Environmental control system

Abstract

This invention provides an environmental control system for cultivation facilities that can drive sensors and control devices for measuring the environment of the cultivation facility even in locations where a power source cannot be secured, and can reliably transmit the measured environmental information from the sensors to the control device without delay. [Solution] The present invention is an environmental control system that divides a cultivation facility into multiple cultivation areas, and each area is equipped with a sensor unit SU1 housing a sensor for acquiring environmental information, a solar cell module, and a control device. The sensor unit SU1 is equipped with a control device 20 that controls the control device in the same area based on the acquired environmental information, and the control device 20 has a storage unit 23 that stores setting data that defines the control amount of the control device, and a communication module 33 that performs wireless communication. The communication module 33 can transmit control signals to control devices in the same or adjacent areas, and can also send and receive information with sensor units SU1 in adjacent areas.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an environmental control system that can also handle cultivation facilities with low power supply.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in cultivation facilities for agricultural crops such as greenhouses and vinyl houses, the environment of the cultivation facility is measured by various sensors such as temperature sensors, humidity sensors, carbon dioxide concentration sensors, and water content sensors, and a control device controls adjustment devices such as opening and closing devices for ventilation windows, heaters, ventilation fans, carbon dioxide supply devices, and irrigation devices based on the measurement data of the sensors to maintain the cultivation environment in an appropriate state. Hereinafter, information on the cultivation environment such as the temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide concentration, and soil water content of the cultivation facility measured by various sensors is referred to as "environmental information".

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an environmental control system that transmits environmental information measured by sensors (measurement devices) to a control device by wireless communication. According to this system, since the cable connecting the control device and each sensor can be omitted, for example, in a large-scale farm, when the control device and each sensor are arranged separately, the cable does not get in the way inside the cultivation facility, and the convenience is high.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, especially in large-scale farms, the number of power sources is insufficient relative to the land area. Therefore, in the case of a system like the one described in Patent Document 1, it may not be possible to secure power for each sensor and control device such as a control panel. The same applies when cultivating crops in mountainous or hilly areas where it is difficult to provide power.

[0006] Furthermore, when wirelessly transmitting measurement data from each sensor to a control device located at a distance using electromagnetic waves, there were instances where measurement data could not be transmitted due to poor communication lines, or where data delays occurred.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide an environmental control system for cultivation facilities that can drive sensors and control devices for measuring environmental information of cultivation facilities even in locations where a power source cannot be secured, and that can reliably transmit the measured environmental information from the sensors to the control device without delay. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The objective of the present invention is to An environmental control system for controlling the environment of a cultivation facility, Each of the multiple cultivation areas within the cultivation facility is equipped with a sensor unit containing one or more sensors for acquiring environmental information of the cultivation facility, a solar cell module that supplies power to the sensor unit by solar power generation, and a control device that adjusts the environment of the cultivation facility. The sensor unit includes a control device that adjusts the environment of the cultivation facility by controlling the adjustment device installed in the same cultivation area based on the environmental information acquired by the sensor. The control device comprises a storage unit that stores setting data in which the control amount of the adjustment device installed in the same cultivation area is set, and a communication module that performs wireless communication. The communication module is configured to transmit control signals to the control device located in the same cultivation area or an adjacent cultivation area, and to send and receive various information with the sensor unit located in an adjacent cultivation area. This is achieved by an environmental control system characterized in that, when predetermined conditions are met, the control device is configured to directly transmit a control signal to the adjustment device installed in an adjacent cultivation area, instructing it to control a control amount based on the environmental information acquired in the same cultivation area.

[0009] According to the present invention, since the control device and the sensor that measures environmental information of the cultivation facility, which are placed inside the sensor box, are configured to be driven by electricity generated by a solar cell module, the sensor and control device can be easily driven even in places where a power source cannot be secured, simply by placing them inside the cultivation facility.

[0010] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the control device that controls the adjustment device is housed in a sensor box containing at least one sensor and is electrically connected to the sensor, so that the measured environmental information of the cultivation facility can be transmitted from the sensor to the control device stably and without delay.

[0011] Furthermore, in conventional environmental control systems applied to large-scale cultivation facilities, control devices and sensors that are capable of wireless communication with each other are often placed far apart within the cultivation facility. Therefore, it was time-consuming and laborious to connect power to each of them and configure them to enable wireless communication with each other.

[0012] In contrast, according to the present invention, since the control device and at least one sensor are connected to each other within the same sensor box, the time and effort required for the operator to configure communication between the control device and the sensor is eliminated, and an environmental control system can be constructed at low cost.

[0013] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is: The control device is equipped with an external control device capable of wireless communication. The control device transmits a control signal to the external control device to control the adjustment device based on the environmental information measured by the sensor, and the external control device operates the adjustment device in accordance with the control signal. The external control device and the adjustment device are powered by electricity generated by the solar cell module.

[0014] According to this preferred embodiment of the present invention, since a control device located inside a sensor box and an external control device that can communicate wirelessly with each other are configured to operate the adjustment device according to a control signal transmitted from the control device, the control device inside the sensor box can also control an adjustment device located at a location away from the sensor box.

[0015] Furthermore, according to this preferred embodiment of the present invention, since the adjustment device and the external control device that operates the adjustment device are each driven by power generated by the solar cell module, the adjustment device and the external control device, in addition to the control device and sensors that transmit control signals, can also be driven by independent power sources. Therefore, the environmental control system can be operated even in locations where a power source cannot be secured.

[0016] In addition, because the environmental control system can be operated with an independent power supply, it is possible to continue to stably control the cultivation environment even if a power outage occurs due to mudslides, lightning, or other causes.

[0017] A more preferred embodiment of the present invention is: The aforementioned sensors include a carbon dioxide concentration sensor for measuring the concentration of carbon dioxide, a temperature sensor for measuring temperature, and a humidity sensor for measuring humidity. The carbon dioxide concentration sensor is located at the top of the sensor box. The temperature sensor and the humidity sensor are located in the lower part of the sensor box, and are situated in a space within the sensor box that is separated from the space where the carbon dioxide concentration sensor and the control device are located.

[0018] According to this preferred embodiment of the present invention, inside the sensor box, the carbon dioxide concentration sensor and the control device are arranged at the upper part inside the sensor box, the temperature sensor and the humidity sensor are arranged at the lower part inside the sensor box, and they are arranged in a space partitioned from the space where the carbon dioxide concentration sensor and the control device are arranged. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the heat generated from the carbon dioxide concentration sensor and the control device from reaching the temperature sensor and the humidity sensor.

[0019] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, The wall portion of the sensor box has a shutter-shaped vent, and a member having water absorption and air permeability is arranged inside the vent.

[0020] According to this preferred embodiment of the present invention, since at least a part of the wall portion of the sensor box has a shutter-shaped vent, the environmental information of the cultivation facility can be accurately measured by the sensors arranged inside the sensor box, and the heat generated from the carbon dioxide concentration sensor can be released outside the sensor box.

[0021] In addition, according to this preferred embodiment of the present invention, since the wall portion of the sensor box has a shutter-shaped vent, while ensuring the air permeability of the sensor box, it is possible to suppress the intrusion of water such as irrigation water into the sensor box.

[0022] Furthermore, according to this preferred embodiment of the present invention, since a member having water absorption and air permeability is arranged inside the wall portion of the sensor box, even if water intrudes into the sensor box, it is possible to effectively prevent water from splashing on the control device and each sensor inside the sensor box.

[0023] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, The control device has a mode for controlling the adjustment device so as to provide a cultivation environment suitable for the set crop type.

[0024] According to this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control device has a mode that controls the adjustment device to create a cultivation environment suitable for the set type of crop. Therefore, the cultivation environment is controlled to an appropriate state according to the crop without the manager having to look up and set appropriate values ​​such as temperature and irrigation amount, making it possible to easily cultivate a variety of crops.

[0025] A more preferred embodiment of the present invention is: The aforementioned sensor is a pressure sensor for measuring the air pressure inside the cultivation facility, and the aforementioned adjustment device is a skylight opening / closing device for opening and closing the skylight of the cultivation facility and / or a side window opening / closing device for opening and closing the side windows. If the atmospheric pressure measured by the pressure sensor drops to a predetermined value or more within a predetermined time, the control device is configured to activate the skylight opening / closing device and / or the side window opening / closing device to close the skylight and / or the side window.

[0026] According to this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control device is configured to close the skylight and / or side windows of the cultivation facility when the pressure sensor detects that the atmospheric pressure has dropped below a predetermined value within a predetermined period of time. This prevents situations such as when a bomb cyclone approaches, where strong winds enter the cultivation facility, which is made of vinyl, causing the facility to be lifted up and blown away. [Effects of the Invention]

[0027] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an environmental control system for cultivation facilities that can drive sensors and control devices for measuring the environment of the cultivation facility even in locations where a power source cannot be secured, and that can reliably transmit the measured environmental information from the sensors to the control device without delay. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0028] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an overall perspective view of a cultivation facility to which an environmental control system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic plan view showing the interior of the cultivation facility. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram of an environmental control system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the vicinity of each sensor unit. [Figure 5] This is a partial longitudinal cross-section of each sensor unit. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a diagram showing data where the ID of each sensor, the ID of the sensor unit, and the ID of the area are linked. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a block diagram of the carbon dioxide supply device and the carbon dioxide supply device control unit. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the control of carbon dioxide supply by control devices in each area. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. In this specification, "electrically connected" refers to a state in which electrical signals are conducted, and is a concept that includes not only direct connections but also wired and wireless connections.

[0030] Figure 1 is an overall perspective view of a cultivation facility 2 to which an environmental control system 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is applied, and Figure 2 is a schematic plan view showing the interior of the cultivation facility 2.

[0031] Furthermore, Figure 3 is a block diagram of an environmental control system 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 4 is a substantially perspective view showing the vicinity of each sensor unit.

[0032] The cultivation facility 2 shown in Figure 1 consists of a vinyl greenhouse supported by a steel frame or similar structure. It is a multi-story structure with an open interior running east-west and north-south, and is a large-scale greenhouse extending several hundred meters in the north-south direction.

[0033] The cultivation facility 2 is equipped with ventilation side windows 4 on its east and west sides, a ventilation fan C7 and a shutter 6 on its outer side in the depth direction, and a ventilation skylight 3 at the top.

[0034] In this embodiment, each crop P is cultivated in the cultivation bed 9. Tomatoes are cultivated as crop P in the cultivation bed 9 located south of the center line CL (see Figure 2), which indicates the central position of the cultivation facility 2 in the north-south direction, while strawberries are cultivated as crop P in the cultivation bed 9 located north of the center line CL.

[0035] The cultivation facility 2 has 16 areas A1 to A16 that form a roughly circular shape when viewed from above (see the dashed line in Figure 2), and each area A1 to A16 is equipped with a sensor unit (one of SU1 to SU16) and a group of external control units (one of EG1 to G16) that receive control signals transmitted wirelessly from the sensor unit. The group of external control units refers to a plurality of external control units, and each external control unit E1 to E7 is a device corresponding to the "external control device" of the present invention.

[0036] Each area A1 to A16 is defined by the range within which each sensor unit SU1 to SU16 can communicate wirelessly in the 400MHz band frequency. Each sensor unit SU1 to SU16 transmits a control signal to one of the external control unit groups EG1 to EG16 located within the range within which wireless communication in the 400MHz band is possible (see Figure 3), thereby activating a group of adjustment devices (one of CG1 to CG16) located in or near each area A1 to A16. This allows the environment of each cultivation bed 9, at least a portion of which is located in each area A1 to A16, to be adjusted and maintained to a state suitable for cultivating crop P. Note that the group of adjustment devices refers to a set of multiple adjustment devices.

[0037] The numbers after A in each area A1 to A16 correspond to the numbers after SU in each sensor unit SU1 to SU16, the numbers after EG in each external control unit group EG1 to EG16, and the numbers after CG in each adjustment device group CG1 to CG16. For example, sensor unit SU5 located in area A5 transmits a control signal to external control unit group EG5, also located in area A5. In accordance with the control signal, external control unit group EG5 in area A5 activates adjustment device group CG5 located in or near area A5, thereby adjusting and maintaining the environment of each cultivation bed 9a (see gray area in Figure 2), which is at least partially located in area 5, to a state suitable for cultivating crop P.

[0038] In this way, by arranging the external control unit group EG1 to EG16 within the range where each sensor unit SU1 to SU16 can communicate wirelessly in the 400MHz band frequency, and having each sensor unit SU1 to SU16 control the cultivation environment, even in a large-scale greenhouse, it is possible to divide it into multiple smaller areas and complete the control of the cultivation environment in each area, thus enabling inexpensive environmental control.

[0039] Furthermore, in this embodiment, environmental control is performed for each area within the range where multiple sensor units can communicate wirelessly in the 400MHz frequency band. Therefore, even if one of the sensor units fails, recovery can be easily performed.

[0040] Furthermore, in conventional environmental control systems applied to large-scale cultivation facilities, environmental information was transmitted wirelessly from a sensor unit equipped with sensors to measure environmental information within the cultivation facility to a control device such as a control panel located at a distance from the facility. Based on the acquired environmental information, the control device would then control carbon dioxide supply devices, irrigation systems, etc. However, due to communication failures, it was sometimes impossible to transmit the measured environmental information from the sensor unit to the control device, or data delays occurred. In contrast, in this embodiment, each sensor unit that measures environmental information is equipped with a control function that generates and transmits a control signal to control the adjustment device. Therefore, unlike conventional environmental control systems, it is possible to prevent situations where line failures or data delays occur when transmitting environmental information measured by sensors to the control device, and control can be performed stably and quickly.

[0041] As shown in Figure 3, the environmental control system 1 applied to the cultivation facility 2 includes 16 sensor units SU1 to SU16, 16 external control unit groups EG1 to EG16, and 16 adjustment device groups CG1 to CG16, as well as a management terminal 8 located in an office or similar location outside the greenhouse to monitor the environmental control system 1, and an external terminal 7 located at the manager's home or similar location. In this embodiment, the management terminal 8 and the external terminal 7 are configured as desktop computers, but they may also be mobile terminals such as smartphones.

[0042] Each sensor unit SU1 to SU16 and its corresponding external control unit group EG1 to EG16 (in other words, located within the same area) are configured to communicate wirelessly with each other using a frequency in the 400MHz band.

[0043] Furthermore, each sensor unit SU1 to SU16 can communicate with each other, or with each sensor unit SU1 to SU16 and the management terminal 8, or with each sensor unit SU1 to SU16 and the external terminal 7 via a network NW consisting of a LAN or the Internet, or it can be configured to communicate directly and mutually using low-power long-range wireless (so-called LPWA) using the 920MHz frequency band.

[0044] Figure 5 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of each sensor unit shown in Figure 4.

[0045] As shown in Figure 3 or Figure 5, each sensor unit SU1 to SU16 includes a sensor box 10, various sensors placed inside the sensor box 10, namely a temperature and humidity sensor S1 for measuring the temperature and humidity near the cultivation bed 9, a carbon dioxide concentration sensor S2 for measuring the carbon dioxide concentration near the cultivation bed 9, and a pressure sensor S5 for measuring the atmospheric pressure near the cultivation bed 9, a moisture content sensor S3 (see Figure 4) extending downward from the sensor box 10 and inserted into the culture medium of the cultivation bed 9, an illuminance sensor S4 placed on the top surface of the sensor box, a control device 20 that generates and transmits control signals to each external control unit based on various environmental information near the cultivation bed 9 measured by each of the sensors S1 to S5, a GNSS module 36 for acquiring the position information of the sensor unit, and a power supply unit 26 (see Figure 4) which is the power source for each of the sensors S1 to S5, the GNSS module 36, and the control device 20.

[0046] The temperature and humidity sensor S1, carbon dioxide concentration sensor S2, moisture content sensor S3, illuminance sensor S4, and atmospheric pressure sensor S5 are sensors that measure environmental information. These sensors measure environmental information such as temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide concentration, moisture content of the culture medium, illuminance, and atmospheric pressure.

[0047] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the sensor box 10 is roughly egg-shaped and comprises a box body 10a and a lid 10b that is detachably attached to the box body 10a. It also includes a wall portion 12 that forms the outer shape of the sensor box 10, a temperature and humidity sensor placement chamber 14 separated by a partition plate 13 formed inside the sensor box 10, and a main chamber 15 which is the space inside the sensor box 10 other than the temperature and humidity sensor placement chamber 14.

[0048] The temperature and humidity sensor room 14 is a space separated (partitioned) from the main room 15, where the control device 20 and carbon dioxide concentration sensor S2 are located, by a partition plate 13, so that heat generated from the CPU board 32 and carbon dioxide concentration sensor S2 does not reach the temperature and humidity sensor S1.

[0049] In addition, the CPU board 32 and carbon dioxide concentration sensor S2 are located at the top of the sensor box 10, and the air heated by the heat generated from the CPU board 32 and carbon dioxide concentration sensor S2 rises, making it difficult for heat to be transferred to the temperature and humidity sensor placement chamber 14 located at the bottom of the sensor box 10.

[0050] In this embodiment, a temperature and humidity sensor S1 is used, which integrates a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature near the cultivation bed 9 and a humidity sensor for measuring humidity. However, the temperature sensor and humidity sensor may be provided separately.

[0051] In this case as well, from the standpoint of measuring the vapor pressure deficit, it is desirable to place the temperature sensor and humidity sensor in the same space and separate them from heat sources such as the CPU board and carbon dioxide concentration sensor with a partition or the like.

[0052] Each sensor box 10 has a wall 12 consisting of multiple plates 11 arranged in a louver-like fashion, and louver-like ventilation openings 5 ​​formed between these plates 11. This ensures good ventilation inside the sensor box 10 while also preventing water from entering the sensor box 10 during watering or other activities (see Figure 5).

[0053] In this way, by improving the ventilation inside the sensor box 10, heat generated from the CPU board 32, carbon dioxide concentration sensor S2, etc., can be released to the outside of the sensor box 10, and the temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide concentration near the cultivation bed 9 can be accurately measured.

[0054] Furthermore, a nonwoven fabric 16 is provided on the inside of the wall portion 12 of the sensor box 10 in case water enters the sensor box 10.

[0055] The nonwoven fabric 16 allows air to pass through the ventilation holes 5 formed between the multiple plates 11 of the sensor box 10, but it easily absorbs water. Therefore, even if water enters through the ventilation holes 5, it can prevent water from getting on the substrate or sensors.

[0056] The control device 20 comprises a CPU board 32 on which a processing unit 21 having a CPU is located, a driver board 31 having a driver circuit, a sensor board 30 to which each sensor is electrically connected, a storage unit 23 (see Figure 3) having a main memory and an auxiliary memory, and a communication module 33 for wireless communication. Each sensor is supplied with power from the sensor board 30 and is configured to transmit detection signals from each sensor to the sensor board 30.

[0057] The memory unit 23 stores various programs and setting data, as well as data acquired from each sensor S1 to S5. The memory unit 23 also stores data such as appropriate temperature, humidity, irrigation amount, and carbon dioxide concentration for various types of crops, which will be used in the auto-control mode described in detail later. In auto-control mode, data corresponding to the type of crop P set is read out and set as the target temperature, target humidity, target irrigation amount, target carbon dioxide concentration, etc., and each control device is controlled accordingly.

[0058] Furthermore, the circuit boards located within the sensor box 10 may be arranged in a smaller number. Additionally, the control device 20 may be equipped with AI, in which case the AI ​​may be configured to perform harvest predictions.

[0059] The communication module 33 has a multiband (compatible with multiple frequency bands) communication antenna 34 extending upward from the sensor box 10 and a communication module board 33a. Using the communication antenna 34, it has wireless communication capabilities with each terminal 7, 8 and other sensor units in the area via the network NW, as well as wireless communication capabilities with each external control unit E1 to E7 within the area using the 400MHz frequency band.

[0060] The male SMA connector 39 at the end of the cable 40 extending from the communication antenna 34 shown in Figure 5 is connected to a female SMA connector 41 electrically connected to the communication module board 33a. By placing the communication module 33 at the top of the sensor box 10, the length of the cable 40 can be shortened, reducing power transmission loss.

[0061] It is not necessarily required to configure the communication antennas 34 of each sensor unit SU1 to SU16 to be multiband, supporting multiple frequency bands.

[0062] For example, each sensor unit can be configured to enable short-range wireless communication with each external control unit E1 to E7 within the area by using two film antennas corresponding to the 400MHz frequency band, which has excellent omnidirectional properties. Alternatively, it is possible to enhance directivity by using two film antennas corresponding to the 920MHz frequency band, which has excellent directivity, and enable long-range communication with each terminal 7, 8 and sensor units in other areas using so-called low-power long-range wireless communication.

[0063] In this case, it is desirable to arrange the four film antennas at intervals within the sensor box 10, at the edges (close to the wall 12), so that radio waves do not interfere with each other.

[0064] Figure 6 is a diagram showing data where the ID of each sensor, the ID of the sensor unit, and the ID of the area are linked.

[0065] For convenience, Figure 6 only shows data for the temperature and humidity sensor S1 and the carbon dioxide concentration sensor S2.

[0066] Each sensor electrically connected to the control device 20 outputs signals to the control device 20 in a different format. Therefore, the driver circuit is configured to unify (convert) the signals output from each sensor into RS485 format, input them to the CPU, and assign an ID to each sensor for management.

[0067] As shown in Figure 6, the ID assigned to each sensor is linked to the ID of the sensor unit to which the sensor belongs (SU1 to SU16), the type of sensor, and the ID of the area where the sensor is located, and is stored in the memory units 55 and 60 of the management terminal 8 and the external terminal 7. In addition, this information about each sensor in the area is also stored in the memory unit 23 of the control device 20 of each sensor unit.

[0068] In this embodiment, each sensor unit SU1 to SU16 transmits the detection results of each sensor S1 to S5 to the management terminal 8 and the external terminal 7 at predetermined intervals, and the management terminal 8 and the external terminal 7 are configured to display the detection results on the display units 59 and 64 (see Figure 3).

[0069] Each sensor unit SU1 to SU16 is configured to wirelessly transmit the detection results of each sensor to the management terminal 8 and the external terminal 7. This configuration ensures that the data begins with an area ID (e.g., A5) as a transmission ID, followed by the sensor ID, and then the sensor's detection result. Therefore, even if data from multiple sensor units become intertwined or there is a delay in the radio waves, the management terminal 8 and the external terminal 7 can reliably identify which area and which sensor the received data belongs to.

[0070] Furthermore, because the data is always managed with a sensor ID, communication with each terminal 7 and 8 is not disrupted even if the sensor unit is moved.

[0071] If environmental information (measured values) cannot be obtained from any of the sensors S1 to S5 in each sensor unit, it is determined that the sensor is malfunctioning, and the control device 20 transmits a signal to the management terminal 8 indicating that the sensor is malfunctioning.

[0072] The storage unit 60 of the management terminal 8 has information about sensor units that will replace a sensor unit with a faulty sensor pre-programmed and set (stored). For example, sensor unit SU2, which is adjacent to sensor unit SU1, is set as a sensor unit to replace sensor unit SU1, and sensor SU7 is set as a sensor unit to replace sensor unit SU5.

[0073] When the control device 20 receives a sensor failure signal, the management terminal 8 reads information about a replacement sensor unit from the storage unit 60 and sends the ID information of the failed sensor unit and information about the type of sensor to that sensor unit. For example, if the carbon dioxide concentration sensor S2 of sensor unit SU5 fails, the management terminal 8 sends the ID of SU5 and information indicating that it is a carbon dioxide concentration sensor to sensor unit SU7, which will replace sensor unit SU5.

[0074] Upon receiving information from the management terminal 8, the control device 20 of the sensor unit SU7 transmits the measured carbon dioxide concentration to the sensor unit SU5 at predetermined intervals.

[0075] Thus, in this embodiment, if a sensor fails in any of the sensor units, the control device 20 is configured to acquire measured values ​​from adjacent sensor units, thereby enabling stable management and maintenance of the cultivation environment.

[0076] Furthermore, if a sensor unit in any area fails or communication fails, and the management terminal 8 is unable to receive the detection results of each sensor S1 to S5 in that area, the sensor unit in an adjacent area may be configured to transmit control signals over long distance wirelessly at a frequency of 920 MHz to each external control unit E1 to E7 in the failed area, based on the detection results of each sensor S1 to S5 in that area, thereby controlling the operation of the control device group located in or near the failed area. This configuration makes it easy to respond to sensor unit failures and communication failures.

[0077] As shown in Figure 5, the sensor board 30 is connected to a temperature and humidity sensor S1, a carbon dioxide concentration sensor S2, and a pressure sensor S5, which are located inside the sensor box 10. Additionally, an illuminance sensor S4 located on the top surface of the sensor box 10 and a moisture content sensor S3 (see Figure 4) inserted into the culture medium are connected to the sensor board 30 via wiring 37 or 29. These wirings 37 and 29 are connected to the sensor board 30 inside the sensor box 10 through wiring holes formed in the wall of the sensor box 10.

[0078] In this way, since each sensor is directly attached to the sensor board 30 of the control device 20 or connected by wire, degradation and communication failures when transmitting environmental information from each sensor to the control device 20 can be prevented.

[0079] The GNSS module 36 shown in Figure 5 is a module that acquires location information and current time information of the sensor unit using a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) such as GPS.

[0080] Here, the memory unit 23 stores sunrise and sunset time information linked to the date and location information, and the control device 20 is configured to obtain sunrise and sunset time information for the location where the sensor unit is placed based on the location information of the sensor unit obtained from the GNSS module 36, and to calculate the amount of solar radiation from that information.

[0081] It is not necessarily required to use the GNSS module 36 as a means of acquiring the position information of the sensor unit; other means of acquiring position information may also be used.

[0082] The power supply unit 26 includes a solar cell module 27 and a battery 28 housed in a waterproof case, as shown in Figure 4, a power switching unit 43 having a voltage divider circuit (see Figure 4), and a storage battery 35 (see Figure 5) that receives power from the solar cell module 27 or battery 28 via a cable 44 and supplies power to the control device 20 in the sensor box 10. The power supplied to the control device 20 is also supplied to each sensor S1 to S5 and the GNSS module 36 through the control device 20, driving these devices.

[0083] The power switching unit 43 detects the output voltage of the solar cell module 27, and when the output voltage exceeds the voltage required to drive each sensor S1 to S5 of the sensor unit, the control device 20, and the GNSS module 36 (hereinafter referred to as the "drive voltage"), it divides the output voltage into a drive voltage supplied to the storage battery 35 and a surplus voltage using a voltage divider circuit, and is configured to charge the battery 28 using the surplus voltage.

[0084] Then, when the output voltage of the solar cell module 27 falls below the drive voltage, such as after sunset, the power switching unit 43 switches the power supply to the storage battery 35 from the solar cell module 27 to the battery 28. Therefore, the drive voltage can be supplied to the storage battery 35 day and night, and power can be continuously supplied from the storage battery 35 to the sensor box 10. In this embodiment, power is supplied to the storage battery 35 from the battery 28 at a voltage of 1.8V or 3V, but the voltage is not limited to these.

[0085] Furthermore, since the power supplied from the solar cell module 27 or battery 28 to the storage battery 35 is supplied to each sensor S1 to S5 of the sensor unit and the GNSS module 36, etc. via the control device 20, even if the voltage supplied from the battery 28 drops after sunset, the power stored in the storage battery 35 can be used to drive each sensor S1 to S5, the circuit boards 30 to 32, modules 33, 36, etc. of the sensor unit, so that each sensor unit SU1 to SU16 can be stably driven with the power generated by the solar cell module 27.

[0086] Furthermore, since the sensor unit, including each sensor S1 to S5, the GNSS module 36, and the control device 20, can be driven by the electricity generated by the solar cell module 27, environmental control using sensors can be performed even in places with insufficient power supply, such as large-scale farms, or in mountainous and hilly areas where power cannot be secured.

[0087] In addition, since each sensor unit is powered by its own solar cell module 27, sensor units can be easily added without electrical work, even when the cultivation facility 2 is further expanded. Furthermore, because each sensor unit has an independent power supply, it is possible to carry each sensor unit and measure environmental information while walking around.

[0088] In the sensor box 10 according to this embodiment, the insertion part of the communication antenna 34, the joint between the box body 10a and the lid 10b of the sensor box 10, and the insertion part 42 of the cable 44 are waterproofed. In addition, the SMA connectors 39 and 41, and each circuit board 30 to 32 are also waterproofed. Although not shown in the figures, a ground is provided from the sensor box 10, and noise countermeasures are in place to prevent interference with communication and each sensor.

[0089] Meanwhile, in each area A1 to A16 or its vicinity, the following are arranged as control devices to adjust the environment inside the cultivation facility 2: a skylight opening / closing device C1 that opens and closes the skylight 3 that ventilates the air inside the cultivation facility 2, a side window opening / closing device C2 that opens and closes the side window 4, a heater C3 that warms the air inside the cultivation facility 2, a circulating fan C4, an irrigation device C5, and a carbon dioxide supply device C6. These constitute one of the control device groups CG1 to CG16.

[0090] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, ventilation fans C7 are also located near areas A1 and A2, respectively. In other words, the two control device groups CG1 and CG2, which are controlled according to the control signals output from the two sensor units SU1 and SU2, include the ventilation fan C7, which is a seventh control device, in addition to the six types of control devices C1 to C6.

[0091] Each external control unit group EG1 to EG16, which operates the adjustment devices located in each area A1 to A16, is an external control unit that receives control signals from the sensor unit, as shown in Figure 3. It includes a skylight opening / closing device control unit E1 that operates the skylight opening / closing device C1, a side window opening / closing device control unit E2 that operates the side window opening / closing device C2, a heater control unit E3 that switches the heater C3 on and off, a circulating fan control unit E4 that switches the circulating fan C4 located inside the cultivation facility 2 on and off, an irrigation device control unit E5 that opens and closes the solenoid valve of the irrigation device C5, and a carbon dioxide supply device control unit E6 that opens and closes the solenoid valve of the carbon dioxide supply device C6.

[0092] Furthermore, the two external control unit groups EG1 and EG2 located in areas A1 and A2 are equipped with a ventilation fan control unit E7 that switches the ventilation fan C7, shown in Figures 1 and 2, on and off, in addition to these external control units.

[0093] The following provides a specific example of how each external control unit operates each adjustment device according to the output signals of each sensor unit SU1 to SU16.

[0094] Figure 7 is a block diagram of the carbon dioxide supply device C6 and the carbon dioxide supply device control unit E6, and Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the carbon dioxide supply control by the control device 20 in each area.

[0095] Each external control unit E1 to E7, which constitutes each external control unit group EG1 to EG16, includes a communication unit 46 capable of wireless communication with sensor units located in the same area (any of A1 to A16), an external control unit 45 that operates the adjustment device according to control signals received from the sensor units in the same area, and a power supply unit 25 that supplies power to the external control unit 45, the communication unit 46, and the adjustment device being operated.

[0096] The external control unit 45 includes a calculation unit for processing data, a storage unit for storing data, and an operating means (such as a drive signal transmission means and a voltage application means) for operating the adjustment device.

[0097] The power supply unit 25 includes a solar cell module 17, a battery 18 housed in a waterproof case, and a power supply switching unit 19 having a voltage divider circuit.

[0098] The power switching unit 19 detects the output voltage of the solar cell module 17, and when the output voltage exceeds the voltage required to drive the external control unit 45, the communication unit 46, and the regulator, it divides the output voltage into the voltage required for driving and the excess voltage using a voltage divider circuit, and is configured to charge the battery 18 using the excess voltage.

[0099] Then, after sunset or when the output voltage of the solar cell module 17 falls below the voltage required to drive the external control unit 45, the communication unit 46, and the control device, the power supply switching unit 19 switches the power supply to the external control unit 45, the communication unit 46, and the control device from the solar cell module 17 to the battery 18.

[0100] Therefore, drive power can be supplied to each external control unit E1 to E7 and adjustment device C1 to C7 regardless of whether it is day or night.

[0101] On the other hand, carbon dioxide supply device C6, which is one of the control devices, and which is included in the control device groups CG1 to CG16 for each area, is equipped with a carbon dioxide supply source 47, a valve unit 51, and a carbon dioxide supply pipe 52 (see also Figure 4) that extends near the cultivation bed 9, as shown in Figure 7.

[0102] The valve unit 51 includes a pressure reducing valve 48 for reducing the pressure of carbon dioxide supplied from the carbon dioxide supply source 47, a flow meter 49 for measuring the amount of carbon dioxide supplied, and a solenoid valve 50 for opening and closing the carbon dioxide flow path. Power supplied from the power supply unit 25 of the carbon dioxide supply device control unit E6 is input to the solenoid valve 50 and flow meter 49 of the valve unit 51.

[0103] As a source of carbon dioxide, carbon dioxide cylinders or tanks can be used, or a diluted mixture of carbon dioxide and air can be supplied.

[0104] Each sensor unit SU1 to SU16's control device 20 repeatedly determines, based on the detected value of the carbon dioxide concentration sensor (step s1), whether the carbon dioxide concentration near the cultivation bed 9 falls below a preset threshold using the input unit 58 or 63 shown in Figure 3 (step s2), as shown in Figure 8.

[0105] In a certain area within cultivation facility 2, for example area A2, if the carbon dioxide concentration measured by the carbon dioxide concentration sensor S2 of sensor unit SU2 falls below a preset threshold, the control device 20 of sensor unit SU2 transmits a control signal to the carbon dioxide supply device control unit E6 of the external control unit group EG2 to start supplying carbon dioxide (step s3).

[0106] Upon receiving a control signal to begin supplying carbon dioxide, the external control unit 45 of the carbon dioxide supply device control unit E6 opens the solenoid valve 50 of the carbon dioxide supply device C6 and transmits a signal indicating that the solenoid valve 50 has been opened to the control device 20 of the sensor unit SU2 via the communication unit 46.

[0107] When the solenoid valve 50 of the carbon dioxide supply device C6 is opened, carbon dioxide is supplied to the vicinity of each cultivation bed 9 from the carbon dioxide supply pipe 52, which extends near each cultivation bed 9, at least a portion of which is located in area A2. The carbon dioxide supply pipe 52 is made of a porous pipe.

[0108] Thus, when the supply of carbon dioxide is started, the control device 20 of the sensor unit SU2 acquires the detected value of the carbon dioxide concentration sensor S2 (step s4) and determines whether the carbon dioxide concentration measured by the carbon dioxide concentration sensor S2 is above a preset threshold (step s5).

[0109] If the determination results in the carbon dioxide concentration measured by the carbon dioxide concentration sensor S2 being less than a preset threshold, the control device 20 of the sensor unit SU2 repeats the determination until the measured carbon dioxide concentration becomes equal to or greater than the preset threshold.

[0110] In response to this, if the measured carbon dioxide concentration is above a preset threshold as a result of the determination, the control device 20 of the sensor unit SU2 transmits a control signal to terminate the supply of carbon dioxide to the carbon dioxide supply device control unit E6 in area A2 (external control unit group EG2) (step s6).

[0111] Upon receiving a control signal to terminate the supply of carbon dioxide, the external control unit 45 of the carbon dioxide supply device control unit E6 closes the solenoid valve 50 of the carbon dioxide supply device C6 and transmits a signal indicating that the solenoid valve 50 has been closed to the control device 20 of the sensor unit SU2 via the communication unit 46.

[0112] As a result, the supply of carbon dioxide is terminated in each cultivation bed 9, at least partially located in area A2.

[0113] The thresholds shown in steps s2 and s5 of Figure 8 may be configured to vary not only from the set values, but also according to the amount of solar radiation calculated by the control device 20 based on the sunrise and sunset times, as described above. By configuring it in this way, an amount of carbon dioxide corresponding to the amount of photosynthesis can be supplied to the vicinity of the cultivation bed 9, thereby reducing the cost of carbon dioxide application.

[0114] The above explains the carbon dioxide supply control in area A2, but in the other areas A1 and A3 through A16, carbon dioxide supply control is performed similarly according to the control signals transmitted from the sensor unit.

[0115] On the other hand, each skylight opening / closing device C1 of each adjustment device group CG1 to CG16 is equipped with a motor for opening and closing the skylight, and according to the control signals transmitted from the sensor units in each area, the motor is driven by the external control unit 45 of the skylight opening / closing device control unit E1, thereby opening and closing the skylight 3 of the cultivation facility 2 shown in Figure 1.

[0116] Each side window opening / closing device C2 of each adjustment device group CG1 to CG16 is equipped with a motor for opening and closing the side window. The motor is driven by the external control unit 45 of the side window opening / closing device control unit E2 according to the control signals transmitted from the sensor units in each area, thereby opening and closing the side windows 4 of the cultivation facility 2 shown in Figure 1.

[0117] Each heating unit C3 in each control device group CG1 to CG16 is equipped with a heating element, and heat is emitted from the heating unit C3 when a voltage is applied to the heating element by the external control unit 45 of the heating unit control unit E3 according to the control signal transmitted from the sensor unit in each area.

[0118] Each of the circulating fans C4 (see Figure 3) in each of the control device groups CG1 to CG16 is equipped with a drive motor, and the circulating fan C4 is driven by the external control unit 45 of the circulating fan control unit E4, which drives the motor according to the control signals transmitted from the sensor units in each area.

[0119] Each irrigation device C5 in each control device group CG1 to CG16 is equipped with a solenoid valve that opens and closes the flow path of a nutrient solution containing water / or fertilizer, and a flow meter that measures the flow rate. Similar to the carbon dioxide supply device C6, the solenoid valve is opened and closed by the external control unit 45 of the irrigation device control unit E5 according to a control signal transmitted from a sensor unit in the area, thereby supplying a nutrient solution containing water / or fertilizer to the cultivation bed 9.

[0120] In this embodiment, the irrigation device C5 is configured to irrigate from above the cultivation bed 9 when the solenoid valve is opened. However, it is also possible to configure the device so that, for example, a water pipe is arranged along the cultivation bed 9, and when the solenoid valve is opened, water is supplied from the water pipe to the base of each crop P via an irrigation tube or the like. In this case, since the entire crop P is not wet, attenuation of radio waves for wireless communication can be suppressed.

[0121] Each of the two control device groups CG1 and CG2 has a motor for driving the ventilation fan C7, and the motor is driven by the external control unit 45 of the ventilation fan control unit E7 according to the control signals of the sensor units SU1 and SU2 in areas A1 and A2, thereby driving the ventilation fan C7.

[0122] In this embodiment, the shutter 6 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is configured to open automatically without power supply due to negative pressure when the ventilation fan C7 is driven. However, external control units for opening and closing the shutter 6 may be separately provided in the external control unit groups EG15 and G16 located in the two northern areas A15 and A16, and configured to automatically open and close the shutter according to control signals transmitted from sensor units SU15 and SU16.

[0123] If the temperature measured by the temperature and humidity sensor S1 of the sensor unit SU2 in a certain area within the cultivation facility 2, for example area A2, falls below a first threshold set in advance using the input unit 58 or 63 shown in Figure 3, the control device 20 of the sensor unit SU2 transmits a control signal to the heater control unit E3 of the external control unit group EG2 to activate the heater, and also transmits a control signal to the circulating fan control unit E4 of the external control unit group EG2 to drive the circulating fan C4.

[0124] Upon receiving a control signal to activate the heater, the heater control unit E3 of the external control unit group EG2 activates the heater C3 and transmits a signal indicating that the heater C3 has been activated to the control device 20 of the sensor unit SU2 via the communication unit 46.

[0125] Furthermore, upon receiving a control signal to drive the circulating fan C4, the circulating fan control unit E4 of the external control unit group EG2 drives the circulating fan C4 and transmits a signal indicating that the circulating fan C4 has been driven to the control device 20 of the sensor unit SU2 via the communication unit 46.

[0126] Subsequently, when the temperature measured by the temperature and humidity sensor S1 of the sensor unit SU2 exceeds the first threshold, the control device 20 of the sensor unit SU2 sends a control signal to the heater control unit E3 of the external control unit group EG2 to stop the heater C3, and sends a control signal to the circulating fan control unit E4 to stop the circulating fan C4.

[0127] Upon receiving a control signal, the heating unit E3 of the external control unit group EG2 stops the operation of the heating unit C3 and transmits a signal to the control device 20 of the sensor unit SU2 indicating that the heating unit C3 has been stopped.

[0128] Furthermore, the circulating fan control unit E4 of the external control unit group EG2 stops the circulating fan C4 and transmits a signal to the control device 20 of the sensor unit SU2 indicating that the circulating fan C4 has been stopped.

[0129] Furthermore, for example, in area A2, if the temperature measured by the temperature and humidity sensor S1 of the sensor unit SU2 exceeds a second threshold preset using the input unit 58 or 63 shown in Figure 3, the control device 20 of the sensor unit SU2 transmits a control signal to the circulation fan control unit E4 of the external control unit group EG2 to drive the circulation fan C4, and also transmits control signals to the skylight opening / closing device control unit E1 and the side window opening / closing device control unit E2 of the external control unit group EG2 to open the skylight C1 and the side window C2.

[0130] As a result, the circulating fan C4 located in or near area A2 is activated, the skylight 3 and side window 4 located in or near area A2 are opened, and signals indicating that the circulating fan C4 has been activated, the skylight 3 has been opened, and the side window 4 has been opened are transmitted from the circulating fan control unit E4, the skylight opening / closing device control unit E1, and the side window opening / closing device control unit E2 to the control device 20 of the sensor unit SU2 via their respective communication units 46.

[0131] Furthermore, for example, if the humidity measured by the temperature and humidity sensor S1 of the sensor unit SU2 in area A2 is not within a range suitable for cultivating crop P, the control device 20 of the sensor unit SU2 will, similar to the temperature control, send control signals to open and close the skylight 3 and side windows 4 in area A2, and to drive or stop the circulation fan C4 and ventilation fan C7, thereby controlling the humidity in area A2 to an appropriate range.

[0132] Furthermore, in the environmental control system 1 according to this embodiment, for example, in area A2, if the atmospheric pressure measured by the pressure sensor S5 of the sensor unit SU2 drops by a threshold (predetermined value) or more within a predetermined time (for example, if it drops by 5 hPa or more within 1 hour), the control device 20 of the sensor unit SU2 transmits a signal to the management terminal 8 (see Figure 3) indicating that the atmospheric pressure has dropped rapidly.

[0133] Upon receiving the signal, the management terminal 8 retrieves information on all currently open skylights 3 and side windows 4 from its storage unit and outputs a signal to the sensor units in all areas where skylights 3 and side windows 4 are open, instructing them to close skylights C1 and side windows C2.

[0134] Upon receiving a signal to close the skylight C1 and side window C2, each sensor unit sends a control signal to the skylight opening / closing device control unit E1 and the side window opening / closing device control unit E2, causing the skylight 3 and side window 4 to close. As a result, all skylights 3 and side windows 4 in the cultivation facility 2 are closed.

[0135] Thus, in this embodiment, when a sudden drop in atmospheric pressure is detected in any area of ​​the cultivation facility 2, all the skylights 3 and side windows 4 in the cultivation facility 2 are automatically closed. Therefore, for example, when a bomb cyclone approaches, strong winds enter the cultivation facility 2, which is made of vinyl, and prevent the cultivation facility 2 from being lifted up and blown away.

[0136] Furthermore, information regarding the operation of each control device C1 to C7, including the skylight opening / closing device C1 and the side window opening / closing device C2 of each control device group CG1 to CG16, is transmitted from each sensor unit SU1 to SU16 to the management terminal 8 and the external terminal 7 via the network NW (see Figure 3). Since the management terminal 8 and the external terminal 7 store information indicating that each control device C1 to C7, including the skylight opening / closing device C1 and the side window opening / closing device C2, has been operated in their respective memory units 55 and 60, when the air pressure inside the cultivation facility 2 drops rapidly, it is possible to determine which skylight 3 and side window 4 are currently open from the information stored in their respective memory units 55 and 60.

[0137] Furthermore, when the atmospheric pressure drops rapidly, it is not necessarily required, as described above, for the sensor unit to output a signal to each other sensor unit via the management terminal 8 to close the skylight 3 and side windows 4.

[0138] For example, when a rapid drop in atmospheric pressure is detected in area A2, sensor unit SU2 may send a control signal to close the skylight 3 and side windows 4 in the area, and at the same time send a signal to other sensor units indicating that the atmospheric pressure has dropped rapidly. Upon receiving this signal, the other sensor units may be configured to close the skylight 3 and side windows 4 in the area.

[0139] On the other hand, in the irrigation according to this embodiment, the system is configured to irrigate each cultivation bed 9 at a predetermined time and for a predetermined period of time using the input unit 58 or 63 (see Figure 3) of the management terminal 8 or the external terminal 7.

[0140] Specifically, first, the administrator sets the start time and duration of irrigation on the management terminal 8 or external terminal 7.

[0141] Once the setup is complete, the management terminal 8 or external terminal 7 transmits the configured information to the sensor units SU1 to SU16 in each area A1 to A16, and each sensor unit SU1 to SU16 transmits a control signal containing this information to the irrigation system control unit E5 in the area.

[0142] Upon receiving a control signal, the irrigation system control unit E5 stores the information set in the memory of the external control unit 45, and daily, based on the stored information, opens the solenoid valve of the irrigation system C5 at a predetermined time for a predetermined period of time, irrigating each cultivation bed 9.

[0143] Once the set time has elapsed, the irrigation system control unit E5 closes the solenoid valve to end irrigation and transmits information to the sensor units in the area indicating that irrigation has ended.

[0144] Furthermore, since the irrigation system control unit E5 is configured to perform irrigation according to information pre-set by the administrator and stored in the memory unit of the external control unit 45, and to transmit information to the sensor unit indicating that irrigation has finished, there is no need to send a control signal from the sensor unit to the irrigation system control unit E5 each time irrigation is started and stopped, thus preventing data congestion.

[0145] The above describes in detail the control that operates (drives) each adjustment device C1 to C7 based on the detection signals of each sensor or information pre-set on terminals 7 and 8. The information that each adjustment device C1 to C7 has been operated (driven) is transmitted from each sensor unit SU1 to SU16 to the management terminal 8 and external terminal 7 via the network NW (see Figure 3), stored in the memory units 55 and 60 (see Figure 3), and displayed on the display units 59 and 64 (see Figure 3).

[0146] Therefore, the manager can monitor the daily irrigation, carbon dioxide supply, and temperature control status on the management terminal 8 or an external terminal 7 such as their home, allowing them to easily confirm how the environment inside the cultivation facility 2 is automatically adjusted by the environmental control system 1, and to respond immediately if any abnormality occurs in the cultivation facility 2.

[0147] Here, the detection signal information from each sensor, the information pre-set on terminals 7 and 8, and the operation information of each adjustment device C1 to C7 are all stored in the memory unit 23 (see Figure 3) of the control device 20 of each sensor unit. Therefore, in the event of a power loss, environmental control can be smoothly resumed by reading the last detection signal information, setting information, and operation information of each adjustment device C1 to C7 stored in the memory unit 23 after power is restored.

[0148] Furthermore, the irrigation system C5 may be configured to irrigate with a predetermined amount of water, regardless of the predetermined time.

[0149] In this case, based on the flow meter installed in the irrigation device C5, when a predetermined amount of water / or nutrient solution containing fertilizer is supplied on the management terminal 8 or external terminal 7, each sensor unit SU1 to SU16 transmits a control signal to the irrigation device control unit E5 in the area to stop irrigation, thereby enabling irrigation to be performed by the predetermined amount.

[0150] Furthermore, the system may be configured to allow setting the irrigation duration and irrigation volume for each area A1 through A16.

[0151] Furthermore, regarding the operation of the skylight opening / closing device C1, the side window opening / closing device C2, the circulation fan C4, and the ventilation fan C7, instead of controlling them based on the temperature measured by the temperature and humidity sensor S1 as described above, they may be configured to operate these control devices C1, C2, C4, and C7 for a set period of time at a time predetermined on the management terminal 8 or external terminal 7, similar to the irrigation device C5. Similarly, regarding the operation of the carbon dioxide supply device C6, it may be configured so that the solenoid valve 50 (see Figure 7) opens for a set period of time at a time predetermined on the management terminal 8 or external terminal 7 each day.

[0152] In this case, after the operation for the set time period has finished, the skylight opening / closing device control unit E1, the side window opening / closing device control unit E2, the circulation fan control unit E4, the carbon dioxide supply device control unit E6, and the ventilation fan control unit E7 transmit information to the sensor unit indicating that the operation of each control device C1, C2, C4, C6, and C7 (including the closing of the solenoid valve 50) has finished. Therefore, the sensor unit does not need to transmit control signals to each external control unit E1, E2, E4, and E7 in the area one by one, and data congestion is prevented. Even in this case, as described above, by transmitting information that each control device C1, C2, C4, C6, and C7 has been operated from each sensor unit to the management terminal 8 and the external terminal 7, the administrator can understand the operating status of each control device C1, C2, C4, C6, and C7 on a daily basis.

[0153] Furthermore, the number of adjustment devices C1 to C7 controlled based on the output signals of each sensor unit SU1 to SU16, and the number of external control units E1 to E7 that operate these adjustment devices C1 to C7, are not limited to one, but may be provided in multiple numbers.

[0154] On the other hand, the environmental control system 1 according to this embodiment includes an auto-control mode that appropriately controls the cultivation environment of each area A1 to A16 within the cultivation facility 2 according to the type of crop P set by the administrator for each area A1 to A16.

[0155] In the southern areas A1 to A8, where tomatoes are cultivated as crop P, the sensor units SU1 to SU8 are set to tomatoes as the type of crop P being cultivated, and the tomato mode, which is suitable for tomato cultivation, is applied.

[0156] Therefore, in the southern areas A1 to A8, the aforementioned thresholds, times, and irrigation amounts are automatically set to achieve temperatures, humidity, irrigation amounts, and carbon dioxide concentrations suitable for tomato cultivation, and the control device groups CG1 to CG8 are operated according to the control signals from the sensor units SU1 to SU8.

[0157] On the other hand, in the northern areas A9 to A16, where strawberries are cultivated as crop P, the sensor units SU9 to SU16 are set to strawberries as the type of crop P being cultivated, and the strawberry mode, which is suitable for strawberry cultivation, is applied.

[0158] Therefore, in areas A9 to A16, the aforementioned thresholds, times, and irrigation amounts are automatically set to achieve temperatures, humidity, irrigation amounts, and carbon dioxide concentrations suitable for strawberry cultivation, and the control device groups CG9 to CG16 are operated according to the control signals from sensor units SU9 to SU16.

[0159] For example, in areas A9 to A16 where strawberries are cultivated, the sensor units SU9 to SU16 control the skylight opening / closing device C1, the side window opening / closing device C2, and the heater C3 so that the temperature near the cultivation bed 9 is in the range of 20°C to 24°C. Similarly, in areas A1 to A8 where tomatoes are cultivated, the sensor units SU1 to SU8 control the skylight opening / closing device C1, the side window opening / closing device C2, and the heater C3 so that the temperature near the cultivation bed 9 is in the range of 25°C to 30°C.

[0160] In this case, by installing a partition near the center line CL, which indicates the central position of the cultivation facility 2 in the north-south direction, it is possible to control the temperature to be different between the south and north sides of the cultivation facility 2.

[0161] Thus, in this embodiment, in auto-control mode, the administrator simply sets (selects) the type of crop P to be cultivated in each area, and the temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide concentration, and irrigation amount are set to values ​​appropriate for that crop P. The cultivation environment is controlled according to the set values, making it easy to manage the cultivation of crop P in each area.

[0162] In this embodiment, the setting of the type of crop P to be cultivated (mode setting) is performed on the management terminal 8 or external terminal 7. However, an auto control switch may be provided on each sensor unit SU1 to SU16, and the setting of the type of crop P may be switched by pressing the auto control switch.

[0163] According to this embodiment, the control device 20 located inside the sensor box 10, the sensors S1 to 5 that measure environmental information of the cultivation facility 2, and the GNSS module 36 are configured to be driven by power generated by the solar cell module 27 shown in Figure 4. Therefore, even in locations where a power source cannot be secured, the control device 20, the sensors S1 to 5, and the GNSS module 36 can be easily driven simply by placing them inside the cultivation facility 2.

[0164] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the control device 20 that controls the multiple adjustment devices C1 to C7 is housed in a sensor box 10 that houses the temperature and humidity sensor S1, the carbon dioxide concentration sensor S2, and the atmospheric pressure sensor S5, and is connected to each sensor S1 to S5 directly or via wiring 29, 37. Therefore, the measured environmental information of the cultivation facility 2 can be stably transmitted from each sensor S1 to S5 to the control device 20 without delay.

[0165] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the control device 20 and each sensor S1 to S5 are connected within the same sensor box 10, the time and effort required for the operator to configure communication between the control device 20 and each sensor S1 to S5 is eliminated, and the environmental control system 1 can be constructed at a low cost.

[0166] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, in each area A1 to A16, each external control unit E1 to E7 (each corresponding to the "external control device" of the present invention), which is wirelessly connected to the control device 20, is configured to operate each adjustment device C1 to C7 according to a control signal transmitted from the control device 20 located in the sensor box 10. Therefore, the control device 20 in the sensor box 10 can also control adjustment devices located at a distance from the sensor box 10.

[0167] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, each adjustment device C1 to C7 located in each area, and each external control unit E1 to E7 that operates each adjustment device C1 to C7, are each driven by power generated by the solar cell module 17 (see Figure 7). Therefore, in addition to the control device 20 that transmits control signals and each sensor S1 to S5, the adjustment devices C1 to C7 and the external control units E1 to E7 can also be driven by independent power sources. Consequently, the environmental control system 1 can be operated even in locations where a power source cannot be secured.

[0168] In addition, because the environmental control system 1 can be operated with an independent power supply, it is possible to continue to stably control the cultivation environment even if a power outage occurs due to a landslide, lightning strike, or the like.

[0169] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the carbon dioxide concentration sensor S2 and the control device 20 are located in the upper part of the sensor box 10 (upper part of the main chamber 15), and the temperature and humidity sensor S1, which serves as both a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor, is located in the lower part of the sensor box 10. In addition, the temperature and humidity sensor is located in the temperature and humidity sensor placement chamber 14, which is a space separated from the main chamber where the carbon dioxide concentration sensor S2 and the control device 20 are located by a partition plate 13. Therefore, it is possible to prevent heat generated from the carbon dioxide concentration sensor S2 and the control device 20 from affecting the temperature and humidity sensor S1.

[0170] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the wall portion 12 of the sensor box 10 has a shutter-like ventilation opening 5 in part, the sensors S1, S2, and S5 placed inside the sensor box 10 can accurately measure environmental information of the cultivation facility 2, and the heat generated from the carbon dioxide concentration sensor S2 can be released to the outside of the sensor box 10.

[0171] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the wall portion 12 of the sensor box 10 has shutter-shaped ventilation openings 5, it is possible to ensure ventilation of the sensor box 10 while suppressing water such as irrigation water from entering the sensor box 10.

[0172] In addition, according to this embodiment, since a nonwoven fabric 16, which is an example of a material having water absorption and breathability, is attached to the inside of the wall portion 12 of the sensor box 10 (inside the ventilation opening 5), even if water enters the sensor box 10, it is possible to effectively prevent water from getting on the control device 20 and each sensor S1, S2, S5 inside the sensor box 10.

[0173] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, each area A1 to A16 is equipped with an auto-control mode (including strawberry mode and tomato mode) in which the control device 20 controls each adjustment device C1 to C7 (C1 to C6 in areas A3 to A16) to create a cultivation environment suitable for the set type of crop P. As a result, the cultivation environment is controlled to an appropriate state according to the crop P without the administrator having to look up and set appropriate values ​​such as temperature and irrigation amount for the crop P, making it possible to easily cultivate a variety of crops.

[0174] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, if the pressure sensor S5 detects that the atmospheric pressure has dropped by a predetermined value or more within a predetermined time, the control device 20 is configured to activate the skylight opening / closing device C1 and the side window opening / closing device C2 to close the skylight 3 and side window 4. Therefore, for example, when a bomb cyclone approaches, strong winds can enter the cultivation facility 2, which is made of vinyl greenhouse material, through the skylight 3 and side window 4, preventing the cultivation facility 2 from being lifted up and blown away.

[0175] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention as described in the claims, and these modifications are also included within the scope of the present invention.

[0176] For example, in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 8, all sensor units SU1 to SU16, external control units E1 to E7, and adjustment devices C1 to C7 located within the cultivation facility 2 are configured to operate using electricity generated by the solar cell module 17 or 27. However, some sensor units, external control units, and / or adjustment devices may be configured to operate using a power source such as an outlet connected to the power grid.

[0177] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the system is configured to control each of the adjustment devices C1 to C7 based on the detection signals from the temperature and humidity sensor S1, the carbon dioxide concentration sensor S2, the moisture content sensor S3, and the atmospheric pressure sensor S5. However, a blackout curtain may be provided separately as one of the adjustment devices, and an external control unit may be used to operate a motor to open and close the blackout curtain.

[0178] In this case, by switching the shading curtain between a closed and open state based on the detection signal from the illuminance sensor, it is possible to suppress excessive temperature increases inside the cultivation facility.

[0179] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, some of the sensors S1, S2, and S5 that measure environmental information are arranged inside the sensor box 10, but all of the sensors that measure environmental information may be arranged inside the sensor box 10.

[0180] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a nonwoven fabric 16 is attached to the inside of the ventilation opening 5 formed in the wall portion 12 of the sensor box 10 as an example of a material having water absorption and breathability. However, other materials such as filters or paper may be attached to the inside of the ventilation opening in place of the nonwoven fabric, or together with the nonwoven fabric, as long as they have water absorption and breathability.

[0181] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the environmental control system 1 is equipped with a skylight opening / closing device C1 and a side window opening / closing device C2 as control devices for opening and closing the skylight 3 and side window 4 provided in the cultivation facility 2. However, it may also be equipped with only one of the skylight opening / closing device C1 or the side window opening / closing device C2. In this case, when the atmospheric pressure drops rapidly, the skylight opening / closing device or the side window opening / closing device will automatically close either the skylight opening / closing device or the side window opening / closing device.

[0182] In addition, in the above embodiment, all adjustment devices C1 to C7 are configured to be operated by an external control unit in accordance with control signals wirelessly transmitted from the sensor unit's control device 20. However, the sensor unit's control device and the adjustment devices may be connected by wiring, so that the sensor unit's control device directly controls and operates the adjustment devices.

[0183] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, each sensor of the sensor unit is attached directly to the sensor board 30 of the control device 20 or via wiring, but each sensor may be connected to the control device 20 wirelessly. [Explanation of symbols]

[0184] 1. Environmental control system 2. Cultivation facilities 3 Skylight 4 side windows 5. Ventilation holes 6 shutters 7 External terminals 8. Management terminal 9 cultivation beds 10 Sensor Box 10a Box Body 10b Lid body 11 plates 12 Wall 13 Partition plates 14. Room with temperature and humidity sensors 15 Main room 16 Nonwoven fabric 17 Solar cell modules 18 batteries 19 Power switching section 20 Control device 21 Processing Unit 23 Memory section 25 Power supply section 26 Power supply section 27 Solar cell modules 28 batteries 29 Wiring 30 Sensor board 31 Driver board 32 CPU board 33 Communication Module 33a Communication module board 34 Communication Antenna 35 Storage batteries 36 GNSS modules 37 Wiring 38 Antenna insertion section 39 SMA connector (male) 40 Cables 41 SMA connector (female) 42 Cable insertion section 43 Power switching section 44 Cables 45 External control unit 46 Communications Department 47. Carbon dioxide supply sources 48 Pressure Reducing Valve 49 Flow meter 50 Solenoid valve 51 Valve Unit 52 Carbon dioxide supply pipe 55 Storage section 56 Processing Unit 57 Communications Department 58 Input section 59 Display section 60 Storage section 61 Processing Unit 62 Communications Department 63 Input section 64 Display section C1 Skylight opening and closing device C2 Side window opening / closing device C3 warming machine C4 circulation fan C5 Irrigation System C6 Carbon Dioxide Supply System C7 Ventilation Fan CG1: A group of control devices located in or near Area A1. CG2 Control device group located in or near Area A2 CG3 Control device group located in or near Area A3 CG4 Control device group located in or near Area A4 CG5 Control device group located in or near Area A5 CG6 Control device group located in or near Area A6 CG7 A group of control devices located in or near Area A7. CG8 Control device group located in or near Area A8 CG9 Control device group located in or near Area A9 CG10 A group of control devices located in or near Area A10. CG11: A group of control devices located in or near Area A11. CG12 A group of control devices located in or near Area A12. CG13 A group of control devices located in or near Area A13. CG14 A group of control devices located in or near Area A14. CG15 A group of control devices located in or near Area A15. CG16: A group of control devices located in or near Area A16. E1 Skylight Opening / Closing Device Control Unit E2 Side window opening / closing device control unit E3 Heater Control Unit E4 Circulating Fan Control Unit E5 Irrigation System Control Unit E6 Carbon Dioxide Supply System Control Unit E7 Ventilation fan control unit External control unit group for EG1 Area A1 External control unit group for EG2 Area A2 External control unit group for EG3 Area A3 External control unit group for EG4 Area A4 External control unit group for EG5 Area A5 External control unit group for EG6 Area A6 EG7 Area A7 External Control Unit Group External control unit group for EG8 Area A8 External control unit group for EG9 Area A9 EG10 Area A10 External control unit group External control unit group for Area A11, EG11 External control unit group for Area A12, EG12 External control unit group for Area A13, EG13 EG14 Area A14 External Control Unit Group External control unit group for Area A15, EG15 External control unit group for Area A16, EG16 P crops S1 Temperature and Humidity Sensor S2 Carbon Dioxide Concentration Sensor S3 Moisture level sensor S4 Illuminance Sensor S5 Barometric Pressure Sensor

Claims

1. An environmental control system for controlling the environment of a cultivation facility, Each of the multiple cultivation areas within the cultivation facility is equipped with a sensor unit containing one or more sensors for acquiring environmental information of the cultivation facility, a solar cell module that supplies power to the sensor unit by solar power generation, and a control device that adjusts the environment of the cultivation facility. The sensor unit includes a control device that adjusts the environment of the cultivation facility by controlling the adjustment device installed in the same cultivation area based on the environmental information acquired by the sensor. The control device comprises a storage unit that stores setting data in which the control amount of the adjustment device installed in the same cultivation area is set, and a communication module that performs wireless communication. The communication module is configured to transmit control signals to the control device located in the same cultivation area or an adjacent cultivation area, and to send and receive various information with the sensor unit located in an adjacent cultivation area. An environmental control system characterized in that, when predetermined conditions are met, the control device is configured to directly transmit a control signal to the adjustment device installed in an adjacent cultivation area, instructing it to control a control amount based on the environmental information acquired in the same cultivation area.

2. The environmental control system for a cultivation facility according to claim 1, characterized in that the wall portion of the sensor box constituting the housing of the sensor unit has louvered vents, and a member having water absorption and breathability is arranged inside the vents.

3. The aforementioned sensor is a pressure sensor for measuring the air pressure inside the cultivation facility, and the aforementioned adjustment device is a skylight opening / closing device for opening and closing the skylight of the cultivation facility and / or a side window opening / closing device for opening and closing the side windows. The environmental control system for a cultivation facility according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when the atmospheric pressure measured by the pressure sensor drops to a predetermined value or more within a predetermined time, the control device is configured to activate the skylight opening / closing device and / or the side window opening / closing device to close the skylight and / or the side window.

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