Light amount control system

Abstract

To optimize the quantity of light to plants cultivated inside a space while utilizing light from the outside of the space.SOLUTION: Means for acquiring a captured image of a plant cultivated inside a space through which light can be transmitted; means for acquiring an amount of external light obtained by measuring an amount of light outside the space; Performing a first process of controlling switching of a state of a light-shielding unit on the basis of estimation data and an external light amount, the first process including estimating an appropriate light amount range of a plant and a light amount to which the plant is exposed, switching the state of the light-shielding unit between a first state in which light from outside a space is shielded or reduced and a second state in which light is taken into the space, and adjusting a light amount of illumination for each section in which the plant is cultivated; Based on the estimation data estimated using the captured image acquired after the first processing, the second processing of adjusting and controlling the light amount of illumination for each section is performed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to controlling the amount of light when cultivating plants in a space. [Background technology]

[0002] While demand for coffee has been expanding in recent years, climate change and a decline in coffee producers have raised concerns that the area where coffee is grown will decrease by approximately 50% by 2050. Coffee beans, the raw material for coffee, are harvested from a plant called the Coffea abies. Because coffee trees have a proven track record of hydroponic cultivation, there are high hopes for their future cultivation in plant factories. Coffee trees suffer from leaf burn when exposed to excessive light, while insufficient light can lead to poor growth and reduced yields. Plant factories are classified into sunlight-based, fully artificial light-based, and sunlight-combined types. While sunlight-based types have concerns about insufficient light, fully artificial light-based types allow for precise control of environmental factors such as light intensity, but cost is an issue. The sunlight-combined type utilizes sunlight while also using minimal artificial light, allowing for cultivation at lower costs than the fully artificial light type. Patent Document 1 describes a technology for controlling light intensity in sunlight-combined types, controlling shading curtains to achieve an efficient light intensity for plant growth. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-178620 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, with the technology described in Patent Document 1, because the light-blocking curtains block a wide area, it is difficult to control the amount of light for a limited section, such as a specific plant. In particular, for plants that are sensitive to light, such as coffee trees, it is necessary to finely control the amount of light for each limited section in order to cultivate them more efficiently.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to optimize the amount of light for plants grown inside a space while utilizing light from outside the space. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The light intensity control system of the present invention comprises a first acquisition means for acquiring an image of a plant grown inside a light-transmitting space; a second acquisition means for acquiring an external light intensity by measuring the amount of light outside the space; an estimation means for estimating an appropriate light intensity range for the plant and the amount of light the plant is receiving using the captured image; a first control means for controlling the state of a shading section that blocks or reduces light from outside the space to the plant to switch between a first state that blocks or reduces light and a second state that allows light to enter the space; and a second control means for controlling the adjustment of the amount of light of lighting for each section in which the plants are grown, wherein the first control means performs a first process to switch and control the state of the shading section based on the estimated data estimated by the estimation means and the amount of external light, and the second control means performs a second process to adjust and control the amount of light of lighting for each section based on the estimated data estimated by the estimation means using the captured image acquired after the first process. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to optimize the amount of light for plants grown inside a space while utilizing light from outside the space. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a plant factory. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the device configuration of a light quantity control system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a light quantity control system. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a light quantity control system. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a process executed by the light quantity control system. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a light amount control process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the embodiment described below is an example for realizing the present invention, and should be appropriately modified or changed depending on the configuration of the device to which the present invention is applied and various conditions, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment.

[0010] In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the light quantity control system is applied to a plant factory that uses sunlight in combination with other light sources. FIG. 1A(a) schematically shows the overall configuration of a plant factory according to this embodiment. The plant factory 10 has a ceiling and side walls, all or part of which are made of a light-transmitting material, forming a space that allows light to pass through. The interior of the plant factory 10 is divided into multiple cultivation sections 12. One or more individual plants 11 are cultivated in each cultivation section 12. In addition, a lighting device 106, such as an LED light source, is provided above each cultivation section 12 to irradiate the plants 11 with light.

[0011] Furthermore, at least a portion of the ceiling and side walls of the plant factory 10 are covered with shading members. In this embodiment, shading members 15a and 15b are provided at different positions on the ceiling of the plant factory 10. In this embodiment, the shading members 15a and 15b are shading curtains that can be opened and closed to block sunlight when closed and let sunlight in when opened. Furthermore, the plant factory 10 is provided with an imaging device 103 at a position where it is possible to take an overhead image of the inside of the plant factory 10. The imaging device 103 captures images of the plants 11 inside the factory.

[0012] FIG. 1A(b) is a schematic diagram illustrating the interior of the plant factory shown in FIG. 1A(a) as viewed from above. The imaging device 103 is capable of capturing images of the range shown in FIG. 1(b). The imaging range of the imaging device 103 corresponds to areas 150a and 150b that can be shielded by shading members 15a and 15b and the cultivation sections 12 that can be illuminated by the lighting device 106. Multiple imaging devices 103 may be arranged so as to capture images of multiple areas that can be shielded by multiple shading members or plants in multiple cultivation sections. The imaging device 103 may be configured as a PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) camera whose imaging direction and zoom ratio are adjustable, and may be adjusted to capture images of plants from a bird's-eye view.

[0013] Furthermore, a light quantity measuring device 104 that measures the quantity of light outside the plant factory 10 is installed in the plant factory 10. The light quantity measuring device 104 is installed so as to be able to measure the quantity of light outside the factory even when sunlight from outside the factory is blocked by the shading members 15a and 15b.

[0014] FIG. 1B shows an example of the device configuration of a light amount control system according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1B, the light amount control system includes a light amount control device 101 and an estimation server 102. The light amount control device 101 is connected to the estimation server 102 via a network 100, and transmits and receives information to and from the estimation server 102. The network 100 is, for example, the Internet. Note that the connection between the light amount control device 101 and the estimation server 102 is not limited to via the network 100, and may be directly connected via wireless communication, for example. Furthermore, the light amount control device 101 and the estimation server 102 may be configured as an integrated unit.

[0015] The light quantity control device 101 is configured by an information processing device such as a PC (personal computer). The light quantity control device 101 is connected to an imaging device 103, a light quantity measuring device 104, a shading device 105, and a lighting device 106. The image captured by the imaging device 103 is output to the light quantity control device 101 as image data of the plant. External light quantity data measured by the light quantity measuring device 104 is output to the light quantity control device 101.

[0016] The shading device 105 is a device that opens and closes the shading members 15a and 15b. The shading device 105 opens and closes the shading members 15a and 15b under the control of the light intensity control device 101, thereby allowing light from outside the factory to enter or block it from entering the factory. The shading device 105 does not need to completely block light from outside the factory, and may instead reduce the amount of light. For example, in the case of a shading curtain that is used by stacking multiple layers, the shading rate may be adjustable in stages depending on the number of layers used. Furthermore, the shading rate may be adjustable in stages depending on the opening degree of the shading members. The shading device 105 opens and closes each of the shading members 15a and 15b separately. Hereinafter, the shading members 15a and 15b may be collectively referred to as the shading members 15.

[0017] The lighting device 106 irradiates light onto plants in each cultivation section 12. The lighting device 106 is associated with the cultivation section 12, and adjusts the light intensity for each cultivation section 12 under the control of the light intensity control device 101.

[0018] The light amount control device 101 acquires image data of the plant from the imaging device 103 and acquires external light amount data from the light amount measuring device 104. The light amount control device 101 also transmits the image data of the plant to the estimation server 102 to make a processing request, and controls the shading device 105 and the lighting device 106 using the estimation result and external light amount data received as a response. The light amount control device 101 may also transmit the acquired data and various processing results to an external device via the network 100.

[0019] The estimation server 102 may be a physical server, or may be a virtual server in which the resources of a physical server are divided into multiple servers using virtualization technology. The estimation server 102 receives image data of the plant and a processing request from the light amount control device 101 via the network 100, and estimates the appropriate light amount range for the plant and the amount of light the plant is receiving using the received image data. The estimation server 102 transmits the estimation result to the light amount control device 101 via the network 100.

[0020] FIG. 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the light quantity control system according to this embodiment. First, we will explain the hardware configuration of the light amount control device 101. The light amount control device 101 has a CPU 202, a ROM 203, a RAM 204, an HDD 205, a NIC 206, an input unit 207, a display unit 208, an image input I / F 209, a light amount measurement input I / F 210, and an input / output I / F 211. These blocks are connected to each other by a system bus 201.

[0021] The system bus 201 is a general-purpose path for sending various data, control signals, instruction signals, etc. to each block of the light amount control device 101. The CPU 202 controls the entire light amount control device 101. The ROM 203 is an electrically erasable and recordable nonvolatile memory, such as a Flash ROM. The ROM 203 stores various programs for controlling the light amount control device 101. The RAM 204 is a memory for storing constants, variables, programs, etc. for the operation of the CPU 202. The RAM 204 also temporarily stores image data acquired via the image input I / F 209, external light amount data acquired via the light amount measurement input I / F 210, and estimation results received from the estimation server 102. The CPU 202 reads the programs stored in the ROM 203 into the RAM 204 and executes them to realize various processes shown in the flowcharts described below.

[0022] The HDD 205 is an external storage device that is erasable and recordable by magnetic storage, and stores, in chronological order, image data acquired via the image input I / F 209, external light intensity data acquired via the light intensity measurement input I / F 210, and estimation results received from the estimation server 102. The NIC 206 is a network card. The CPU 202 connects to the network 100 using the NIC 206, and transmits and receives information to and from external devices such as the estimation server 102 via the network 100. Data received via the NIC 206 is temporarily stored in the RAM 204.

[0023] The input unit 207 is composed of input devices such as a keyboard, a touch panel, and hard keys, and accepts operations from the user. The input operation information is output to the CPU 202. The display unit 208 is composed of a display device such as a display, and displays various information under the control of the CPU 202. The CPU 202 displays on the display unit 208 the operating status of the light amount control device 101, image data acquired via an image input I / F 209, external light amount data acquired via a light amount measurement input I / F 210, the operating status of the shading device 105 and the lighting device 106, etc.

[0024] The image input I / F 209 is an interface for inputting image data from the imaging device 103 connected by wire or wirelessly. The CPU 202 acquires the captured image captured by the imaging device 103 as image data via the image input I / F 209 and temporarily stores it in the RAM 204. The light quantity measurement input I / F 210 is an interface for inputting external light quantity data from the light quantity measurement device 104 connected by wire or wirelessly. The CPU 202 acquires the external light quantity data measured by the light quantity measurement device 104 via the light quantity measurement input I / F 210 and temporarily stores the data in the RAM 204.

[0025] The input / output I / F 211 is an interface for inputting and outputting information between the shading device 105 and the lighting device 106, which are connected by wire or wirelessly. The CPU 202 outputs control signals to the shading device 105 and the lighting device 106 via the input / output I / F 211 to control the opening and closing of the shading device 105 and the dimming of the lighting device 106. The CPU 202 also acquires operating statuses of the shading device 105 and the lighting device 106 from the shading device 105 and the lighting device 106 via the input / output I / F 211, and temporarily stores the acquired operating statuses in the RAM 204. The imaging device 103, the light quantity measuring device 104, the shading device 105, and the lighting device 106 are not limited to being directly connected via wired or wireless communication, but may be connected via the network 100 using the NIC 206.

[0026] Next, a description will be given of the hardware configuration of the estimation server 102. The estimation server 102 has a CPU 222, a ROM 223, a RAM 224, a HDD 225, a NIC 226, an input unit 227, and a display unit 228. These blocks are connected to each other by a system bus 221.

[0027] The system bus 221 is a general-purpose path for sending various data, control signals, instruction signals, etc. to each block of the estimation server 102. The CPU 222 controls the entire estimation server 102. The CPU 222 may also perform various processes using a dedicated processor such as a GPU. The ROM 223 is an electrically erasable and recordable non-volatile memory, such as a Flash ROM. The ROM 223 stores various programs for controlling the estimation server 102. The RAM 224 is a memory for storing constants, variables, programs, etc. for the operation of the CPU 222. The RAM 224 also temporarily stores the estimation results obtained by the estimation server 102 and image data received from the light amount control device 101. The HDD 225 is an external storage device that is erasable and recordable using a magnetic storage method, and stores the estimation results obtained by the estimation server 102 and image data received from the light amount control device 101 in chronological order. The HDD 225 also stores a trained model used in the estimation process and light-photosynthesis curve data for each plant species.

[0028] The NIC 226 is a network card. The CPU 222 connects to the network 100 using the NIC 226 and transmits and receives information to and from external devices such as the light amount control device 101 via the network 100. Data received via the NIC 226 is temporarily stored in the RAM 224. The input unit 227 is composed of input devices such as a keyboard, a touch panel, and a hard key, and accepts input from a user. The input information is output to the CPU 222. The display unit 228 is composed of a display device such as a display, and displays various information under the control of the CPU 222. The CPU 222 displays the operating status of the estimation server 102, etc. on the display unit 228.

[0029] FIG. 3 shows an example of the functional configuration of the light quantity control system according to this embodiment. First, we will explain the functional configuration of the light amount control device 101. The CPU 202 reads a program stored in the ROM 203 into the RAM 204 and executes it, thereby realizing the functions of a data storage unit 301, a data transmission / reception unit 302, a UI display unit 303, a light amount control unit 304, and a data acquisition unit 305.

[0030] The data storage unit 301 stores in the HDD 205 various data that have been temporarily stored in the RAM 204 by the data transmission / reception unit 302 and the data acquisition unit 305. The HDD 205 stores plant image data, external light intensity data, estimation data estimated by the estimation server 102, and the like in chronological order. The data transmission / reception unit 302 transmits the image data temporarily stored in the RAM 204 to the estimation server 102 via the network 100 using the NIC 206. The data transmission / reception unit 302 also temporarily stores in the RAM 204 the estimation data received from the estimation server 102 via the network 100 using the NIC 206.

[0031] In response to a user operation from the input unit 207, the UI display unit 303 displays on the display unit 208 image data stored in the HDD 205, external light intensity data, the operating status of the shading device 105 and the lighting device 106, and the like. The light amount control unit 304 receives the estimation data received from the estimation server 102 and the external light amount data stored in the RAM 204 as inputs, and determines the control content of the shading device 105 and the lighting device 106. Then, the light amount control unit 304 outputs control signals to the shading device 105 and the lighting device 106 via the input / output I / F 211. The data acquisition unit 305 acquires image data of the plant via the image input I / F 209, acquires external light intensity data via the light intensity measurement input I / F 210, and temporarily stores the acquired image data and external light intensity data in the RAM 204.

[0032] Next, a description will be given of the functional configuration of the estimation server 102. The CPU 222 reads out a program stored in the ROM 223 into the RAM 224 and executes it, thereby realizing the functions of a data storage unit 311, a data transmission / reception unit 312, and an estimation unit 313.

[0033] The data storage unit 311 stores in the HDD 225 various data that are temporarily stored in the RAM 224 by the data transmission / reception unit 312 and the estimation unit 313 . The data transmitter / receiver 312 receives plant image data from the light amount control device 101 via the network 100 using the NIC 226 and temporarily stores the data in the RAM 224. The data transmitter / receiver 312 also transmits the estimated data temporarily stored in the RAM 224 to the light amount control device 101 via the network 100 using the NIC 226. The estimation unit 313 loads the trained model stored in the HDD 225 into the RAM 224, and estimates the appropriate light intensity range for the plant in the image data and the amount of light the plant is receiving, using the image data temporarily stored in the RAM 224 as input data for the trained model. The estimation unit 313 also temporarily stores the estimated data obtained by the estimation process in the RAM 224.

[0034] Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating the processing executed in the light quantity control system according to this embodiment. The processing of each process (step) related to the light quantity control device 101 in Fig. 4 is realized by the CPU 202 reading a program stored in the ROM 203 into the RAM 204 and executing it. Moreover, the processing of each process (step) related to the estimation server 102 in Fig. 4 is realized by the CPU 222 reading a program stored in the ROM 223 into the RAM 224 and executing it. In the following description, each process (step) will be represented by adding an S to the beginning, and the notation of the process (step) will be omitted.

[0035] In S401, the CPU 202 of the light amount control device 101 acquires image data of the plant from the imaging device 103 and acquires external light amount data from the light amount measurement device 104. The acquired data is stored in the RAM 204 in association with date and time information and information about the device from which the data was acquired. In S402, the CPU 202 of the light amount control device 101 transmits the image data of the plant acquired in S401 to the estimation server 102.

[0036] In S403, the CPU 222 of the estimation server 102 estimates an appropriate light intensity range for the plants in the image data received from the light intensity control device 101, and stores the estimated light intensity range in the RAM 224 in association with the image data. The appropriate light intensity range is estimated using a trained model that takes plant image data as input and outputs a carbon dioxide absorption estimate that indicates photosynthetic efficiency, and light-photosynthesis curve data (data relating carbon dioxide absorption and light intensity) of the target plant species that has been previously investigated. The trained model is a model that has been trained in advance by machine learning using actual light intensity measurements and carbon dioxide measurements for measuring photosynthetic efficiency as training data. The estimated carbon dioxide absorption output by the trained model is associated with the light-photosynthesis curve data to estimate an appropriate light intensity range for efficient photosynthesis. The appropriate light intensity range may be estimated for each cultivation section 12 in the image data.

[0037] In S404, the CPU 222 of the estimation server 102 estimates the amount of light received by the plants in the image data received from the light amount control device 101, and stores the estimated amount of light in the RAM 224 in association with the image data. To estimate the amount of light received, a trained model is used that inputs image data of the plants and outputs the amount of light received. The trained model is a model that has been trained in advance by machine learning using actual light amount values ​​as training data. The estimated amount of light received by the plants may be output for each cultivation section 12 in the image data.

[0038] In S405 , the CPU 222 of the estimation server 102 transmits the appropriate light amount range estimation data and the estimated light amount data to the light amount control device 101 . In S406, the CPU 202 of the light amount control device 101 determines the control details of the shading device 105 and the lighting device 106 using the external light amount data stored in the RAM 204, and the appropriate light amount range estimation data and estimated light amount data received from the estimation server 102. Then, the CPU 202 of the light amount control device 101 controls the shading device 105 and the lighting device 106. Details of this processing will be described with reference to FIG. 5. The above is a series of processes executed in the light quantity control system according to this embodiment.

[0039] 5 is a flowchart showing a light amount control process executed by the light amount control device 101 according to this embodiment. The process of each step in FIG. 5 is realized by the CPU 202 reading a program stored in the ROM 203 into the RAM 204 and executing it.

[0040] In S501 , the CPU 202 acquires external light amount data via the light amount measurement input I / F 210 . In S502 , the CPU 202 acquires image data of the plant via the image input I / F 209 .

[0041] In S503, the CPU 202 transmits the image data of the plant acquired in S502 to the estimation server 102 via the network 100 to make a processing request. In S504, the CPU 202 determines whether or not the appropriate light intensity range estimation data and the estimated light intensity data have been received as a response from the estimation server 102. The CPU 202 waits in S505 until it determines that the estimation data has been received. If the CPU 202 determines that the estimation data has been received, the process proceeds to S505.

[0042] The processing of S505 to S509 is processing related to the opening and closing control of the light blocking device 105. The processing of S505 to S509 is an example of a first processing. In S505, the CPU 202 acquires the operating status of the light blocking device 105 via the input / output I / F 211, and determines whether the light blocking member 15 corresponding to the image data acquired in S502 is open or closed. If the CPU 202 determines that the light blocking member 15 is open, the process proceeds to S506; if the CPU 202 determines that the light blocking member 15 is closed, the process proceeds to S508.

[0043] Here, the state in which the light blocking member is open includes a state in which a part of the light blocking member is open, or a state in which a part of the multiple layers constituting the light blocking member is open. The state in which the light blocking member is open is an example of the second state. Furthermore, the state in which the light blocking member is closed includes a state in which a part of the light blocking member is closed, or a state in which a part of the multiple layers constituting the light blocking member is closed. The state in which the light blocking member is closed is an example of the first state.

[0044] In S506, the CPU 202 determines whether or not the image data acquired in S502 contains any plants receiving excessive light, based on the appropriate light intensity range estimation data and the estimated light intensity data. Specifically, the CPU 202 determines whether or not the image data acquired in S502 contains any plants receiving estimated light intensity data that exceeds the appropriate light intensity range. If the appropriate light intensity range estimation data and estimated light intensity data are calculated for each cultivation section 12, the CPU 202 may determine whether or not the estimated light intensity data exceeds the appropriate light intensity range for each cultivation section 12. The appropriate light intensity range may be appropriately corrected depending on conditions such as the open / closed state of the light blocking member 15 and the frequency with which the lighting device 106 is turned on and off. If the CPU 202 determines that any plants receiving excessive light are present, the process proceeds to S507. If the CPU 202 determines that any plants receiving excessive light are not present, including cases where the light intensity is insufficient, the CPU 202 leaves the light blocking member 15 open, and the process proceeds to S510.

[0045] In S507, the CPU 202 controls the shading device 105 via the input / output I / F 211 to close the corresponding shading member 15. Note that the CPU 202 may control the shading rate to be adjusted in stages based on the estimated light amount data and the external light amount data, by closing part of the shading member 15 or part of the multiple layers constituting the shading member 15, within a range in which no plant receives an excessive amount of light.

[0046] In S508, the CPU 202 uses the external light intensity data, the appropriate light intensity range estimation data, and the estimated light intensity data acquired in S501. Based on these data, the CPU 202 determines whether or not the image data acquired in S502 contains any plants that would receive excessive light if the light blocking member 15 were opened to let in light from outside the factory. Specifically, the CPU 202 determines whether or not the image data acquired in S502 contains any plants for which the combined light intensity of the estimated light intensity data and the external light intensity data exceeds the appropriate light intensity range. If the CPU 202 determines that any plants receive excessive light, the CPU 202 keeps the light blocking member 15 closed and proceeds to S510. If the CPU 202 determines that no plants receive excessive light, the CPU 202 proceeds to S509.

[0047] In S509, the CPU 202 controls the shading device 105 via the input / output I / F 211 to open the shading member 15. Note that the CPU 202 may perform control based on the estimated light amount data and the external light amount data to adjust the shading rate in stages by opening part of the shading member 15 or part of the multiple layers constituting the shading member 15, within a range in which no plant receives excessive light.

[0048] Note that the processes of S505 to S509 are repeatedly executed according to the number of areas when the image data acquired in S502 includes multiple areas that can be shielded by the light shielding member 15. For example, in FIG. 1B(b), the processes of S505 to S509 are executed for each of multiple areas 150a and 150b that can be shielded by the light shielding members 15a and 15b. Furthermore, in the light intensity determination in S506 and S508, the determination is performed without being affected by the lighting state of the lighting device 106, so that the light intensity may be determined by subtracting the light intensity of the lighting device 106 from the light intensity for the lighting range of the lighting device 106. Note that if an appropriate light intensity determination cannot be performed by subtracting the light intensity of the lighting device 106 due to the environment or the like, a process of temporarily turning off the lighting may be added before acquiring the image in S502.

[0049] The processes of S510 to S518 are processes related to dimming control of the lighting device 106. The processes of S510 to S518 are an example of the second process. In S510, the CPU 202 determines whether or not it has performed control to switch the open / closed state of the light blocking member 15. If the CPU 202 determines that it has performed control to switch the open / closed state of the light blocking member 15 in S507 and S509, the process proceeds to S511, and if it determines that it has not performed control to switch the open / closed state, the process proceeds to S514.

[0050] In S511, the CPU 202 acquires external light intensity data via the light intensity measurement input I / F 210. The external light intensity data acquired in S501 may be read from the RAM 204. In S512 , the CPU 202 acquires image data of the plant via the image input I / F 209 .

[0051] In S513, the CPU 202 transmits the image data of the plant acquired in S512 to the estimation server 102 via the network 100 to make a processing request. In S514, the CPU 202 determines whether appropriate light intensity range estimation data and estimated light intensity data have been received as a response from the estimation server 102. The CPU 202 waits in S514 until it determines that the estimation data has been received. If the CPU 202 determines that the estimation data has been received, the process proceeds to S515. Note that appropriate light intensity range data read from the RAM 204 or RAM 224 may also be used.

[0052] In S515, the CPU 202 determines whether or not there are any plants receiving excessive light in the image data acquired in S502 or S512, based on the appropriate light intensity range estimation data and the estimated light intensity data received in S504 or S514. Note that here, if the open / closed state of the shading member 15 changes in the first process, the image data after the change in open / closed state (acquired in S512) is used, and if the open / closed state of the shading member 15 does not change in the first process, the image data acquired in S502 is used. Similarly, if the open / closed state of the shading member 15 changes in the first process, the estimated light intensity data after the change in open / closed state (received in S514) is used, and if the open / closed state of the shading members 15a, 15b does not change in the first process, the estimated light intensity data received in S504 is used.

[0053] Specifically, the CPU 202 determines whether or not the image data includes any plants whose estimated light intensity data exceeds the appropriate light intensity range. If the CPU 202 determines that any plants receive excessive light, the process proceeds to S516. If the CPU 202 determines that any plants receive excessive light, the process proceeds to S517.

[0054] In S516, the CPU 202 controls the lighting device 106 to dim the illumination of the cultivation section 12 corresponding to the plant. Note that the CPU 202 may reduce the amount of light below the default amount, or may turn off the light.

[0055] In S517, the CPU 202 determines whether or not there are any plants with insufficient light levels in the image data acquired in S502 or S512, based on the appropriate light level range estimation data and the estimated light level data received in S504 or S514. Specifically, the CPU 202 determines whether or not there are any plants with estimated light level data below the appropriate light level range in the image data. If the CPU 202 determines that there are any plants with insufficient light levels, the process proceeds to S518, and if the CPU 202 determines that there are no plants with insufficient light levels, the process of this series of flowcharts ends.

[0056] In S518, the CPU 202 controls the lighting device 106 to increase the brightness of the lighting in the cultivation section 12 corresponding to the plant. Note that the CPU 202 may increase the light intensity beyond the default level or may turn the light on. After that, the series of processes in the flowchart ends.

[0057] According to the light intensity control system described above, it is possible to utilize sunlight over a relatively wide area by switching the open / close state of the shading member, while adjusting the light intensity of the artificial lighting according to the growth conditions of each individual plant. This allows the amount of light for the plants to be optimized. Furthermore, since the light intensity of the artificial lighting is adjusted after the open / close control of the shading member, it is possible to prioritize the use of sunlight and minimize the use of artificial lighting.

[0058] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the above embodiments are merely illustrative of specific examples of how the present invention can be implemented, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited by these embodiments. In other words, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from its technical concept or main features.

[0059] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by providing a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The computer has one or more processors or circuits, and may include multiple separate computers or a network of multiple separate processors or circuits to read and execute computer-executable instructions.

[0060] The processor or circuitry may include a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessing unit (MPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gateway (FPGA), a digital signal processor (DSP), a data flow processor (DFP), or a neural processing unit (NPU).

[0061] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configurations and methods. (Configuration 1) a first acquisition means for acquiring an image of a plant grown inside a light-transmittable space; a second acquisition means for acquiring an external light amount obtained by measuring the amount of light outside the space; an estimation means for estimating an appropriate light amount range for a plant and an amount of light that the plant is receiving using the captured image; a first control means for controlling a state of a shading unit that blocks or reduces light from outside the space onto plants to switch between a first state that blocks or reduces light and a second state that allows light to enter the space; a second control means for controlling the lighting so as to adjust the amount of light for each section where plants are grown; and the first control means performs a first process of controlling switching of a state of the light blocking portion based on the estimated data estimated by the estimation means and the amount of external light; The second control means performs a second process of adjusting and controlling the amount of light of illumination for each of the sections based on estimated data estimated by the estimation means using the captured image acquired after the first process. A light quantity control system characterized by: (Configuration 2) The light intensity control system according to configuration 1, characterized in that the first processing is processing for switching the state of the shading part to the second state when the state of the shading part is the first state and there is no plant for which the total amount of light, which is the amount of light estimated by the estimation means and the amount of external light, exceeds the appropriate light intensity range, and for switching the state of the shading part to the first state when the state of the shading part is the second state and there is a plant for which the estimated amount of light exceeds the appropriate light intensity range. (Configuration 3) The light intensity control system described in configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that the second processing is a processing of dimming the lighting in the section corresponding to a plant when the light intensity estimated by the estimation means using the captured image acquired after the first processing exceeds the appropriate light intensity range, and increasing the lighting in the section corresponding to a plant when the light intensity is below the appropriate light intensity range. (Configuration 4) a plurality of the light-shielding portions are provided to shield or reduce light from a plurality of different regions in the space; The light quantity control system according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the first control means performs the first processing of switching and controlling the state of the light blocking portion for each of the areas in the captured image. (Configuration 5) The light intensity control system according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the estimation means acquires an estimated carbon dioxide absorption amount from the captured image using a trained model that inputs an image of a plant and outputs an estimated carbon dioxide absorption amount, and estimates an appropriate range of light intensity for efficient photosynthesis by using the acquired estimated carbon dioxide absorption amount and light-photosynthesis curve data of the target plant species. (Configuration 6) 6. The light amount control system according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the estimation means estimates the appropriate light amount range and the light amount for each of the sections. (Configuration 7) The light-blocking portion is a light-blocking curtain, The light quantity control system according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, wherein the first control means controls the opening degree of the blackout curtain to be changed in stages based on the amount of light estimated by the estimation means and the amount of external light. (Configuration 8) The light-blocking portion is a light-blocking curtain that is used by stacking a plurality of layers, The light intensity control system according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, wherein the first control means controls the number of the blackout curtains to be used to be switched in stages based on the amount of light estimated by the estimation means and the amount of external light. (method) a first acquisition step of acquiring an image of a plant grown inside a light-transmittable space; a second acquisition step of acquiring an external light amount by measuring the amount of light outside the space; a first estimation step of estimating an appropriate light amount range for a plant and an amount of light that the plant is receiving using the captured image; a first control step of performing a first process of switching and controlling a state of a shading unit that blocks or reduces light from outside the space to plants, between a first state that blocks or reduces light and a second state that takes in light into the space, based on the estimated data estimated in the first estimation step and the amount of external light; a second estimation step of estimating an appropriate light intensity range for a plant and an amount of light that the plant is receiving, using the captured image acquired after the first processing; a second control step of performing a second process of adjusting and controlling the amount of light of the lighting for each section where plants are grown based on the estimated data estimated in the second estimation step; A light amount control method comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 101: Light quantity control device, 102: Estimation server, 103: Imaging device, 104: Light quantity measurement device, 105: Light blocking device, 106: Lighting device

Claims

1. a first acquisition means for acquiring an image of a plant grown inside a light-transmittable space; a second acquisition means for acquiring an external light amount obtained by measuring the amount of light outside the space; an estimation means for estimating an appropriate light amount range for a plant and an amount of light that the plant is receiving using the captured image; a first control means for controlling a state of a shading unit that blocks or reduces light from outside the space onto plants to switch between a first state that blocks or reduces light and a second state that allows light to enter the space; a second control means for controlling the lighting so as to adjust the amount of light for each section in which plants are grown; and the first control means performs a first process of controlling switching of a state of the light blocking portion based on the estimated data estimated by the estimation means and the amount of external light; The second control means performs a second process of adjusting and controlling the amount of light of illumination for each of the sections based on estimated data estimated by the estimation means using the captured image acquired after the first process. A light quantity control system characterized by:

2. The light intensity control system of claim 1, characterized in that the first processing is processing to switch the state of the shading part to the second state when the state of the shading part is the first state and there is no plant for which the total amount of light, which is the estimated light amount estimated by the estimation means and the external light amount, exceeds the appropriate light intensity range, and to switch the state of the shading part to the first state when the state of the shading part is the second state and there is a plant for which the estimated light amount exceeds the appropriate light intensity range.

3. The light control system of claim 1, characterized in that the second processing is a processing of dimming the lighting in the section corresponding to a plant if the light amount estimated by the estimation means using the captured image obtained after the first processing exceeds the appropriate light amount range, and increasing the lighting in the section corresponding to the plant if the light amount estimated by the estimation means using the captured image obtained after the first processing exceeds the appropriate light amount range.

4. a plurality of the light-shielding portions are provided to shield or reduce light from a plurality of different regions in the space; 2. The light amount control system according to claim 1, wherein the first control means performs the first process of switching and controlling the state of the light blocking portion for each of the regions in the captured image.

5. The light intensity control system of claim 1, wherein the estimation means acquires an estimated carbon dioxide absorption amount from the captured image using a trained model that inputs an image of a plant and outputs an estimated carbon dioxide absorption amount, and estimates an appropriate range of light intensity for efficient photosynthesis by using the acquired estimated carbon dioxide absorption amount and light-photosynthesis curve data for the target plant species.

6. 2. The light amount control system according to claim 1, wherein the estimation means estimates the appropriate light amount range and the light amount for each of the sections.

7. The light-blocking portion is a light-blocking curtain, The light quantity control system according to claim 1, wherein the first control means controls the opening degree of the light blocking curtain to be gradually changed based on the amount of light estimated by the estimation means and the amount of external light.

8. The light-blocking portion is a light-blocking curtain that is used by stacking a plurality of layers, The light quantity control system according to claim 1, characterized in that the first control means controls the number of the blackout curtains to be used to be switched in stages based on the amount of light estimated by the estimation means and the amount of external light.

9. a first acquisition step of acquiring an image of a plant grown inside a light-transmittable space; a second acquisition step of acquiring an external light amount by measuring the amount of light outside the space; a first estimation step of estimating an appropriate light amount range for a plant and an amount of light that the plant is receiving using the captured image; a first control step of performing a first process of switching and controlling a state of a shading unit that blocks or reduces light from outside the space to plants, between a first state that blocks or reduces light and a second state that takes in light into the space, based on the estimated data estimated in the first estimation step and the amount of external light; a second estimation step of estimating an appropriate light amount range for a plant and an amount of light that the plant is receiving, using the captured image acquired after the first processing; a second control step of performing a second process of adjusting and controlling the amount of light of the illumination for each section where plants are grown based on the estimated data estimated in the second estimation step; A light amount control method comprising:

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