring device 1 further includes a light receiving unit 16, a spectroscope 18, a control circuit 20, and a power supply circuit 22. The light receiving unit 16, the spectroscope 18, the control circuit 20, and the power supply circuit 22 are housed inside the housing 2. The light receiving unit 16 has the function of receiving light from the crops G. The light receiving unit 16 is a component including a single optical fiber or a bundle of multiple optical fibers, and is fixed inside the housing 2. The light receiving unit 16 has a rod shape that extends along the longitudinal direction of the housing 2. The light receiving unit 16 has a light receiving surface 16a and an end surface 16b. The light receiving surface 16a is an end surface that faces the protective plate 8 (exterior side) and faces the protective plate 8. The end surface 16b is an end surface opposite the light receiving surface 16a. The light receiving section 16 has a function of guiding light incident from a light receiving surface 16a to an end surface 16b.

[0027] The end of the light receiving unit 16 on the light receiving surface 16a side is inserted into the hole 14b of the circuit board 14. The light receiving surface 16a is located inside the hole 14b. The light receiving surface 16a is exposed to the protection plate 8. The light receiving section 16 receives light that enters the inside of the housing 2 through the protection plate 8 on a light receiving surface 16a. In other words, the outer surface of the protection plate 8 constitutes the light emitting / receiving surface 4a for emitting light and receiving light reflected from the crops G. The light receiving unit 16 guides the light received by the light receiving surface 16a to the end surface 16b. The light guided to the end surface 16b is provided to the spectroscope .

[0028] The spectrometer 18 has a function of splitting the light guided from the light receiving unit 16 and converting the light intensity for each wavelength in a predetermined wavelength range into a signal output. The signal output of the spectrometer 18 is provided to the control circuit 20. The control circuit 20 is a computer having a processing unit configured with a processor etc., a storage unit etc. The control circuit 20 can be connected to an external computer 30 via an interface unit 24 provided in the housing 2. The control circuit 20 has a function of controlling the spectrometer 18 and the power supply circuit 22. The control circuit 20 also controls the light source circuit 6 via the power supply circuit 22. Furthermore, the control circuit 20 has a function of generating quality information based on the signal output provided from the spectrometer 18 and providing the information to a computer 30 external to the agricultural produce measuring device 1. The quality information includes information about the light intensity of the dispersed light in the near-infrared region. The computer 30 uses the quality information to calculate and output quality values ​​such as sugar content and acidity. The power supply circuit 22 converts power given from the outside and supplies the converted power to the light source circuit 6 , the spectroscope 18 , and the control circuit 20 . Each unit including power supply circuit 22 is switched between an operating state and a stopped state by power switch 5. When each unit including power supply circuit 22 is switched from the stopped state to the operating state, agricultural produce measuring device 1 enters an activated state.

[0029] The operator switches the crop measuring device 1 from a stopped state to an activated state by operating the power switch 5. The operator then grasps the handle 3 and points the light-emitting and receiving surface 4a toward the crop G, which is the object to be measured. In this state, when light is emitted from the light-emitting and receiving surface 4a, the light from the light-emitting and receiving surface 4a is irradiated onto the crop G and reflected by the crop G. The light reflected from the crop G reaches the light-emitting and receiving surface 4a. The light from the light-emitting and receiving surface 4a may also pass through the crop G and reach the light-emitting and receiving surface 4a again. As described above, the light-receiving surface 16a is exposed to the protective plate 8. Therefore, the reflected light and transmitted light that reach the light-emitting / receiving surface 4a pass through the protective plate 8 and are incident on the light-receiving surface 16a of the light-receiving unit 16. As a result, the reflected light and transmitted light are received by the light-receiving unit 16.

[0030] The reflected light and transmitted light incident on the light receiving surface 16a are guided to the spectroscope 18 by the main body of the light receiving unit 16. The spectroscope 18 separates the reflected light and transmitted light and provides quality information to the computer 30. As a result, the computer 30 determines the quality value of the crop G.

[0031] [Regarding the light source circuit 6 according to the first embodiment] Fig. 3 is an external view showing the light source circuit 6 according to the first embodiment, in which the mounting surface 14a is viewed from above. The light sources 12 mounted on the mounting surface 14a are LED elements. The plurality of light sources 12 includes a plurality of first light sources 34 and a plurality of second light sources 36 . The wavelength of the light (first light) emitted by the plurality of first light sources 34 and the wavelength of the light (second light) emitted by the plurality of second light sources 36 are different.

[0032] The first light source 34 is a broadband light source that emits light with a relatively wide wavelength range, while the second light source 36 is a narrowband light source that emits light with a narrow wavelength range. That is, the first light source 34 and the second light source 36 emit light having different wavelength bandwidths. Here, "two lights having different wavelengths" includes cases where the central wavelengths of the two lights are different and cases where the bandwidths of the wavelengths of the two lights are different. When the wavelength bandwidths of two lights are different, the central wavelength of one light may be located within the wavelength band of the other light. The wavelength band of the first light source 34 is, for example, about 400 nm to 1000 nm, and the center wavelength of the second light source 36 is, for example, 950 nm.

[0033] The multiple first light sources 34 are arranged on a first arrangement circle C1. The first arrangement circle C1 is an imaginary circle on the mounting surface 14a. The first arrangement circle C1 is a circle whose center is the center P of the circuit board 14. In the illustrated example, the number of light sources in the multiple first light sources 34 is 10.

[0034] Each of the ten first light sources 34 has a package 34a and a cover 34b that covers the LED chip on the package 34a. The cover 34b may include a lens or a filter that allows light of a specific wavelength to pass through. The package 34a has a substantially square shape in a plan view. The ten first light sources 34 are arranged so that the center of each package 34a passes through the first arrangement circle C1. The ten first light sources 34 are also arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The light receiving surface 16a of the light receiving unit 16 is disposed in the hole 14b. Therefore, the ten first light sources 34 are arranged in a ring shape so as to surround the light receiving unit 16.

[0035] The multiple second light sources 36 are arranged on a second arrangement circle C2. The second arrangement circle C2 is a virtual circle on the mounting surface 14a. The second arrangement circle C2 is a circle centered at the center P. Therefore, the second arrangement circle C2 is a concentric circle with the first arrangement circle C1. Furthermore, the diameter of the second arrangement circle C2 is larger than the diameter of the first arrangement circle C1. In the illustrated example, the number of light sources in the multiple second light sources 36 is 10.

[0036] Each of the ten second light sources 36 has a package 36a and a cover 36b that covers the LED chip on the package 36a. The cover 36b may include a lens or a filter function that allows light of a specific wavelength to pass through. The package 36a is approximately square in plan view. The size of the package 36a of the second light source 36 is smaller than the size of the package 34a of the first light source 34. The ten second light sources 36 are arranged so that the center of the package 36a passes through the second arrangement circle C2. The ten second light sources 36 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The circumferential positions of the ten second light sources 36 are the circumferential centers of a pair of adjacent first light sources 34 among the ten first light sources 34.

[0037] The ten second light sources 36 are arranged on a second arrangement circle C2 having a larger diameter than the first arrangement circle C1. Therefore, the ten second light sources 36 are arranged outside the ten first light sources 34. In this embodiment, the second light sources 36 are arranged outside the array of ten first light sources 34 that are arranged so as to surround the light receiving unit 16, and therefore the second light sources 36 are arranged in a row separate from the array of ten first light sources 34. In this way, since the light sources are arranged in multiple rows around the light receiving unit 16, it is possible to make the light emitting and receiving unit 4 and the device 1 more compact than, for example, when multiple types of light sources are arranged in a single row.

[0038] In addition, in this embodiment, ten first light sources 34 are arranged on the first arrangement circle C1, and ten second light sources 36 are arranged on the second arrangement circle C2, so that ten first light sources 34 and ten second light sources 36 can be arranged so as to form two annular rows. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the distribution of light emitted by the ten first light sources 34 from becoming biased, and it is possible to make the light emitted by the ten first light sources 34 uniform. Similarly, it is possible to prevent the distribution of light emitted by the ten second light sources 36 from becoming uneven, and it is possible to make the light emitted by the ten second light sources 36 uniform. As a result, the light emitted from the light projecting and receiving unit 4 can be made uniform.

[0039] In this embodiment, the centers of the packages 36a of the ten second light sources 36 are located at positions other than on the first straight line L1. The first straight line L1 is a straight line passing through the center P and the center of the package 34a of one of the ten first light sources 34. In this case, the second light source 36 is positioned in the circumferential direction between a pair of adjacent first light sources 34. Therefore, even if the first arrangement circle C1 and the second arrangement circle C2 are brought close to each other, it is easy to avoid interference between the first light source 34 and the second light source 36. As a result, the arrangement area in which the multiple first light sources 34 and the multiple second light sources 36 are provided can be made smaller.

[0040] In this embodiment, an example has been given in which all ten second light sources 36 are located at positions other than on the first straight line L1, but at least one of the ten second light sources 36 may be located at a position other than on the first straight line L1.

[0041] In this embodiment, the first light source 34 is located radially inward of the straight line L10. The straight line L10 connects the inner diameter side corners facing each other in the packages 36a of a pair of adjacent second light sources 36 among the ten second light sources 36. However, the first light source 34 may be provided at a position straddling the straight line L10. In this case, the second arrangement circle C2 of the second light source 36 can be made smaller while ensuring a space between the first light source 34 and the second light source 36. As a result, the light projecting and receiving unit 4 can be made more compact.

[0042] [Regarding the light source circuit 6 according to the modified example of the first embodiment] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the arrangement of light sources in the light source circuit 6 according to a modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 4 shows a light source circuit 6 according to a first modification of the first embodiment. The first modified example differs from the first embodiment in that the ten second light sources 36 are each arranged on a first straight line L1. In this example, the ten second light sources 36 are arranged at the points where the second arrangement circle C2 intersects with the first straight line L1. That is, one first light source 34 and one second light source 36 are arranged on one first straight line L1.

[0043] In this case, one first light source 34 and one second light source 36 located on the same first straight line L1 are close to each other, so if the first light source 34 and the second light source 36 are mounted on the same circuit board and the first light source 34 and the second light source 36 can be connected in series, the wiring length when connecting the first light source 34 and the second light source 36 can be shortened.

[0044] In this embodiment, an example has been given in which all ten second light sources 36 are positioned on the first straight line L1, but at least one of the ten second light sources 36 may be positioned on the first straight line L1.

[0045] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the arrangement of light sources in the light source circuit 6 according to another modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 5(a) shows a light source circuit 6 according to a second modified example of the first embodiment. The second modified example differs from the first embodiment in that the number of second light sources 36 is 20. The second light sources 36 in this example include second light sources 36 arranged at the circumferential center of a pair of adjacent first light sources 34 out of the ten first light sources 34, as well as second light sources 36 arranged at the points where the second arrangement circle C2 and the first straight line L1 intersect.

[0046] FIG. 5(b) shows a light source circuit 6 according to a third modified example of the first embodiment. The third modified example differs from the first embodiment in that the number of first light sources 34 is 20. In this example, the 20 first light sources 34 are arranged at equal intervals on a first arrangement circle C1.

[0047] In this way, the number of light sources of the plurality of second light sources 36 may be greater than the number of light sources of the plurality of first light sources 34 or may be equal to or greater than the number of light sources of the plurality of first light sources 34. In this case, the number of the first light sources 34 and the number of the second light sources 36 can be adjusted as needed.

[0048] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the arrangement of light sources in a light source circuit 6 according to yet another modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 6(a) shows a light source circuit 6 according to a fourth modified example of the first embodiment. The fourth variant differs from the first embodiment in that the ten second light sources 36 are arranged at positions shifted from the circumferential center of a pair of adjacent first light sources 34 and at positions other than on the first straight line L1. In this example, the ten second light sources 36 are arranged at equal intervals on the second arrangement circle C2. The ten second light sources 36 are arranged at positions that overlap the ten first light sources 34 in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the ten second light sources 36 are arranged at positions that are slightly offset from the first straight line L1.

[0049] FIG. 6(b) shows a light source circuit 6 according to a fifth modified example of the first embodiment. The fifth variant differs from the first embodiment in that only one of the ten second light sources 36 is positioned at a position shifted from the circumferential center position of a pair of adjacent first light sources 34 and at a position other than on the first straight line L1. In this example, of the ten second light sources 36, only the second light source 36 located on the upper side of the paper surface is arranged at a position that overlaps in the circumferential direction with the first light source 34. Therefore, this second light source 36 is arranged at a position slightly offset from the first straight line L1.

[0050] In the fourth modified example, all ten second light sources 36 are arranged in positions that overlap ten first light sources 34 in the circumferential direction, but some of the ten second light sources 36 may be arranged in positions that overlap first light sources 34 in the circumferential direction, as in the fifth modified example.

[0051] In the fourth and fifth variants, as in the first variant, the first light source 34 and one second light source 36 that overlap each other circumferentially are close to each other, so if the first light source 34 and the second light source 36 are mounted on the same circuit board and the first light source 34 and the second light source 36 can be connected in series, the wiring length when connecting the first light source 34 and the second light source 36 can be shortened.

[0052] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the arrangement of light sources in a light source circuit 6 according to yet another modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 7(a) shows a light source circuit 6 according to a sixth modified example of the first embodiment. The sixth modified example differs from the first embodiment in that only one of the ten first light sources 34 is disposed at a position shifted in the radial direction. In this example, of the ten first light sources 34, only the first light source 34 located on the upper side of the paper surface is shifted in the radial direction and is arranged across both the first arrangement circle C1 and the second arrangement circle C2.

[0053] In this way, by having the center of one of the multiple first light sources 34 deviate from the first arrangement circle C1, it becomes possible to avoid devices, lines, etc. mounted on the circuit board 14, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in designing the light source circuit 6. Note that even if one of the multiple first light sources 34 deviates from the first arrangement circle C1, the remaining first light sources 34 are positioned on the first arrangement circle C1, so there is almost no effect on the whole.

[0054] FIG. 7(b) shows a light source circuit 6 according to a seventh modification of the first embodiment. The seventh modified example includes four first light sources 34 and eight second light sources 36. The four first light sources 34 are arranged at equal intervals on a first arrangement circle C1. The eight second light sources 36 are arranged on a second arrangement circle C2, at positions on both sides of each of the four first light sources 34 in the circumferential direction. In this case, a space where the light source is not mounted can be secured on the circuit board 14, and the degree of freedom in designing the light source circuit 6 is increased.

[0055] [Regarding the light source circuit 6 according to the second embodiment] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the light source circuit 6. 8(a) shows a cross section of the light source circuit 6 according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 8(b) shows a cross section of the light source circuit 6 according to the second embodiment. 8(a), in the light source circuit 6 of the first embodiment, the plurality of first light sources 34 and the plurality of second light sources 36 are mounted on the mounting surface 14a of the circuit board 14. Therefore, the distance from the plurality of first light sources 34 to the mounting surface 14a is the same as the distance from the plurality of second light sources 36 to the mounting surface 14a.

[0056] In contrast to this, in the light source circuit 6 of the second embodiment, the distance from the plurality of first light sources 34 to the mounting surface 14a is different from the distance from the plurality of second light sources 36 to the mounting surface 14a. The light source circuit 6 of this embodiment further includes an annular substrate 40. The annular substrate 40 is a dielectric substrate made of polyimide resin, epoxy resin, PPE resin, fluororesin, or the like. The annular substrate 40 is laminated on the outer periphery of the mounting surface 14a of the circuit board 14. A plurality of second light sources 36 are mounted on the substrate surface 40a of the annular substrate 40. Therefore, the distance from the multiple first light sources 34 to the mounting surface 14a is zero, and the distance from the multiple second light sources 36 to the mounting surface 14a is the thickness dimension of the annular substrate 40. In other words, the distance from the multiple second light sources 36 to the mounting surface 14a is greater than the distance from the multiple first light sources 34 to the mounting surface 14a. In other words, in this embodiment, the distance from the light source to the mounting surface 14a varies depending on the type of light source.

[0057] In this way, by mounting the multiple first light sources 34 on the inner diameter side relatively low and the multiple second light sources 36 on the outer diameter side relatively high on the mounting surface 14a of the circuit board 14, the first light sources 34 and the second light sources 36 can be arranged three-dimensionally in accordance with the outer surface of agricultural produce G, such as apples or mandarin oranges, which has a convex shape.

[0058] FIG. 8(c) shows a cross section of the light source circuit 6 according to a first modified example of the second embodiment. In the first modified example, the annular substrate 40 is provided on the inner circumferential side of the plurality of second light sources 36. The plurality of second light sources 36 are mounted on the mounting surface 14a. Meanwhile, the plurality of first light sources 34 are mounted on the substrate surface 40a of the annular substrate 40. Therefore, the distance from the multiple second light sources 36 to the mounting surface 14a is zero, and the distance from the multiple first light sources 34 to the mounting surface 14a is the thickness dimension of the annular substrate 40. In other words, the distance from the multiple first light sources 34 to the mounting surface 14a is greater than the distance from the multiple second light sources 36 to the mounting surface 14a. In this case as well, first light source 34 and second light source 36 can be arranged three-dimensionally in accordance with the outer surface of crop G.

[0059] FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of a light source circuit 6 according to a second modification of the second embodiment. In this modification, a plurality of first light sources 34 and a plurality of second light sources 36 are provided on a support substrate. Note that Fig. 9 is a schematic illustration, and the number of first light sources 34 and the number of second light sources 36 are shown reduced for ease of understanding.

[0060] The multiple first light sources 34 are provided on multiple first support substrates 44. The multiple first support substrates 44 are dielectric substrates made of polyimide resin, epoxy resin, PPE resin, fluororesin, or the like, and have a cylindrical shape. The first support substrates 44 are stacked on the mounting surface 14a of the circuit board 14. The multiple first light sources 34 are each mounted on the substrate surface 44a of the first support substrate 44.

[0061] The multiple second light sources 36 are provided on multiple second support substrates 46. The multiple second support substrates 46 are dielectric substrates made of polyimide resin, epoxy resin, PPE resin, fluororesin, or the like, and have a cylindrical shape. The second support substrates 46 are stacked on the mounting surface 14a of the circuit board 14. The multiple second light sources 36 are each mounted on the substrate surface 46a of the second support substrate 46.

[0062] Here, the thickness of the plurality of second support substrates 46 is greater than the thickness of the plurality of first support substrates 44. Therefore, the distance from the plurality of second light sources 36 to the mounting surface 14a is greater than the distance from the plurality of first light sources 34 to the mounting surface 14a. In this case as well, first light source 34 and second light source 36 can be arranged three-dimensionally in accordance with the outer surface of crop G.

[0063] 9 illustrates an example in which the distance from the light source to the mounting surface 14a is the same among light sources of the same type (same wavelength band). However, the distance from the light source to the mounting surface 14a may be set to be different among light sources of the same type. Furthermore, when the plurality of light sources includes multiple types of light sources having different directivities, the distance from the light source to the mounting surface 14a may be the same among light sources of the same type, and the distance from the light source to the mounting surface 14a may be different among light sources of different types. Furthermore, regardless of the type of light source, the distance from the light source to the mounting surface 14a may be set randomly. In other words, the distance from one light source 12 to the mounting surface 14a among the plurality of light sources 12 may be different from the distance from the other light sources 12 to the mounting surface 12.

[0064] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of the agricultural produce measuring device 1 according to a third modified example of the second embodiment. In each of the above embodiments, the circuit board 14 of the light source circuit 6 is disposed so as to be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the housing 2. In contrast, the circuit board 14 of this modified example is disposed so as to diagonally intersect with the longitudinal direction of the housing 2. The protective plate 8 is also disposed so as to be parallel to the circuit board 14. Furthermore, the outer end surface of the holding portion 10 is also formed as an inclined surface parallel to the circuit board 14. The light source circuit 6 of this modified example is the light source circuit 6 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 8(b).

[0065] In this example, the circuit board 14 is inclined so as to approach the inside of the housing 2 from the edge on the upper side (the handle 3 side) to the edge on the opposite side. This makes it easy for the worker to arrange first light source 34 and second light source 36 three-dimensionally in accordance with the outer surface of crop G.

[0066] [Regarding the light source circuit 6 according to the third embodiment] FIG. 11 is an external view showing a light source circuit 6 according to the third embodiment. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it further includes a plurality of third light sources 48 and a plurality of fourth light sources 50.

[0067] A plurality of third light sources 48 (five in the illustrated example) are arranged on the first arrangement circle C1. The pitch of the light sources on the first arrangement circle C1 is the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, five first light sources 34 are arranged on the first arrangement circle C1. The five first light sources 34 and the five third light sources 48 are arranged alternately on the first arrangement circle C1. In other words, the five first light sources 34 are replaced with third light sources 48.

[0068] A plurality of (five in the illustrated example) fourth light sources 50 are arranged on the second arrangement circle C2. The pitch of the light sources on the second arrangement circle C2 is the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, five second light sources 36 are arranged on the second arrangement circle C2. The five second light sources 36 and the five fourth light sources 50 are arranged alternately on the second arrangement circle C2. In other words, the five second light sources 36 are replaced with the fourth light sources 50.

[0069] The third light source 48 is an LED element similar to the second light source 36. The fourth light source 50 is an LED element similar to the first light source 34. In this way, by arranging a plurality of types of light sources on one arrangement circle, the degree of freedom in arranging the light sources 34, 36, 48, and 50 can be increased. Furthermore, the degree of freedom in arranging the light sources 34, 36, 48, 50 is increased, so that the light emitted from the light projecting and receiving unit 4 can be arranged to be uniform.

[0070] [Regarding the light source circuit 6 according to the fourth embodiment] FIG. 12 is an external view showing a light source circuit 6 according to the fourth embodiment. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a plurality of fifth light sources 52 are further provided. A plurality of (ten in the illustrated example) fifth light sources 52 are arranged in the space between the hole 14b and the ten first light sources 34. The ten fifth light sources 52 are arranged in a ring shape around a center P. The centers of the ten fifth light sources 52 are located on a straight line L1. The wavelength of the fifth light source 52 is different from the wavelength of the first light source 34 and the wavelength of the second light source 36 .

[0071] In this way, by using a greater variety of light sources, the light source circuit 6 can emit near-infrared light suitable for spectroscopic analysis. Moreover, it is possible to prevent the distribution of light emitted from the light sources 34, 36, and 52 from becoming uneven, and it is possible to make the light emitted from the light projecting and receiving unit 4 uniform.

[0072] 〔others〕 It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein are to be considered as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. In each of the above embodiments, the agricultural produce measuring device 1 provides quality information to an external computer 30, and the computer 30 uses the quality information to determine a quality value. However, as shown in FIG. 13 , the agricultural produce measuring device 1 may have a built-in microcomputer 60 that is capable of determining a quality value. In this case, the control circuit 20 of the agricultural produce measuring device 1 provides the quality information to the microcomputer 60. The microcomputer 60 that has received the quality information determines a quality value and outputs the quality value to the outside via the interface unit 24. According to this configuration, the agricultural produce measuring device 1 can output quality values, so there is no need to connect the computer 30 to the agricultural produce measuring device 1.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the power supply circuit 22 converts externally applied power and supplies it to each component. However, as shown in FIG. 13 , the agricultural produce measuring device 1 may have a built-in battery 62. In this case, the power supply circuit 22 can supply power from the battery 62 to each component. This allows the agricultural produce measuring device 1 to be used for measurement without receiving power from an external source. This eliminates the need to connect a power supply cable or the like to the agricultural produce measuring device 1, reducing the burden on the operator.

[0074] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the size of the package 36a of the second light source 36 is smaller than the size of the package 34a of the first light source 34. However, the size of the package 36a of the second light source 36 may be the same as the size of the package 34a of the first light source 34, or may be larger than the size of the package 34a of the first light source 34. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the meaning described above, and is intended to include all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1 Crop measuring device 2. Case 3 Handle 4 Light emitter / receiver section 4a Light emitting / receiving surface 6 Light source circuit 8 Protective plate 10 Holding part 11 Opening hole 11a Inner surface 12 light source 14 Circuit Board 14a Mounting surface 14b Hole 16 Light receiving part 16a Photosensitive surface 16b End face 18 Spectrometer 20 Control circuit 22 Power supply circuit 24 Interface section 30 Computer 34 1st light source 34a package 34b cover 36 Second light source 36a package 36b cover 40 Annular substrate 40a Board surface 44 First support board 44a Board surface 46 Second support board 46a Board surface 48 Third light source 50 4th light source 52 5th light source 60 Microcomputer 62 Battery C1 First placement circle C2 Second arrangement circle G. Crops P center

Claims

1. a plurality of first light sources that emit first light; a plurality of second light sources that emit second light having a wavelength different from the wavelength of the first light; a light receiving unit that receives reflected light of the first light and the second light reflected by the crops, the plurality of first light sources are arranged to surround the light receiving unit, The plurality of second light sources are arranged outside the arrangement of the plurality of first light sources. Crop measuring device.

2. the plurality of first light sources are arranged on a circle surrounding the light receiving unit, The plurality of second light sources are arranged on concentric circles of the arrangement circle. The crop measuring device according to claim 1 .

3. The center of one of the plurality of second light sources is located on a straight line passing through the center of the arrangement circle and the center of one of the plurality of first light sources. The crop measuring device according to claim 2 .

4. The centers of the plurality of second light sources are each located on a straight line passing through the center of the arrangement circle and the center of one of the plurality of first light sources. The crop measuring device according to claim 2 .

5. The center of one of the plurality of second light sources is located at a position other than a position on a straight line passing through the center of the arrangement circle of the plurality of first light sources and the center of one of the plurality of first light sources. The crop measuring device according to claim 2 .

6. The centers of the plurality of second light sources are located at positions other than positions on a line passing through the center of the arrangement circle of the plurality of first light sources and the center of one of the plurality of first light sources. The crop measuring device according to claim 2 .

7. The number of the second light sources is greater than the number of the first light sources. The crop measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The number of the second light sources is equal to or greater than the number of the first light sources. The crop measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. one or more third light sources arranged on the arrangement circle; one or more fourth light sources arranged on the concentric circle, the one or more third light sources are light sources that emit the second light, The one or more fourth light sources are light sources that emit the first light. The crop measuring device according to any one of claims 2 to 6.

10. a substrate having a mounting surface on which the plurality of first light sources and the plurality of second light sources are mounted; The crop measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

11. a distance from one of the plurality of first light sources to the mounting surface and a distance from one of the plurality of second light sources to the mounting surface are different from each other; The crop measuring device according to claim 10.

12. a distance from one of the plurality of first light sources and the plurality of second light sources to the mounting surface is different from a distance from the other light sources to the mounting surface; The crop measuring device according to claim 10.

Images