Irrigation Control System

Abstract

To provide an irrigation control system that makes it easy to continue appropriate irrigation when the condition of cultivated plants changes due to cultivation management work.SOLUTION: The present invention comprises: a determination value determining unit G that determines a determination value regarding correction of a reference index value; a time calculation unit K that calculates the total time during which the tension index value exceeds the determination value from a first time point to a second time point or the total time during which the tension index value is lower than the determination value from the first time point to the second time point; and a correction unit 43 for determining whether or not to correct the reference index value based on the calculation result by the time calculation unit K.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an irrigation control system that includes an imaging unit that captures images of leaves of cultivated plants. [Background technology]

[0002] An example of an irrigation control system as described above is already known, for example, from Patent Document 1. In this irrigation control system, the projected area of ​​the leaves of a cultivated plant is calculated based on captured images acquired by an imaging device.

[0003] Furthermore, this irrigation control system calculates a projection area ratio, which is the ratio of the projection area to the maximum projection area. If the projection area ratio falls below a water supply reference value, irrigation (referred to as "water supply" in Patent Document 1) is performed on the cultivated plants. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-306846 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the above-described irrigation control system, the maximum projected area is the maximum value of the projected area since the most recent irrigation. That is, this maximum projected area is updated every time irrigation is performed.

[0006] In horticultural facilities, managers perform cultivation management tasks such as hanging down, training, leaf removal, and harvesting. When cultivation management tasks are performed, the posture of cultivated plants and the position of their leaves change. When this happens, the projected area ratio is likely to change suddenly.

[0007] If the projected area ratio suddenly decreases as a result of cultivation management work, the projected area ratio may immediately fall below the water supply reference value, but if irrigation is performed, the maximum projected area will be updated. The updated maximum projected area corresponds to the state of the cultivated plants after the cultivation management work. Therefore, if the projected area ratio suddenly decreases as a result of cultivation management work, the impact on irrigation control is relatively small.

[0008] However, if the projected area ratio increases rapidly as a result of cultivation management work, the wilting of the leaves will progress, and even at their most wilted state, the projected area ratio may not fall below the water supply standard value. In this case, irrigation will not be performed, and the cultivated plants may wither and die.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide an irrigation control system that makes it easy to continue appropriate irrigation when the state of cultivated plants changes due to cultivation management work. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The present invention is characterized in that it comprises an imaging unit that images leaves of a cultivated plant; a firmness index value calculation unit that calculates a firmness index value that indicates the degree of firmness of the leaves based on the image acquired by the imaging unit; a reference index value setting unit that sets the firmness index value at a reference time as a reference index value; a reference calculation unit that calculates a watering reference value based on the reference index value; an irrigation instruction unit that outputs an irrigation instruction signal when the firmness index value falls below the irrigation reference value; and a correction unit that corrects the reference index value when a predetermined condition is satisfied, When the reference calculation unit determines that the tension index value is greater than the reference index value after correction, the reference calculation unit recalculates the irrigation reference value based on the corrected reference index value. The irrigation control system includes: a judgment value determination unit that determines a judgment value for correcting the reference index value; and a time calculation unit that calculates the total time during which the tension index value is greater than the judgment value between a first time point and a second time point, or the total time during which the tension index value is less than the judgment value between the first time point and the second time point. The correction unit determines whether to correct the reference index value based on the calculation result by the time calculation unit.The apparatus includes an upper judgment value determiner that is the judgment value determiner, and an upper time calculator that is the time calculator, wherein the upper judgment value determiner determines an upper judgment value that is the judgment value based on the reference index value, the upper time calculator calculates an upper state time that is the total time during which the tension index value is above the upper judgment value between the first time point and the second time point, and the corrector determines whether to correct the reference index value based on the upper state time, and the corrector determines to correct the reference index value when a ratio of the upper state time to a judgment time that is the length from the first time point to the second time point is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio. The purpose is to

[0011] When the state of a cultivated plant changes due to cultivation management work, the transition of the firmness index value is likely to be different from the transition before the cultivation management work. For example, if the firmness index value increases sharply as a result of cultivation management work, for example, because the leaves move closer to the imaging unit, the firmness index value tends to transition in a range higher than the range before the cultivation management work. Also, if the firmness index value decreases sharply as a result of cultivation management work, for example, because the leaves move farther away from the imaging unit, the firmness index value tends to transition in a range lower than the range before the cultivation management work.

[0012] According to this configuration, whether to modify the reference index value is determined based on the total time the tension index value is above the judgment value or the total time the tension index value is below the judgment value. Therefore, it is easy to realize a configuration in which the reference index value is modified when the tension index value is trending in a range higher than the range before the cultivation management work or when the tension index value is trending in a range lower than the range before the cultivation management work. When the reference index value is modified, the irrigation reference value is recalculated. This makes it easier to continue appropriate irrigation.

[0013] Therefore, with this configuration, it is possible to realize an irrigation control system that can easily continue appropriate irrigation even when the condition of cultivated plants changes due to cultivation management work. This configuration makes it easy to realize a configuration in which the reference index value is corrected if the firmness index value remains in a range higher than the range before the cultivation management work between the first and second time points. When the reference index value is corrected, the irrigation reference value is recalculated. This makes it easy to continue appropriate irrigation even if the firmness index value suddenly increases as a result of the cultivation management work, for example, because the leaves have come closer to the imaging unit. According to this configuration, if the firmness index value remains in a range higher than the range before the cultivation management work between the first and second time points, the reference index value is likely to be reliably corrected. As a result, if the firmness index value increases sharply as a result of the cultivation management work, for example, because the leaves have come closer to the imaging unit, it is easy to reliably continue appropriate irrigation.

[0014] Another feature of the present invention is an irrigation control system comprising: an imaging unit that images leaves of a cultivated plant; a firmness index value calculation unit that calculates a firmness index value that indicates the degree of firmness of the leaves based on the image acquired by the imaging unit; a reference index value setting unit that sets the firmness index value at a reference time as a reference index value; a reference calculation unit that calculates an irrigation reference value based on the reference index value; an irrigation instruction unit that outputs an irrigation instruction signal when the firmness index value falls below the irrigation reference value; and a correction unit that corrects the reference index value when a predetermined condition is satisfied. When the reference index value is corrected by the correction unit, the reference calculation unit recalculates the irrigation reference value based on the corrected reference index value. The irrigation control system further comprises a judgment value determination unit that determines a judgment value for correction of the reference index value; and a judgment value setting unit that determines a judgment value for correction of the reference index value based on the total time during which the firmness index value exceeds the judgment value between a first time point and a second time point, or a time during which the firmness index value exceeds the judgment value between the first time point and a second time point. and a time calculation unit that calculates the total time during which the tension index value is below the judgment value between the first time point and the second time point, and the correction unit decides whether or not to correct the reference index value based on the calculation result by the time calculation unit, and the correction unit comprises a lower judgment value determination unit that is the judgment value determination unit, and a lower time calculation unit that is the time calculation unit, and the lower judgment value determination unit determines the lower judgment value that is the judgment value based on the irrigation standard value, and the lower time calculation unit calculates the lower state time, which is the total time during which the tension index value is below the lower judgment value between the first time point and the second time point, and the correction unit decides whether or not to correct the reference index value based on the lower state time, and the correction unit decides to correct the reference index value if the ratio of the lower state time to the judgment time, which is the length from the first time point to the second time point, is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio. According to this configuration, whether to modify the reference index value is determined based on the total time that the tension index value is above the judgment value or the total time that the tension index value is below the judgment value. Therefore, it is easy to realize a configuration in which the reference index value is modified when the tension index value is trending in a range higher than the range before the cultivation management work or when the tension index value is trending in a range lower than the range before the cultivation management work. Then, when the reference index value is modified, the irrigation reference value is recalculated. This makes it easier to continue appropriate irrigation. Therefore, with this configuration, it is possible to realize an irrigation control system that can easily continue appropriate irrigation even when the condition of cultivated plants changes due to cultivation management work. This configuration makes it easy to realize a configuration in which the reference index value is corrected if the firmness index value remains in a range lower than the range before the cultivation management work between the first and second time points. When the reference index value is corrected, the irrigation reference value is recalculated. This makes it easy to continue appropriate irrigation even if the firmness index value suddenly decreases as a result of the cultivation management work, for example, because the leaves have moved away from the imaging unit. According to this configuration, if the firmness index value remains within a range lower than the range before the cultivation management work between the first and second time points, the reference index value is likely to be reliably corrected. As a result, if the firmness index value suddenly decreases as a result of the cultivation management work, for example, because the leaves have moved away from the imaging unit, it is easy to reliably continue appropriate irrigation. Another feature of the present invention is a method for producing a cultivated plant, comprising: an imaging unit that images leaves of a cultivated plant; a firmness index value calculation unit that calculates a firmness index value that indicates the degree of firmness of the leaves based on the image acquired by the imaging unit; a reference index value setting unit that sets the firmness index value at a reference time as a reference index value; a reference calculation unit that calculates an irrigation reference value based on the reference index value; an irrigation instruction unit that outputs an irrigation instruction signal when the firmness index value falls below the irrigation reference value; and a correction unit that corrects the reference index value when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and when the reference index value is corrected by the correction unit, the reference calculation unit sets the irrigation reference value based on the corrected reference index value. An irrigation control system that recalculates the tension index value, and includes a judgment value determination unit that determines a judgment value for correcting the reference index value, and a time calculation unit that calculates the total time during which the tension index value exceeds the judgment value between a first time point and a second time point, or the total time during which the tension index value is below the judgment value between the first time point and the second time point, wherein the correction unit determines whether to correct the reference index value based on the calculation result by the time calculation unit, and the irrigation instruction unit limits the output of the irrigation instruction signal so that the number of times the irrigation instruction signal is output within a predetermined time limit is within a predetermined limit. According to this configuration, whether to modify the reference index value is determined based on the total time that the tension index value is above the judgment value or the total time that the tension index value is below the judgment value. Therefore, it is easy to realize a configuration in which the reference index value is modified when the tension index value is trending in a range higher than the range before the cultivation management work or when the tension index value is trending in a range lower than the range before the cultivation management work. Then, when the reference index value is modified, the irrigation reference value is recalculated. This makes it easier to continue appropriate irrigation. Therefore, with this configuration, it is possible to realize an irrigation control system that can easily continue appropriate irrigation even when the condition of cultivated plants changes due to cultivation management work. This configuration makes it possible to avoid a situation in which watering is carried out relatively many times in a short period of time, thereby preventing overwatering. Another feature of the present invention is a method for controlling a plant growth rate by using a leaf tension index calculation unit that calculates a leaf tension index value indicating the degree of leaf tension based on the captured image obtained by the image calculation unit, a reference index value setting unit that sets the leaf tension index value at a reference time as a reference index value, a reference calculation unit that calculates a watering reference value based on the reference index value, an irrigation instruction unit that outputs an irrigation instruction signal when the leaf tension index value falls below the irrigation reference value, and a correction unit that corrects the reference index value when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and when the reference index value is corrected by the correction unit, the reference calculation unit The irrigation control system includes a judgment value determination unit that determines a judgment value for correcting the reference index value, and a time calculation unit that calculates the total time during which the tension index value is above the judgment value between a first time point and a second time point, or the total time during which the tension index value is below the judgment value between the first time point and the second time point, wherein the correction unit determines whether to correct the reference index value based on the calculation result by the time calculation unit, and the irrigation instruction unit is configured not to output the next irrigation instruction signal until a predetermined time interval has elapsed since the time the irrigation instruction signal was output. According to this configuration, whether to modify the reference index value is determined based on the total time that the tension index value is above the judgment value or the total time that the tension index value is below the judgment value. Therefore, it is easy to realize a configuration in which the reference index value is modified when the tension index value is trending in a range higher than the range before the cultivation management work or when the tension index value is trending in a range lower than the range before the cultivation management work. Then, when the reference index value is modified, the irrigation reference value is recalculated. This makes it easier to continue appropriate irrigation. Therefore, with this configuration, it is possible to realize an irrigation control system that can easily continue appropriate irrigation even when the condition of cultivated plants changes due to cultivation management work. This configuration can prevent watering from being repeated immediately after watering has been performed, thereby preventing overwatering. Furthermore, in the present invention, it is preferable that the second point in time is the current time, and the first point in time is a point in time a predetermined time before the second point in time.

[0015] According to this configuration, the timing at which the irrigation reference value is recalculated is more likely to be earlier when the state of the cultivated plants changes due to cultivation management work, compared to a configuration in which the second time point is a time point earlier than the current time.

[0016] For example, in a configuration in which it is determined whether to correct the reference index value based on the change in the tension index value over a predetermined period of time from a first time point to a second time point, if the second time point is five minutes before the current time, even if the tension index value changes within a range higher or lower than the range before the cultivation management work between the first time point (e.g., 11:10) and the second time point (e.g., 11:20), the decision to correct the reference index value will not be made until five minutes have passed since the second time point (e.g., 11:25). As a result, the timing at which the irrigation reference value is recalculated is relatively late.

[0017] On the other hand, if the second time point (for example, 11:20) is the current time, and the tension index value fluctuates between the first time point and the second time point within a range higher or lower than the range before the cultivation management work, it is possible to quickly (for example, at 11:20) determine to correct the reference index value, thereby enabling the irrigation reference value to be recalculated relatively quickly.

[0018] As a result, with this configuration, an irrigation control system can be realized that can quickly respond to changes in the state of cultivated plants due to cultivation management work.

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[0030] [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the entire interior of the horticultural facility. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the entire interior of the horticultural facility. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an irrigation control system. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a change in coverage rate. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the transition of the coverage rate when cultivation management work is performed. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the transition of the coverage rate when cultivation management work is performed. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the timing of irrigation when the repeated irrigation interval is 15 minutes. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the timing of irrigation when the repeated irrigation interval is 10 minutes. [Figure 10] A diagram showing the timing of irrigation when a repeated irrigation time limit and a repeated irrigation number limit are set. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] [Configuration of horticultural facilities] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, ridges A1 to A8 for planting cultivated plants P (see FIG. 2) are arranged vertically and horizontally in a horticultural facility 10 as shown in FIG. 1. Passages are provided between each ridge A so that caretakers of the cultivated plants P can pass through. The horticultural facility 10 may be, for example, a greenhouse or a solar-powered plant factory.

[0033] Each ridge A is made of, for example, a non-porous hydrophilic film. A cultivated plant P, such as a tomato, is planted in each ridge A. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an imaging unit Ca is provided suspended from the ceiling inside the horticultural facility 10 above the ridge A in which the cultivated plants P are planted. The number of imaging units Ca provided may be one, or two or more.

[0034] The imaging unit Ca is a fixed camera having, for example, a CCD element or a CMOS element, and is configured to capture visible light visible to the naked eye. The imaging unit Ca captures images of leaves P1 (see FIG. 4) of the cultivated plant P at predetermined time intervals. In this way, the imaging unit Ca acquires captured images V (see FIG. 4) over time.

[0035] Although not shown, the horticultural facility 10 is also equipped with environmental sensors, side windows, blackout curtains, heat pump type air conditioning equipment, etc.

[0036] 1 and 2, the imaging unit Ca is provided directly above the ridge A2. The imaging unit Ca captures an image of the cultivated plant P planted in the ridge A2 in a planar view from directly above. That is, the imaging unit Ca is positioned above the cultivated plant P and captures an image from a bird's-eye view facing downward.

[0037] [Configuration of irrigation control system] 3, the irrigation control system S in this embodiment includes an input device 2 and a management computer 4. The input device 2 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a keyboard or a mouse. The horticultural facility 10 is also included in the irrigation control system S.

[0038] That is, the irrigation control system S includes an imaging unit Ca that captures an image of a leaf P1 of a cultivated plant P.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 3, the horticultural facility 10 has an irrigation device 11. The irrigation device 11 includes, for example, an irrigation tube. The irrigation device 11 is configured to irrigate cultivated plants P. In the present invention, "irrigation" means supplying a nutrient solution. The nutrient solution may be a liquid in which fertilizer or the like is dissolved, or may be simply water.

[0040] [Irrigation based on coverage] As shown in Figure 3, the management computer 4 has a watering instruction unit 41, a coverage calculation unit 44 (corresponding to the ``firmness index value calculation unit'' of the present invention), a standard coverage setting unit 45 (corresponding to the ``standard index value setting unit'' of the present invention), a standard calculation unit 46, and a wilting coefficient setting unit 47.

[0041] 3, captured images V (see FIG. 4) acquired by the imaging unit Ca at predetermined time intervals are sent to the coverage calculation unit 44. The coverage calculation unit 44 calculates the coverage E over time based on the received captured images V.

[0042] The coverage rate E is the proportion of the area occupied by the leaf P1 in the measurement area B (see FIG. 4), which is the area in the captured image V where the leaf P1 is captured. The coverage rate E is also a value indicating the degree of firmness of the leaf P1. In other words, the coverage rate E corresponds to the "firmness index value" according to the present invention.

[0043] 4, the coverage calculation unit 44 determines the area of ​​branches, leaves, and stems in the captured image V based on color information and the like of the captured image V. This area is determined to be a lush area of ​​the cultivated plant P, i.e., a covered area.

[0044] The determination of the areas of branches, leaves, and stems may be performed based on RGB data or YUV data. However, in this embodiment, in order to accommodate changes in brightness that occur with changes in weather and time of day, it is desirable to perform the determination of the areas of branches, leaves, and stems based on YUV data.

[0045] Then, based on the determination of the covered area, the range in the captured image V where the cultivated plant P is located is set. As shown in Fig. 4, an area surrounded by four sides is set as the area in which the branches and leaves of the cultivated plant P are captured, and this area surrounded by four sides is set as a measurement area B, and the area Bs of the measurement area B is calculated. The area Bs can be calculated by counting the number of dots (the smallest unit of pixel in the captured image V) in the measurement area B of the captured image V.

[0046] Furthermore, the leaf area B1 can be calculated by counting the number of dots in the covered area. Then, the ratio of the leaf area B1 to the area Bs is calculated as the coverage rate E using the following formula:

[0047] Coverage E = leaf area B1 / area Bs

[0048] It is desirable that the area Bs of the measurement region B be fixed at the area Bs before the leaves P1 began to wilt, even if the leaves P1 wilt over time and the area in which the branches and leaves are visible gradually narrows. In other words, it is desirable that the area Bs be fixed at the area Bs calculated based on the first captured image V among multiple captured images V acquired over time, and that only the leaf area B1 change over time.

[0049] As described above, the irrigation control system S includes a coverage calculation unit 44 that calculates the coverage E, which is a value indicating the degree of firmness of the leaves P1, based on the captured image V acquired by the imaging unit Ca.

[0050] 3, the coverage E calculated over time by the coverage calculation unit 44 is sent to the irrigation instruction unit 41 and the reference coverage setting unit 45. The reference coverage setting unit 45 sets the coverage E at the reference time as the reference coverage ST (corresponding to the "reference index value" according to the present invention). That is, the irrigation control system S is provided with the reference coverage setting unit 45 that sets the coverage E at the reference time as the reference coverage ST.

[0051] More specifically, in this embodiment, the reference time is the time period immediately after sunrise. As described above, the imaging unit Ca acquires the captured images V at predetermined time intervals. That is, the imaging unit Ca acquires the captured images V at multiple times during the time period immediately after sunrise. As a result, the imaging unit Ca acquires multiple captured images V during the time period immediately after sunrise.

[0052] The coverage calculation unit 44 calculates multiple coverages E based on multiple captured images V acquired in the time period immediately after sunrise. Then, the reference coverage setting unit 45 sets the 90th percentile value of the multiple coverages E as the reference coverage ST.

[0053] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the reference coverage setting unit 45 may be configured to set a value other than the 90th percentile value of the plurality of coverages E as the reference coverage ST. For example, the reference coverage setting unit 45 may be configured to set the maximum value of the plurality of coverages E as the reference coverage ST. Furthermore, the reference coverage setting unit 45 may be configured to set the average value of the plurality of coverages E as the reference coverage ST.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 3, the reference coverage ST set by the reference coverage setting unit 45 is sent to the reference calculation unit .

[0055] Furthermore, the administrator (user) can input a wilting coefficient via the input device 2. The wilting coefficient is a coefficient that corresponds to the degree of wilting of the target leaf P1.

[0056] The wilting coefficient input to the input device 2 is sent to the wilting coefficient setting unit 47. The wilting coefficient setting unit 47 then sets the wilting coefficient in accordance with the contents of the administrator's input. The set wilting coefficient is sent to the reference calculation unit 46.

[0057] The reference calculation unit 46 calculates the irrigation reference value TH based on the reference coverage ST received from the reference coverage setting unit 45 and the wilting coefficient received from the wilting coefficient setting unit 47. More specifically, the reference calculation unit 46 calculates the irrigation reference value TH by multiplying the reference coverage ST by the wilting coefficient. The calculated irrigation reference value TH is sent to the irrigation instruction unit 41.

[0058] In this way, the irrigation control system S includes a reference calculation unit 46 that calculates the irrigation reference value TH based on the reference coverage rate ST.

[0059] The irrigation instruction unit 41 determines whether the coverage rate E is below the irrigation standard value TH based on the coverage rate E received from the coverage rate calculation unit 44 and the irrigation standard value TH received from the standard calculation unit 46. If the coverage rate E is below the irrigation standard value TH, the irrigation instruction unit 41 outputs an irrigation instruction signal to the irrigation device 11.

[0060] In this way, the irrigation control system S includes an irrigation instruction unit 41 that outputs an irrigation instruction signal when the coverage rate E falls below the irrigation reference value TH.

[0061] Furthermore, if the coverage rate E does not exceed the irrigation reference value TH after the irrigation instruction unit 41 outputs an irrigation instruction signal, the irrigation instruction unit 41 outputs an additional irrigation instruction signal to the irrigation device 11.

[0062] The irrigation device 11 performs irrigation in response to the irrigation instruction signal received from the irrigation instruction unit 41.

[0063] With the configuration described above, as shown in Fig. 5, the coverage rate E basically changes as follows: First, the wilting of the leaf P1 progresses over time, causing the coverage rate E to decrease over time.

[0064] When the coverage rate E falls below the watering reference value TH and watering is performed, the firmness of the leaf P1 is restored, and the coverage rate E increases.

[0065] Thereafter, the leaf P1 repeatedly wilts over time and regains its firmness through watering, causing the coverage rate E to alternately increase and decrease.

[0066] 5, upward arrows indicate the timings at which irrigation instruction signals are output by the irrigation instruction unit 41. In this example, irrigation instruction signals are output at times t1, t2, t3, t4, and t5.

[0067] Here, at times t1, t2, and t5, the coverage rate E falls below the irrigation reference value TH, and therefore an irrigation instruction signal is output by the irrigation instruction unit 41. As a result of this, irrigation is performed, and the coverage rate E exceeds the irrigation reference value TH.

[0068] However, at time t3, even though the irrigation instruction signal was outputted as at time t1, time t2, and time t5, the coverage rate E did not exceed the irrigation reference value TH until the subsequent time t4.

[0069] Therefore, at time t4, the irrigation instruction unit 41 outputs an additional irrigation instruction signal, causing the coverage rate E to exceed the irrigation reference value TH.

[0070] In this embodiment, each element such as the irrigation instruction unit 41 included in the management computer 4 may be a functional unit in software, or may be configured by a physical device such as a microcomputer.

[0071] [Regarding recalculation of irrigation standard values] In the horticultural facility 10, a manager performs cultivation management tasks such as hanging down, training, leaf removal, and harvesting. When cultivation management tasks are performed, the posture of the cultivated plants P and the position of the leaves P1 change. This tends to cause a sudden change in the leaf area B1 in the captured image V acquired by the imaging unit Ca. When the leaf area B1 in the captured image V changes suddenly, the coverage rate E also changes suddenly.

[0072] In this case, if the coverage rate E increases rapidly, the standard irrigation value TH calculated based on the state of the cultivated plant P before the cultivation management work becomes too low after the cultivation management work.

[0073] Conversely, if the coverage rate E suddenly decreases at this time, the standard irrigation value TH calculated based on the state of the cultivated plant P before the cultivation management work will be too high after the cultivation management work.

[0074] Therefore, in this embodiment, the irrigation reference value TH is recalculated when there is a sudden change in the coverage rate E. The recalculation of the irrigation reference value TH will be described below.

[0075] 3, the management computer 4 has a calculation processing unit 42 and a correction unit 43. The calculation processing unit 42 includes an upper judgment value determination unit 51 and a lower judgment value determination unit 52. The correction unit 43 is configured to correct the standard coverage rate ST when predetermined conditions, which will be described later, are satisfied. That is, the irrigation control system S includes the correction unit 43 that corrects the standard coverage rate ST when the predetermined conditions are satisfied.

[0076] The upper judgment value determination unit 51 and the lower judgment value determination unit 52 are both judgment value determination units G. The judgment value determination unit G is configured to determine a judgment value J. The judgment value J is a value related to the correction of the reference coverage rate ST.

[0077] In this way, the irrigation control system S is provided with a judgment value determination unit G that determines a judgment value J related to the correction of the standard coverage rate ST. More specifically, the irrigation control system S is provided with an upper judgment value determination unit 51 that is the judgment value determination unit G, and a lower judgment value determination unit 52 that is the judgment value determination unit G.

[0078] 3, the calculation processing unit 42 has an upper time calculation unit 53 and a lower time calculation unit 54. The upper time calculation unit 53 and the lower time calculation unit 54 are both time calculation units K. The time calculation unit K is configured to calculate the total time during which the coverage rate E is greater than the judgment value J between the first time point and the second time point, or the total time during which the coverage rate E is less than the judgment value J between the first time point and the second time point.

[0079] In this embodiment, the second point in time is the current time, although this is not a limitation. The first point in time is a point in time that is a predetermined time before the second point in time. The length of this "predetermined time" is not particularly limited. For example, the first point in time may be 15 minutes or 10 minutes before the second point in time.

[0080] In this way, the irrigation control system S is equipped with a time calculation unit K that calculates the total time during which the coverage rate E exceeds the judgment value J between the first and second time points, or the total time during which the coverage rate E falls below the judgment value J between the first and second time points. More specifically, the irrigation control system S is equipped with an upper time calculation unit 53 which is the time calculation unit K, and a lower time calculation unit 54 which is the time calculation unit K.

[0081] 3, the upper judgment value determination unit 51 acquires the reference coverage rate ST from the reference coverage rate setting unit 45. The upper judgment value determination unit 51 determines the upper judgment value J1 (see FIG. 6) based on the reference coverage rate ST. Although not particularly limited, the upper judgment value determination unit 51 may determine, for example, a value 1.02 times the reference coverage rate ST as the upper judgment value J1.

[0082] The upper judgment value J1 is a value related to the correction of the standard coverage ST. That is, the upper judgment value J1 is the judgment value J.

[0083] In this way, the upper judgment value determination unit 51 determines the upper judgment value J1, which is the judgment value J, based on the reference coverage rate ST.

[0084] The upper judgment value determination unit 51 sends the determined upper judgment value J1 to the upper time calculation unit 53. In addition, the coverage E calculated over time by the coverage calculation unit 44 is sent to the calculation processing unit 42. The upper time calculation unit 53 calculates the upper state time over time based on the upper judgment value J1 and the coverage E. The upper state time is the total time during which the coverage E is above the upper judgment value J1 between the first time point and the second time point.

[0085] In this way, the upper time calculation unit 53 calculates the upper state time, which is the total time during which the coverage rate E is above the upper determination value J1 between the first time point and the second time point.

[0086] 3, the modification unit 43 has a modification determination unit 55 and a modification execution unit 56. The upper state time calculated by the upper state time calculation unit 53 is sent to the modification determination unit 55. The modification determination unit 55 determines whether or not to modify the reference coverage rate ST based on the upper state time.

[0087] More specifically, the correction determination unit 55 stores a determination time TA (see FIG. 6). The determination time TA is the length from the first time point to the second time point. The correction determination unit 55 determines whether the ratio of the upper state time to the determination time TA is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio. If the ratio of the upper state time to the determination time TA is equal to or greater than the predetermined ratio, the correction determination unit 55 determines to correct the reference coverage rate ST. Note that this "predetermined ratio" is 60% in this embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and this "predetermined ratio" may be any ratio other than 60%.

[0088] In this way, the modifying unit 43 determines to modify the reference coverage rate ST when the ratio of the upper state time to the determination time TA, which is the length from the first time point to the second time point, is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio. That is, the modifying unit 43 determines whether to modify the reference coverage rate ST based on the upper state time.

[0089] The length of the determination time TA is not particularly limited. For example, the length of the determination time TA may be 15 minutes or 10 minutes. The length of the determination time TA also coincides with the length of the "predetermined time" described above.

[0090] 3, when the correction determination unit 55 determines to correct the reference coverage rate ST, the correction determination unit 55 sends a correction instruction signal to the correction execution unit 56. Upon receiving the correction instruction signal, the correction execution unit 56 corrects the reference coverage rate ST set by the reference coverage rate setting unit 45.

[0091] At this time, the correction execution unit 56 corrects the reference coverage ST based on the coverage E from the first time point to the second time point. Although not particularly limited, for example, the correction execution unit 56 may correct the reference coverage ST by replacing the reference coverage ST with the 90th percentile value of the coverage E from the first time point to the second time point. The corrected reference coverage ST is sent from the reference coverage setting unit 45 to the reference calculation unit 46.

[0092] When the correction execution unit 56 corrects the standard coverage rate ST, the standard calculation unit 46 recalculates the irrigation standard value TH based on the corrected standard coverage rate ST. More specifically, the standard calculation unit 46 recalculates the irrigation standard value TH by multiplying the corrected standard coverage rate ST by the wilting coefficient.

[0093] In this way, when the correction unit 43 corrects the reference coverage rate ST, the reference calculation unit 46 recalculates the irrigation reference value TH based on the corrected reference coverage rate ST.

[0094] 6, an upward arrow indicates the timing at which the irrigation instruction signal is output by the irrigation instruction unit 41. In this example, after irrigation is performed at time t11, the coverage rate E increases sharply due to the cultivation management work being performed at time t12.

[0095] Thereafter, from time t13 to time t14, the coverage rate E exceeds the upper judgment value J1. In this example, when the current time is time t14, time t13 corresponds to the above-mentioned "first time point," and time t14 corresponds to the above-mentioned "second time point."

[0096] Then, when the current time is time t14, the upper state time coincides with the judgment time TA. That is, the ratio of the upper state time to the judgment time TA is 100%. Therefore, the ratio of the upper state time to the judgment time TA is equal to or greater than the predetermined ratio. Therefore, the correction determination unit 55 determines to correct the reference coverage rate ST.

[0097] As a result, at time t14, the correction execution unit 56 corrects the reference coverage rate ST. As a result, the reference coverage rate ST increases at time t14. The corrected reference coverage rate ST is sent to the reference calculation unit 46. The reference calculation unit 46 recalculates the irrigation reference value TH based on the corrected reference coverage rate ST. As a result, the irrigation reference value TH increases at time t14.

[0098] Note that the upper state time may include not only the time when the coverage rate E is greater than the upper judgment value J1, but also the time when the coverage rate E matches the upper judgment value J1. For example, in the example shown in Fig. 6, at time t13, the coverage rate E may be greater than the upper judgment value J1, or the coverage rate E may match the upper judgment value J1.

[0099] 3, the lower judgment value determination unit 52 acquires the irrigation reference value TH from the reference calculation unit 46. The lower judgment value determination unit 52 determines a lower judgment value J2 (see FIG. 7) based on the irrigation reference value TH. Although not particularly limited, the lower judgment value determination unit 52 may determine, for example, a value 1.02 times the irrigation reference value TH as the lower judgment value J2.

[0100] The lower judgment value J2 is a value related to the correction of the standard coverage ST. That is, the lower judgment value J2 is the judgment value J.

[0101] In this way, the lower judgment value determining unit 52 determines the lower judgment value J2, which is the judgment value J, based on the irrigation reference value TH.

[0102] The lower limit determination unit 52 sends the determined lower limit determination value J2 to the lower limit time calculation unit 54. In addition, the coverage E calculated over time by the coverage calculation unit 44 is sent to the calculation processing unit 42. The lower limit time calculation unit 54 calculates the lower limit state time over time based on the lower limit determination value J2 and the coverage E. The lower limit state time is the total time during which the coverage E is below the lower limit determination value J2 between the first time point and the second time point.

[0103] In this way, the lower limit time calculation unit 54 calculates the lower limit state time, which is the total time during which the coverage rate E is below the lower limit determination value J2 between the first time point and the second time point.

[0104] 3, the downward state time calculated by the downward state time calculation unit 54 is sent to the correction determination unit 55. The correction determination unit 55 determines whether or not to correct the reference coverage rate ST based on the downward state time.

[0105] More specifically, the correction determination unit 55 determines whether the ratio of the downward state time to the determination time TA (see FIG. 7) is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio. If the ratio of the downward state time to the determination time TA is equal to or greater than the predetermined ratio, the correction determination unit 55 determines to correct the reference coverage rate ST. Note that this "predetermined ratio" is 60% in this embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and this "predetermined ratio" may be any ratio other than 60%.

[0106] In this way, the correction unit 43 determines to correct the reference coverage rate ST when the ratio of the downward state time to the determination time TA, which is the length from the first time point to the second time point, is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio. That is, the correction unit 43 determines whether to correct the reference coverage rate ST based on the downward state time.

[0107] Furthermore, the length of the judgment time TA when determining whether or not to revise the reference coverage rate ST based on the upper state time and the length of the judgment time TA when determining whether or not to revise the reference coverage rate ST based on the lower state time may be the same or different from each other.

[0108] In addition, the administrator may be able to set the length of the judgment time TA when determining whether to revise the reference coverage rate ST based on the upper state time, and the length of the judgment time TA when determining whether to revise the reference coverage rate ST based on the lower state time.

[0109] The processing after the correction determination unit 55 determines that the reference coverage rate ST is to be corrected is as described above.

[0110] 7, the timing at which the irrigation instruction signal is output by the irrigation instruction unit 41 is indicated by an upward arrow. In this example, after irrigation is performed at time t21, cultivation management work is performed at time t22, causing the coverage rate E to suddenly decrease. As a result, the coverage rate E falls below the irrigation reference value TH.

[0111] Then, since the coverage rate E falls below the irrigation reference value TH, the irrigation instruction unit 41 outputs an irrigation instruction signal at time t22.

[0112] Thereafter, the total time during which the coverage rate E is below the lower determination value J2 is relatively long between time t22 and time t23. In this example, when the current time is time t23, time t22 corresponds to the above-mentioned "first time point," and time t23 corresponds to the above-mentioned "second time point."

[0113] In this example, when the current time is time t23, the ratio of the downward state time to the judgment time TA is 80%. Therefore, the ratio of the downward state time to the judgment time TA is equal to or greater than the predetermined ratio. Therefore, the correction determination unit 55 determines to correct the reference coverage rate ST.

[0114] As a result, at time t23, the correction execution unit 56 corrects the reference coverage rate ST. As a result, the reference coverage rate ST decreases at time t23. The corrected reference coverage rate ST is sent to the reference calculation unit 46. The reference calculation unit 46 recalculates the irrigation reference value TH based on the corrected reference coverage rate ST. As a result, the irrigation reference value TH decreases at time t23.

[0115] The lower state time may include not only the time when the coverage rate E is smaller than the lower determination value J2, but also the time when the coverage rate E is equal to the lower determination value J2.

[0116] With the configuration described above, the correction determination unit 55 determines whether or not to correct the reference coverage rate ST based on the upper state time calculated by the upper time calculation unit 53 and the lower state time calculated by the lower time calculation unit 54. That is, the correction unit 43 determines whether or not to correct the reference coverage rate ST based on the calculation result by the time calculation unit K.

[0117] Furthermore, the above-mentioned "predetermined conditions" are the conditions that "the ratio of the upper state time to the determination time TA is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio," and "the ratio of the lower state time to the determination time TA is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio." If the ratio of the upper state time to the determination time TA is less than the predetermined ratio and the ratio of the lower state time to the determination time TA is less than the predetermined ratio, the correction determination unit 55 determines not to correct the reference coverage rate ST at this time.

[0118] When determining whether to modify the reference coverage rate ST based on the upper state time, the first point in time may be the point in time when the irrigation instruction signal is output by the irrigation instruction unit 41. In this case, the second point in time may be determined to be a point in time that is a determination time TA after the first point in time. In other words, the second point in time does not have to be the current time.

[0119] Furthermore, when determining whether to modify the reference coverage rate ST based on the downward state time, the first point in time may be the point in time when the irrigation instruction signal is output by the irrigation instruction unit 41. In this case, the second point in time may be determined to be a point in time that is a determination time TA after the first point in time. In other words, the second point in time does not have to be the current time.

[0120] 6, not only the upper judgment value J1 but also the lower judgment value J2 may be determined. Also, in the example shown in FIG. 7, not only the lower judgment value J2 but also the upper judgment value J1 may be determined.

[0121] [Repeated watering interval] 3, the management computer 4 has an interval setting unit 48. The manager can input the repetitive watering interval (corresponding to the "time interval" according to the present invention) via the input device 2.

[0122] The repeated watering interval input to the input device 2 is sent to the interval setting unit 48. The interval setting unit 48 then sets the repeated watering interval in accordance with the administrator's input. The set repeated watering interval is sent to the watering instruction unit 41.

[0123] In this embodiment, the irrigation instruction unit 41 does not output a next irrigation instruction signal until the repeat irrigation interval has elapsed since the time the irrigation instruction signal was output. That is, the irrigation instruction unit 41 is configured not to output a next irrigation instruction signal until the predetermined repeat irrigation interval has elapsed since the time the irrigation instruction signal was output.

[0124] For example, in the example shown in Fig. 8, the coverage rate E is plotted for each minute. Also, in Fig. 8, the timing at which the irrigation instruction signal was output by the irrigation instruction unit 41 is indicated by an upward arrow. Also, at 10:14, the standard coverage rate ST is corrected and the irrigation standard value TH is recalculated.

[0125] In the example shown in Figure 8, the lower judgment value J2 is equal to the irrigation reference value TH. The judgment time TA is 15 minutes (the time required for 15 plots). The repetitive irrigation interval is set to 15 minutes.

[0126] In this example, after irrigation is performed at exactly 10:00, the coverage rate E falls below the lower limit judgment value J2 before the irrigation standard value TH is recalculated from 10:01, 10:02, 10:04, 10:06, and 10:014. Note that even at exactly 10:00, the coverage rate E falls below the lower limit judgment value J2. Therefore, at 10:14, the lower limit time calculation unit 54 calculates the lower limit state time to be 13 minutes.

[0127] In this case, the ratio of the downward state time to the judgment time TA is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio (60%). Therefore, the correction judgment unit 55 decides to correct the reference coverage rate ST. As a result, at 10:14, the correction execution unit 56 corrects the reference coverage rate ST. As a result, the reference coverage rate ST decreases at 10:14. The corrected reference coverage rate ST is sent to the reference calculation unit 46. The reference calculation unit 46 recalculates the irrigation reference value TH based on the corrected reference coverage rate ST. As a result, the irrigation reference value TH decreases at 10:14.

[0128] In this example, as described above, the repeat irrigation interval is set to 15 minutes. Therefore, the irrigation instruction unit 41 does not output the next irrigation instruction signal until 15 minutes have passed since exactly 10:00, when the irrigation instruction signal was output. Therefore, for example, even though the coverage rate E is below the irrigation reference value TH at 10:01, the irrigation instruction unit 41 does not output the irrigation instruction signal.

[0129] In the example shown in Fig. 9, the coverage rate E is plotted for each minute. In Fig. 9, the timing at which the irrigation instruction signal is output by the irrigation instruction unit 41 is indicated by an upward arrow.

[0130] In the example shown in Figure 9, the lower judgment value J2 mentioned above coincides with the irrigation reference value TH. The judgment time TA mentioned above is set to 15 minutes (the time required for 15 plots). The repeated irrigation interval is set to 10 minutes. The progress of the coverage E, the reference coverage ST, and the irrigation reference value TH (lower judgment value J2) in Figure 9 are the same as those in Figure 8.

[0131] In this example, similar to the example shown in Fig. 8, the correction execution unit 56 corrects the reference coverage rate ST at 10:14. Accordingly, the irrigation reference value TH decreases at 10:14.

[0132] In this example, as described above, the repeat irrigation interval is set to 10 minutes. Therefore, the irrigation instruction unit 41 does not output the next irrigation instruction signal until 10 minutes have passed since the irrigation instruction signal was output at exactly 10:00. Therefore, for example, even though the coverage rate E is below the irrigation reference value TH at 10:01, the irrigation instruction unit 41 does not output the irrigation instruction signal.

[0133] Furthermore, at 10:10, which is the point when the repeated watering interval (10 minutes) has elapsed since exactly 10:00, the coverage rate E falls below the watering reference value TH. Therefore, at 10:10, the watering instruction unit 41 outputs a watering instruction signal.

[0134] [Limitation on the number of times of watering] As shown in Fig. 3, the management computer 4 has an irrigation control unit 49. The irrigation control unit 49 includes a time limit setting unit 57 and a number of limit setting unit 58. The manager can input the repeated irrigation time limit (corresponding to the "time limit" according to the present invention) and the number of repeated irrigation limit (corresponding to the "number of limit" according to the present invention) via the input device 2.

[0135] The repeated irrigation time limit and repeated irrigation count limit input to the input device 2 are sent to the irrigation control unit 49. Then, the time limit setting unit 57 sets the repeated irrigation time limit in accordance with the administrator's input. Also, the count limit setting unit 58 sets the repeated irrigation count limit in accordance with the administrator's input. The set repeated irrigation time limit and repeated irrigation count limit are sent to the irrigation instruction unit 41.

[0136] In this embodiment, the irrigation instruction unit 41 is configured to limit the output of the irrigation instruction signal so that the number of times the irrigation instruction signal is output within the repeated irrigation time limit is within the repeated irrigation limit number. In other words, the irrigation instruction unit 41 limits the output of the irrigation instruction signal so that the number of times the irrigation instruction signal is output within a predetermined repeated irrigation time limit is within a predetermined repeated irrigation limit number.

[0137] For example, in the example shown in Fig. 10, the coverage rate E is plotted for each minute. Also, in Fig. 10, the timing at which the irrigation instruction signal is output by the irrigation instruction unit 41 is indicated by an upward arrow.

[0138] In the example shown in Figure 10, the lower judgment value J2 mentioned above coincides with the irrigation reference value TH. The judgment time TA mentioned above is set to 15 minutes (the time required for 15 plots). The repeated irrigation interval is set to 3 minutes. The progress of the coverage E, the reference coverage ST, and the irrigation reference value TH (lower judgment value J2) in Figure 10 are the same as those in Figure 8.

[0139] In the example shown in FIG. 10, the repeated watering time limit and the repeated watering count limit are set to 15 minutes and 3 times, respectively.

[0140] In this example, similar to the example shown in Fig. 8, the correction execution unit 56 corrects the reference coverage rate ST at 10:14. Accordingly, the irrigation reference value TH decreases at 10:14.

[0141] In this example, as described above, the repeat watering interval is set to three minutes, so the watering instruction unit 41 will not output the next watering instruction signal until three minutes have passed since exactly 10:00, when the watering instruction signal was output.

[0142] Furthermore, at 10:03, when the repeated watering interval (3 minutes) has elapsed since exactly 10:00, the coverage rate E does not fall below the watering reference value TH. Therefore, at 10:03, the watering instruction unit 41 does not output a watering instruction signal. Thereafter, at 10:04, the coverage rate E falls below the watering reference value TH. Therefore, at 10:04, the watering instruction unit 41 outputs a watering instruction signal.

[0143] The irrigation instruction unit 41 does not output the next irrigation instruction signal until the repeat irrigation interval (3 minutes) has elapsed since 10:04, when the irrigation instruction signal was output. At 10:07, when the repeat irrigation interval (3 minutes) has elapsed since 10:04, the coverage rate E falls below the irrigation reference value TH. Therefore, at 10:07, the irrigation instruction unit 41 outputs an irrigation instruction signal.

[0144] As explained above, in this example, the irrigation instruction signal is output at exactly 10:00, 10:04, and 10:07. That is, from exactly 10:00 within the repeated irrigation time limit (15 minutes), the irrigation instruction signal is output the same number of times as the repeated irrigation time limit (3 times). Therefore, after the third irrigation instruction signal is output at 10:07, the irrigation instruction unit 41 does not output any irrigation instruction signals until the repeated irrigation time limit (15 minutes) counted from exactly 10:00 has expired.

[0145] Therefore, for example, at 10:10, the watering interval (3 minutes) has elapsed since 10:07, and the coverage rate E is below the watering reference value TH, but the watering instruction unit 41 does not output a watering instruction signal. Similarly, for example, at 10:13, the watering instruction unit 41 does not output a watering instruction signal.

[0146] As explained above, when the state of the cultivated plant P changes due to cultivation management work, the transition of the coverage rate E is likely to be different from the transition before the cultivation management work. For example, if the coverage rate E increases sharply as a result of the cultivation management work, for example, because the leaf P1 moves closer to the imaging unit Ca, the coverage rate E tends to transition within a range higher than the range before the cultivation management work. Also, if the coverage rate E decreases sharply as a result of the cultivation management work, for example, because the leaf P1 moves farther away from the imaging unit Ca, the coverage rate E tends to transition within a range lower than the range before the cultivation management work.

[0147] According to the configuration described above, whether or not to modify the reference coverage rate ST is determined based on the total time during which the coverage rate E is above the judgment value J or the total time during which the coverage rate E is below the judgment value J. This makes it easy to implement a configuration in which the reference coverage rate ST is modified when the coverage rate E is in a range higher than the range before the cultivation management work, or when the coverage rate E is in a range lower than the range before the cultivation management work. When the reference coverage rate ST is modified, the irrigation reference value TH is recalculated. This makes it easier to continue appropriate irrigation.

[0148] Therefore, according to the configuration described above, it is possible to realize an irrigation control system S that can easily continue appropriate irrigation when the state of the cultivated plant P changes due to cultivation management work.

[0149] Other Embodiments (1) The upper judgment value determination unit 51 may determine the upper judgment value J1 to be the same value as the reference coverage rate ST.

[0150] (2) The upper judgment value determination unit 51 and the upper time calculation unit 53 may not be provided. In this case, the correction unit 43 may be configured to determine whether to correct the reference coverage rate ST based only on the lower state time among the upper state time and the lower state time.

[0151] (3) The modifying unit 43 may be configured to determine whether to modify the reference coverage rate ST without being based on the ratio of the upper state time to the judgment time TA. For example, the modifying unit 43 may be configured to determine to modify the reference coverage rate ST when the upper state time is equal to or longer than a predetermined length.

[0152] (4) The lower limit determination unit 52 and the lower limit time calculation unit 54 may not be provided. In this case, the correction unit 43 may be configured to determine whether to correct the reference coverage rate ST based only on the upper limit state time out of the upper limit state time and the lower limit state time.

[0153] (5) The modifying unit 43 may be configured to determine whether to modify the reference coverage rate ST without being based on the ratio of the downward state time to the judgment time TA. For example, the modifying unit 43 may be configured to determine to modify the reference coverage rate ST when the downward state time is equal to or longer than a predetermined length.

[0154] (6) The interval setting unit 48 does not have to be provided. That is, the configuration may be such that the output of the irrigation instruction signal is not limited based on the repetitive irrigation interval.

[0155] (7) The irrigation control unit 49 does not have to be provided. That is, the configuration may be such that the output of the irrigation instruction signal is not limited based on the repeated irrigation time limit and the repeated irrigation count limit.

[0156] The configurations disclosed in the above-described embodiments (including other embodiments, the same applies hereinafter) can be applied in combination with the configurations disclosed in other embodiments, unless a contradiction arises. Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these, and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the purpose of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0157] The present invention can be used in an irrigation control system that includes an imaging unit that captures images of leaves of cultivated plants. [Explanation of symbols]

[0158] 41: Watering indicator 43: Correction section 44: Coverage calculation unit (tension index value calculation unit) 45: Reference coverage setting unit (reference index value setting unit) 46: Standard calculation section 51: Upper judgment value determination unit 52: Lower judgment value determination unit 53:Upper time calculation section 54: Downward time calculation unit Ca: Imaging unit E: Coverage rate (tension index value) G: Judgment value determination unit J: Judgment value J1: Upper judgment value J2: Lower judgment value K: Time calculation section P:Cultivated plants P1 :leaf S: Irrigation control system ST: Standard coverage rate (standard index value) TA: Judgment time TH: Standard watering value V: Captured image

Claims

1. an imaging unit that captures an image of a leaf of a cultivated plant; a tension index value calculation unit that calculates a tension index value that indicates a degree of tension of the leaves based on the captured image acquired by the imaging unit; a reference index value setting unit that sets the tension index value at a reference time as a reference index value; a reference calculation unit that calculates an irrigation reference value based on the reference index value; an irrigation instruction unit that outputs an irrigation instruction signal when the tension index value falls below the irrigation reference value; a correction unit that corrects the reference index value when a predetermined condition is satisfied, When the reference index value is corrected by the correction unit, the reference calculation unit recalculates the irrigation reference value based on the corrected reference index value, a judgment value determination unit that determines a judgment value regarding correction of the reference index value; a time calculation unit that calculates a total time during which the tension index value is greater than the determination value between a first time point and a second time point, or a total time during which the tension index value is less than the determination value between the first time point and the second time point, the correction unit determines whether to correct the reference index value based on a calculation result by the time calculation unit; an upper judgment value determination unit that is the judgment value determination unit; an upper time calculation unit that is the time calculation unit, the upper judgment value determination unit determines an upper judgment value, which is the judgment value, based on the reference index value; the upper state time calculation unit calculates an upper state time, which is a total time during which the tension index value is above the upper determination value between the first time point and the second time point; the correction unit determines whether to correct the reference index value based on the upward state time; The correction unit is an irrigation control system that decides to correct the reference index value when the ratio of the upward state time to the judgment time, which is the length from the first point in time to the second point in time, is greater than or equal to a predetermined ratio.

2. An imaging unit that captures images of leaves of cultivated plants; a tension index value calculation unit that calculates a tension index value that indicates a degree of tension of the leaves based on the captured image acquired by the imaging unit; a reference index value setting unit that sets the tension index value at a reference time as a reference index value; a reference calculation unit that calculates an irrigation reference value based on the reference index value; an irrigation instruction unit that outputs an irrigation instruction signal when the tension index value falls below the irrigation reference value; a correction unit that corrects the reference index value when a predetermined condition is satisfied, When the reference index value is corrected by the correction unit, the reference calculation unit recalculates the irrigation reference value based on the corrected reference index value, a judgment value determination unit that determines a judgment value regarding correction of the reference index value; a time calculation unit that calculates a total time during which the tension index value is greater than the determination value between a first time point and a second time point, or a total time during which the tension index value is less than the determination value between the first time point and the second time point, the correction unit determines whether to correct the reference index value based on a calculation result by the time calculation unit; a lower judgment value determination unit that is the judgment value determination unit; a lower time calculation unit that is the time calculation unit, The lower judgment value determination unit determines a lower judgment value, which is the judgment value, based on the irrigation reference value; the lower limit time calculation unit calculates a lower limit state time, which is a total time during which the tension index value is below the lower limit determination value between the first time point and the second time point; the correction unit determines whether to correct the reference index value based on the downward state time; The correction unit is an irrigation control system that decides to correct the reference index value when the ratio of the downward state time to the judgment time, which is the length from the first point in time to the second point in time, is greater than or equal to a predetermined ratio.

3. An imaging unit that captures images of leaves of cultivated plants; a tension index value calculation unit that calculates a tension index value that indicates a degree of tension of the leaves based on the captured image acquired by the imaging unit; a reference index value setting unit that sets the tension index value at a reference time as a reference index value; a reference calculation unit that calculates an irrigation reference value based on the reference index value; an irrigation instruction unit that outputs an irrigation instruction signal when the tension index value falls below the irrigation reference value; a correction unit that corrects the reference index value when a predetermined condition is satisfied, When the reference index value is corrected by the correction unit, the reference calculation unit recalculates the irrigation reference value based on the corrected reference index value, a judgment value determination unit that determines a judgment value regarding correction of the reference index value; a time calculation unit that calculates a total time during which the tension index value is greater than the determination value between a first time point and a second time point, or a total time during which the tension index value is less than the determination value between the first time point and the second time point, the correction unit determines whether to correct the reference index value based on a calculation result by the time calculation unit; The irrigation control system wherein the irrigation instruction unit limits the output of the irrigation instruction signal so that the number of times the irrigation instruction signal is output within a predetermined time limit is within a predetermined limit.

4. An imaging unit that captures images of leaves of cultivated plants; a tension index value calculation unit that calculates a tension index value that indicates a degree of tension of the leaves based on the captured image acquired by the imaging unit; a reference index value setting unit that sets the tension index value at a reference time as a reference index value; a reference calculation unit that calculates an irrigation reference value based on the reference index value; an irrigation instruction unit that outputs an irrigation instruction signal when the tension index value falls below the irrigation reference value; a correction unit that corrects the reference index value when a predetermined condition is satisfied, When the reference index value is corrected by the correction unit, the reference calculation unit recalculates the irrigation reference value based on the corrected reference index value, a judgment value determination unit that determines a judgment value regarding correction of the reference index value; a time calculation unit that calculates a total time during which the tension index value is greater than the determination value between a first time point and a second time point, or a total time during which the tension index value is less than the determination value between the first time point and the second time point, the correction unit determines whether to correct the reference index value based on a calculation result by the time calculation unit; An irrigation control system in which the irrigation instruction unit is configured not to output the next irrigation instruction signal until a predetermined time interval has elapsed since the irrigation instruction signal was output.

5. the second time point is the current time, The irrigation control system according to claim 1 , wherein the first point in time is a point in time that is a predetermined time before the second point in time.

Images