Irrigation Systems and Control Devices

Abstract

To provide an irrigation system and control device that can perform irrigation with less negative impact in the event of a problem during irrigation.SOLUTION: A first water supply valve controls the pressure of water supplied from one end of a distribution tube 136 to control the amount of water from the through hole of the distribution tube. A second water supply valve controls the pressure of water supplied from the other end side of the distribution tube 136 to control the amount of water from the through hole of the distribution tube. A first abnormality sensor detects an abnormal state of water supply from one end of the distribution tube. A second abnormality sensor detects an abnormal state of water supply from the other end side of the distribution tube. A control device controls valve opening degrees of the first water supply valve and the second water supply valve when an abnormal state is detected by the first abnormality sensor or the second abnormality sensor. The control device closes the water supply valve that controls water supply from the side where the abnormal state is detected, and opens the water supply valve that controls water supply from the side where the abnormal state is not detected.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The disclosure herein relates to an irrigation system and control device for controlling the supply of irrigation water to a field. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an irrigation system. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-215115 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Patent Document 1 detects an abnormality when the flow rate signal output by the flow rate sensor fluctuates by more than a predetermined percentage from a predetermined flow rate during normal irrigation. It also discloses technology for reporting the detected abnormality to a predetermined reporting destination. The irrigation system in Patent Document 1 is insufficient in terms of its recovery function, which suppresses the adverse effects of a malfunction and continues irrigation when the malfunction occurs, and there is room for improvement.

[0005] An object of the disclosure in this specification is to provide an irrigation system and a control device that can perform irrigation with reduced adverse effects when a malfunction occurs during irrigation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The multiple aspects disclosed in this specification employ different technical means to achieve their respective objectives. Furthermore, the reference symbols in parentheses in the claims and this section are merely examples showing the correspondence between specific means described in the embodiments below as one aspect, and do not limit the technical scope.

[0007] One of the disclosed irrigation systems includes a distribution tube (136) provided in a field (20) for growing plants (30) and having a plurality of through holes formed therein for irrigating the field, a first water supply valve (141, 143, 145) for controlling the amount of irrigation water from the through holes of the distribution tube by controlling the pressure of the water supplied from one end side of the distribution tube that flows down from one end to the other end, a second water supply valve (160, 162) for controlling the amount of irrigation water from the through holes of the distribution tube by controlling the pressure of the water supplied from the other end side of the distribution tube that flows down from the other end to the one end, a first abnormality sensor (142, 144) for detecting an abnormal state of the water supply from the one end side, a second abnormality sensor (161, 163) for detecting an abnormal state of the water supply from the other end side, and a control device (300) for controlling the valve openings of the first water supply valve and the second water supply valve when an abnormal state is detected by the first abnormality sensor or the second abnormality sensor, The control device closes the water supply valve that controls the pressure of the water supply from the side where an abnormal condition is detected, out of the first water supply valve and the second water supply valve, and opens the water supply valve that controls the pressure of the water supply from the side where an abnormal condition is not detected.

[0008] This irrigation system can restore proper irrigation by stopping the water supply from the side where the abnormality was detected, resolving the malfunction, and then supplying water from the opposite side instead. Therefore, this irrigation system can perform irrigation with minimal adverse effects when a malfunction occurs during irrigation.

[0009] One of the disclosed control devices is a control device that controls the valve opening of a first water supply valve (141, 143, 145) that controls the pressure of water supply from one end side of a distribution tube (136) having a plurality of through holes formed therein, flowing down from one end to the other end, thereby controlling the amount of irrigation water from the through holes of the distribution tube, and the valve opening of a second water supply valve (160, 162) that controls the pressure of water supply from the other end side of the distribution tube, flowing down from the other end side to the one end, thereby controlling the amount of irrigation water from the through holes of the distribution tube, a calculation unit (334) that detects an abnormal state occurring in the water supply from one end side or the water supply from the other end side based on a sensor value detected by a first abnormality sensor (142, 144) that can detect an abnormal state in the water supply from one end side or a second abnormality sensor (161, 163) that can detect an abnormal state in the water supply from the other end side; an output unit (332) that outputs a control signal for controlling the valve openings of the first water supply valve and the second water supply valve when an abnormal state is detected; The output unit outputs a control signal that closes the water supply valve, out of the first water supply valve and the second water supply valve, that controls the pressure of the water supply from the side where an abnormal condition is detected and opens the water supply valve that controls the pressure of the water supply from the side where no abnormal condition is detected.

[0010] This control device can stop the water supply from the side where the abnormality was detected, resolve the problem, and restore proper irrigation by supplying water from the opposite side instead. Therefore, this control device can perform irrigation with minimal adverse effects when a problem occurs during irrigation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an irrigation system of a first embodiment installed in a farm field. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a partial view showing the water supply pipe and the pipe module. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an irrigation system. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a monitoring unit. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a radio signal. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a sensor process. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an update process. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a monitoring process. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a water supply process. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart for explaining a watering process. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a user update process. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a forced update process. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a valve device that can be used as a water supply valve. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a drive unit provided in the valve device. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a valve provided in the valve device. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the rotation angle and the flow rate in the valve device. [Figure 17] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between a water supply valve and an abnormality sensor. [Figure 18] 3 is a configuration diagram showing the relationship between a control device, a water supply valve, and an abnormality sensor. FIG. [Figure 19] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the water supply valve when an abnormality is detected. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a location where an abnormality is detected. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the return to irrigation when an abnormality is detected. [Figure 22] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the water supply valve when an abnormality is detected. [Figure 23] 10 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between a water supply valve and an abnormality sensor according to the second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 24] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between a water supply valve and an abnormality sensor according to the third embodiment. [Figure 25] 3 is a configuration diagram showing the relationship between a control device, a water supply valve, and an abnormality sensor. FIG. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the return to irrigation when an abnormality is detected. [Figure 27] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the water supply valve when an abnormality is detected according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 28] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the water supply valve when an abnormality is detected according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between a water supply valve and an abnormality sensor. [Figure 30] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the return to irrigation when an abnormality is detected. [Figure 31] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between a water supply valve and an abnormality sensor according to the sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, several embodiments for carrying out the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, parts corresponding to matters described in the preceding embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions may be omitted. In each embodiment, when only a part of the configuration is described, other previously described embodiments may be applied to the other parts of the configuration. In addition to combinations of parts that are specifically specified as being combinable in each embodiment, it is also possible to partially combine embodiments even if not specified, as long as there is no particular problem with the combination.

[0013] First Embodiment A first embodiment disclosing an example of an irrigation system will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 22. Hereinafter, three mutually orthogonal directions will be referred to as the x direction, y direction, and z direction. In this specification, the plane defined by the x direction and y direction is along the horizontal plane. The z direction is along the vertical direction. In the drawings, the "directions" are omitted and simply written as x, y, and z.

[0014] <Field> The irrigation system 10 is applied to an outdoor field 20 cultivated on a hill or plain. As shown in FIG. 1, an embodiment in which the irrigation system 10 is applied to a field 20 cultivated on a plain will be described. The area of ​​this field 20 ranges from several tens of square meters to several thousand square kilometers. The field 20 has a plurality of growing areas, such as ridges extending in the x direction. These growing areas extending in the x direction are arranged at intervals in the y direction. Seeds or seedlings of plants 30 are planted in each of these growing areas. Examples of the plants 30 include grapes, corn, almonds, raspberries, leafy vegetables, and cotton. The irrigation system 10 may also be configured to be applied to a field 20 set up indoors, such as in a greenhouse.

[0015] A plurality of plants 30 are grown in one growing area. The plurality of plants 30 are lined up in a row in the x direction. Hereinafter, the plurality of plants 30 lined up in a row in the x direction will be referred to as a group of plants 31. In the field 20, the plurality of plant groups 31 are lined up with a gap in the y direction. The shortest distance between the plurality of plant groups 31 in the y direction is longer than the shortest distance between the plurality of plants 30 included in one group of plants 31 in the x direction. The gap in the y direction between the plurality of plant groups 31 varies depending on the type of plant 30 growing therein and the topography and climate of the field 20. The gap in the y direction between the plurality of plant groups 31 is approximately 1 m to 10 m. Even if the branches and leaves of the plants 30 grow thick in the y direction, at least a width sufficient for a person to move between two groups of plants 31 in the x direction is ensured.

[0016] <Irrigation system> The irrigation system 10 comprises a water supply device 100 and a control device 200. The water supply device 100 supplies irrigation water to plants 30 in a field 20. The control device 200 determines the time and amount of irrigation water to be supplied from the water supply device 100 to plants 30 during the irrigation period. The control device 200 determines the irrigation schedule for the water supply device 100. The irrigation system 10 can detect abnormal conditions such as water leakage and clogging during irrigation, and can restore irrigation (fail-safe) if an abnormal condition occurs.

[0017] <Water supply device> The water supply device 100 has a pump 110, a water supply pipe 130, and a pipe module 150. The pump 110 is a water supply source that supplies irrigation water to the water supply pipe 130. The pipe module 150 controls the discharge rate of the irrigation water supplied to the water supply pipe 130.

[0018] <Pump> The pump 110 is always in an operating state. Alternatively, the pump 110 is in a daytime operating state. The pump 110 pumps irrigation water stored in a tank or reservoir and supplies it to the water supply pipe 130. The irrigation water may be well water, river water, rainwater, city water, or the like. As will be described later, the water supply pipe 130 is provided with multiple water supply valves 152. When each of these multiple water supply valves 152 is closed and there is no irrigation water leakage from the water supply pipe 130, the water supply pipe 130 is filled with irrigation water. At this time, the water pressure in the water supply pipe 130 becomes a value (also referred to as pump pressure) that depends on the discharge capacity of the pump 110. When the water supply valve 152 changes from a closed state to an open state, irrigation water is discharged from the water supply pipe 130 to the field 20. When the time-averaged discharge rate of irrigation water stabilizes, the water pressure in the water supply pipe 130 becomes a flow pressure, which is lower than the pump pressure.

[0019] <Water supply piping> The water supply pipe 130 includes a main pipe 131 and a supply pipe 132. The main pipe 131 is connected to the pump 110. The supply pipe 132 is connected to the main pipe 131. The pump 110 supplies irrigation water from the main pipe 131 to the supply pipe 132. The irrigation water is supplied to the field 20 from the supply pipe 132.

[0020] <Main piping> The main pipe 131 includes a vertical pipe 133 and a horizontal pipe 134. The vertical pipe 133 extends in the y direction. The horizontal pipe 134 extends in the x direction. The vertical pipe 133 and the horizontal pipe 134 are connected to each other. Due to this configuration, irrigation water flows in the y direction and the x direction within the main pipe 131. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , one vertical pipe 133 is connected to one pump 110. Multiple horizontal pipes 134 extend in the x direction from this vertical pipe 133 extending in the y direction. The position of the horizontal pipe 134 in the z direction is set so that it is farther from the ground than the top of the mature plant 30.

[0021] 1 is merely one example of a passageway configuration for irrigation. There are no particular limitations on the number of pumps 110 and vertical pipes 133 provided in the field 20, the number of vertical pipes 133 connected to one pump 110, the number of vertical pipes 133 connected to one horizontal pipe 134, or the positions of the horizontal pipes 134 and the vertical pipes 133 in the z direction.

[0022] The multiple horizontal pipes 134 are lined up at intervals in the y direction. The shortest distance between the multiple horizontal pipes 134 in the y direction is equal to the shortest distance between the multiple groups of plants 31 in the y direction. One of the multiple horizontal pipes 134 is provided in one of the multiple groups of plants 31. The horizontal pipe 134 extends along the direction in which the multiple plants 30 included in the group of plants 31 are lined up. The supply pipe 132 is connected to this horizontal pipe 134.

[0023] <Supply piping> A plurality of supply pipes 132 are connected to one horizontal pipe 134. The plurality of supply pipes 132 connected to one horizontal pipe 134 are arranged side by side at intervals in the x direction. As shown in FIG. 2, the supply pipes 132 include a connecting pipe 135 and a distribution tube 136. The connecting pipe 135 extends downward in the z direction from the horizontal pipe 134. Two connection ports that open in the x direction are formed at the tip side of the connecting pipe 135. The distribution tubes 136 are connected to these two connection ports.

[0024] The distribution tube 136 may be configured with a pressure compensation mechanism that ensures a constant water discharge regardless of changes in water pressure, or it may be configured without a pressure compensation mechanism. The distribution tubes provided in the irrigation system that can achieve the objects disclosed in this specification include configurations that do not include a pressure compensation mechanism. The distribution tube 136 includes a first distribution tube 136a connected to one of the two connection ports and a second distribution tube 136b connected to the other of the two connection ports. The first distribution tube 136a and the second distribution tube 136b extend in opposite directions in the x direction from the connection position with the connecting pipe 135.

[0025] Each of the first distribution tube 136a and the second distribution tube 136b has a plurality of through holes formed therein that connect the inside of the tube, through which the irrigation water flows, to the outside. The plurality of through holes are arranged in a row at a predetermined interval in the axial direction of the tube in each tube. Alternatively, the through holes may be arranged in a row at a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction of the tube in each tube.

[0026] The spacing between the multiple through holes in the axial direction (e.g., the x direction) is equal to the spacing between the multiple plants 30 in the x direction. In the example shown in Fig. 2, each of the first distribution tube 136a and the second distribution tube 136b has three through holes lined up in the axial direction. The spacing between the multiple through holes and the spacing between the multiple plants 30 may be different. The number of through holes formed in each tube is not limited to three.

[0027] <Flow of irrigation water> The irrigation water supplied to the vertical pipe 133 by the pump 110 flows in the y direction inside the vertical pipe 133. This irrigation water is supplied to each of the multiple horizontal pipes 134 connected to the vertical pipe 133. The irrigation water flows in the x direction inside each of the multiple horizontal pipes 134. The irrigation water flowing inside the horizontal pipes 134 flows down into the distribution tube 136 via the connecting pipe 135. The irrigation water is discharged from each through-hole in each of the first distribution tube 136a and the second distribution tube 136b, and is supplied to the plants 30.

[0028] 1, each distribution tube is positioned closer to the ground in the field 20 in the height direction than the top of the plant 30. The irrigation water supplied from the through holes of the first distribution tube 136a and the second distribution tube 136b is supplied mainly to the trunk and roots of the plant 30.

[0029] The through-holes are preferably located higher than the part of each tube that faces the ground, so that the irrigation water discharged from the through-holes in such a position spreads in a radial direction relative to the central axis of the tube, allowing the water to be sprayed at a distance from the tube.

[0030] <Piping module> 2, the piping module 150 is provided on the supply piping 132. The piping module 150 has a storage box 151, a water supply valve 152, and a water pressure sensor 153. The water supply valve 152 and the water pressure sensor 153 are stored inside the storage box 151.

[0031] <Water supply valve>, The water supply valve 152 is provided in the connecting pipe 135 at a position close to each of the first distribution tube 136a and the second distribution tube 136b. All of the through holes are provided between the water supply valve 152 and the tip end portion of each of the first distribution tube 136a and the second distribution tube 136b, which is separated from the connecting pipe 135.

[0032] When the water supply valve 152 is in the open state, the connecting pipe 135 and the through-hole are in communication with each other. This allows irrigation water to be discharged from the through-hole. Conversely, when the water supply valve 152 is in the closed state, communication between the connecting pipe 135 and the through-hole is cut off. This stops the discharge of irrigation water from the through-hole.

[0033] The water supply valve 152 provided on the first distribution tube 136a and the water supply valve 152 provided on the second distribution tube 136b are independently controlled in opening degree by the control device 200. By controlling the opening degree in this manner, the discharge of irrigation water from the through-hole of the first distribution tube 136a and the discharge of irrigation water from the through-hole of the second distribution tube 136b are independently controlled.

[0034] The control device 200 arbitrarily controls the valve opening of the water supply valve 152 between a predetermined opening and a fully open position. The water supply valve 152 is a flow-regulating valve or pressure-regulating valve that precisely adjusts the flow rate by adjusting downstream or upstream pressure. The predetermined opening is set to a value that includes a slightly open position or a 0% opening, i.e., a fully closed position. By controlling the valve opening of the water supply valve 152, the control device 200 controls the discharge flow rate or discharge flow velocity per unit time discharged from each through-hole. This control allows the control device 200 to control the water flight distance, which is the distance that irrigation water discharged from the distribution tube 136 lands after leaving the distribution tube 136. The water flight distance is the distance between the distribution tube 136 and the point where irrigation water lands on the soil after escaping from the distribution tube 136 through the through-hole. This technology for controlling the water flight distance enables efficient irrigation to areas in need and also contributes to water conservation.

[0035] The control device 200 determines the irrigation water throw distance based on the type of plants 30 to be irrigated, the range of the plowed soil layer in the field 20, and the like. The control device 200 controls the valve opening of the water supply valve 152 so as to obtain the determined water throw distance. For example, the valve opening of the water supply valve 152 is controlled to increase the water throw distance when the plants 30 have widespread roots or the plowed soil layer is shallow and wide. The valve opening of the water supply valve 152 is also controlled to decrease the water throw distance when the plants 30 have deep roots or the plowed soil layer is located near the distribution tube 136. The water throw distance can be rephrased as the irrigation distance.

[0036] <Water pressure sensor> The water pressure sensors 153 are provided near the portions of the connecting pipe 135 where the first distribution tube 136a and the second distribution tube 136b are respectively connected. Each water pressure sensor 153 is a pressure sensor that detects the water pressure inside the connecting pipe 135. The water pressure detected by the water pressure sensor 153 is output to the control device 200. The water pressure sensor 153 may be provided between the connecting portion of the first distribution tube 136a with the connecting pipe 135 and the water supply valve 152, or between the connecting portion of the second distribution tube 136b with the connecting pipe 135 and the water supply valve 152. The water pressure sensor 153 may be provided near the connecting portion of the connecting pipe 135 with the horizontal pipe 134.

[0037] When the water supply valve 152 is closed and the connecting pipe 135 is filled with irrigation water, the water pressure sensor 153 detects the pump pressure. When the water supply valve 152 changes from closed to open, irrigation water is discharged from the distribution tube 136. When the time-averaged amount of irrigation water discharge stabilizes, the water pressure sensor 153 detects the flow pressure. When the water supply valve 152 changes from open to closed, the discharge of irrigation water from the water supply pipe 130 stops. The water pressure in the water supply pipe 130 gradually recovers from flow pressure to pump pressure. The water pressure sensor 153 detects the water pressure during this transitional period when the flow pressure gradually recovers to pump pressure.

[0038] If a break occurs in the water supply pipe 130 or the water supply valve 152 and irrigation water leaks from the broken point, the water pressure detected by the water pressure sensor 153 will decrease. This will enable detection of whether or not a break has occurred. This break detection process is executed by the control device 200. The irrigation system 10 may be configured to include a flow rate sensor that detects the flow rate of fluid flowing through the passage, instead of the water pressure sensor 153. The irrigation system 10 feedback-controls the valve opening of the water supply valve 152 using the detected values ​​of the water pressure sensor 153 and the flow rate sensor.

[0039] <Control device> 1 and 3, the control device 200 includes a monitoring unit 300, an integrated communication unit 400, an information storage unit 500, and an integrated calculation unit 600. In the drawings, the integrated communication unit 400 is abbreviated as ICD. The control device 200 has a plurality of monitoring units 300. Each of the plurality of monitoring units 300 corresponds to a predetermined divided area in the farm field 20. For example, one monitoring unit 300 is provided corresponding to one piping module 150. The monitoring unit 300 and the piping module 150 are electrically connected.

[0040] The water pressure detected by the water pressure sensor 153 is input to the monitoring unit 300. The monitoring unit 300 detects environmental values, which are physical quantities related to the environment of the farm field 20. Each of the multiple monitoring units 300 outputs the water pressure and environmental values ​​to the integrated communication unit 400 via wireless communication.

[0041] The integrated communication unit 400 outputs the water pressure and environmental values ​​input from each monitoring unit 300 to the information storage unit 500 via wireless communication. The information storage unit 500 stores these water pressures and environmental values. An example of the information storage unit 500 is a so-called cloud. The integrated calculation unit 600 reads out various information such as water pressure and environmental values ​​stored in the information storage unit 500. The integrated calculation unit 600 processes the read out information as appropriate and displays the information and processing results on a monitor 700 of the user's smartphone or personal computer.

[0042] The integrated calculation unit 600 is included in a user's smartphone, personal computer, or the like. The integrated calculation unit 600 has an information processing calculation device 610, a memory 620, and a communication device 630. In the drawings, the information processing calculation device 610 is represented as IPCE, the memory 620 as MM, and the communication device 630 as CD. The information processing calculation device 610 includes a processor. The information processing calculation device 610 performs calculations related to irrigation processing. This function is realized by downloading an irrigation application program to the information processing calculation device 610. The integrated calculation unit 600 may be a calculation device implemented on the cloud. In this case, the integrated calculation unit 600 and the information storage unit 500 may be configured to be implemented together on the cloud.

[0043] The memory 620 is a non-transitory tangible storage medium that non-temporarily stores various programs and various information that can be read by a computer or a processor. The memory 620 has a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory. The memory 620 stores various information input to the communication device 630 and the processing results of the information processing operation device 610. The information processing operation device 610 executes various operation processes using the information stored in the memory 620.

[0044] The communication device 630 has a wireless communication function. The communication device 630 converts a received wireless signal into an electrical signal and outputs it to the information processing device 610. The communication device 630 outputs the processing result of the information processing device 610 as a wireless signal. Hereinafter, the technical content of this embodiment will be described using the general term integrated processing unit 600 without distinguishing between the information processing device 610, memory 620, and communication device 630. The information processing device 610 corresponds to the processing device.

[0045] A user inputs user instructions related to irrigation treatment and irrigation schedules into the integrated calculation unit 600 using an input device 800 such as a touch panel or keyboard. The integrated calculation unit 600 outputs irrigation treatment commands and determines irrigation schedules based on these user instructions and various information read from the information storage unit 500. If no instructions are given by the user, the integrated calculation unit 600 automatically determines the irrigation schedule based on various information.

[0046] When the integrated calculation unit 600 detects an irrigation processing command or determines that it is time to start supplying irrigation water in the irrigation schedule, it outputs an instruction signal to the information storage unit 500 to control the water supply valve 152. This instruction signal is input from the information storage unit 500 to the monitoring unit 300 via the integrated communication unit 400. The monitoring unit 300 controls whether to output a water supply signal to the water supply valve 152 based on the instruction signal. This controls the open / close state of the water supply valve 152. As a result, the supply of irrigation water to the field 20 is controlled. At least one of the instruction signal and the water supply signal corresponds to the control signal.

[0047] <Divided area> As shown in Fig. 1, one monitoring unit 300 is provided for each supply pipe 132. As an example, as shown in Fig. 3, the multiple monitoring units 300, together with the water supply valves 152 and water pressure sensors 153 provided in the multiple piping modules 150, are arranged in a matrix in the field 20, with the x direction as the row direction and the y direction as the column direction.

[0048] With this configuration, the environment of each of the multiple divided areas separated by rows and columns is individually monitored by the monitoring unit 300 corresponding to each divided area. Furthermore, the supply of irrigation water to each of the multiple divided areas is individually controlled by the corresponding monitoring unit 300 and piping module 150.

[0049] <Monitoring section> 3 and 4, the monitoring unit 300 has an environmental sensor 310 and a control unit 320. The water supply valve 152 and water pressure sensor 153 of the piping module 150 are electrically connected to the control unit 320. In the drawings, the environmental sensor 310 is represented as ES, the water supply valve 152 as WV, and the water pressure sensor 153 as WPS.

[0050] The multiple environmental sensors 310 are arranged in a matrix in the field 20 together with the piping modules 150. Each environmental sensor 310 detects an environmental value for each of the multiple divided areas. Each water pressure sensor 153 detects the water pressure for each of the multiple divided areas. The detected environmental value and water pressure for each of the multiple divided areas are stored in the information storage unit 500.

[0051] 4, the control unit 320 includes a microcomputer 330, a communication unit 340, an RTC 350, and a power generation unit 360. "Microcomputer" stands for "microcomputer." "RTC" stands for "real time clock." In the drawing, the communication unit 340 is abbreviated as "CDP."

[0052] Environmental values ​​and water pressure are input to the microcomputer 330. The microcomputer 330 outputs these environmental values ​​and water pressure to the integrated communication unit 400 via the communication unit 340. An instruction signal is input to the microcomputer 330 from the integrated communication unit 400. The microcomputer 330 outputs a water supply signal to the water supply valve 152 based on this instruction signal. The microcomputer 330 corresponds to the calculation processing unit. The microcomputer 330 is a control device that controls the operation of the water supply valve 152.

[0053] The microcomputer 330 has a sleep mode and a normal mode as its operating modes. In the sleep mode, the microcomputer 330 stops processing. In the normal mode, the microcomputer 330 is executing processing. The normal mode consumes more power than the sleep mode.

[0054] The communication unit 340 communicates wirelessly with the integrated communication unit 400. The communication unit 340 outputs the electrical signal output from the microcomputer 330 as a wireless signal to the integrated communication unit 400. At the same time, the communication unit 340 receives the wireless signal output from the integrated communication unit 400 and converts it into an electrical signal. The communication unit 340 outputs the electrical signal to the microcomputer 330. If the electrical signal includes an instruction signal, the microcomputer 330 switches from sleep mode to normal mode. Alternatively, the microcomputer 330 may be configured to wake up before receiving the electrical signal.

[0055] The RTC 350 has a clock function that keeps time and a timer function that measures time. When a preset time arrives or a preset time has elapsed, the RTC 350 outputs a wake-up signal to the microcomputer 330. When this wake-up signal is input to the microcomputer 330 in sleep mode, the microcomputer 330 switches from sleep mode to normal mode.

[0056] The power generation unit 360 converts light energy obtained by a solar cell into electrical energy. The power generation unit 360 functions as a power supply source for the monitoring unit 300. Power is constantly supplied from the power generation unit 360 to the RTC 350. This prevents damage to the clock and timer functions of the RTC 350. The solar cell may be replaced with a primary or secondary battery.

[0057] <Environmental sensor> One of the environmental values ​​that is expected to differ for each divided area of ​​the field 20 is soil moisture content. The environmental sensor 310 detects the environmental value for the corresponding divided area. The environmental sensor 310 includes a soil sensor 311 that detects the soil moisture content, etc. The multiple soil sensors 311 detect the soil moisture content in the multiple divided areas arranged in the field 20. In the drawings, the soil sensor 311 is represented as SMS.

[0058] The amount of solar radiation is one of the environmental values ​​that is expected to differ for each divided area depending on the undulations of the field 20 and the growth conditions of the plants 30. In this specification, each environmental sensor 310 is equipped with a solar radiation sensor 312 that detects the amount of solar radiation. The multiple solar radiation sensors 312 detect the amount of solar radiation in the multiple divided areas of the field 20. In the drawings, the solar radiation sensor 312 is abbreviated as SRS.

[0059] The soil moisture distribution and solar radiation distribution in the field 20 are displayed as a map on the monitor 700 by arranging the soil moisture amounts and solar radiation amounts detected in the multiple divided areas in a matrix. Similarly, the water pressure distribution in the water supply pipes 130 in the field 20 is displayed as a map on the monitor 700 by arranging the water pressures detected by the multiple water pressure sensors 153 in a matrix. Such map display processing is performed by the integrated calculation unit 600.

[0060] The environmental values ​​in the field 20 include the amount of rainfall, temperature, humidity, air pressure, carbon dioxide concentration, and wind volume. The sensors that detect these environmental values ​​are a rain sensor 313, a temperature sensor 314, a humidity sensor 315, an air pressure sensor 316, a CO2 sensor, and a wind sensor 317. These are included in at least one environmental sensor 310 of the multiple monitoring units 300.

[0061] The environmental sensor 310 of the monitoring unit 300 includes various sensors that detect these environmental values ​​throughout the field 20. Figure 4 shows an example of the environmental sensor 310. In the figure, the rain sensor 313 is represented as RS, the temperature sensor 314 as TS, the humidity sensor 315 as MS, the air pressure sensor 316 as PS, and the wind sensor 317 as WS. The wind sensor 317 may be configured to detect not only the air volume but also the wind direction. A configuration may be adopted in which at least one of the rain sensor 313, temperature sensor 314, humidity sensor 315, air pressure sensor 316, and wind sensor 317 is arranged in a matrix in the field 20.

[0062] This configuration is effective when the amount of rainfall, temperature, humidity, air pressure, and wind volume are likely to vary significantly for each divided area, for example, because the field 20 is large, has significant undulations, or experiences drastic climate changes in the field 20. By arranging the amount of rainfall, temperature, humidity, air pressure, and wind volume detected by these sensors in a matrix, these environmental values ​​can be displayed as a map on the monitor 700. The outputs of these sensors are output to the communication unit 340 via the integrated communication unit 400. At the same time, the outputs of these sensors are stored in the information storage unit 500 via the integrated communication unit 400.

[0063] <Soil moisture content> Among the various environmental values ​​described above, the environmental values ​​controlled by the irrigation system 10 include soil moisture content. The irrigation system 10 controls the time and amount of irrigation water supply for each divided area. In this way, the soil moisture content for each divided area is controlled individually.

[0064] The plant 30 has roots in the plowed soil layer of the field 20. The growth of the plant 30 depends on the amount of water contained in the soil in this plowed soil layer (also called the soil moisture content). If the soil moisture content exceeds the growth inhibition moisture point, the plant 30 will become diseased. If the soil moisture content falls below the permanent wilting point, the plant 30 will no longer recover from wilting. The growth inhibition moisture point and permanent wilting point differ depending on the type of plant 30, but their values ​​are known. These values ​​are stored in the information storage unit 500.

[0065] The current value of soil moisture content is detected by the soil sensor 311. Physical quantities related to soil moisture content include soil moisture tension (pF value) and soil dielectric constant (ε). The soil sensor 311 in this specification detects the pF value.

[0066] The soil moisture content in the plowed soil layer increases or decreases depending on environmental changes in the field 20. When rain falls on the field 20, the soil moisture content increases. When water evaporates from the plowed soil layer, the soil moisture content decreases. The soil moisture content also decreases when plants 30 absorb the water or when water seeps into layers below the plowed soil layer. The amount of rain falling on the plowed soil layer (rainfall amount) is detected by the rain sensor 313. The amount of water evaporating from the plowed soil layer (evaporation amount) depends on the amount of solar radiation, temperature, humidity, and wind volume. These are detected by the solar radiation sensor 312, temperature sensor 314, humidity sensor 315, and wind sensor 317.

[0067] The amount of water absorbed by the plant 30 per unit time can be estimated in advance based on the type of plant 30. The amount of water that permeates below the plow layer per unit time can be estimated in advance based on the water retention capacity of the soil. These estimated values ​​are stored in the information storage unit 500.

[0068] As described above, the environmental sensor 310 detects the current soil moisture content in the plowed soil layer, as well as predicted values ​​for increases and decreases in the soil moisture content from the current value due to environmental changes. These are stored as environmental values ​​in the information storage unit 500. The information storage unit 500 stores the growth inhibition moisture point and permanent wilting point of the plant 30, the amount of water absorbed by the plant 30 per unit time, and the soil's moisture retention capacity. The above-mentioned instructions from the user (user instructions) are stored in the information storage unit 500. In this way, the information storage unit 500 stores various information for determining the irrigation schedule. The irrigation system 10 may be configured to check the detection value of the soil sensor in real time and stop irrigation when the detection value reaches a threshold value.

[0069] <Microcomputer> 4, the microcomputer 330 includes an acquisition unit 331, a signal output unit 332, a storage unit 333, and a processing unit 334. In the drawing, the acquisition unit 331 is represented as AD, the signal output unit 332 as SOU, the storage unit 333 as MU, and the processing unit 334 as PU.

[0070] The acquisition unit 331 receives as input an environmental value detected by the environmental sensor 310. The acquisition unit 331 receives as input a water pressure detected by the water pressure sensor 153. The acquisition unit 331 is electrically connected to the environmental sensor 310 and the water pressure sensor 153. The wires shown in FIG. 1 are an example of a wire connecting the acquisition unit 331 and the soil sensor 311, and a wire connecting the acquisition unit 331 and the water pressure sensor 153. The acquisition unit 331 receives as input a rotation angle of the valve detected by a rotation angle sensor or the like.

[0071] Signal output unit 332 is electrically connected to water supply valve 152. A control signal (water supply signal) for controlling the valve opening of water supply valve 152 is output from signal output unit 332 to water supply valve 152. When no water supply signal is input, water supply valve 152 is closed. When a water supply signal is input, water supply valve 152 is open. Water supply valve 152 may also be configured to maintain its current state when no water supply signal is input, and to open or close in accordance with the input content when a water supply signal is input. For example, when no control signal is input, the valve opening of water supply valve 152 is maintained, and the valve opening of water supply valve 152 is adjusted in accordance with the control signal for the opening instruction input when input.

[0072] The memory unit 333 is a non-transitory tangible storage medium that non-temporarily stores programs and data that can be read by a computer or processor. The memory unit 333 has a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory. The memory unit 333 stores a program that the processing unit 334 uses to execute arithmetic processing. This program includes at least a portion of the irrigation application program described above. The memory unit 333 temporarily stores data used when the processing unit 334 executes arithmetic processing. The memory unit 333 stores various data input to the acquisition unit 331 and the communication unit 340, as well as the acquisition times of the various data.

[0073] When a wake-up signal is input from the RTC 350, the processing unit 334 switches from sleep mode to normal mode. In normal mode, the processing unit 334 reads the programs and various data stored in the memory unit 333 and executes calculations. This calculation includes calculating the valve opening required to allow the water splashed through the through-holes of the distribution tube 136 to reach the desired irrigation position. The processing unit 334 corresponds to a calculation unit. This calculation may be executed by the information processing calculation device 610 of the integrated calculation unit 600.

[0074] The processing unit 334 reads the acquisition times of the various sensor signals input to the acquisition unit 331 and the instruction signals input to the communication unit 340 from the RTC 350. The processing unit 334 stores the instruction signals and the acquisition times in the storage unit 333. The acquisition times may be read by causing the integrated communication unit 400 to record the data acquisition time when the integrated communication unit 400 receives data wirelessly from each monitoring unit 300. Alternatively, the information storage unit 500 may record the data acquisition time when the information storage unit 500 receives data wirelessly from the integrated communication unit 400.

[0075] The processing unit 334 stores the environmental values ​​and water pressure input from the environmental sensor 310 and the water pressure sensor 153, as well as the times at which they were acquired, in the information storage unit 500 via the communication unit 340 and the integrated communication unit 400. The processing unit 334 outputs a water supply signal to the water supply valve 152 via the signal output unit 332, based on an instruction signal input from the integrated calculation unit 600 via the information storage unit 500, the integrated communication unit 400, and the communication unit 340.

[0076] <Communications Department> The communication unit 340 converts the electrical signal input from the processing unit 334 into a wireless signal. The communication unit 340 outputs this wireless signal to the integrated communication unit 400. The communication unit 340 converts the wireless signal output from the integrated communication unit 400 into an electrical signal. The communication unit 340 outputs this electrical signal to the processing unit 334.

[0077] The wireless signal output by the communication unit 340 includes an address 341 and data 342, which are simply shown in Fig. 5. In the drawing, the address 341 is represented as ADD, and the data 342 is represented as DAT.

[0078] 3, wireless signals are transmitted and received between the multiple communication units 340 and the integrated communication unit 400. An address 341 included in the wireless signal is an identification code indicating which of the multiple communication units 340 the signal was output from. In other words, the address included in the wireless signal is an identification code indicating which of the multiple processing units 334 the signal was output from. A unique address 341 is stored in each of the multiple storage units 333.

[0079] The wireless signal output from the integrated communication unit 400 also includes an address 341. The data 342 of this wireless signal includes an instruction signal. This wireless signal is received by each of the multiple communication units 340. This wireless signal is converted into an electrical signal by each of the multiple communication units 340. This electrical signal is then input to each of the multiple processing units 334. Of the multiple processing units 334, only the processing unit 334 that has the same address 341 as the address 341 included in the electrical signal executes arithmetic processing based on the electrical signal.

[0080] As will be described later, the microcomputer 330 operates intermittently, alternating between a sleep mode and a normal mode. As a result, wireless communication between the communication unit 340 and the integrated communication unit 400 is not performed frequently. The time intervals between wireless communication between the communication unit 340 and the integrated communication unit 400 are lengthened. This makes it possible to increase the amount of data that can be included in the data 342 in one wireless communication.

[0081] <Power Generation Division> The power generation unit 360 includes a solar cell 361, a power storage unit 362, a current sensor 363, and a power sensor 364. In the drawings, the solar cell 361 is represented as SB, the power storage unit 362 as ESU, the current sensor 363 as CS, and the power sensor 364 as PS. The solar cell 361 converts light energy into electrical energy. The power storage unit 362 stores this electrical energy (power). The power stored in the power storage unit 362 is used as power to drive the monitoring unit 300.

[0082] The current sensor 363 detects the current output from the solar cell 361 to the power storage unit 362. The power sensor 364 detects the power output from the power storage unit 362. The processing unit 334 stores the detected current value and power value in the information storage unit 500 via the communication unit 340 and the integrated communication unit 400. The driving power of the monitoring unit 300 depends on the power generated by the power generation unit 360. Therefore, if the amount of light incident on the power generation unit 360 is small, the driving power of the monitoring unit 300 may be insufficient. To avoid this, the microcomputer 330 of the monitoring unit 300 performs intermittent driving. The power generation unit 360 may not be equipped with a current sensor.

[0083] <rtc> The RTC 350 outputs a wake-up signal to the microcomputer 330 every time the above-mentioned intermittent drive time interval (drive cycle) elapses. This causes the microcomputer 330 to alternate between sleep mode and normal mode. The drive cycle is determined by the integrated calculation unit 600 in accordance with the amount of power stored in the power storage unit 362 (amount of stored power). In other words, the intermittent drive interval is determined by the integrated calculation unit 600 in accordance with the amount of stored power.

[0084] The integrated calculation unit 600 calculates the amount of stored power based on the power stored in the information storage unit 500. The integrated calculation unit 600 sets a longer intermittent drive interval as the amount of stored power decreases. The integrated calculation unit 600 sets a shorter intermittent drive interval as the amount of stored power increases. The integrated calculation unit 600 includes the intermittent drive interval in an instruction signal. When the processing unit 334 of the microcomputer 330 acquires this instruction signal, the processing unit 334 adjusts the intermittent drive interval. The processing unit 334 adjusts the drive cycle of the RTC 350. It is rare for the environment of the field 20 to change drastically in units of a few seconds. For this reason, the intermittent drive interval is set to a unit of tens of seconds to tens of hours. Accordingly, the time interval for wireless communication is also set to a unit of tens of seconds to tens of hours.

[0085] <Driving the irrigation system> In the irrigation system 10, signals are sent and received between the multiple monitoring units 300 and the integrated calculation unit 600, and various data are stored in the information storage unit 500. Each of the multiple monitoring units 300 and the integrated calculation unit 600 executes cycle tasks that are processed at each drive cycle and event tasks that are processed suddenly.

[0086] These cycle tasks and event tasks have processing priorities. If the processing timing of these tasks is the same, the event task processing takes priority over the cycle task. As cycle tasks, each monitoring unit 300 executes the sensor processing shown in FIG. 6. The integrated calculation unit 600 executes the update processing shown in FIG. 7. As event tasks, each monitoring unit 300 executes the monitoring processing shown in FIG. 8 and the water supply processing shown in FIG. 9. The integrated calculation unit 600 executes the irrigation processing shown in FIG. 10, the user update processing shown in FIG. 11, and the forced update processing shown in FIG. 12.

[0087] The sensor processing and update processing as cycle tasks will be explained below with reference to Figures 6 and 7. In each flowchart, the start is indicated by S and the end by E.

[0088] <Sensor processing> Before the start shown in FIG. 6, the microcomputer 330 of the monitoring unit 300 is in sleep mode, and a wake-up signal is input to the microcomputer 330 from the RTC 350. This switches the microcomputer 330 from sleep mode to normal mode. At the same time, the microcomputer 330 starts executing the sensor processing shown in FIG. 6. This sensor processing is executed at the intermittent drive interval of the microcomputer 330. In step S10, sensor signals input from various sensors are acquired, and the acquisition times of the sensor signals are acquired based on the output of the RTC 350. In step S20, the acquired sensor signals and their acquisition times are stored. In step S30, the sensor signals and their acquisition times are output as sensor information from the communication unit 340 to the integrated communication unit 400 via wireless communication. This sensor information is stored in the information storage unit 500 by the integrated communication unit 400. The microcomputer 330 transitions to sleep mode and ends the sensor processing.

[0089] <Update process> The integrated calculation unit 600 executes the update process shown in FIG. 7 every time an update period elapses. This update period is approximately the same as the intermittent drive interval of the microcomputer 330. In step S110, various pieces of information stored in the information storage unit 500 are read. In the next step S120, the irrigation schedules of each of the multiple monitoring units 300 are updated based on the read information. The integrated calculation unit 600 also updates the sensor processing in each monitoring unit 300. The integrated calculation unit 600 updates the intermittent drive interval, which corresponds to the timing at which sensor processing is performed. The integrated calculation unit 600 retains the updated irrigation schedule and intermittent drive interval itself and stores them in the information storage unit 500, thereby completing the update process. As described above, the sensor information, irrigation schedule, and intermittent drive interval are updated by the cycle task.

[0090] Next, the monitoring process, water supply process, irrigation process, user update process, and forced update process as event tasks will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 12. The monitoring process, water supply process, and irrigation process are each executed during the daytime to avoid depletion of the driving power of the monitoring unit 300. Whether it is daytime or not can be determined based on the current time and the amount of solar radiation detected by the solar radiation sensor 312, etc.

[0091] <Monitoring process> 8, the microcomputer 330 of each monitoring unit 300 is in sleep mode. An instruction signal is input to the microcomputer 330 from the integrated calculation unit 600 via wireless communication. As a result, the microcomputer 330 switches from sleep mode to normal mode and starts executing the monitoring process shown in FIG.

[0092] In step S210, the input instruction signal and the time of acquisition thereof are stored. In the next step S220, it is determined whether the instruction signal includes a water supply instruction to change the water supply valve 152 from a closed state to an open state. If the instruction signal includes a water supply instruction, the process proceeds to step S230. If the instruction signal does not include a water supply instruction, the process proceeds to step S240.

[0093] In step S230, the water supply process shown in Fig. 9 is executed. That is, in step S231, the microcomputer 330 outputs a water supply signal to the water supply valve 152 in accordance with the water supply instruction. In step S232, the microcomputer 330 determines whether the water supply time included in the instruction signal has elapsed. If the water supply time has not elapsed, the microcomputer 330 continues to output the water supply signal to the water supply valve 152. If the water supply time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S233.

[0094] In step S233, the output of the water supply signal is stopped and the water supply process is terminated. In the next step S240, it is determined whether the instruction signal includes an instruction to update the intermittent drive interval. If the instruction signal includes an instruction to update the intermittent drive interval, the process proceeds to step S250. If the instruction signal does not include an instruction to update the intermittent drive interval, the process proceeds to step S260. The above-mentioned instruction to update the intermittent drive interval is output as an instruction signal from the integrated calculation unit 600 or the information storage unit 500 to each monitoring unit 300 periodically or irregularly.

[0095] In step S250, the processing unit 334 of the microcomputer 330 adjusts the time interval for outputting a wake-up signal from the RTC 350. In the next step S260, the sensor processing described with reference to FIG. 6 is executed. If the water supply processing in step S230 is executed, the environmental value after irrigation supply is detected in step S260. If the water supply processing in step S230 is not executed, the environmental value when irrigation is not being supplied is detected in step S260. This environmental value is stored in the information storage unit 500. After completing the sensor processing, the microcomputer 330 transitions to sleep mode and ends the monitoring processing. The start condition for the monitoring processing is not limited to an instruction signal from the integrated calculation unit 600. After the RTC 350 starts up the microcomputer 330, the microcomputer 330 processes the sensor data and then sends it to the integrated calculation unit 600. The integrated calculation unit 600 may then send an instruction for the next intermittent drive timing along with an instruction for the valve opening.

[0096] <Irrigation treatment> The integrated calculation unit 600 executes the watering process shown in Fig. 10 whenever the timing for supplying water comes in the watering schedule of each monitoring unit 300. In step S310, the integrated calculation unit 600 outputs a water supply signal including a water supply instruction to the monitoring unit 300 of the multiple monitoring units 300 that corresponds to the divided area to which water is to be supplied. In the next step S320, the water supply instruction includes the start of output of the water supply signal and the output time of the water supply signal (water supply time). Upon receiving this water supply instruction, the monitoring unit 300 executes the monitoring process described with reference to Fig. 8.

[0097] When the process proceeds to step S320, the integrated calculation unit 600 enters a standby state until the monitoring process of the monitoring unit 300 is completed. When the monitoring process is completed, the process proceeds to step S330. The determination of whether the monitoring process is completed is made, for example, based on whether the time expected for the monitoring process to be completed has elapsed. The determination of whether the monitoring process is completed can be made by making an inquiry to the monitoring unit 300. There are no particular limitations on the method for determining the completion of the monitoring process. The water supply signal in step S310 may be sent after the sensor process in FIG. 8 is completed and data is transmitted from the microcomputer 330 to the integrated communication unit 400 and the information storage unit 500.

[0098] <User update process> The integrated calculation unit 600 executes the user update process shown in Fig. 11 when a user instruction related to adjusting the watering schedule or the intermittent drive interval is input from the input device 800. In step S410, the integrated calculation unit 600 stores the input user instruction in the information storage unit 500. In the next step S420, the update process described with reference to Fig. 7 is executed. As a result, the watering schedule and the intermittent drive interval are updated based on the user instruction.

[0099] <Forced update process> The integrated calculation unit 600 executes the forced update process shown in Fig. 12 when a user instruction related to updating the watering schedule and the intermittent drive interval is input. In step S510, the integrated calculation unit 600 outputs a request signal including a request instruction requesting execution of sensor processing. This request signal is output to the monitoring unit 300 via wireless communication. In step S520, the integrated calculation unit 600 enters a standby state until the sensor processing of the monitoring unit 300 is completed.

[0100] If the sensor processing has ended, the process proceeds to step S530. The determination of whether the sensor processing has ended can be made, for example, based on whether the time expected for the sensor processing to end has elapsed. Alternatively, the determination of whether the sensor processing has ended can be made by querying the monitoring unit 300. There are no particular limitations on the method for determining whether the sensor processing has ended. In step S530, the update process described with reference to FIG. 7 is executed. As described above, the watering schedule and intermittent drive interval are updated based on the various data at the time of the user's update request.

[0101] <Individual irrigation treatment> As explained above with reference to Figures 6 to 12, the integrated calculation unit 600 determines the irrigation schedule for each of the multiple divided areas. The integrated calculation unit 600 controls the supply of irrigation water based on each irrigation schedule. Furthermore, although the irrigation schedule for each divided area is determined by the integrated calculation unit 600, a configuration may be adopted in which the supply of irrigation water based on each irrigation schedule is individually controlled by each monitoring unit 300.

[0102] <Independent update> As a further example, a configuration may be adopted in which the watering schedule for each divided area is independently determined by the corresponding monitoring unit 300. In such a configuration, each monitoring unit 300 executes the update process shown in FIG.

[0103] <Weather forecast and irrigation schedule> The information storage unit 500 stores the current soil moisture content, predicted decrease in soil moisture content, and user instructions. The information storage unit 500 also stores the growth inhibition moisture point and permanent wilting point of the plant 30, the amount of water absorbed by the plant 30 per unit time, and the soil's moisture retention capacity. In addition to these, the information storage unit 500 also stores a weather forecast for the field 20 output and distributed from an external information source 1000. In the drawings, the external information source 1000 is abbreviated as ESI.

[0104] 7, the integrated calculation unit 600 reads out various information including this weather forecast from the information storage unit 500. The integrated calculation unit 600 determines the irrigation schedule for each monitoring unit 300 in step S120.

[0105] <Target and estimated values> The integrated calculation unit 600 calculates a target value and an estimated value of soil moisture content when determining the irrigation schedule. The target value of soil moisture content is naturally set to a value between the growth inhibition moisture point and the permanent wilting point. In order to attempt to grow the plant 30 healthily, the target value of soil moisture content is set to a value that is somewhat away from each of the theoretical values ​​of the growth inhibition moisture point and the permanent wilting point.

[0106] The integrated calculation unit 600 sets a lower limit target value on the growth inhibition moisture point side and an upper limit target value on the permanent wilting point side as target values ​​for this soil moisture content. The integrated calculation unit 600 determines the irrigation schedule so that the estimated soil moisture content falls between the upper limit target value and the lower limit target value during the irrigation period of the irrigation schedule. Even if it is predicted that the estimated soil moisture content will fall below the lower limit target value due to rainfall, the integrated calculation unit 600 determines the irrigation schedule so that the estimated soil moisture content will not exceed the growth inhibition moisture point.

[0107] There is a deviation between the growth inhibition moisture point and the lower limit target value. This lower limit deviation range is determined based on the climate of the field 20, taking into account the healthy growth of the plants 30 as described above. The climate of the field 20 includes the expected average rainfall amount for the field 20 during the irrigation period in the irrigation schedule and the total rainfall amount predicted by the weather forecast for the irrigation period. The expected average rainfall amount for the field 20 during the irrigation period is stored in the information storage unit 500.

[0108] There is a deviation between the permanent wilting point and the upper limit target value. This upper limit deviation range is determined based on factors such as the healthy growth of the plant 30, the expected recovery time when a malfunction occurs in the water supply device 100, and the decrease in soil moisture content per unit time. For example, the upper limit deviation range is determined based on the value obtained by multiplying the recovery time by the decrease in soil moisture content per unit time. The recovery time is stored in the information storage unit 500.

[0109] For example, if a one-week weather forecast is stored in the information storage unit 500 from the external information source 1000, the integrated calculation unit 600 determines an irrigation schedule for that week. If the weather forecast does not predict any rainfall during that week, the estimated soil moisture content is expected to gradually decrease over time. The rate of decrease per unit time in the estimated soil moisture content is determined based on the predicted decrease in soil moisture content in the plow layer. For ease of notation, the estimated soil moisture content will be referred to simply as the "estimated value" where necessary.

[0110] As described above, the irrigation schedule is determined based on the estimated soil moisture content based on environmental values ​​and the weather forecast. This prevents the soil moisture content in the outdoor divided areas from becoming unsuitable for the plants 30 due to weather changes such as rainfall or dryness. It also prevents the soil moisture content from falling below the growth inhibition moisture point or exceeding the permanent wilting point.

[0111] The integrated calculation unit 600 determines the target water supply amount so that the estimated soil moisture content does not fall below a lower limit target value that is higher than the growth inhibition moisture point throughout the entire irrigation period of the irrigation schedule. The integrated calculation unit 600 determines the deviation range (lower limit deviation range) between the growth inhibition moisture point and the lower limit target value based on factors such as the climate of the field 20. The climate of the field 20 includes the expected average rainfall in the field 20 during the irrigation period and the total rainfall predicted by the weather forecast during the irrigation period. By setting the lower limit deviation range in this manner, even if there is more rainfall than predicted by the weather forecast after the soil moisture content has been brought closer to the lower limit target value through the supply of irrigation water, the soil moisture content is prevented from reaching the growth inhibition moisture point.

[0112] The integrated calculation unit 600 determines the target water supply amount so that the estimated soil moisture content in the irrigation schedule does not exceed an upper target upper limit value that is lower than the permanent wilting point. The integrated calculation unit 600 determines the deviation range (upper limit deviation range) between the permanent wilting point and the upper target upper limit value based on factors such as the recovery time and the decrease in soil moisture content per unit time. By setting the upper limit deviation range in this way, even if irrigation water supply becomes impossible due to a malfunction of the water supply valve 152 when the soil moisture content is close to the upper target upper limit value, the soil moisture content can be prevented from reaching the permanent wilting point until the malfunction is repaired.

[0113] The integrated calculation unit 600 supplies water at the time when the estimated soil moisture content in the irrigation schedule reaches the lower limit target value. This prevents the soil moisture content from falling below the lower limit target value. The integrated calculation unit 600 differentiates the rainfall forecast time from the time when irrigation water is supplied. This prevents the soil moisture content from increasing excessively even if the amount of rainfall is greater than the rainfall forecast. The irrigation system 10 may also check the detection value of the soil sensor in real time and stop irrigation when the detection value reaches a threshold value. In this case, there is no need to calculate the estimated soil moisture content.

[0114] An example of a valve device applicable to the water supply valve 152 will be described below with reference to Figures 13 to 15. This valve device is a so-called rotary type valve device. This valve device has one fluid inlet and three fluid outlets. This valve device is installed in the irrigation system 10 by connecting an upstream pipe to the fluid inlet and connecting a distribution tube 136 to one of the fluid outlets. Furthermore, a blocking member can be attached to the fluid outlet to which the distribution tube 136 is not connected, thereby blocking the passage.

[0115] 13, the valve device includes a housing 9, a valve 90, a drive unit 70, a drive unit cover 80, etc. The valve device is configured as a ball valve in which the valve 90 rotates about the axis of a shaft 92 to open and close the valve device. In this specification, the direction along the axis of the shaft 92 is referred to as the axial direction DRa, and the direction perpendicular to the axial direction DRa and extending radially from the axial direction DRa is referred to as the radial direction DRr.

[0116] The housing 9 is an accommodating portion that accommodates the valve 90. The housing 9 is formed, for example, from a resin member. The housing 9 includes a hollow housing main body 21 that accommodates the valve 90, a pipe member 50 that allows cooling water to flow out of the housing main body 21, and a partition wall 60 that is attached to the housing main body 21. The housing main body 21 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped appearance and is formed with a bottom that has an opening on the other side in the axial direction DRa. The housing main body 21 has a housing outer wall 22 that constitutes the outer periphery of the housing main body 21. The housing outer wall 22 forms a cylindrical valve accommodating space 23 inside the housing main body 21, the axis of which is in the axial direction DRa.

[0117] An inlet port 251 is formed in the housing outer wall portion 22 to allow supply water to flow into the valve accommodating space 23. The inlet port 251 is formed with a circular opening and is connected to the connecting pipe 135. The inlet port 251 corresponds to a fluid inlet portion.

[0118] A pipe member 50 is attached to the housing outer wall portion 22. The housing outer wall portion 22 has a first outlet port 261, a second outlet port 262, and a third outlet port 263 for allowing the cooling water that has flowed into the valve accommodating space 23 via the inlet port 251 to flow out to the pipe member 50. The first outlet port 261, the second outlet port 262, and the third outlet port 263 correspond to fluid outflow portions.

[0119] A partition wall 60 is attached to the housing opening surface 24 of the housing outer wall 22. The housing opening surface 24 is located on the other side of the housing main body 21 in the axial direction DRa. A housing opening 241 is formed in the housing opening surface 24, connecting the valve accommodating space 23 with the outside of the housing main body 21. The housing opening 241 is closed by attaching the partition wall 60 to the housing opening surface 24.

[0120] The pipe member 50 includes a first pipe section 51, a second pipe section 52, and a third pipe section 53, each of which is formed in a cylindrical shape. The first pipe section 51, the second pipe section 52, and the third pipe section 53 are connected by a pipe connecting section 54. The pipe connecting section 54 connects the first pipe section 51, the second pipe section 52, and the third pipe section 53, and is a section for attaching the pipe member 50 to the housing outer wall section 22. The upstream side of the first pipe section 51 is disposed inside the first outlet port 261. The upstream side of the second pipe section 52 is disposed inside the second outlet port 262. The upstream side of the third pipe section 53 is disposed inside the third outlet port 263.

[0121] The partition wall portion 60 closes the housing opening 241 and holds the valve 90 accommodated in the valve accommodating space 23. The partition wall portion 60 is disk-shaped with the axial direction DRa as the plate thickness direction, and is arranged so as to be fitted into the housing opening 241 from the other side toward one side in the axial direction DRa. When fitted into the housing opening 241, the outer periphery of the partition wall portion 60 abuts against the inner circumferential surface of the housing, thereby closing the housing opening 241.

[0122] The drive unit cover 80 houses the drive unit 70. The drive unit cover 80 is hollow and made of resin, and has a drive unit space formed therein to house the drive unit 70. The drive unit cover 80 has a connector section 81 for connecting to the microcomputer 330. The connector section 81 connects the valve device to the microcomputer 330, and has built-in terminals to which the drive unit 70 and the rotation angle sensor 73 are connected.

[0123] The drive unit 70 includes a motor 71 that outputs a rotational force for rotating the valve 90, a gear unit 72 that transmits the output of the motor 71 to the valve 90, and a rotation angle sensor 73 that detects the rotation angle of the gear unit 72. As shown in FIG. 14 , the motor 71 includes a motor body, a motor shaft 711, a worm gear 712, and a motor-side terminal. The motor 71 is configured so that the motor body can output power when power is supplied to the motor-side terminal. The motor body is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and the motor shaft 711 protrudes from the other end of the motor body. The power output from the motor body is output to the gear unit 72 via the motor shaft 711 and the worm gear 712.

[0124] The gear portion 72 is composed of a reduction mechanism having a plurality of resin gears, and is configured to be able to transmit power output from the worm gear 712 to the shaft 92. The gear portion 72 includes a first gear 721, a second gear 722 that meshes with the first gear 721, and a third gear 723 that meshes with the second gear 722. The shaft 92 is connected to the third gear 723. In the gear portion 72, the outer diameter of the second gear 722 is larger than the outer diameter of the first gear 721, and the outer diameter of the third gear 723 is larger than the outer diameter of the second gear 722.

[0125] The first gear 721, the second gear 722, and the third gear 723 are arranged so that their respective axes are perpendicular to the axis of the worm gear 712. The third gear 723 is arranged so that its axis is coaxial with the axis of the shaft 92. The shaft 92 is connected to the third gear 723. The drive unit 70 is configured so that the worm gear 712, the first gear 721, the second gear 722, the third gear 723, and the valve 90 rotate integrally, and the rotations of each are correlated with each other. The rotation angles of these gears and the shaft 92 are correlated, and the rotation angle of any one of the correlated components can be calculated from the rotation angle of the other components.

[0126] A rotation angle sensor 73 that detects the rotation angle of the third gear 723 is attached to the inner periphery of the drive unit cover 80 at a position facing the third gear 723. The rotation angle sensor 73 is a Hall sensor with a built-in Hall element and is configured to be able to detect the rotation angle of the third gear 723 in a non-contact manner. The rotation angle sensor 73 is connected to the microcomputer 330 via a connector unit 81. The detected rotation angle of the third gear 723 is transmitted to the microcomputer 330. The rotation angle of the third gear 723 detected by the rotation angle sensor 73 is input to an acquisition unit 331. A processing unit 334 of the microcomputer 330 is configured to be able to calculate the rotation angle of the valve 90 based on the rotation angle of the third gear 723 transmitted from the rotation angle sensor 73.

[0127] The shaft 92 and the valve 90 will be described with reference to Figures 13 and 15. The shaft 92 is configured to be rotatable about its axis by the rotational force output by the drive unit 70. The valve 90 is connected to the shaft 92, and is configured so that when the shaft 92 rotates, the valve 90 can rotate integrally with the shaft 92. The shaft 92 is formed to extend in a cylindrical shape along the axis and penetrates from one side to the other of the valve 90. One side of the shaft 92 in the axial direction DRa is connected to a shaft support part of the housing main body 21, and the other side is connected to the gear part 72. The valve 90 is fixed to the outer periphery of the shaft.

[0128] The valve 90 is configured to be able to adjust the flow rate of the output fluid by rotating about its axis. A shaft 92 is inserted into the valve 90, and the valve 90 is accommodated in the valve accommodation space 23 so as to be rotatable together with the shaft 92. The valve 90 is cylindrical with an axis extending along the axial direction DRa. The valve 90 is formed by connecting a first valve 93, a second valve 94, and a third valve 95, each of which is cylindrical, a cylindrical connecting portion 914, and a cylindrical valve connecting portion 915. The valve 90 is arranged with the first valve 93, the cylindrical connecting portion 914, the second valve 94, the cylindrical valve connecting portion 915, and the third valve 95 lined up in this order from one side to the other side in the axial direction DRa. The first valve 93 and the second valve 94 are connected via the cylindrical connecting portion 914. The second valve 94 and the third valve 95 are connected via the cylindrical valve connecting portion 915.

[0129] In the valve accommodating space 23, the second valve 94 and the cylindrical connecting portion 914 of the valve 90 face the inlet port 251 in the radial direction DRr. The valve 90 has a cylindrical shaft connecting portion 916 in the center into which the shaft 92 is inserted. The valve 90 is connected to the shaft 92 by inserting the shaft 92 into the shaft connecting portion 916. In the valve 90, for example, the first valve 93, the second valve 94, the third valve 95, the cylindrical connecting portion 914, the cylindrical valve connecting portion 915, and the shaft connecting portion 916 are integrally molded by injection molding.

[0130] The valve 90 is a valve body for causing the cooling water that has flowed into the valve 90 to flow out to a first outlet port 261, a second outlet port 262, and a third outlet port 263. When the valve 90 rotates, the first valve 93 opens and closes the first outlet port 261, the second valve 94 opens and closes the second outlet port 262, and the third valve 95 opens and closes the third outlet port 263.

[0131] The first valve 93, the second valve 94, and the third valve 95 are arranged so that their respective axes are coaxial with the axis of the shaft 92. The first valve 93, the second valve 94, and the third valve 95 each have a central portion in the axial direction DRa that bulges outward in the radial direction DRr compared to both end sides. Each of the first valve 93, the second valve 94, and the third valve 95 is configured to allow fluid to flow inside.

[0132] 15, the first valve 93 has a first valve outer periphery 931 that forms an outer periphery, and a first flow path portion 961 is formed inside the first valve outer periphery 931. The first valve 93 is formed with a first inner opening 936 that allows fluid to flow into the first flow path portion 961. In the first valve 93, the fluid that has flowed into the valve accommodating space 23 flows into the first flow path portion 961 via the first inner opening 936. The first flow path portion 961 corresponds to the flow path portion in the valve device.

[0133] As shown in FIG. 15 , the first valve outer periphery 931 is formed with a first outer periphery opening 934 that connects the first flow path portion 961 to the first outlet port 261 via the first seal opening 581 when the shaft 92 rotates. The first valve 93 allows the fluid that has flowed into the first flow path portion 961 to flow out from the first outlet port 261 by connecting the first outer periphery opening 934 to the first outlet port 261. The first outer periphery opening 934 formed in the first valve outer periphery 931 corresponds to the outer periphery opening formed on the valve outer periphery. The first outer periphery opening 934 is formed on the first valve outer periphery 931 and extends circumferentially around the axis of the shaft 92. The flow rate of the fluid flowing out of the device from the first valve 93 is adjusted depending on the area of ​​overlap between the first outer periphery opening 934 and the first seal opening 581 when the shaft 92 rotates. The first inner opening 936 functions as a communication passage that connects the outside of the first valve 93 with the first flow path portion 961 .

[0134] 15, the second valve 94 has a second valve outer periphery 941 that forms an outer periphery, and a second flow path portion 962 is formed inside the second valve outer periphery 941. The second valve 94 is formed with a second inner opening 946 on one side in the axial direction DRa, which allows the fluid to flow into the second flow path portion 962. The second valve 94 is configured so that the fluid that flows into the valve accommodating space 23 via the inlet port 251 can flow through the second flow path portion 962 via the second inner opening 946. The second flow path portion 962 corresponds to the flow path portion in the valve device.

[0135] 15, a second outer circumferential opening 944 is formed in the second valve outer circumferential portion 941, which connects the second flow path portion 962 to the second outlet port 262 via the second seal opening 582 when the shaft 92 rotates. The second valve 94 allows the fluid that has flowed into the second flow path portion 962 to flow out from the second outlet port 262 by connecting the second outer circumferential opening 944 to the second outlet port 262. The second outer circumferential opening 944 formed in the second valve outer circumferential portion 941 corresponds to the outer circumferential opening formed in the valve outer circumferential portion.

[0136] The second outer peripheral opening 944 is formed to extend circumferentially about the axis of the shaft 92. The flow rate of fluid flowing from the second valve 94 to the outside of the device is adjusted depending on the area of ​​overlap between the second outer peripheral opening 944 and the second seal opening 582 when the shaft 92 rotates. The second inner opening 946 functions as a communication passage that connects the outside of the second valve 94 with the second flow path portion 962. The second inner opening 946 faces the first inner opening 936. The cylindrical connecting portion 914 connects the first valve 93 and the second valve 94. The cylindrical connecting portion 914 forms a first inter-valve space 97 between the outer periphery of the cylindrical connecting portion 914 and the inner circumferential surface of the housing. The first flow path portion 961 and the second flow path portion 962 communicate with each other via the first inter-valve space 97.

[0137] The second valve 94 has a shaft connection part 916 disposed in approximately the center of its interior, the shaft connection part 916 covering the outer periphery of the shaft 92. The second valve 94 has a cylindrical valve connection part 915 connected to the other side of the second valve outer periphery 941 in the axial direction DRa. The second valve 94 is configured to allow fluid that has flowed into the second flow path part 962 to flow into the third valve 95 via the cylindrical valve connection part 915.

[0138] The cylindrical valve connection portion 915 has a second inter-valve space 98 formed inside. The second inter-valve space 98 is in communication with the second flow path portion 962 and the third flow path portion 963. The outer diameter of the cylindrical valve connection portion 915 on one side in the axial direction DRa is the same as the outer diameter of the portion of the second valve 94 on the other side in the axial direction DRa. The outer diameter of the cylindrical valve connection portion 915 on the other side in the axial direction DRa is the same as the outer diameter of the portion of the third valve 95 on one side in the axial direction DRa. The cylindrical valve connection portion 915 is formed to be continuous with the second valve outer periphery portion 941 and the third valve outer periphery portion 951.

[0139] 15 , the third valve 95 has a third valve outer periphery 951 that forms the outer periphery of the third valve 95, and a third flow path portion 963 is formed inside the third valve outer periphery 951. One side of the third valve 95 in the axial direction DRa of the third valve outer periphery 951 is connected to the cylindrical valve connection portion 915. In the third valve 95, the fluid that has flowed into the second flow path portion 962 flows into the third flow path portion 963 via the second inter-valve space 98. The third flow path portion 963 corresponds to the flow path portion in the valve device.

[0140] 15 , a third outer circumferential opening 954 is formed in the third valve outer circumferential portion 951, which connects the third flow path portion 963 to the third outlet port 263 via the third seal opening 583 when the shaft 92 rotates. By connecting the third outer circumferential opening 954 to the third outlet port 263, the third valve 95 allows the fluid that has flowed into the third flow path portion 963 to flow out of the device from the third outlet port 263. The third outer circumferential opening 954 formed in the third valve outer circumferential portion 951 corresponds to the outer circumferential opening formed on the valve outer circumferential portion.

[0141] The third outer circumferential opening 954 is formed in the third valve outer circumferential portion 951 and extends circumferentially about the axis. The flow rate of fluid flowing from the third valve 95 to the outside of the device is adjusted according to the area of ​​overlap between the third outer circumferential opening 954 and the third seal opening 583 when the shaft 92 rotates. The shaft connecting portion 916 is cylindrical, and connects the valve 90 and the shaft 92 by fixing the inserted shaft 92. When the shaft 92 rotates, the shaft connecting portion 916 transmits the rotational force of the shaft 92 to the valve 90 via the shaft connecting portion 916. The shaft connecting portion 916 is formed and extends from the second valve 94 to the third valve 95 toward the other side in the axial direction DRa.

[0142] The operation of the water supply valve 152 will now be described. The microcomputer 330 calculates the rotation angle of the valve 90 for supplying the required flow rate of water to the distribution tube 136, i.e., the rotation angle of the motor 71. The microcomputer 330 sends information about the calculated rotation angle of the motor 71 to the water supply valve 152. At this time, blocking members are attached to the two fluid outlets that are not connected to the distribution tube 136. The calculation of the rotation angle of the motor 71 may be configured to be executed by the information processing device 610 of the integrated calculation unit 600.

[0143] The water supply valve 152 rotates the motor 71 based on the rotation angle information received from the microcomputer 330. By rotating the motor 71, the water supply valve 152 rotates the valve 90 via the gear portion 72 and the shaft 92, causing the required flow rate of fluid to flow out from the first outer peripheral opening 934, the second outer peripheral opening 944, and the third outer peripheral opening 954.

[0144] For example, a case will be described in which the first outlet port 261 is used as a fluid outlet portion that communicates with the distribution tube 136. The water supply valve 152 communicates the first outer peripheral opening 934 of the first valve 93 with the first outlet port 261 by rotating the valve 90. The water supply valve 152 adjusts the overlapping area between the first outer peripheral opening 934 and the first seal opening 581 by adjusting the rotational position of the valve 90. The water supply valve 152 directs fluid that has flowed into the valve accommodating space 23 from the inlet port 251 into the first flow path portion 961 via the first inner opening 936, and then directs the fluid to flow out from the first outer peripheral opening 934 to the first outlet port 261. The microcomputer 330 controls the valve opening, which is the overlapping area between the first outer peripheral opening 934 and the first seal opening 581, to control the splash distance of irrigation water and supply irrigation water to the desired location.

[0145] For example, a case will be described in which the second outlet port 262 is used as a fluid outlet portion that communicates with the distribution tube 136. The water supply valve 152 communicates the second outer peripheral opening 944 of the second valve 94 with the second outlet port 262 by rotating the valve 90. The water supply valve 152 adjusts the overlapping area between the second outer peripheral opening 944 and the second seal opening 582 by adjusting the rotational position of the valve 90. The water supply valve 152 directs fluid that has flowed into the valve housing space 23 from the inlet port 251 into the second flow path portion 962 via the second inner opening 946, and then directs the fluid to flow out from the second outer peripheral opening 944 to the second outlet port 262. The microcomputer 330 controls the valve opening, which is the overlapping area between the second outer peripheral opening 944 and the second seal opening 582, to control the splash distance of irrigation water and supply irrigation water to the desired location.

[0146] For example, a case will be described in which the third outlet port 263 is used as a fluid outlet port that communicates with the distribution tube 136. The water supply valve 152 communicates the third outer peripheral opening 954 of the third valve 95 with the third outlet port 263 by rotating the valve 90. The water supply valve 152 adjusts the overlapping area between the third outer peripheral opening 954 and the third seal opening 583 by adjusting the rotational position of the valve 90. The water supply valve 152 directs fluid that has flowed into the valve accommodating space 23 from the inlet port 251 to flow into the third flow path portion 963 via the second flow path portion 962 of the second valve 94, and then flows out from the third outer peripheral opening 954 to the third outlet port 263. The microcomputer 330 controls the valve opening, which is the overlapping area between the third outer peripheral opening 954 and the third seal opening 583, to control the splash distance of irrigation water and supply irrigation water to the desired location. The control of the valve opening degree may be configured to be executed by the information processing and calculation device 610 of the integrated calculation unit 600.

[0147] The water supply valve 152 adjusts the rotation angle of the motor 71 by having the rotation angle sensor 73 detect the rotation angle of the third gear 723 and feeding back information on the detected rotation angle to the microcomputer 330 .

[0148] The relationship between the rotation angle of the shaft 92 and the flow rate of the valve device will be described with reference to the graph in FIG. 16. In FIG. 16, the horizontal axis represents the rotation angle RA of the motor 71, and the vertical axis represents the flow rate FR of the fluid flowing out of the valve device. In FIG. 16, FO1 represents the first valve 93, FO2 represents the second valve 94, and FO3 represents the third valve 95. In FIG. 16, FS represents the fully open state, FC represents the fully closed state, and MO represents the intermediate state. The intermediate state is between the fully closed state and the fully open state. The solid line in FIG. 16 represents the relationship between the rotation angle and the flow rate of the fluid flowing out of the third valve 95. The dashed line in FIG. 16 represents the relationship between the rotation angle and the flow rate of the fluid flowing out of the second valve 94. The dashed line in FIG. 16 represents the relationship between the rotation angle and the flow rate of the fluid flowing out of the first valve 93.

[0149] 16, when the rotation angle is near 0 degrees, third valve 95 is fully open and the other valves are fully closed, and fluid flows out of the device only through third valve 95. As the rotation angle is increased from this state, third valve 95 transitions to an intermediate opening, and as the rotation angle is further increased, all three valves become fully closed.

[0150] As the rotation angle of all three valves is increased from a fully closed state, only the second valve 94 transitions to a fully open state via an intermediate opening. As the rotation angle is further increased, the first valve 93 transitions to a fully open state via an intermediate opening, and both the first valve 93 and the second valve 94 are fully open. As the rotation angle is increased from this state, the second valve 94 transitions to a fully closed state via an intermediate opening, and the second valve 94 and the third valve 95 are fully closed. As the rotation angle is further increased, the first valve 93 transitions to a fully closed state via an intermediate opening, and all valves are fully closed.

[0151] As described above, the opening degree of each valve changes depending on the rotation angle, and the flow rate of fluid flowing out of each valve changes. Each water supply valve 152 in the irrigation system 10 is configured to supply fluid from only one of the three valves, thereby controlling the water splash distance and water supply amount to the field 20 depending on the rotation angle.

[0152] Next, the operation of detecting an abnormality such as a water leak or blockage during irrigation and restoring irrigation water when an abnormality occurs will be described using Figures 17 to 22. Figure 17 shows an example of the path configuration, the positional relationship of the water supply valve, and the abnormality sensor. The irrigation system 10 shown in Figure 17 includes a first water supply valve and a first abnormality sensor provided in a path on one end side of multiple aligned distribution tubes 136. Each distribution tube 136 is an irrigation pipe that discharges irrigation water to the corresponding furrow through multiple through-holes. The path on the one end side connects one end of the distribution tube 136 to a vertical pipe 133 through which water from a water supply source flows. The first water supply valve controls the pressure of the water supply from one end side flowing down from one end of the distribution tube 136 to the other end. The first water supply valve includes a water supply valve 141 and multiple water supply valves 143. The first abnormality sensor can detect an abnormality in the water supply from the one end side. The first abnormality sensor includes an abnormality sensor 142 and a plurality of abnormality sensors 144 .

[0153] The irrigation system 10 shown in Figure 17 includes a second water supply valve and a second abnormality sensor provided in a passage on the other end side of multiple aligned distribution tubes 136. The other end of distribution tube 136 is the end located opposite one end of distribution tube 136. The passage on the other end side connects branch pipe 139, through which supply water from a water supply source flows, to the other end of distribution tube 136. The second water supply valve controls the pressure of the supply water from the other end side flowing down from the other end of distribution tube 136 toward one end. The second water supply valve includes water supply valve 160 and multiple water supply valves 162. The second abnormality sensor can detect an abnormal state of the water supply from the other end side. The second abnormality sensor includes abnormality sensor 161 and multiple abnormality sensors 163.

[0154] The vertical pipe 133 is connected to a plurality of passages leading to one ends of the plurality of distribution tubes 136. The plurality of passages includes a plurality of first connecting pipes 133a branching off to one ends of two adjacent distribution tubes 136. The plurality of first connecting pipes 133a are passages connecting the plurality of distribution tubes 136 to the vertical pipe 133. Each of the first connecting pipes 133a connects one end of two adjacent distribution tubes 136 to the water supply pipe 130 through which supply water from the water source flows. One first connecting pipe 133a is configured to permit or prohibit the flow of supply water to a predetermined number of distribution tubes 136 forming one group. Note that one distribution tube 136 connected to one first connecting pipe 133a may be one or three or more. In other words, the predetermined number may be one or three or more. The irrigation system 10 can irrigate multiple groups simultaneously by controlling the valve openings of the first water supply valve and the second water supply valve.

[0155] The upstream end of a branch pipe 139 is connected to a vertical pipe 133 through which water flows from a water supply source. A water supply valve 140 is provided in the vertical pipe 133 to open and close a passage upstream of the connection point of the branch pipe 139. A water supply valve 141 is provided in the vertical pipe 133 to open and close a passage closer to one end of the distribution tube 136 than the connection point of the branch pipe 139. An abnormality sensor 142 detects water supply information at a branch point from the vertical pipe 133 to multiple first connecting pipes 133a, closer to one end of the distribution tube 136 than the water supply valve 141. The water supply information detected by this abnormality sensor 142 includes water pressure and flow rate. In this irrigation system 10, a water pressure sensor or a flow rate sensor can be used as the abnormality sensor 142.

[0156] Each first connecting pipe 133a is provided with a water supply valve 143 that opens and closes the passage at the branched portion to one end of the two distribution tubes 136. The water supply valve 143 has one fluid inlet and two fluid outlets, and opens and closes each of the two branched passages. An abnormality sensor 144 detects water supply information at one end of one of the two distribution tubes 136 connected to the first connecting pipe 133a. The water supply information detected by this abnormality sensor 144 includes water pressure and flow rate. The irrigation system 10 can use a water pressure sensor or a flow rate sensor as the abnormality sensor 144.

[0157] FIG. 18 is a configuration diagram showing the relationship between the control device, water supply valves, and abnormality sensors. Water supply information detected by abnormality sensors 142 and 144 is output to microcomputer 330 of monitoring unit 300. Processing unit 334 uses the water supply information detected by abnormality sensors 142 and 144 to determine whether the water supply from one end side is in an abnormal state. Signal output unit 332 outputs a control signal to each of the first water supply valve and the second water supply valve to control the valve opening, depending on whether the water supply from one end side is in an abnormal state. The valve opening control described here may be performed by information processing calculation device 610 of integrated calculation unit 600.

[0158] The branch pipe 139 is connected to a plurality of passages leading to the other ends of the plurality of distribution tubes 136. The plurality of passages includes a plurality of second connecting pipes 139a that branch off to the other ends of two adjacent distribution tubes 136. The plurality of second connecting pipes 139a are passages that connect the plurality of distribution tubes 136 to the branch pipe 139. Each second connecting pipe 139a connects the other ends of two adjacent distribution tubes 136 to the branch pipe 139 through which supply water from the water source flows down.

[0159] Branch pipe 139 is provided with a water supply valve 160 that opens and closes the passage of branch pipe 139. An abnormality sensor 161 detects water supply information at the branch point from branch pipe 139 to multiple second connecting pipes 139a, closer to the other end of distribution tube 136 than water supply valve 160. The water supply information detected by this abnormality sensor 161 includes water pressure and flow rate. In this irrigation system 10, a water pressure sensor or a flow rate sensor can be used as abnormality sensor 161.

[0160] 18, water supply information detected by abnormality sensors 161 and 163 is output to microcomputer 330 of monitoring unit 300. Processing unit 334 determines whether or not there is an abnormal state of water supply from the other end side, using the water supply information detected by abnormality sensors 161 and 163. Signal output unit 332 outputs a control signal for controlling the valve opening to each of the first water supply valve and the second water supply valve, depending on whether or not there is an abnormal state of water supply from the other end side.

[0161] Each second connecting pipe 139a is provided with a water supply valve 162 that opens and closes the passage at the branched portion to the other end of the two distribution tubes 136. The water supply valve 162 has one fluid inlet and two fluid outlets, and opens and closes each of the two branched passages. An abnormality sensor 163 detects water supply information at the other end of one of the two distribution tubes 136 connected to the second connecting pipe 139a. The abnormality sensor 163 detects water supply information at the other end of the distribution tube 136 where the abnormality sensor 144 is not provided. The water supply information detected by this abnormality sensor 163 includes water pressure and flow rate. In this irrigation system 10, a water pressure sensor or a flow rate sensor can be used as the abnormality sensor 163. The processing unit 334 determines whether there is an abnormal state in the water supply from the other end based on the water supply information detected by the abnormality sensor 161 or the abnormality sensor 163. The signal output unit 332 outputs a control signal to each of the first and second water supply valves to control the valve opening depending on whether the water supply from the other end side is in an abnormal state. Also, the first and second water supply valves shown in Figures 17 and 18 may be configured to be controlled by microcomputers 330 of separate monitoring units 300.

[0162] 17, water supply valve 140 and water supply valve 141 and each water supply valve 143 included in the first water supply valve are controlled to an open state. Furthermore, water supply valve 160 and each water supply valve 162 included in the second water supply valve are controlled to a closed state. This control causes water to flow down from one end to the other end in multiple distribution tubes 136 and discharge from each through-hole to irrigate field 20.

[0163] The control process shown in Fig. 19 is executed in the water supply process shown in Fig. 9 and the irrigation process shown in Fig. 10. Fig. 19 is a flowchart of an example of irrigation in which water flows simultaneously from one end to the other end of multiple distribution tubes 136 shown in Fig. 17. The integrated calculation unit 600 executes the water supply process shown in Fig. 19. The microcomputer 330 of the monitoring unit 300 that receives the water supply signal output from the integrated calculation unit 600 executes the water supply process shown in Fig. 19. In step S600, the integrated calculation unit 600 outputs an irrigation execution command to the monitoring unit 300 corresponding to the divided area in which irrigation is to be performed. The integrated calculation unit 600 outputs an irrigation execution signal to the monitoring unit 300 corresponding to the divided area in which irrigation is to be performed. The microcomputer 330 of the corresponding monitoring unit 300 outputs a control signal that opens the first water supply valve and closes the second water supply valve. Irrigation from each distribution tube 136 is started by controlling the valve opening of the first water supply valve so as to achieve the target irrigation amount and target water throw distance. In this state, the pump 110 is running, and water supplied from the water supply source flows down the water supply pipe 130. In step S600, the water flows down from one end to the other end of the multiple distribution tubes 136 all at once, and irrigation is performed by discharging water from each through-hole.

[0164] The processes from step S610 onward are primarily executed by the integrated calculation unit 600 or the microcomputer 330 of each monitoring unit 300. An example in which the microcomputer 330 primarily executes each process will be described below. When the integrated calculation unit 600 primarily executes the processes, the microcomputer 330 is replaced with the integrated calculation unit 600. In step S610, the microcomputer 330 acquires the sensor value of each first abnormality sensor. In step S620, the microcomputer 330 determines whether the sensor value satisfies the abnormality condition. The first abnormality sensor detects a sensor value that can determine whether normal irrigation is not being performed due to an abnormal condition such as a water leak or clogging during irrigation. In a configuration using a water pressure sensor as the first abnormality sensor, if the absolute value of the difference between a past pressure value and the sensor value exceeds a threshold, it is determined that an abnormality condition has been met. The past pressure value is a water pressure value detected when normal irrigation was performed in the past and is stored in the memory unit 333. When the integrated calculation unit 600 executes the processes, the detected water pressure value is stored in the information storage unit 500. If the difference between the past pressure value and the sensor value is a positive value that exceeds the threshold, an abnormal state such as a water leak from a passage can be assumed. If the difference between the past pressure value and the sensor value is a negative value that exceeds the threshold, an abnormal state such as a clog in a passage can be assumed.

[0165] In a configuration using a flow sensor as the first abnormality sensor, if the absolute value of the difference between a past flow rate value and the sensor value exceeds a threshold, it is determined that an abnormality condition has been established. The past flow rate value is a flow rate value detected when normal irrigation was performed in the past and is stored in the memory unit 333. When the integrated calculation unit 600 executes processing, the detected flow rate value is stored in the information storage unit 500. If the difference between the past flow rate value and the sensor value is a positive value and exceeds the threshold, an abnormality state, for example, a blockage in a passage, can be assumed. If the difference between the past flow rate value and the sensor value is a negative value and the absolute value exceeds the threshold, an abnormality state, for example, a water leak from a passage, can be assumed.

[0166] If it is determined in step S620 that no abnormal condition exists, the microcomputer 330 executes a process to continue irrigation in step S640. This irrigation continues until an irrigation termination condition is met in step S642. The irrigation termination condition is met, for example, when the irrigation flow rate from the start of irrigation reaches a target irrigation amount. The irrigation termination condition is met, for example, when the irrigation time from the start of irrigation reaches a target irrigation time. If the microcomputer 330 determines in step S642 that the irrigation termination condition is met, the microcomputer 330 controls the first water supply valve to a fully closed state to terminate irrigation by supplying water from one end to the other end.

[0167] FIG. 20 shows an example of a location where an abnormality has been detected. If an abnormal condition occurs in the area indicated by the arrow AP in FIG. 20, normal irrigation cannot be performed from the distribution tube 136 even if the water supply valve 143 is kept open. In this case, it is assumed that the sensor value of the abnormality sensor 144 indicates an abnormal condition, for example. In the case of a water leak, the water supply does not reach the passage detected by the abnormality sensor 144, or only a small amount flows down, resulting in an abnormal value for the sensor value. In the case of a blockage, the water supply does not reach the passage detected by the abnormality sensor 144, or only a small amount flows down, resulting in an abnormal value for the sensor value.

[0168] If it is determined in step S620 that the passage on one end side is in an abnormal state, then in step S630, the microcomputer 330 controls the valve opening of the first water supply valve to change it from an open state to a closed state. Specifically, water supply valve 141 and water supply valve 143 are changed from an open state to a closed state. This process closes the valve on one end side, thereby stopping the abnormal state. In step S632, the microcomputer 330 further controls the valve opening of the second water supply valve to change it from a closed state to an open state. Specifically, water supply valve 160 and water supply valve 162 are changed from a closed state to an open state. At this time, the valve opening of the second water supply valve is controlled so that the water supply from the other end satisfies the same target irrigation amount and target water throw distance as when water is supplied from one end.

[0169] By processing steps S630 and S632, water supply from the water supply source flows down from the other end to one end of the distribution tube 136 via the branch pipe 139 and the second connecting pipe 139a. In this way, irrigation from the multiple distribution tubes 136 is changed from water supply from one end to the other end to water supply from the other end to one end, and normal irrigation continues. The water supply from the other end to one end shown in Figure 21 continues until the irrigation termination condition is met in step S634. The irrigation termination condition is the same as in step S642. When the microcomputer 330 determines in step S634 that the irrigation termination condition is met, it controls the second water supply valve to a fully closed state to terminate irrigation by water supply from the other end to one end.

[0170] Unlike FIG. 19, FIG. 22 is a flowchart for irrigation in which water flows simultaneously from one end to the other end of multiple distribution tubes 136. The flowchart in FIG. 22 differs from the flowchart in FIG. 19 in steps S630A and S632A. The processes shown in FIG. 22 are mainly executed by the integrated calculation unit 600 or the microcomputer 330 of each monitoring unit 300. When the integrated calculation unit 600 mainly executes the processes, the microcomputer 330 below is replaced by the integrated calculation unit 600. In step S600 in FIG. 19, the microcomputer 330 outputs a control signal to close the first water supply valve and open the second water supply valve. Irrigation from each distribution tube 136 is started by controlling the valve opening of the second water supply valve so as to achieve the target irrigation amount and target water throw distance. In addition, in step S600 of FIG. 22, the water flows down from the other end to one end of the plurality of distribution tubes 136 all at once, and irrigation is performed by discharging the water from each through-hole.

[0171] If it is determined in step S620 that the passage on the other end side is in an abnormal state, then in step S630A, the microcomputer 330 controls the valve opening of the second water supply valve to change it from an open state to a closed state. Specifically, water supply valve 160 and water supply valve 162 are changed from an open state to a closed state. This process closes the valve on the other end side, thereby stopping the abnormal state. Furthermore, in step S632A, the microcomputer 330 controls the valve opening of the first water supply valve to change it from a closed state to an open state. Specifically, water supply valve 141 and water supply valve 143 are changed from a closed state to an open state. At this time, the valve opening of the first water supply valve is controlled so that the water supply from one end satisfies the same target irrigation amount and target water throw distance as when water is supplied from the other end.

[0172] By processing steps S630A and S632A, water supply from the water supply source flows down from one end to the other end of the distribution tube 136 via the vertical pipe 133 and the first connecting pipe 133a. In this way, irrigation from the multiple distribution tubes 136 is changed from water supply from the other end to one end to water supply from one end to the other end, and normal irrigation continues. Water supply from one end to the other end continues until an irrigation termination condition is met in step S634. When an irrigation termination condition is met in step S634, the microcomputer 330 controls the first water supply valve to a fully closed state to end irrigation by water supply from one end to the other end.

[0173] The irrigation system 10 may be configured to simultaneously irrigate some of the multiple groups by controlling the valve openings of the first and second water supply valves. This irrigation system may be configured to supply water to some of the multiple groups from one end and to supply water to other groups from the other end. Any one or more groups may be selected from the multiple groups as the "some groups."

[0174] The irrigation system 10 can use a soil sensor as the abnormality sensor, which detects the moisture content of the soil in which the distribution tube 136 is installed. When a soil sensor is used, the microcomputer 330 determines that an abnormality condition exists when the absolute value of the difference between the past soil moisture content and the sensor value of the soil sensor exceeds a threshold. The past soil moisture content is the water flow rate detected in the soil during past normal irrigation and is stored in the memory unit 333. If the difference obtained by subtracting the sensor value from the past soil moisture content is a positive value and exceeds the threshold, an abnormal condition, such as a clog in the passage, can be assumed. If a clog occurs and no water or only a small amount of water is being discharged from the through-hole of the distribution tube 136, the soil moisture content can be assumed to be lower than during normal irrigation. If the difference obtained by subtracting the sensor value from the past pressure value is a negative value and the absolute value exceeds the threshold, an abnormal condition, such as a water leak from the passage, can be assumed. This abnormal state can be assumed to be, for example, a state in which water leaks from a specific location in the distribution tube 136, causing the soil moisture content at the leaking location to be higher than during normal irrigation.

[0175] The irrigation system 10 of the first embodiment includes a distribution tube 136, a first water supply valve, a second water supply valve, a first abnormality sensor, a second abnormality sensor, and a control device. The first water supply valve controls the pressure of water supply from one end of the distribution tube, flowing down from one end to the other end, to control the amount of irrigation water from the through-holes of the distribution tube. The second water supply valve controls the pressure of water supply from the other end of the distribution tube, flowing down from the other end to the one end, to control the amount of irrigation water from the through-holes of the distribution tube. The first abnormality sensor detects an abnormal state of water supply from one end of the distribution tube. The second abnormality sensor detects an abnormal state of water supply from the other end of the distribution tube. The control device controls the valve opening of the first water supply valve and the second water supply valve when an abnormal state is detected by the first abnormality sensor or the second abnormality sensor. The control device closes the water supply valve that controls the pressure of water supply from the side where an abnormal state is detected and opens the water supply valve that controls the pressure of water supply from the side where no abnormal state is detected. The irrigation system 10 can restore proper irrigation by stopping water supply from the side where the abnormality was detected, correcting the problem, and then supplying water from the opposite side instead. The irrigation system 10 can perform irrigation while minimizing adverse effects when a problem occurs during irrigation. When an abnormality in water leakage occurs, it can eliminate concerns about moisture damage caused by concentrated water leakage from the leaking area and provide a normal amount of irrigation water to the originally targeted area.

[0176] The control device opens the water supply valve that controls the pressure of the water supply from the side where no abnormality is detected, and continues irrigation until the target irrigation amount or target irrigation time is reached. This makes it possible to provide a system that stops irrigation when an abnormality is detected, resolves the malfunction, and immediately implements alternative irrigation to ensure the originally planned irrigation amount.

[0177] The first water supply valve includes a plurality of water supply valves that individually control the pressure of the water flowing down to a predetermined number of distribution tubes 136. The second water supply valve includes a plurality of water supply valves that individually control the pressure of the water flowing down to a predetermined number of distribution tubes 136. The control device individually controls the valve opening for each water supply valve included in the first water supply valve and individually controls the valve opening for each water supply valve included in the second water supply valve. In this way, the control device controls the water supply pressure for each of the predetermined number of distribution tubes corresponding to the location where an abnormal condition has been detected. This makes it possible to resolve the abnormal condition and provide alternative irrigation for each of the predetermined number of distribution tubes corresponding to the location where the abnormal condition has occurred, among the multiple distribution tubes in the system.

[0178] The control device's calculation unit detects an abnormal condition in the water supply from either side based on the sensor value detected by the first abnormality sensor or the second abnormality sensor. The control device's output unit outputs a control signal to control the valve opening of the first water supply valve and the second water supply valve when an abnormal condition is detected. The output unit outputs a control signal to close the water supply valve that controls the water supply from the side where the abnormal condition is detected, and to open the water supply valve that controls the water supply from the side where the abnormal condition is not detected. This control device can perform irrigation while minimizing adverse effects in the event of a malfunction during irrigation. In the event of a water leak abnormality, the control device can eliminate concerns about moisture damage caused by concentrated water leakage from the leak point and provide a normal amount of irrigation water within the initial target range.

[0179] The calculation unit determines whether the target irrigation volume or target irrigation time has been reached after opening the water supply valve that controls the pressure of the water supply from the side where no abnormal condition has been detected. The output unit continues to output a control signal until the calculation unit determines that the target irrigation volume or target irrigation time has been reached. Alternatively, the output unit outputs an irrigation end control signal at the timing when it determines that the irrigation time has been reached. This control makes it possible to stop irrigation when an abnormal condition has been detected, resolve the problem, and immediately implement alternative irrigation to ensure the originally planned irrigation volume.

[0180] Second Embodiment The second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 23. The irrigation system 10 of the second embodiment has the configuration shown in Figure 23 regarding the positional relationship between the water supply valve and the abnormality sensor. The configuration, action, and effect of the second embodiment that are not specifically described are the same as those of the above-mentioned embodiments, and only the differences will be described below.

[0181] FIG. 23 shows a first water supply valve, a second water supply valve, a first abnormality sensor, and a second abnormality sensor. The configuration shown in FIG. 23 differs from the configuration shown in FIG. 17 in the configuration of the first abnormality sensor and the configuration of the second abnormality sensor. The abnormality sensor 144 included in the first abnormality sensor shown in FIG. 23 is provided to detect water supply information at one end of all distribution tubes 136. The abnormality sensor 163 included in the second abnormality sensor shown in FIG. 23 is provided to detect water supply information at the other end of all distribution tubes 136. With this configuration, the first abnormality sensor and the second abnormality sensor are provided at both ends of all distribution tubes, making it possible to detect the location of an abnormality more accurately.

[0182] Third Embodiment The third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 24 to 26. The irrigation system 10 of the third embodiment has the configuration shown in Figure 24 regarding the positional relationship between the water supply valve and the abnormality sensor. The configurations, actions, and effects of the third embodiment that are not specifically described are the same as those of the above-mentioned embodiments, and only the differences will be described below.

[0183] FIG. 24 shows a first water supply valve, a second water supply valve, a first abnormality sensor, and a second abnormality sensor. The configuration shown in FIG. 24 differs from the configuration shown in FIG. 23 in the configuration of the first water supply valve. The first water supply valve shown in FIG. 24 includes a water supply valve 145. The water supply valves 145 are provided at two locations in a passage branching off from the vertical pipe 133. Each water supply valve 145 is provided in a passage located between a branching portion where the vertical pipe 133 branches off to multiple first connecting pipes 133a and a branching portion where the vertical pipe 133 branches off to two first connecting pipes 133a. Each water supply valve 145 is provided so as to allow or block the flow of water down to two groups each including a predetermined number of distribution tubes 136.

[0184] FIG. 25 is a configuration diagram showing the relationship between the control device, water supply valves, and abnormality sensors. When an abnormal condition occurs, the signal output unit 332 outputs a control signal to control the valve opening of the water supply valve 145 to prohibit water from flowing down to the two groups. The first and second water supply valves shown in FIG. 25 may be controlled by separate microcomputers 330 in the monitoring unit 300. FIG. 26 shows an example of a location where an abnormality is detected. If an abnormal condition occurs in the area indicated by the arrow AP in FIG. 26, normal irrigation cannot be achieved from the distribution tubes included in the two groups even if the upstream water supply valve 145 is kept open. For example, if a water leak occurs, water will not reach the distribution tubes included in the two groups or only a small amount will flow down. To stop the abnormal condition, the microcomputer 330 controls the upstream water supply valve 145 and the water supply valves 143 corresponding to the two groups to close. Furthermore, microcomputer 330 controls water supply valve 160 and water supply valve 162 located on the other end side of the distribution tube corresponding to the two groups to open. This control makes it possible to switch the irrigation for the two groups so that water flows down from the other end to one end of the distribution tube.

[0185] The irrigation system 10 of the third embodiment enables more precise fail-safe control. For example, if there is an elevation difference in the field 20 and one of the water supply valves is higher, it is desirable to irrigate from the higher point in the distribution tube, so it is possible to perform control that does not implement fail-safe except for the abnormal point.

[0186] <Fourth embodiment> The fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 27. The irrigation system 10 of the fourth embodiment differs from the other embodiments in that when an abnormal condition is detected, the water supply valve is controlled using the sensor value of the soil sensor. The configuration, action, and effect of the fourth embodiment that are not specifically described are the same as those of the first to third embodiments, and only the differences will be described below.

[0187] FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the operation of the water supply valve when an abnormality is detected according to the fourth embodiment. The control process shown in FIG. 27 is executed in the water supply process shown in FIG. 9 and the irrigation process shown in FIG. 10. The integrated calculation unit 600 and the microcomputer 330 of the monitoring unit 300 that receives the water supply signal output from the integrated calculation unit 600 execute the water supply process shown in FIG. 27. The processes shown in FIG. 27 are mainly executed by the integrated calculation unit 600 or the microcomputer 330 of each monitoring unit 300. Note that when the integrated calculation unit 600 mainly executes the processes, the microcomputer 330 described below is replaced by the integrated calculation unit 600. In step S600, the microcomputer 330 controls the first water supply valve and the second water supply valve to supply water from one end to the other end or from the other end to the first end. In step S610, the microcomputer 330 acquires the sensor value of the abnormality sensor corresponding to the side of the distribution tube 136 to which water is flowing. For example, when water is being supplied from one end to the other end, the microcomputer 330 acquires the sensor value of each first abnormality sensor. In step S620, the microcomputer 330 determines whether the sensor value of the abnormality sensor corresponding to the side into which the water is being supplied satisfies the abnormality condition.

[0188] If step S620 determines that an abnormal condition has occurred in the inlet passage, step S650 determines whether the moisture content of the soil to be irrigated exceeds a permissible value. The permissible value is set so that exceeding this value would cause the soil to contain excessive moisture, which would adversely affect crop growth. The permissible value is pre-stored in memory 333. A case in which the soil moisture content exceeds the permissible value could be, for example, a water leak, which is an abnormal condition, causing the soil moisture content to increase excessively. If step S650 determines that the soil moisture content exceeds the permissible value, microcomputer 330 closes the water supply valve in step S651 to stop irrigation. This irrigation is stopped to avoid continued irrigation due to excessive soil moisture, which could adversely affect crop growth.

[0189] If the microcomputer 330 determines in step S650 that the soil moisture content is below the allowable value, it changes the water supply valve installed in the inlet passage from open to closed. If the soil moisture content is below the allowable value, it can be assumed that the soil is not wet or is dry. In this state, it determines that there is little risk of adverse effects on the crops even if the direction of water supply to the distribution tube is changed and irrigation continues. Furthermore, in step S654, the microcomputer 330 changes the water supply valve installed in the passage opposite the inlet from closed to open. This control reverses the flow direction of water in the distribution tube 136, allowing normal irrigation to continue by supplying water via a passage that is not in an abnormal state. The water supply after the change continues until the irrigation termination condition is met in step S656. If the microcomputer 330 determines in step S656 that the irrigation termination condition is met, it controls the water supply valve to fully close and terminates irrigation with the changed water supply.

[0190] When an abnormal condition is detected by the first abnormality sensor or the second abnormality sensor, the control device closes the water supply valve based on the moisture content information detected by the soil sensor 311. The irrigation system 10 stops irrigation through this control. When an abnormal condition is detected by the first abnormality sensor or the second abnormality sensor, the calculation unit decides whether to stop irrigation based on the moisture content information detected by the soil sensor. When the calculation unit decides to stop irrigation, the output unit outputs a control signal to close the water supply valve. This control makes it possible to avoid adverse effects on crop growth and prevent wasteful irrigation when the soil contains excess moisture due to an abnormal condition such as a water leak.

[0191] When an abnormal condition is detected, the control device closes the water supply valve that controls the pressure of the water supply from the side where the abnormal condition was detected based on the detected moisture content information. The control device continues irrigation by further opening the water supply valve that controls the pressure of the water supply from the side where no abnormal condition is detected. When an abnormal condition is detected by the first abnormality sensor or the second abnormality sensor, the calculation unit decides whether to continue irrigation based on the moisture content information detected by the soil sensor. When the calculation unit decides to continue irrigation, the output unit outputs a control signal that closes the water supply valve that controls the pressure of the water supply from the side where the abnormal condition was detected and opens the water supply valve that controls the pressure of the water supply from the side where no abnormal condition was detected. This control makes it possible to provide an appropriate amount of irrigation when the soil moisture level is at a level requiring irrigation, which is useful for crop growth.

[0192] Fifth Embodiment The fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 28 to 30. The irrigation system 10 of the fifth embodiment differs from the other embodiments in that water is supplied simultaneously from both one end and the other end during irrigation. The configurations, actions, and effects of the fifth embodiment that are not specifically described are the same as those of the above-mentioned embodiments, and only the differences will be described below.

[0193] FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the operation of the water supply valve when an abnormality is detected according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 29 shows the positional relationship between the water supply valve and the abnormality sensor according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 30 is a diagram explaining the resumption of irrigation when an abnormality is detected according to the fifth embodiment. The control process shown in FIG. 28 is executed in the water supply process shown in FIG. 9 and the irrigation process shown in FIG. 10. The integrated calculation unit 600 and the microcomputer 330 of the monitoring unit 300 that receives the water supply signal output from the integrated calculation unit 600 execute the water supply process shown in FIG. 28. Each process shown in FIG. 28 is mainly executed by the integrated calculation unit 600 or the microcomputer 330 of each monitoring unit 300. Furthermore, when the integrated calculation unit 600 mainly executes the processes, the microcomputer 330 described below is replaced with the integrated calculation unit 600. In step S700, the microcomputer 330 controls the first water supply valve and the second water supply valve to an open state to simultaneously supply water from one end to the other end and from the other end to the one end. This process causes water to be supplied from both one end and the other end as shown in Figure 29. The process from step S710 onwards is mainly executed by the microcomputer 330 of each monitoring unit 300. In step S710, the microcomputer 330 acquires the sensor values ​​of the first abnormal sensor and the second abnormal sensor. In step S720, the microcomputer 330 determines whether the sensor values ​​of the first abnormal sensor and the second abnormal sensor satisfy the abnormality condition.

[0194] If it is determined in step S720 that no abnormality is detected in any of the abnormal sensors, the process of continuing irrigation is executed in step S740. This irrigation continues until an irrigation termination condition is met in step S742. The irrigation termination condition is the same as that in the first embodiment. If the microcomputer 330 determines in step S742 that the irrigation termination condition is met, it controls the water supply valve to a fully closed state to end irrigation by water supply from both sides.

[0195] FIG. 30 shows an example of a location where an abnormality has been detected. If an abnormal condition occurs in the area indicated by the arrow AP in FIG. 30, normal irrigation from the distribution tube 136 will not be possible even if the water supply valve 143 is kept open. When an abnormal condition in the passage on one end side is determined in step S720 as shown in FIG. 30, the valve opening of the first water supply valve is controlled in step S730 to change it from an open state to a closed state. Specifically, the water supply valve 143 is changed from an open state to a closed state. This process closes the valve on one end side, and only water supply from the other end side continues. At this time, the valve opening of the second water supply valve is controlled so that the water supply from the other end side meets the target irrigation amount and target water throw distance, the same as when irrigating from both sides simultaneously.

[0196] By processing step S730, the initial irrigation by water supply from both sides is changed to water supply only from the other end to one end, and normal irrigation continues. Water supply from the other end to one end continues until the irrigation termination condition is met in step S750. The irrigation termination condition is the same as in step S642. When the microcomputer 330 determines in step S750 that the irrigation termination condition is met, it controls the second water supply valve to a fully closed state to end the irrigation by water supply from the other end to one end.

[0197] The control device executes the following control when water is being supplied from one end side and the other end side simultaneously. The control device closes the first or second water supply valve that controls the pressure of the water supply from the side where an abnormality has been detected, and opens the water supply valve that controls the pressure of the water supply from the side where no abnormality has been detected. With this system, when water is being supplied to the distribution tube from both sides, proper irrigation can be restored by switching to water supply from the side where no abnormality has occurred.

[0198] Sixth Embodiment The sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 31. The irrigation system 10 of the sixth embodiment has the configuration shown in Figure 31 regarding the positional relationship between the water supply valve and the abnormality sensor. The configurations, actions, and effects of the sixth embodiment that are not specifically described are the same as those of the previously described embodiments, and only the differences will be described below.

[0199] The irrigation system 10 of the sixth embodiment shown in Figure 31 differs from the above-mentioned embodiments in that it has two water supply sources. The irrigation system 10 is configured so that a first connecting pipe 133a communicating with one end of the distribution tube and a second connecting pipe 139a communicating with the other end receive water from separate water supply sources.

[0200] <Other embodiments> The disclosure of this specification is not limited to the exemplified embodiments. The disclosure encompasses the exemplified embodiments and modifications thereto by those skilled in the art. For example, the disclosure is not limited to the combinations of parts and elements shown in the embodiments, and various modifications can be made. The disclosure can be implemented in various combinations. The disclosure can have additional parts that can be added to the embodiments. The disclosure encompasses the omission of parts and elements from the embodiments. The disclosure encompasses the substitution or combination of parts and elements between one embodiment and another embodiment. The disclosed technical scope is not limited to the description of the embodiments. The disclosed technical scope is defined by the claims, and should be interpreted as including all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0201] The distribution tube 136 provided in the irrigation system 10 may be configured to expand and contract in response to the water pressure flowing through it. In this case, the distribution tube 136 is formed, for example, of a material and hardness that allows it to elastically deform in response to water pressure. When the water supply valve is fully closed, the tube is not filled with water, the internal pressure is almost zero, and it has a flat, uninflated shape. When the water supply valve is fully open and the tube is fully expanded by internal pressure, the tube does not expand or contract while water is being discharged from the tube, and the amount of water discharged from the downstream part of the tube is less than the upstream part due to water pressure loss. Therefore, the amount of water discharged from the tube varies in the direction of extension of the tube.

[0202] In these intermediate states, the tube is not fully expanded and can expand and contract with slight changes in internal pressure. Therefore, the tube itself functions as a diaphragm due to changes in internal pressure of the water passing through it, so there is not much difference in the amount of water discharged between the downstream and upstream parts of the tube. Therefore, the amount of water discharged from the tube is almost uniform throughout the entire length of the tube. The valve opening of the water supply valve 152 is controlled using detected values ​​from a water pressure sensor 153 or the like so that the internal pressure is such that the tube can expand and contract during irrigation.

[0203] The irrigation system 10 in the above-described embodiment may be configured without the environmental sensor shown in the first embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0204] 20...field, 30...plant, 110...pump (water supply source), 136...distribution tube 141, 143, 145...Water supply valve (first water supply valve) 142, 144...Abnormal sensor (first abnormal sensor) 160, 162...Water supply valve (second water supply valve) 161, 163... Abnormality sensor (second abnormality sensor), 311... Soil sensor 330...microcomputer (control device), 332...signal output unit (output unit) 334...Processing unit (arithmetic unit)< / rtc>

Claims

1. a distribution tube (136) provided in a field (20) for growing plants (30) and having a plurality of through holes for irrigating the field; a first water supply valve (141, 143, 145) for controlling the pressure of the water supply from the one end side flowing down from one end of the distribution tube to the other end, thereby controlling the amount of irrigation water from the through hole of the distribution tube; a second water supply valve (160, 162) for controlling the pressure of the water supply from the other end side of the distribution tube flowing down from the other end toward the one end, thereby controlling the amount of irrigation water from the through hole of the distribution tube; a first abnormality sensor (142, 144) for detecting an abnormal state of the water supply from the one end side, and a second abnormality sensor (161, 163) for detecting an abnormal state of the water supply from the other end side; a control device (300) that controls the valve openings of the first water supply valve and the second water supply valve when an abnormal state is detected by the first abnormality sensor or the second abnormality sensor; Equipped with The control device is an irrigation system that closes the water supply valve between the first water supply valve and the second water supply valve that controls the pressure of the water supply from the side where an abnormal condition is detected, and opens the water supply valve that controls the pressure of the water supply from the side where no abnormal condition is detected.

2. The irrigation system described in claim 1, wherein the control device continues irrigation from the time the water supply valve that controls the pressure of the water supply from the side where the abnormal condition is not detected is opened until the target irrigation amount or target irrigation time is reached.

3. the first water supply valve includes a plurality of water supply valves that individually control the pressure of the water flowing down to a predetermined number of the distribution tubes, the second water supply valve includes a plurality of water supply valves that individually control the pressure of the water flowing down to a predetermined number of the distribution tubes, The control device is an irrigation system as described in claim 1 or claim 2, which controls the valve opening degree individually for each water supply valve included in the first water supply valve, and controls the valve opening degree individually for each water supply valve included in the second water supply valve, thereby controlling the water supply pressure for each of a predetermined number of distribution tubes corresponding to the location where an abnormal condition is detected.

4. a soil sensor (311) that is provided in the field where the distribution tube is installed and that is capable of detecting the moisture content of the soil; An irrigation system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control device closes the water supply valve and stops irrigation based on the moisture content information detected by the soil sensor when an abnormal condition is detected by the first abnormality sensor or the second abnormality sensor.

5. a soil sensor (311) that is provided in the field where the distribution tube is installed and that is capable of detecting the moisture content of the soil; An irrigation system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when an abnormal condition is detected by the first abnormality sensor or the second abnormality sensor, the control device continues irrigation by closing the water supply valve that controls the pressure of the water supply from the side where the abnormal condition is detected and opening the water supply valve that controls the pressure of the water supply from the side where the abnormal condition is not detected, based on the moisture content information detected by the soil sensor.

6. An irrigation system as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when water is supplied from one end side and water is supplied from the other end side simultaneously, the control device closes the water supply valve of the first water supply valve and the second water supply valve that controls the pressure of the water supply from the side where an abnormal condition is detected, and opens the water supply valve that controls the pressure of the water supply from the side where no abnormal condition is detected.

7. a valve opening of a first water supply valve (141, 143, 145) that controls the pressure of water flowing from one end of a distribution tube (136) having a plurality of through holes formed therein to the other end, thereby controlling the amount of irrigation water from the through holes of the distribution tube; a control device for controlling the valve opening of a second water supply valve (160, 162) that controls the pressure of the water supply from the other end side flowing down from the other end of the distribution tube toward the one end, thereby controlling the amount of irrigation water from the through hole of the distribution tube; a calculation unit (334) that detects an abnormal state occurring in the water supply from the one end side or the water supply from the other end side based on a sensor value detected by a first abnormality sensor (142, 144) that can detect an abnormal state of the water supply from the one end side or a second abnormality sensor (161, 163) that can detect an abnormal state of the water supply from the other end side; an output unit (332) that outputs a control signal for controlling the valve opening degrees of the first water supply valve and the second water supply valve when the occurrence of the abnormal state is detected; Equipped with The output unit is a control device that outputs a control signal to close the water supply valve between the first water supply valve and the second water supply valve that controls the pressure of the water supply from the side where an abnormal condition is detected, and to open the water supply valve that controls the pressure of the water supply from the side where no abnormal condition is detected.

8. the calculation unit determines whether a target irrigation amount or a target irrigation time has been reached since the water supply valve, which controls the pressure of the water supply from the side where the abnormal state is not detected, was opened; The control device according to claim 7 , wherein the output unit continues to output the control signal until the calculation unit determines that the target irrigation amount or the target irrigation time has been reached.

9. When an abnormal state is detected by the first abnormality sensor or the second abnormality sensor, the calculation unit determines whether to stop irrigation based on moisture amount information detected by a soil sensor (311) installed in the field where the distribution tube is installed, The control device according to claim 7 , wherein the output unit outputs a control signal to close a water supply valve when the calculation unit determines to stop irrigation.

10. When an abnormal state is detected by the first abnormality sensor or the second abnormality sensor, the calculation unit determines whether to continue irrigation based on moisture amount information detected by a soil sensor (311) installed in the field where the distribution tube is installed, and A control device as described in any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the output unit outputs a control signal that, when the calculation unit decides to continue irrigation, closes the water supply valve that controls the pressure of the water supply from the side where an abnormal condition is detected and opens the water supply valve that controls the pressure of the water supply from the side where no abnormal condition is detected.

Images