Measuring device and agricultural product production method

Abstract

The present invention provides a measuring device that can measure the internal state of agricultural products using the same process as other activities. [Solution] The measuring device comprises a holding part that deforms in accordance with the user's hand movements to press down on or hold agricultural products, and a measuring part provided on the holding part to measure the internal state of the pressed down on or held agricultural products.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a measuring device and a method for producing agricultural products.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a method for inspecting the internal quality of fruits and vegetables, which induces an electric current of a specific frequency in fruits and vegetables, measures the electrical characteristics of the fruits and vegetables that change corresponding to at least the loss of moisture and the decrease in acidity, and inspects the internal quality of the fruits and vegetables using the electrical characteristics as an index.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Devices for non-destructively checking the internal state of agricultural products are known. In the prior art, it was necessary to perform the act of measuring the internal state of agricultural products in a separate process from other acts such as the harvesting act at the time of harvesting. An object of the present invention is to provide a measuring device capable of measuring the internal state of agricultural products in the same process as other acts.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The invention according to claim 1 is a measuring device including a holding unit that is deformed according to the movement of a user's hand and presses or holds an agricultural product, and a measuring unit that is provided in the holding unit and measures the internal state of the agricultural product pressed or held. The invention according to claim 2 is the measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the holding unit is attached to the user's hand. The invention according to claim 3 is the measuring device according to claim 2, wherein the holding unit is glove-shaped. The invention described in claim 4 is the measuring device according to claim 1, further comprising a pressure measuring unit for measuring the pressure applied by the user to hold or restrain the agricultural product. The invention described in claim 5 is a measuring device according to claim 4, comprising an output unit that outputs the measurement results of the measuring unit, wherein the measurement results within a predetermined range for the pressing pressure measured by the pressing measuring unit are output from the output unit. The invention described in claim 6 is a measuring device according to claim 4, further comprising a notification unit that notifies the user when the pressure measured by the pressure measuring unit reaches a predetermined value. The invention described in claim 7 is a measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the measuring unit includes at least two electrodes, and measures the impedance of the agricultural product from the current that flows when a voltage is applied to the electrodes. The invention described in claim 8 is the measuring device according to claim 7, wherein the measuring device is a glove worn on one hand, and one of the at least two electrodes is provided on the thumb portion of the glove. The invention described in claim 9 is a measuring device according to claim 7, comprising: a distance measuring unit for measuring the distance between at least two electrodes; and a correction unit for correcting the measurement result by the measuring unit based on the distance measured by the distance measuring unit. The invention described in claim 10 is the measuring device according to claim 7, wherein the electrode has a cushion layer whose surface is covered with conductive fibers. The invention described in claim 11 is a measuring device according to claim 7, wherein the voltage applied to the electrode is an AC voltage, and the frequency of the AC voltage is set differently depending on the type of agricultural product. The invention described in claim 12 is a measuring device according to claim 1, comprising a determination unit that determines whether the measurement result by the measuring unit is good or bad, and an output unit that notifies the result determined by the determination unit. The invention described in claim 13 is a measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the measuring unit includes an irradiation unit that irradiates the agricultural product with light and a light receiving unit that receives the reflected light from the irradiated product. The invention described in claim 14 is a measuring device according to claim 1, further comprising an output unit that adds location information to the measurement result from the measuring unit and displays the measurement result on a map. The invention described in claim 15 is a method for producing agricultural products, which involves measuring the internal state of the agricultural product using the measuring device described in any one of claims 1 to 14, and harvesting the agricultural product by determining the harvest time based on the measurement results. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the invention of claim 1, 15, a measuring device is provided that can measure the internal state of agricultural products in the same process as other actions. According to the invention of claim 2, compared to the case where the holding part is not attached to the user's hand, the measuring device is positioned relative to the user's hand, allowing for stable measurement. According to the invention of claim 3, compared to the case where the holding part is attached to the hand using a band, the measuring device is positioned relative to the user's hand, allowing for stable measurement. According to the invention of claim 4, the force exerted by the user to hold or restrain agricultural products can be used to measure their internal state. According to the invention of claim 5, measurement errors caused by the force applied by the user to press or hold agricultural products can be suppressed. According to the invention of claim 6, the impact of user pressure on agricultural products can be reduced compared to the case where no notification is given to the user. According to the invention of claim 7, the internal state of agricultural products can be measured from the electric current flowing through them. According to the invention of claim 8, compared to the case where both electrodes are provided on the palm of the glove, stable measurement can be performed even when the agricultural product is small. According to the invention of claim 9, the accuracy of measuring the internal state can be improved compared to the case where only the measurement results from the measuring unit are used. According to the invention of claim 10, damage to agricultural products can be suppressed compared to the case where the electrode surface in contact with the agricultural products is hard. According to the invention of claim 11, the measurement accuracy of the internal state of different types of agricultural products can be improved as compared with the case where an AC voltage of the same frequency is applied to all agricultural products. According to the invention of claim 12, the user can confirm the measurement result. According to the invention of claim 13, the internal state of agricultural products can be measured by irradiating light. According to the invention of claim 14, the harvesting time can be determined on a map.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing a configuration example of the measuring device according to the present embodiment. (a) shows a view of the measuring device seen from the palm side, and (b) shows a view of the measuring device seen from the back of the hand side. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing a configuration example of an electrode. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing a hardware configuration example of a control device. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing a functional configuration example of a control device. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing the relationship between pressing and the measurement result of impedance. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing the temporal change of impedance in Shine Muscat. (a) shows the measured values of three grains on the branch side, (b) shows the measured values of three grains in the center, and (c) shows the measured values of three grains on the lower side. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing the relationship between impedance and sugar content. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing the comparison between the value obtained by calculating the sugar content from impedance and the actually measured value of sugar content. (a) shows the result when correction based on the electrode distance is not performed, and (b) shows the result when correction based on the electrode distance is performed. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing the evaluation result of the applicable range of the measuring device. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart showing an example of a processing flow in a control device. [Figure 11]It is a flowchart showing an example of a method for measuring the internal state of agricultural products in the production process of agricultural products.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. <Configuration of the Measuring Device> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the measuring device 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 1(a) shows a view of the measuring device seen from the palm side, and FIG. 1(b) shows a view of the measuring device seen from the back of the hand side. The measuring device 1 includes a holding part 10, a first electrode 11, a second electrode 12, a first distance sensor 13, a second distance sensor 14, a third distance sensor 15, a display part 16, and a control device 20.

[0009] The holding part 10 is deformed according to the movement of the user's hand. The user presses or holds the agricultural product through the holding part 10 according to the size of the agricultural product. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the holding part 10 is in the form of a glove worn on the user's hand. The shape of the holding part 10 is not limited to the glove shape. For example, it may be a shape used by placing it on the hand or a shape used by fitting it on the finger. Examples include a rectangular cloth, a finger sack, etc. The holding part 10 only needs to be positioned between the user's hand or finger and the agricultural product when the user touches the agricultural product. When the agricultural product is large such as a watermelon, the user presses the agricultural product through the holding part 10. When the agricultural product is small such as a kiwi, the user grabs the agricultural product through the holding part 10.

[0010] The first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 are provided on the holding part 10 to measure the internal state of agricultural products. In the example shown in Figure 1, the first electrode 11 is provided on the thumb portion of the holding part 10, and the second electrode 12 is provided on the middle finger portion of the holding part 10. In this embodiment, a voltage is applied to either electrode, and the impedance (Z) of the agricultural product is measured from the current flowing between the electrodes. The voltage applied to the electrodes is, for example, an AC voltage, and the frequency of the AC voltage is set differently depending on the type of agricultural product. The frequency of the AC voltage is set to match the vibration characteristics inside the agricultural product. This improves the accuracy of measuring the internal state. The first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 are examples of measuring units. In the following, when the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 are not distinguished, they may simply be referred to as "electrodes."

[0011] The first distance sensor 13, the second distance sensor 14, and the third distance sensor 15 measure the distance between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12. The first distance sensor 13, the second distance sensor 14, and the third distance sensor 15 are, for example, bending distance sensors, and measure bending from the resistance that changes in response to bending. The first distance sensor 13 is provided on the thumb portion of the holding part 10 and measures the bending of the thumb. The second distance sensor 14 is provided on the base of the thumb portion of the holding part 10 and measures the bending of the base of the thumb. The third distance sensor 15 is provided on the middle finger portion of the holding part 10 and measures the bending of the middle finger. The distance between electrodes is then calculated from the bending of each portion. The first distance sensor 13, the second distance sensor 14, and the third distance sensor 15 are examples of distance measuring units. In the following, when the first distance sensor 13, the second distance sensor 14, and the third distance sensor 15 are not distinguished, they may simply be referred to as "distance sensors."

[0012] The display unit 16 displays the measurement results. In the example shown in Figure 1, the display unit 16 is located on the user's wrist. The display unit 16 displays the sugar content, calculated based on impedance, for example, as the measurement result. It may also display whether the measurement result is good or bad. Whether the measurement result is good or bad means, for example, whether it is ready for harvest. In addition to displaying the measurement result on the display unit 16, the system may also be configured to notify the user of the result's quality by sound. The display unit 16 is an example of an output unit.

[0013] The control device 20 controls the measurement performed by the measuring device 1. The control device 20 is configured to be worn, for example, on the user's wrist or arm, thereby reducing the burden on the user. The control device 20 is connected to the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 and controls the voltage applied to the electrodes. It also acquires the current flowing between the electrodes and calculates the impedance of the crop. Furthermore, the control device 20 is connected to the first distance sensor 13, the second distance sensor 14, and the third distance sensor 15, and calculates the distance between the electrodes. The control device 20 also controls the output on the display unit 16. Details of the configuration of the control device 20 will be described later.

[0014] Figure 2 shows an example of the electrode configuration. The electrode comprises a pressure sensor 17 and a cushion layer 18. The pressure sensor 17 is fixed to the holding part 10 and measures the pressure applied by the user when pressing or holding agricultural products. The pressure sensor 17 has, for example, a diaphragm in the pressure-receiving part and measures the pressure from the change in resistance caused by the deformation of the diaphragm. The pressure sensor 17 is an example of a pressure measurement unit. While Figure 2 shows the pressure sensor 17 positioned between the electrode and the finger, the device is not limited to this configuration. The pressure sensor 17 and the electrode may be provided separately.

[0015] The cushion layer 18 is provided on the side of the electrode that comes into contact with the agricultural product. The presence of the cushion layer 18 on the electrode helps to prevent damage to the agricultural product when the electrode comes into contact with it. The surface of the cushion layer 18 is covered with a cloth made of, for example, conductive fibers. The current output from the electrodes flows through the cloth to the agricultural product.

[0016] Figure 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a computer 200 used as a control device 20. Computer 200 comprises a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, RAM (Random Access Memory) 202, and ROM (Read Only Memory) 203. RAM 202 is volatile memory used as a work area when the CPU 201 executes programs. ROM 203 is non-volatile memory that stores programs and other data executed by the CPU 201. The CPU 201 uses RAM 202 as a work area and executes programs read from ROM 203. Furthermore, the computer 200 includes a network interface 204 for communication over the network and a display mechanism 205 for displaying output to the display unit 16.

[0017] CPU201 is a processor that controls the functions of the measuring device 1 through the execution of various software such as the OS (operating system) and application software. In this embodiment, each process is executed on any computer. Alternatively, any computer may execute these processes using a processor as hardware, a program as software, or a combination thereof. In that case, the processor is configured to work in cooperation with the program to execute the various processes in this embodiment, and can function as each unit or each means in this embodiment. Furthermore, the execution order of the processes by the processor is not limited to the order described and may be changed as appropriate. Any computer may be a general-purpose computer, a computer for a specific purpose, a workstation, or any other system capable of executing each process.

[0018] A processor may consist of one or more hardware components, and the type of hardware is not limited. For example, a processor may consist of hardware such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or other programmable logic devices, ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or other dedicated circuits for performing specific processing, GPU (Graphic Processing Unit), or NPU (Neural Processing Unit).

[0019] Furthermore, the hardware may be a combination of different types of hardware. When multiple hardware components are configured to execute one or more processes of a processor, these components may reside in physically separate devices or in the same device. Also, in any embodiment, the order of each process performed by the processor is not limited to the order described above and may be changed as appropriate. The hardware is composed of electrical circuits, etc., which are combinations of circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0020] Furthermore, the program may be firmware or software such as microcode. Alternatively, the program may be, for example, a group of program modules, each function of which may be implemented by a processor configured to perform its respective function. The program may also be program code or multiple code segments stored on one or more non-temporary computer-readable media (e.g., storage media or other storage devices). The program may be divided and stored on multiple non-temporary computer-readable media located on physically separate devices.

[0021] Program code or code segments may represent any combination of procedures, functions, subprograms, routines, subroutines, modules, software packages, classes, or instructions, data structures, or program statements. Program code or code segments may be connected to other code segments or hardware circuits by sending or receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, or memory contents.

[0022] <Functional Configuration of Control Device> Figure 4 shows an example of the functional configuration of the control device 20. The control device 20 includes a pressure acquisition unit 21, a notification unit 22, a current acquisition unit 23, an electrode distance acquisition unit 24, an internal information calculation unit 25, a correction unit 26, a determination unit 27, and an output unit 28, as functions executed by the CPU 201, which is a processor.

[0023] The pressure acquisition unit 21 acquires the pressure measured by the pressure sensor 17. The pressure acquisition unit 21 acquires, for example, the change in resistance caused by the deformation of the diaphragm of the pressure sensor 17 as an electrical signal. The notification unit 22 notifies the user that the pressure measured by the pressure sensor 17 has reached a predetermined value. The internal state is measured when the pressure reaches the predetermined value. The relationship between the pressure and the measurement results of the internal state will be described in detail later.

[0024] The current acquisition unit 23 acquires the current flowing between the electrodes. The current acquisition unit 23 acquires the current flowing between the electrodes from, for example, a detection circuit (not shown). The detection circuit amplifies the signal related to the measured current and transmits it to the current acquisition unit 23. The current detection sensitivity in the detection circuit may be adjusted depending on the type of agricultural product. The electrode distance acquisition unit 24 acquires the distance between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12. The electrode distance acquisition unit 24 calculates the distance between the electrodes by, for example, acquiring the bending of each distance sensor.

[0025] The internal information calculation unit 25 calculates, for example, the impedance of the crop as internal information of the crop. Internal information refers to information about the internal state of the crop. Impedance is calculated from the current flowing between electrodes. The internal information calculation unit 25 calculates the impedance based on, for example, a calibration curve that shows the correlation between current and impedance, which has been prepared in advance. The internal information calculation unit 25 may also calculate sugar content, ripeness, etc., based on the impedance. Details about internal information will be described later. The correction unit 26 corrects the internal information calculated by the internal information calculation unit 25 based on the distance between the electrodes. Even when the type of agricultural product is the same, errors may occur in the correlation between the current and the internal information depending on the size of the agricultural product. By performing a correction based on the distance between the electrodes, the correction unit 26 can improve the accuracy of measuring the internal state.

[0026] The determination unit 27 determines whether the measurement result is good or bad. The good or bad result refers, for example, whether the product is ready for harvest. Depending on the stage in which the measuring device 1 is used, it may also determine whether the product is ready for shipment or ready to eat. The output unit 28 outputs the measurement results. It may also output the judgment results from the judgment unit 27, or it may output only the judgment results. The output unit 28 displays the measurement results on, for example, the display unit 16. The output unit 28 may also output the measurement results to an external device such as a PC via the network interface shown in Figure 3. The external device may be equipped with software that calculates the harvest time based on the measurement results, to assist the user in making a decision about the harvest time.

[0027] <Use of pressure> Figure 5 shows the relationship between pressure and impedance measurement results. The horizontal axis represents the pressure (N / m) applied by the user to hold or press down on agricultural products. 2 The graph shows the normalized values ​​of the measured impedance. The vertical axis shows the normalized values ​​of the measured impedance. Figure 5 shows the variability in measurement results when holding agricultural products and measuring impedance using four different pressure indices.

[0028] In Figure 5, the four pressure indicators are defined as Soft Touch, Touch, Hold, and Push. Soft Touch is a level of pressure that allows for a soft touch, with an output (PS) of 2.6 V and a pressure of 5237 N / m from the pressure sensor 17. 2 Touch is a touch-level pressure, with the output (PS) of pressure sensor 17 being 2.2 V and the pressure being 14322 N / m. 2 The "Hold" setting is a pressure strong enough to lift a kiwi, with the output (PS) of pressure sensor 17 being 1.8 V and the pressure being 23406 N / m. 2 Push is the pressure applied to check the hardness of the kiwi, with the output (PS) of pressure sensor 17 being 1.5 V and the pressure being 32490 N / m. 2 That is the case.

[0029] When the pressure index is Soft Touch, the standard deviation is σ, and 2σ = 25.3%, indicating high measurement variability. On the other hand, when the pressure index is Touch, 2σ = 7.3%, indicating low measurement variability. Furthermore, when the pressure index is Hold, 2σ = 3.8%, and when it is Touch, 2σ = 5.4%, indicating low measurement variability. From the above, when the pressure index is Touch, Hold, or Push, the measurement variability is low, and accurate measurement is possible. Based on these pressure indices, pressure can be used to measure the internal state. For example, the internal state can be measured when the pressure applied by the user to hold or press agricultural products is Touch.

[0030] <Measurement of internal information> The impedance, which is internal information calculated by the internal information calculation unit 25 (see Figure 4), is used, for example, to calculate the degree of ripeness and sugar content of agricultural products. The degree of ripeness and sugar content are examples of the internal state of agricultural products. Below, we will explain the internal information of agricultural products using the example of Shine Muscat grapes.

[0031] Figure 6 shows the change in impedance over time in Shine Muscat grapes. Figure 6(a) shows the measurements of three grapes on the branch side, Figure 6(b) shows the measurements of three grapes in the middle, and Figure 6(c) shows the measurements of three grapes at the bottom. The horizontal axis represents time (days). The vertical axis represents impedance (kΩ). As shown in Figure 6, the impedance decreases with the passage of time in all parts. Since the impedance decreases as the Shine Muscat grapes ripen, the degree of ripeness can be estimated from the impedance. The internal information calculation unit 25 (see Figure 4) calculates the degree of ripeness, for example, based on the correlation between impedance and degree of ripeness.

[0032] Figure 7 shows the relationship between impedance and sugar content. The horizontal axis represents impedance (kΩ), and the vertical axis represents sugar content (°Bx). Figure 7 is a scatter plot of the measured impedance and sugar content. As shown in Figure 7, a correlation was observed between impedance and sugar content, and an approximate curve y = -0.0391x + 24.993 was obtained. Furthermore, the sugar content error satisfied 2σ ≤ 0.5, confirming the correlation. The internal information calculation unit 25 (see Figure 4) calculates the sugar content from the impedance, for example, using the approximate curve shown in Figure 7.

[0033] Figure 8 shows a comparison between the sugar content calculated from impedance and the measured sugar content. Figure 8(a) shows the results without correction for the distance between electrodes, and Figure 8(b) shows the results with correction for the distance between electrodes. Without correction for the inter-electrode distance, the R-squared value of the approximation curve was 0.85, and the sugar content error was 2σ = 0.46. However, when correction for the inter-electrode distance was applied, the R-squared value of the approximation curve was 0.90, and the sugar content error was 2σ = 0.36. In both cases, the variability of the measurement results was small, and more accurate measurement results were confirmed when correction for the inter-electrode distance was applied.

[0034] <Measurement target> Figure 9 shows the evaluation results of the applicable range of the measuring device 1. Using measuring device 1, impedance measurements were performed on grapes, kiwis, watermelons, and melons. For each agricultural product, impedance measurements were performed using the Touch pressure index shown in Figure 5, and the impedances were approximately 200kΩ, 800kΩ, 350kΩ, and 1100kΩ, respectively. The 2σ values ​​of the measured impedances were 5%, 7.3%, 6.4%, and 21.6%, respectively. Although the rind thickness of watermelons and melons was similar, the variability in the measurement results for melons, which have an uneven surface, was greater than that of watermelons.

[0035] For melons where the measurement results showed large variability using the Touch pressure index, impedance was measured using the Push pressure index. The impedance was approximately 600 kΩ, and the 2σ of the measured impedance was 15.1%. Thus, even when there are irregularities on the surface, measurement is possible by changing the pressure, and the internal state of various agricultural products can be measured using the measuring device 1. The measuring device 1 can utilize the pressure applied by the user to hold or grasp the agricultural product to measure its internal state. For example, the measuring device 1 starts measuring the internal state when the pressure applied by the user to hold or grasp the agricultural product reaches the pressure index shown in Figure 9. Alternatively, the measuring device 1 may be configured to perform measurements when the pressure applied by the user to hold or grasp the agricultural product is within a predetermined range. In the case of grapes, for example, each individual grape may be picked and measured, or if the grapes are small, multiple grapes may be placed between electrodes for measurement.

[0036] <Control device processing flow> Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow in the control device 20. Here, we show an example where a user uses the measuring device 1 when harvesting agricultural products. The user wears the glove-shaped holding part 10 on their hand and grasps the agricultural product with the thumb and middle finger portions equipped with electrodes, thereby measuring its internal state. The control device 20 of the measuring device 1 stores data, for example, as shown in Figures 5 to 9, and measures the internal state based on the stored data.

[0037] In Figure 10, first, the pressure acquisition unit 21 acquires the pressure measured by the pressure sensor 17 (step 1001). Then, the notification unit 22 notifies the user that the pressure has reached a predetermined value (step 1002). The user confirms that the pressure has reached a predetermined value, for example, by sound. Alternatively, the system may be configured to confirm that the pressure has reached a predetermined value by flashing light.

[0038] Next, the current acquisition unit 23 acquires the current flowing between the electrodes (step 1003). The current acquisition unit 23 acquires the current flowing between the electrodes when the pressure reaches a predetermined value. Note that the application of voltage to the electrodes may be configured to start when the pressure reaches a predetermined value. Next, the electrode distance acquisition unit 24 calculates the distance between the electrodes (step 1004). The electrode distance acquisition unit 24 acquires the bending of the thumb, the base of the thumb, and the middle finger from each distance sensor and calculates the distance between the electrodes.

[0039] Next, the internal information calculation unit 25 calculates the internal state of the agricultural product (step 1005). The internal information calculation unit 25 calculates the impedance from the current flowing between the electrodes using a pre-created calibration curve. The internal information calculation unit 25 also calculates the sugar content of the agricultural product based on the impedance. Next, the correction unit 26 corrects the calculation result based on the distance between the electrodes (step 1006). By correcting the effect of the distance between the electrodes on impedance measurement, the measurement accuracy is improved as shown in Figure 8.

[0040] Next, the determination unit 27 determines whether the measurement result is good or bad (step 1007). Based on the impedance corrected by the correction unit 26, the determination unit 27 determines whether the agricultural product is suitable for harvesting. For example, the determination unit 27 determines that the product is suitable for harvesting if the impedance is lower than a predetermined threshold. Next, the output unit 28 outputs the measurement result and the judgment result (step 1008). The output unit 28 causes the display unit 16 to display the sugar content of the agricultural product and whether or not the agricultural product is suitable for harvesting.

[0041] <Agricultural production methods> Users who produce agricultural products can use measuring device 1 to produce them. Users use measuring device 1 to measure the internal state of the agricultural products and harvest them by determining the harvest time based on the measurement results. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for measuring the internal state of agricultural products during the production process.

[0042] First, the user presses or holds the agricultural product through the holding part 10 (step 2001). The user, for example, wears a glove-shaped holding part 10 on their hand and grasps the agricultural product with one hand. When the pressure applied by the user to grasp the agricultural product reaches a predetermined value, internal information is measured. The user confirms, for example, by an audible notification, that the pressure applied to grasp the agricultural product has reached a predetermined value.

[0043] Once the measurement is complete, the user checks the measurement results (step 2002). The measurement results are displayed on the display unit 16. The display unit 16 also displays a determination result regarding whether or not the produce is ready for harvest. If it is ready for harvest (YES in step 2003), the user harvests the produce they are holding or restraining (step 2004). The user uses scissors with the hand opposite to the hand holding or restraining the produce to harvest it.

[0044] On the other hand, if the produce is not harvestable (NO in step 2003), the process ends. The user repeats steps 2001 through 2004 for the produce in their farm. By using the measuring device 1 in the agricultural production process, the user can perform the act of measuring the internal state and the act of harvesting agricultural products in the same process. Furthermore, by using the measuring device 1, harvested agricultural products can be easily classified according to their quality, such as internal condition and size. Users can efficiently manage and ship agricultural products according to their quality.

[0045] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications or improvements to the above embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. For example, the internal state may be measured by methods other than current measurement, and the configuration may utilize light or sound waves to measure the internal state. When measuring the internal state using light, the holding unit 10 is provided with an irradiating unit that emits light and a light receiving unit that receives reflected light. When the user presses or holds the agricultural product through the holding unit, light is emitted from the irradiating unit onto the agricultural product and its internal state is measured.

[0046] Furthermore, the output unit 28 may add location information to the measurement results and display the measurement results on a map. This makes it possible to determine the harvest time on the map. Furthermore, the glove-shaped holding portion 10 may consist of an inner glove equipped with electrodes and an outer glove covering the inner glove. The double-layered structure protects the inner wiring. In addition, the outer glove, which may accumulate dirt, can be washed.

[0047] The measuring device 1 can be used not only by agricultural producers but also by retailers and consumers. For example, in a retail store, the user can use the measuring device 1 to check the ripeness and shelf life of agricultural products. The user can perform the measuring, display, and transportation processes in the same workflow.

[0048] (Note) (((1))) A holding part that deforms according to the user's hand movements to hold or secure agricultural products, A measuring unit is provided in the holding portion for measuring the internal state of the agricultural product that is being held or pressed down, A measuring device equipped with the following features. (((2))) The holding part is attached to the user's hand, the measuring device as described in (((1))). (((3))) The measuring device according to (((2))), wherein the holding part is glove-shaped. (((4))) A measuring device according to any one of (((1))) to (((3))), comprising a pressure measuring unit for measuring the pressure applied by the user to hold or restrain the agricultural product. (((5))) The system includes an output unit that outputs the measurement results from the measurement unit, The measurement results within a predetermined range of the pressure measured by the pressure measuring unit are output from the output unit. The measuring device described in (((4))). (((6))) The measuring device according to (((4))), further comprising a notification unit that notifies the user when the pressure measured by the pressure measuring unit reaches a predetermined value. (((7))) The measuring device according to any one of (((1))) to (((6))), wherein the measuring unit includes at least two electrodes and measures the impedance of the agricultural product from the current that flows when a voltage is applied to the electrodes. (((8))) The measuring device is a glove worn on one hand, and one of the at least two electrodes is provided on the thumb portion of the glove, as described in (((7))). (((9))) A distance measuring unit for measuring the distance between the at least two electrodes, A correction unit that corrects the measurement result by the distance measuring unit based on the distance measured by the distance measuring unit, The measuring device described in (((7))) which includes the following: (((10))) The measuring apparatus according to (((7))), wherein the electrode has a cushion layer on its surface covered with conductive fibers. (((11))) The measuring device described in (((7))), wherein the voltage applied to the electrode is an AC voltage, and the frequency of the AC voltage is set differently depending on the type of agricultural product. (((12))) A determination unit that determines whether the measurement result from the measurement unit is good or bad, An output unit that notifies the result determined by the determination unit, A measuring device according to any one of (((1))) to (((11))) that includes the following: (((13))) The measuring device according to (((1))), wherein the measuring unit includes an irradiation unit that irradiates light onto the agricultural product and a light receiving unit that receives the reflected light from the irradiated light. (((14))) A measuring device according to any one of (((1))) to (((13))), comprising an output unit that adds location information to the measurement results from the measuring unit and displays the measurement results reflected on a map. (((15))) The internal state of the agricultural product is measured using the measuring device described in any one of the items (((1))) to (((14))), The harvest time for the agricultural product is determined by the measurement results, and the agricultural product is harvested. Methods of producing agricultural products.

[0049] According to the inventions of (((1))) and (((15))), a measuring device can be provided that can measure the internal state of agricultural products in the same process as other actions. According to the invention of (((2))), compared to the case where the holding part is not attached to the user's hand, the measuring device is positioned relative to the user's hand, allowing for stable measurement. According to the invention of (((3))), compared to the case where the holding part is attached to the hand using a band, the measuring device can be positioned relative to the user's hand and measurements can be performed stably. According to the invention of (((4))), the force exerted by the user to hold or restrain agricultural products can be used to measure their internal state. According to the invention of (((5))), measurement errors caused by the force applied by the user to hold or restrain agricultural products can be suppressed. According to the invention of (((6))), the impact of user pressure on agricultural products can be reduced compared to the case where no notification is given to the user. According to the invention of (((7))), the internal state of agricultural products can be measured from the electric current flowing through them. According to the invention of ((8)), stable measurement can be performed even when agricultural products are small, compared to the case where both electrodes are provided on the palm of the glove. According to the invention of (((9))), the accuracy of measuring the internal state can be improved compared to the case where only the measurement results from the measuring unit are used. According to the invention of (((10))), damage to agricultural products can be suppressed compared to the case where the electrode surface in contact with agricultural products is hard. According to the invention of (((11))), the accuracy of measuring the internal state of different types of agricultural products can be improved compared to the case where the same frequency AC voltage is applied to all agricultural products. According to the invention of (((12))), the user can confirm the measurement results. According to the invention of (((13))), the internal state of agricultural products can be measured by light irradiation. According to the invention of (((14))), the harvest time can be determined on a map. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0050] 1... Measuring device, 10... Holding unit, 11... First electrode, 12... Second electrode, 13... First distance sensor, 14... Second distance sensor, 15... Third distance sensor, 16... Display unit, 17... Pressure sensor, 18... Cushion layer, 20... Control device

Claims

1. A holding part that deforms according to the user's hand movements to hold or secure agricultural products, A measuring unit is provided in the holding portion for measuring the internal state of the agricultural product that is being held or pressed down, A measuring device equipped with the following features.

2. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the holding part is attached to the user's hand.

3. The measuring device according to claim 2, wherein the holding part is glove-shaped.

4. The measuring device according to claim 1, further comprising a pressure measuring unit for measuring the pressure applied by the user to hold or restrain the agricultural product.

5. The system includes an output unit that outputs the measurement results from the measurement unit, The measurement results within a predetermined range of the pressure measured by the pressure measuring unit are output from the output unit. The measuring device according to claim 4.

6. The measuring device according to claim 4, further comprising a notification unit that notifies the user when the pressure measured by the pressure measuring unit reaches a predetermined value.

7. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the measuring unit includes at least two electrodes, and measures the impedance of the agricultural product from the current that flows when a voltage is applied to the electrodes.

8. The measuring device according to claim 7, wherein the measuring device is a glove worn on one hand, and one of the at least two electrodes is provided on the thumb portion of the glove.

9. A distance measuring unit for measuring the distance between the at least two electrodes, A correction unit that corrects the measurement result by the distance measuring unit based on the distance measured by the distance measuring unit, The measuring device according to claim 7, comprising:

10. The measuring device according to claim 7, wherein the electrode has a cushion layer whose surface is covered with conductive fibers.

11. The measuring device according to claim 7, wherein the voltage applied to the electrode is an AC voltage, and the frequency of the AC voltage is set differently depending on the type of agricultural product.

12. A determination unit that determines whether the measurement result from the measurement unit is good or bad, An output unit that notifies the result determined by the determination unit, The measuring device according to claim 1, comprising:

13. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the measuring unit includes an irradiation unit that irradiates light onto the agricultural product and a light receiving unit that receives reflected light from the irradiated light.

14. The measuring device according to claim 1, further comprising an output unit that adds location information to the measurement results from the measuring unit and displays the measurement results reflected on a map.

15. The internal state of the agricultural product is measured using the measuring device described in any one of claims 1 to 14. The harvest time for the agricultural product is determined by the measurement results, and the agricultural product is harvested. Methods of producing agricultural products.

Images