Irrigation Control System

Abstract

To provide an irrigation control system that easily calls attention to an operator as to whether the operating state of the system is normal or not.SOLUTION: The present invention comprises: an irrigation device for irrigating cultivated plants; an imaging unit that captures images of the cultivated plants; a control unit capable of controlling the irrigation device based on the captured image acquired by the imaging unit; a determination unit that determines whether the operating state of the system including the irrigation device, the imaging unit, and the control unit is normal or not; and a display unit 53 that displays the operating state. The control unit has a plurality of modes and can switch the mode according to the determination result of the determination unit. The display unit 53 displays an indicator light part 68 that can display visual information divided into a plurality of display patterns to call attention to the operator. The control unit switches the display pattern of the indicator light part 68 according to the mode switching.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an irrigation control system for irrigating cultivated plants. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an irrigation control system that controls irrigation of cultivated plants based on images captured by an imaging unit. This irrigation control system is equipped with a display unit (referred to as a "display device" in the document) that displays operating information of the system, allowing an operator or the like to check the progress of irrigation on the display unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-191246 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It is desirable for operators to have a configuration that allows them to easily determine whether the system is operating normally. In this case, the challenge is how to display visual information to alert the operator in an easy-to-understand manner.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an irrigation control system that can easily alert an operator as to whether the operating status of the system is normal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The irrigation control system of the present invention includes an irrigation device that irrigates cultivated plants, an imaging unit that images the cultivated plants, a control unit that can control the irrigation device based on the image acquired by the imaging unit, and a control unit that controls the operation status of the system including the irrigation device, the imaging unit, and the control unit. There is an error that is interfering withand a display unit that displays the operating state. The control unit has a plurality of modes, and the determination unit The type of error determined by The mode can be switched depending on the mode, and the display unit displays an indicator light unit that can display visual information to alert the operator in multiple display patterns, and the control unit switches the display pattern of the indicator light unit depending on the mode.

[0007] According to the present invention, the indicator light unit is displayed on the display unit, and the indicator light unit can switch between displaying visual information to call attention depending on the mode switched based on the determination result of the determination unit. Therefore, an operator or the like can recognize the determination result of the determination unit, which determines whether the operating status of the system is normal, based on the display pattern of the display unit. This realizes an irrigation control system that easily calls the operator's attention as to whether the operating status of the system is normal.

[0008] In the present invention, it is preferable that the display unit displays an alarm column showing characters to urge the operator to take caution or give a warning, and that the control unit switches the display pattern of the indicator light unit and switches the display mode in the alarm column in accordance with the mode switch.

[0009] Once an operator determines whether the system is operating normally, they will want to know more specific information about the operating status. With this configuration, text information is displayed in the alarm field. This allows operators to determine whether the system is operating normally using the indicator light unit, and also to learn more specific information about the operating status from the text information in the alarm field.

[0010] In the present invention, the multiple modes include an operation mode which is a mode that the control unit can execute when the operating state is normal, and an alarm mode which is a mode that the control unit executes when the operating state is not normal, and it is preferable that the control unit switches the display pattern so that the indicator light unit flashes in a predetermined first color when in the operation mode, and switches the display pattern so that the indicator light unit flashes in a second color having a longer wavelength than the first color when in the alarm mode.

[0011] According to this configuration, when the control unit is in the alarm mode, the indicator light unit displays a second color having a longer wavelength than when the control unit is in the operation mode. Generally, colors with longer wavelengths are easier for operators to distinguish from a greater distance than colors with shorter wavelengths. Therefore, operators can easily visually recognize that the system is not operating normally, even when they are far away from the display unit.

[0012] In the present invention, an irrigation device that irrigates cultivated plants; an imaging unit that images the cultivated plants; a control unit that can control the irrigation device based on the image acquired by the imaging unit; a determination unit that determines whether the operating status of a system including the irrigation device, the imaging unit, and the control unit is normal; and a display unit that displays the operating status. Operation unit that accepts manual operations and, is provided, the control unit has a plurality of modes including an operation mode which is a mode which the control unit can execute when the operation state is normal, and an alarm mode which is a mode which the control unit can execute when the operation state is not normal, and is capable of switching the mode according to the determination result of the determination unit, the display unit displays an indicator light unit which can display visual information for calling the attention of an operator in a plurality of display patterns, and the control unit switches the display pattern of the indicator light unit according to the switching of the mode so that the indicator light unit flashes in a predetermined first color in the operation mode, and so that the indicator light unit flashes in a second color having a longer wavelength than the first color in the alarm mode, It is preferable that an operation unit that accepts manual operation is provided, and that the control unit transitions to the alarm mode when the operating state switches from a normal state to an abnormal state, and transitions to the operating mode when the operation unit is operated when the operating state switches from an abnormal state to a normal state.

[0013] With this configuration, after the control mode of the control unit has been switched to the alarm mode, the control mode of the control unit will not be switched to the operation mode unless the operator operates the operation unit, thereby enabling the operator to reliably recognize that the control mode of the control unit has been switched to the alarm mode.

[0014] In the present invention, the multiple modes include an abnormality mode which is a mode executed by the control unit when the operating condition is abnormal, and it is preferable that the control unit switches the display pattern when in the abnormality mode so that the indicator light unit flashes in a third color having a longer wavelength than the second color.

[0015] With this configuration, when the system is operating abnormally, the indicator light unit flashes a third color having a longer wavelength than the second color, making it easier for operators to quickly recognize that the system is operating abnormally compared to when the indicator light unit displays the second color when the system is operating abnormally.

[0016] In the present invention, it is preferable that when the operating state is abnormal, the control unit is unable to acquire the captured image.

[0017] If the control unit is unable to acquire captured images, the control unit will be unable to appropriately control the irrigation device based on the captured images. With this configuration, the control unit executes processing based on the abnormality mode when it is unable to acquire captured images. This reliably prevents inappropriate control of the irrigation device.

[0018] In the present invention, it is preferable that the abnormal operating state includes a case where the control unit is unable to control the irrigation device.

[0019] With this configuration, if the control unit cannot control the irrigation device, the control unit executes processing based on the abnormality mode and the indicator light unit flashes in a third color, allowing an operator or the like to quickly become aware of, for example, a malfunction of the irrigation device.

[0020] In the present invention, the control unit is configured to calculate a firmness index value, which is a value indicating the degree of leaf firmness of the cultivated plant, based on the captured image, set the firmness index value at a reference time as a reference index value, and calculate an irrigation reference value based on the reference index value, and the control unit is configured to execute a reference value resetting process to change at least one of the reference index value and the irrigation reference value when the firmness index value does not fall below the reference index value even after a predetermined period of time has passed since irrigation was not performed, or when the firmness index value does not exceed the irrigation reference value even after irrigation has been performed a predetermined number of times, and preferably when the operating condition is not normal, the reference value resetting process is executed a predetermined number of times or more within a predetermined time limit.

[0021] It is conceivable that the condition of the cultivated plants may change due to cultivation management work, resulting in a sudden change in the tension index value. In such cases, at least one of the reference index value and the irrigation reference value may be changed as necessary. On the other hand, if at least one of the reference index value and the irrigation reference value is changed frequently, it is conceivable that some kind of malfunction has occurred. In such cases, the control unit may switch to an alarm mode, for example, to prompt the operator or the like to reconfirm the appropriateness of the cultivation management work.

[0022] In the present invention, it is preferable that the control unit controls the irrigation device so that the number of irrigations performed by the irrigation device within a predetermined time limit is within a predetermined limit, and that when the operating condition is not normal, the number of irrigations reaches the limit within the time limit and the irrigation device is unable to irrigate.

[0023] This configuration allows operators to check the status of the irrigation device and reconfirm the suitability of the cultivation environment.

[0024] In the present invention, it is preferable that the abnormal operating state includes a case where the leaf area of ​​the cultivated plant in the captured image is smaller than a predetermined lower threshold value. Also, in the present invention, it is preferable that the abnormal operating state includes a case where the leaf area of ​​the cultivated plant in the captured image is larger than a predetermined upper threshold value.

[0025] For example, if an operator is a beginner, it may be difficult to determine whether the leaf area of ​​a cultivated plant shown in a captured image is appropriate. With this configuration, the operator can easily learn the criteria for determining whether the condition of the leaves shown in the captured image is normal. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [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. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a cultivation system. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a change in coverage rate. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the display contents on a management screen. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the display contents on a management screen. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a flowchart relating to switching of control modes. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram listing error items. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the transition of the coverage rate when cultivation management work is performed. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the transition of the coverage rate when cultivation management work is performed. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the contents displayed on an error history screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the direction of the arrow "N" shown in Figures 1 and 2 is "north," the direction of the arrow "S" is "south," the direction of the arrow "E" shown in Figure 1 is "east," and the direction of the arrow "W" is "west."

[0028] [Configuration of horticultural facilities] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, a cultivation system SY (corresponding to the "irrigation control system" of the present invention) in this embodiment includes a horticultural facility 1. In the horticultural facility 1, ridges A1 to A8 for planting cultivated plants Q are arranged vertically and horizontally. Passages are provided between each ridge A so that managers of the cultivated plants Q (including operators, etc.) can pass through. The horticultural facility 1 may be, for example, a greenhouse or a solar-powered plant factory.

[0029] Each of the ridges A extends in the north-south direction. The ridges A1 to A4 are located on the south side of the horticultural facility 1. The ridges A5 to A8 are located on the north side of the horticultural facility 1.

[0030] Each furrow A is made of, for example, a non-porous hydrophilic film, and a cultivated plant Q, for example, a tomato, is planted in each furrow A.

[0031] The cultivation system SY also includes two cultivated plant imaging devices 3. One cultivated plant imaging device 3 is located in the southern part of the horticultural facility 1. The other cultivated plant imaging device 3 is located in the northern part of the horticultural facility 1. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of cultivated plant imaging devices 3 included in the cultivation system SY may be one, or three or more.

[0032] 1 and 2, the cultivated plant imaging device 3 located in the south has a first camera Ca1, and the cultivated plant imaging device 3 located in the north has a second camera Ca2.

[0033] The first camera Ca1 and the second camera Ca2 are placed inside the horticultural facility 1 above the ridges A where cultivated plants Q are planted. These cameras are both fixed cameras Ca (corresponding to the "imaging unit" of the present invention).

[0034] As shown in Figure 2, cultivated plant Q is a collection of multiple plant individuals Q1. The cultivated plant Q is divided into multiple groups. More specifically, the cultivated plant Q is divided into a first group GR1 and a second group GR2.

[0035] That is, each group is composed of one or more plant individuals Q1. In this embodiment, the first group GR1 and the second group GR2 are each composed of multiple plant individuals Q1. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and at least one of the first group GR1 and the second group GR2 may be composed of a single plant individual Q1.

[0036] 1 and 2, the individual plants Q1 that make up the first group GR1 are planted in ridges A1 to A4, and the individual plants Q1 that make up the second group GR2 are planted in ridges A5 to A8.

[0037] 2, the first group GR1 includes a first reference individual QM1. Of all the plant individuals Q1 included in the first group GR1, the first reference individual QM1 is the plant individual Q1 that receives the greatest amount of solar radiation in a day. In this embodiment, the first reference individual QM1 is located at the southernmost end of the ridge A2.

[0038] The second group GR2 also includes a second reference individual QM2. The second reference individual QM2 is the plant individual Q1 that receives the greatest amount of solar radiation in a day among all the plant individuals Q1 included in the second group GR2. In this embodiment, the second reference individual QM2 is located at the southernmost end of the ridge A6.

[0039] Each fixed camera Ca has, for example, a CCD element or a CMOS element, and is configured to capture visible light visible to the naked eye. Each fixed camera Ca captures an overhead image of the leaves of the cultivated plant Q at predetermined time intervals (for example, every 60 seconds). As a result, each fixed camera Ca acquires captured images V over time, as shown in FIG.

[0040] That is, the cultivation system SY includes fixed cameras Ca that capture images of the leaves of the cultivated plants Q. Furthermore, each fixed camera Ca is configured to capture an image of the leaves of the cultivated plants Q from a bird's-eye view.

[0041] 1 and 2, the first camera Ca1 is disposed at a position corresponding to the first group GR1, and the second camera Ca2 is disposed at a position corresponding to the second group GR2.

[0042] That is, the cultivation system SY of this embodiment includes a plurality of fixed cameras Ca corresponding to a plurality of groups including the first group GR1 and the second group GR2. The cultivated plant imaging device 3 also includes a fixed camera Ca that captures an overhead image of the cultivated plant Q.

[0043] More specifically, the first camera Ca1 is positioned above the ridge A2. The first imaging area P1, which is the imaging area of ​​the first camera Ca1, covers the entire ridge A2, the eastern part of the ridge A1, and the western part of the ridge A3.

[0044] 1 and 2, the second camera Ca2 is positioned above the ridge A6. The second imaging area P2, which is the imaging area of ​​the second camera Ca2, covers the entire ridge A6, the eastern part of the ridge A5, and the western part of the ridge A7.

[0045] Although not shown, the horticultural facility 1 is also equipped with environmental sensors, side windows, blackout curtains, heat pump air conditioning equipment, etc. The dashed line Gh shown in Figure 2 is the reference position where the height of the cultivated plant Q is at its maximum, and a training string for training the stems of the cultivated plant Q hangs down from around the height of the dashed line Gh.

[0046] Each fixed camera Ca is positioned higher than the dashed line Gh, i.e., the fixed camera Ca is positioned above the height position corresponding to the maximum height of the cultivated plant Q during the cultivation process.

[0047] 1, the horticultural facility 1 is also provided with a spraying device 2. The spraying device 2 sprays a fine mist into the space where the cultivated plants Q are grown. That is, the cultivation system SY is equipped with the spraying device 2 that sprays a fine mist into the space where the cultivated plants Q are grown.

[0048] More specifically, the spray device 2 has a pipe 20, a first nozzle 21, a second nozzle 22, and a third nozzle 23. The pipe 20 extends in the north-south direction. In plan view, the pipe 20 passes between the ridges A2 and A3, and also between the ridges A6 and A7. The first nozzle 21, the second nozzle 22, and the third nozzle 23 are each provided so as to protrude from the pipe 20.

[0049] Then, water passing through the pipe 20 is sprayed in a fine mist from the first nozzle 21, the second nozzle 22, and the third nozzle 23.

[0050] The first nozzle 21 is located in the southern part of the horticultural facility 1. The first nozzle 21 sprays fine mist in the east direction. The spray range of the first nozzle 21 is a first spray range S1.

[0051] The second nozzle 22 is located in the center in the north-south direction of the horticultural facility 1. The second nozzle 22 sprays fine mist in a westward direction. The spray range of the second nozzle 22 is a second spray range S2.

[0052] The third nozzle 23 is located in the northern part of the horticultural facility 1. The third nozzle 23 sprays fine mist in the east direction. The spray range of the third nozzle 23 is a third spray range S3.

[0053] That is, the spray range of the spray device 2 is a first spray range S1, a second spray range S2, and a third spray range S3.

[0054] Here, each fixed camera Ca does not overlap any of the first spraying range S1, the second spraying range S2, and the third spraying range S3 in a plan view. That is, the fixed camera Ca is disposed at a position that does not overlap with the spraying range of the spray device 2 in a plan view.

[0055] [Configuration related to irrigation control] 4, the cultivation system SY in this embodiment includes a management computer MC. The management computer MC includes a control unit 4, a buzzer 52, a display 53, an input unit 54, a storage device 55, a communication unit 56, and a determination unit 57.

[0056] The display 53 can display, for example, the operating status of the cultivation system SY. The buzzer 52 outputs a sound, for example, when there is a change in the operating status of the cultivation system SY. The input unit 54 can be, for example, a computer mouse or a touch screen attached to the display 53. The input unit 54 accepts the designation of a coordinate point on the screen displayed on the display 53 based on a manual operation. If the input unit 54 is a touch screen, the manual operation means that the operator touches the touch screen. If the input unit 54 is a computer mouse, the manual operation means that the operator performs an operation such as clicking on the computer mouse.

[0057] The storage device 55 may be, for example, a hard disk or a flash memory. The communication unit 56 may be, for example, a serial bus port or a network communication port. That is, the communication unit 56 is a port that can be connected to an external storage medium. The determination unit 57 determines whether the operating status of the cultivation system SY including the irrigation device 10, the fixed camera Ca, and the control unit 4 is normal.

[0058] The control unit 4 has a coverage calculation unit 40, a first standard coverage setting unit 42, a first standard calculation unit 43, a second standard coverage setting unit 46, a second standard calculation unit 47, and an irrigation control unit 49. The coverage calculation unit 40 has a first coverage calculation unit 41 and a second coverage calculation unit 45. The irrigation control unit 49 has a first irrigation control unit 44 and a second irrigation control unit 48.

[0059] The horticultural facility 1 is also equipped with an irrigation device 10. The irrigation device 10 irrigates cultivated plants Q. In this embodiment, the irrigation device 10 has a first irrigation device 11 and a second irrigation device 12. The first irrigation device 11 irrigates each individual plant Q1 belonging to a first group GR1. The second irrigation device 12 irrigates each individual plant Q1 belonging to a second group GR2. Irrigation by the irrigation device 10 is performed individually for each group.

[0060] The control unit 4 is configured to be able to control the irrigation device 10 based on the captured image V acquired by the fixed camera Ca. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, a control changeover switch unit 70 is provided on the right side of the management screen 60 of the display 53. The control changeover switch unit 70 accepts an operation to switch the control source of the irrigation device 10. When the control changeover switch unit 70 is operated, the control source of the irrigation device 10 switches between the main body side of each of the first irrigation device 11 and the second irrigation device 12 and the control unit 4.

[0061] The control unit 4 in this embodiment has a plurality of control modes (multiple modes). The multiple control modes include a stop mode, a watering mode, a warning mode, and an abnormality mode. The control mode of the control unit 4 can be switched between the stop mode and the watering mode by manually operating the input unit 54. The watering mode corresponds to the "operating mode" of the present invention.

[0062] The stop mode is a mode in which the cultivation system SY is not operating. The irrigation mode is a mode in which the control unit 4 can control the irrigation device 10 based on the captured image V. Furthermore, when the determination unit 57 determines that the operating state of the cultivation system SY is not normal, the control mode of the control unit 4 switches to a warning mode or an abnormality mode. The warning mode and the abnormality mode will be described later.

[0063] 3 and 4, the calculation of the coverage Br will be described. The captured images V acquired by the first camera Ca1 at predetermined time intervals are sent to the first coverage calculation unit 41. The first coverage calculation unit 41 calculates the coverage Br of the first group GR1 over time based on the received captured images V.

[0064] The coverage rate Br is the proportion of the area occupied by leaves in the measurement area B (see FIG. 3), which is the area in the captured image V where the leaves are captured. The coverage rate Br is also a value indicating the degree of leaf tension. In other words, the coverage rate Br corresponds to the "tension index value" of the present invention.

[0065] 3, the first coverage calculation unit 41 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 Q, i.e., a covered area.

[0066] 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 due to 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.

[0067] Then, based on the determination of the covered area, the range in the captured image V where the cultivated plant Q is located is set. As shown in Fig. 3, an area surrounded by four sides is set as the area in which the branches and leaves of the cultivated plant Q 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.

[0068] 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 Br using the following formula:

[0069] Coverage Br = leaf area B1 / area Bs

[0070] It is desirable that the area Bs of the measurement region B be fixed at the area Bs before the leaves began to wilt, even if the leaves wilt over time and the area showing the branches and leaves 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.

[0071] As shown in Fig. 4, the coverage Br calculated over time by the first coverage calculation unit 41 is sent to a first reference coverage setting unit 42 and a first irrigation control unit 44. The first reference coverage setting unit 42 sets the coverage Br of the first group GR1 at the reference time as the reference coverage ST of the first group GR1 (see Fig. 5). The reference coverage ST corresponds to the "reference index value" of the present invention.

[0072] More specifically, in this embodiment, the reference time is the time period immediately after sunrise. As described above, the first camera Ca1 captures the captured image V at predetermined time intervals. That is, the first camera Ca1 captures the captured image V at multiple times during the time period immediately after sunrise. As a result, the first camera Ca1 captures multiple captured images V during the time period immediately after sunrise.

[0073] The first coverage calculation unit 41 calculates multiple coverages Br based on multiple captured images V acquired in the time period immediately after sunrise. Then, the first reference coverage setting unit 42 sets the 90th percentile value of the multiple coverages Br as the reference coverage ST.

[0074] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first reference coverage setting unit 42 may be configured to set a value other than the 90th percentile value of the above-mentioned multiple coverages Br as the reference coverage ST. For example, the first reference coverage setting unit 42 may be configured to set the maximum value of the above-mentioned multiple coverages Br as the reference coverage ST. Furthermore, the first reference coverage setting unit 42 may be configured to set the average value of the above-mentioned multiple coverages Br as the reference coverage ST.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 4, the reference coverage ST set by the first reference coverage setting unit 42 is sent to the first reference calculation unit 43.

[0076] The operator can also input a wilting coefficient via the input unit 54. The wilting coefficient is a coefficient that corresponds to the degree of wilting of a target leaf.

[0077] The wilting coefficient input to the input unit 54 is sent to the control unit 4. Then, the first standard calculation unit 43 calculates the irrigation standard value TH for the first group GR1 based on the standard coverage ST received from the first standard coverage setting unit 42 and the wilting coefficient input to the input unit 54. More specifically, the first standard calculation unit 43 calculates the irrigation standard value TH by multiplying the standard coverage ST by the wilting coefficient. The calculated irrigation standard value TH is sent to the first irrigation control unit 44.

[0078] In this way, the control unit 4 is configured to calculate the coverage rate Br, which is a value indicating the degree of leaf firmness of the cultivated plant Q, based on the captured image V, set the coverage rate Br at the reference time as the reference coverage rate ST, and calculate the irrigation standard value TH based on the reference coverage rate ST and the wilting coefficient.

[0079] When the control source of the first irrigation device 11 is the control unit 4 side, the first irrigation control unit 44 determines whether the coverage rate Br is below the irrigation standard value TH based on the coverage rate Br received from the first coverage rate calculation unit 41 and the irrigation standard value TH received from the first standard calculation unit 43. When the coverage rate Br is below the irrigation standard value TH, the first irrigation control unit 44 outputs an irrigation instruction signal.

[0080] The outputted irrigation instruction signal is sent to the first irrigation device 11. When the first irrigation device 11 is controlled by the control unit 4, the first irrigation device 11 irrigates each individual plant Q1 belonging to the first group GR1 in accordance with the irrigation instruction signal received from the first irrigation control unit 44. When the first irrigation device 11 is controlled by the main body of the first irrigation device 11, the first irrigation device 11 irrigates each individual plant Q1 belonging to the first group GR1 based on the output of its internal controller.

[0081] In other words, the first irrigation control unit 44 causes the first irrigation device 11 to irrigate the first group GR1 when the control source of the first irrigation device 11 is the control unit 4 and when the coverage rate Br of the first group GR1 falls below the irrigation standard value TH of the first group GR1.

[0082] Furthermore, the captured images V acquired by the second camera Ca2 at predetermined time intervals are sent to the second coverage calculation unit 45. The second coverage calculation unit 45, the second reference coverage setting unit 46, the second reference calculation unit 47, and the second irrigation control unit 48 have the same functions as the first coverage calculation unit 41, the first reference coverage setting unit 42, the first reference calculation unit 43, and the first irrigation control unit 44 described above.

[0083] That is, the second coverage calculation unit 45 performs the same process as the first coverage calculation unit 41 to calculate the coverage Br of the second group GR2.

[0084] Furthermore, the second reference coverage setting unit 46 performs the same processing as the first reference coverage setting unit 42 to set the reference coverage ST of the second group GR2.

[0085] Furthermore, the second reference calculation unit 47 performs the same processing as the first reference calculation unit 43 to calculate the irrigation reference value TH for the second group GR2.

[0086] Furthermore, when the second irrigation device 12 is controlled by the control unit 4, the second irrigation control unit 48 performs the same processing as the first irrigation control unit 44. For this reason, when the coverage rate Br of the second group GR2 falls below the irrigation reference value TH for the second group GR2, the second irrigation control unit 48 causes the second irrigation device 12 to irrigate the second group GR2. When the second irrigation device 12 is controlled by the main body of the second irrigation device 12, the second irrigation device 12 irrigates each individual plant Q1 belonging to the second group GR2 based on the output of the internal controller.

[0087] 4, a coverage calculation unit 40 is configured by a first coverage calculation unit 41 and a second coverage calculation unit 45. The coverage calculation unit 40 calculates a coverage Br, which is a value indicating the degree of leaf tension, for each group based on the captured image V acquired by the fixed camera Ca.

[0088] When the control unit 4 is in the irrigation mode, the irrigation control unit 49 controls the irrigation device 10 in either the first irrigation mode or the second irrigation mode. The first irrigation control unit 44 can switch the control mode between the first irrigation mode and the second irrigation mode. Furthermore, the second irrigation control unit 48 can switch the control mode between the first irrigation mode and the second irrigation mode independently of the first irrigation control unit 44.

[0089] In the first irrigation mode, the irrigation control unit 49 causes the irrigation device 10 to irrigate when either the "coverage rate Br falls below a predetermined irrigation standard value TH" or "after irrigation, the coverage rate Br is continuously equal to or greater than the predetermined irrigation standard value TH for a predetermined period of time" is satisfied. In the second irrigation mode, the time of day at which irrigation is to be performed can be set in advance, and when the current time reaches the preset time, the irrigation control unit 49 causes the irrigation device 10 to irrigate.

[0090] Furthermore, the input unit 54 can send an irrigation instruction signal to the irrigation control unit 49 in response to a manual irrigation operation by the operator. In response to this signal, the irrigation control unit 49 immediately causes the irrigation device 10 to irrigate. With this configuration, the operator can immediately cause the irrigation device 10 to irrigate by performing a manual irrigation operation on the input unit 54, regardless of the control mode of the irrigation control unit 49.

[0091] As shown in Figure 5, the coverage ratios Br of the first group GR1 and the second group GR2 basically change as follows: First, the leaves begin to wilt over time, causing the coverage ratio Br to decrease over time.

[0092] When the control mode of the irrigation control unit 49 is the first irrigation mode, the coverage rate Br falls below the irrigation reference value TH, and irrigation is performed. This causes the leaf firmness to recover, and the coverage rate Br increases. When the control mode of the irrigation control unit 49 is the second irrigation mode, irrigation is performed at predetermined set times throughout the day. In other words, the progression of leaf wilting over time and the recovery of leaf firmness due to irrigation are repeated. As a result, the coverage rate Br alternately decreases and increases.

[0093] In the example shown in the upper part of Fig. 5, the timings at which the irrigation instruction signal was output by the first irrigation control unit 44 are indicated by upward arrows. In this example, the coverage rate Br fell below the irrigation reference value TH at each of times t1, t2, t4, and t6, and therefore the irrigation instruction signal was output by the first irrigation control unit 44. As a result, irrigation was performed on the first group GR1, and as a result, the coverage rate Br exceeded the irrigation reference value TH.

[0094] 5, the timing at which the irrigation instruction signal is output by the second irrigation control unit 48 is indicated by an upward arrow. In this example, the coverage rate Br falls below the irrigation reference value TH at times t3 and t5, and therefore the irrigation instruction signal is output by the second irrigation control unit 48. As a result, irrigation is performed on the second group GR2, and as a result, the coverage rate Br exceeds the irrigation reference value TH.

[0095] In the example shown in Figure 5, the wilting coefficient of the second group GR2 is manually set to a value smaller than the wilting coefficient of the first group GR1 by the operator. Therefore, the irrigation standard value TH of the second group GR2 is lower than the irrigation standard value TH of the first group GR1. As a result, the number of times the second group GR2 is irrigated is less than the number of times the first group GR1 is irrigated.

[0096] The fixed camera Ca captures images of the leaves of the cultivated plant Q at preset time intervals. The storage device 55 shown in FIG. 4 stores the captured images V acquired by the fixed camera Ca and the coverage rates Br calculated by the coverage rate calculation unit 40 at preset intervals (e.g., every 60 seconds) over time. Thus, aggregate data of the coverage rates Br is stored in the storage device 55. The aggregate data of the coverage rates Br stored in the storage device 55 is used for displaying a graph on the management screen 60 shown in FIG. 6. The storage device 55 also stores the reference coverage rate ST and the irrigation reference value TH. The storage device 55 is not limited to being part of the management computer MC and may be, for example, a cloud server located in a data center. The captured images V may be stored in the storage device 55 in, for example, JPEG format or PNG format, or as a video.

[0097] [Displayed on the management computer] 6, the display 53 of the management computer MC is capable of displaying a management screen 60 (corresponding to the "display screen" of the present invention). The management screen 60 has a first graph display area 61 and a second graph display area 62. The first graph display area 61 and the second graph display area 62 are adjacent to each other vertically.

[0098] The first graph display area 61 is an area that displays, in a graph, time-series information showing the change in the coverage rate Br in the first group GR1. The second graph display area 62 is an area that displays, in a graph, time-series information showing the change in the coverage rate Br in the second group GR2. That is, the first graph display area 61 and the second graph display area 62 are areas that display, in a graph, the correspondence between time and the coverage rate Br. The graphs displayed in the first graph display area 61 and the second graph display area 62 are collections of plot points that show the coverage rate Br at set intervals (for example, every 60 seconds). This collection of plot points causes the graphs in the first graph display area 61 and the second graph display area 62 to be displayed in a line. In other words, a line graph showing the change in the coverage rate Br is displayed in the first graph display area 61 and the second graph display area 62.

[0099] A mode transition area 61A is displayed at the bottom end of the first graph display area 61. A mode transition area 62A is displayed at the bottom end of the second graph display area 62. Each of the mode transition areas 61A, 62A is an area that displays the transition of the control mode of the irrigation control unit 49.

[0100] Each of the mode transition areas 61A, 62A is displayed as a strip extending laterally across the screen. In each of the mode transition areas 61A, 62A, the color of the portion corresponding to the time period when the control mode of the irrigation control unit 49 was the first irrigation mode is different from the color of the portion corresponding to the time period when the control mode of the irrigation control unit 49 was the second irrigation mode. In other words, each of the mode transition areas 61A, 62A indicates the transition of the control mode of the irrigation control unit 49 by color.

[0101] In the example shown in Figure 6, the control modes of the first irrigation control unit 44 and the second irrigation control unit 48 are the second irrigation mode from 6:30 AM to 8:30 AM, the first irrigation mode from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, and the second irrigation mode from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

[0102] 6, the management screen 60 has a first current situation display area 63 and a second current situation display area 64. The first current situation display area 63 and the second current situation display area 64 are adjacent to each other vertically. The first graph display area 61 and the first current situation display area 63 are adjacent to each other horizontally. The second graph display area 62 and the second current situation display area 64 are adjacent to each other horizontally.

[0103] The first current situation display area 63 is an area for displaying current information about the first group GR1, and the second current situation display area 64 is an area for displaying current information about the second group GR2.

[0104] The first current status display area 63 includes a current mode area 63A, an irrigation reference value area 63B, a current value area 63C, and an image area 63D. The second current status display area 64 includes a current mode area 64A, an irrigation reference value area 64B, a current value area 64C, and an image area 64D.

[0105] The current mode areas 63A, 64A each display the current control mode of the irrigation control unit 49. That is, the current mode area 63A of the first current status display area 63 displays the control mode of the first irrigation control unit 44. Specifically, the current mode area 63A of the first current status display area 63 displays "automatic irrigation not controlled." This indicates that the current control mode of the first irrigation control unit 44 is the second irrigation mode. Note that when the current control mode of the first irrigation control unit 44 is the first irrigation mode, the current mode area 63A of the first current status display area 63 displays "automatic irrigation control in progress."

[0106] Furthermore, the current mode area 64A of the second current status display area 64 displays the control mode of the second irrigation control unit 48. Specifically, the current mode area 64A of the second current status display area 64 displays "automatic irrigation not controlled." This indicates that the current control mode of the second irrigation control unit 48 is the second irrigation mode. Note that when the current control mode of the second irrigation control unit 48 is the first irrigation mode, the current mode area 64A of the second current status display area 64 displays "automatic irrigation control in progress."

[0107] The irrigation reference value areas 63B, 64B display the irrigation reference value TH. That is, the irrigation reference value area 63B of the first current status display area 63 displays the irrigation reference value TH of the first group GR1. Also, the irrigation reference value area 64B of the second current status display area 64 displays the irrigation reference value TH of the second group GR2.

[0108] The current value areas 63C and 64C display the current coverage rate Br. That is, the current value area 63C of the first current situation display area 63 displays the current coverage rate Br of the first group GR1. Also, the current value area 64C of the second current situation display area 64 displays the current coverage rate Br of the second group GR2.

[0109] The image areas 63D and 64D display the latest captured image V. That is, the image area 63D of the first current situation display area 63 displays the latest captured image V captured by the first camera Ca1. Also, the image area 64D of the second current situation display area 64 displays the latest captured image V captured by the second camera Ca2.

[0110] In this way, the management computer MC of this embodiment is configured to be able to display a graph showing the coverage rate Br in time series and the captured image V on the screen.

[0111] 6, an alarm field 65 and a download operation section 66 are present at the bottom of the management screen 60. The alarm field 65 and the download operation section 66 are each located below the second graph display area 62.

[0112] The alarm field 65 is an area for displaying various warnings and abnormalities as text messages. For example, if an abnormality occurs in the fixed camera Ca, the alarm field 65 will display a message to that effect.

[0113] The download operation unit 66 is configured to be able to accept a manual operation to store the aggregate data of the coverage rate Br stored in the storage device 55 in a storage medium communicatively connected to the communication unit 56. The storage medium communicatively connected to the communication unit 56 is a storage medium separate from the storage device 55, such as a flash memory.

[0114] When the communication unit 56 is not connected to the storage medium, the download operation unit 66 is grayed out and does not accept any manual operations. In other words, when the storage medium is removed from the port of the communication unit 56, the download operation unit 66 does not function.

[0115] Download operation unit 66 accepts a manual operation when communication unit 56 is communicatively connected to a storage medium. In other words, when a manual operation is performed on input unit 54 and the coordinate point specified based on the manual operation overlaps with the coordinate where download operation unit 66 is located on the screen of display 53, download operation unit 66 accepts the manual operation. When download operation unit 66 accepts the manual operation, the aggregate data of coverage rate Br stored in storage device 55 is copied to the storage medium communicatively connected to communication unit 56.

[0116] As shown in FIG. 6, on the right side of the management screen 60, a stacked indicator light section 68, an abnormality display section 69, a control changeover switch section 70, and a buzzer stop operation section 71 are displayed.

[0117] The indicator light stack 68 can display visual information to alert the operator in a plurality of display patterns. In the indicator light stack 68, a lower portion 68A, a middle portion 68B, and an upper portion 68C are arranged vertically. When the control unit 4 is in the irrigation mode, the lower portion 68A is displayed in green (corresponding to the "first color" of the present invention), and the middle portion 68B and the upper portion 68C are displayed in gray. When the control unit 4 is in the warning mode, the middle portion 68B is displayed in yellow, and the lower portion 68A and the upper portion 68C are displayed in gray. When the control unit 4 is in the abnormal mode, the upper portion 68C is displayed in red, and the lower portion 68A and the middle portion 68B are displayed in gray. In this way, the indicator light stack 68 is configured to be able to switch the display pattern depending on the control mode of the control unit 4.

[0118] When the control unit 4 is in the warning mode or the abnormality mode, the abnormality display unit 69 displays the part corresponding to the abnormality in the cultivation system SY. In the example shown in Fig. 6, the abnormality display unit 69 has a part that displays "camera abnormality", a part that displays "storage device abnormality", and a part that displays "irrigation abnormality".

[0119] As described above, the control changeover switch unit 70 accepts an operation to switch the control source of the irrigation device 10. In other words, when a manual operation is performed on the input unit 54 and the coordinate point specified based on the manual operation overlaps with the coordinate where the control changeover switch unit 70 is located on the screen of the display 53, the control changeover switch unit 70 accepts the manual operation. When the control changeover switch unit 70 accepts the manual operation, the control source of the irrigation device 10 switches between the main body side of each of the first irrigation device 11 and the second irrigation device 12 and the control unit 4 side.

[0120] Buzzer stop operation unit 71 accepts an operation to stop the output of buzzer 52. In other words, when a manual operation is performed on input unit 54 and the coordinate point specified based on the manual operation overlaps with the coordinates where buzzer stop operation unit 71 is located on the screen of display 53, buzzer stop operation unit 71 accepts the manual operation. When buzzer stop operation unit 71 accepts the manual operation, control unit 4 outputs a stop signal to buzzer 52, and sound output from buzzer 52 stops.

[0121] In this embodiment, the control unit 4 is configured to be able to display, on the management screen 60, in addition to the latest captured image V displayed in the image areas 63D and 64D, captured images V captured in the past. In other words, the management computer MC of this embodiment is configured to be able to selectively display, on the management screen 60, captured images V captured at times within the time series ranges displayed in the first graph display area 61 and the second graph display area 62, from among the multiple captured images V stored in the storage device 55.

[0122] 7, when the operator operates an arbitrary plot point on the graph line in the first graph display area 61 or the second graph display area 62 using the input unit 54 (a touch screen or a computer mouse), a separate widget portion 72 pops up and is displayed on the management screen 60. Then, the captured image V captured at the time corresponding to the plot point is displayed in the separate widget portion 72.

[0123] For example, if the input unit 54 is a touch screen, when the operator touches an arbitrary plot point on the graph line in the first graph display area 61 or the second graph display area 62, a separate widget portion 72 is popped up and displayed near the plot point on the management screen 60. Then, the captured image V captured at the time corresponding to the plot point is displayed in the separate widget portion 72.

[0124] Furthermore, for example, if the input unit 54 is a computer mouse, when the operator places the mouse cursor over an arbitrary plot point on the graph line in the first graph display area 61 or the second graph display area 62 and clicks, a separate widget portion 72 pops up near the plot point on the management screen 60. Then, the captured image V captured at the time corresponding to the plot point is displayed in the separate widget portion 72.

[0125] In other words, when a manual operation is performed on the input unit 54 and a coordinate point specified based on the manual operation overlaps with a time series line (a line formed by a collection of plot points arranged in time series) in the first graph display area 61 or the second graph display area 62, the control unit 4 displays the captured image V captured at the time corresponding to the part of the time series line that overlaps with the coordinate point.

[0126] [Regarding mode switching processing of the control unit based on the judgment of the judgment unit] The processing of the control unit 4 based on the determination of the determination unit 57 is executed based on the flowchart shown in Fig. 8. The processing from the start to the end in the flowchart shown in Fig. 8 is executed repeatedly and periodically. If no error has occurred in the cultivation system SY (step #01: No) and the control mode of the control unit 4 is the irrigation mode (step #06: Yes), the flowchart ends and the start of the next periodic processing is awaited.

[0127] First, in step #01, the determination unit 57 determines whether an error has occurred in the cultivation system SY. Specifically, the determination unit 57 determines whether the operating state of the cultivation system SY corresponds to any of the error items listed in FIG. 9.

[0128] If the operating status of the cultivation system SY corresponds to an error item listed in Fig. 9 (Step #01: Yes), the determination unit 57 determines whether the type of the error is a warning or an abnormality. The error types in the error items shown in Fig. 9 include "warning" and "abnormality."

[0129] If the type of error corresponds to "warning" (step #02: warning), the control mode of the control unit 4 switches to warning mode (step #03). At this time, the operation of the cultivation system SY continues. At this time, the middle part 68B of the stacked indicator light unit 68 flashes yellow, and the content of the error is displayed in the alarm field 65. The control unit 4 switches the display pattern so that the stacked indicator light unit 68 flashes yellow (corresponding to the "second color" of the present invention) when in warning mode.

[0130] If the type of error corresponds to "abnormal" (Step #02: Abnormal), the control mode of the control unit 4 switches to warning mode (Step #04). At this time, the operation of the cultivation system SY is interrupted (Step #05). At this time, the upper part 68C of the stacked indicator light unit 68 flashes red, and the content of the error is displayed in the alarm field 65. The control unit 4 switches the display pattern so that the stacked indicator light unit 68 flashes red (corresponding to the "third color" of the present invention) when in abnormal mode.

[0131] In this way, when an error occurs in the cultivation system SY (Step #01: Yes), the processes of Step #02 and Step #03, or the processes of Step #02, Step #04, and Step #05 are periodically repeated. That is, the control unit 4 can switch the control mode according to the judgment result of the judgment unit 57. Furthermore, the control unit 4 switches the display pattern of the stacked indicator light unit 68 and switches the display mode in the alarm field 65 according to the switching of the control mode.

[0132] When the operating status of the cultivation system SY does not correspond to any of the error items shown in Fig. 9, the determination in step #01 becomes No. When no error has occurred in the cultivation system SY (step #01: No) and the control mode of the control unit 4 is not the irrigation mode (step #06: No), it indicates that the error in the cultivation system SY has been resolved and the control mode of the control unit 4 has not returned to the irrigation mode. In this embodiment, an error history screen 80 shown in Fig. 9 is configured to be displayable on the display 53, and a confirmation section 82 is displayed on the error history screen 80.

[0133] In step #07, the confirmation unit 82 determines whether or not it has received a manual operation. If a manual operation is performed on the input unit 54 and the coordinate point specified based on the manual operation overlaps with the coordinates where the confirmation unit 82 is located on the screen of the display 53, the confirmation unit 82 receives the manual operation. If the confirmation unit 82 has not received a manual operation (step #07: No), the flowchart ends and the process waits for the start of the next periodic process.

[0134] When the confirmation unit 82 accepts a manual operation (step #07: Yes), the control mode of the control unit 4 is switched to the watering mode (step #08). At this time, the lower part 68A of the stacked indicator light unit 68 flashes green (corresponding to the "first color" of the present invention), and the alarm field 65 becomes blank. The control unit 4 switches the display pattern so that the stacked indicator light unit 68 flashes green when in the watering mode. Furthermore, if the operation of the cultivation system SY was suspended based on step #05 in the previous periodic processing, the operation of the cultivation system SY is resumed (step #09).

[0135] In this way, the control unit 4 transitions to warning mode or abnormal mode when the operating state of the cultivation system SY switches from a normal state to an abnormal state, and transitions to watering mode when the confirmation unit 82 is operated when the operating state of the cultivation system SY switches from an abnormal state to a normal state.

[0136] 9 lists the error items. The details of the error are displayed in the alarm column 65. The error items include a common error item, a camera error item, and an irrigation device error item.

[0137] Common error items include a decrease in the remaining capacity of the storage device 55, an unexpected communication error in, for example, the communication unit 56, and various setting file errors. When the remaining capacity of the storage device 55 falls below a preset first threshold, the control mode of the control unit 4 switches to warning mode. Furthermore, when the remaining capacity further decreases and falls below a second threshold that is set to an even smaller remaining capacity than the first threshold, the control mode of the control unit 4 switches to error mode.

[0138] Camera error items include imaging abnormalities of the fixed camera Ca, image processing abnormalities of the fixed camera Ca, frequent downward revisions of the irrigation standard value TH, repeated irrigation restrictions, a decrease in leaf area B1, and congestion of leaf area B1.

[0139] When an imaging abnormality occurs in the fixed camera Ca and an image processing abnormality occurs in the fixed camera Ca, it becomes impossible to acquire the captured image V. When it becomes impossible to acquire the captured image V, the coverage calculation unit 40 cannot continue calculating the coverage Br. Therefore, the control unit 4 switches the control mode to the abnormal mode. In other words, when the operating state of the cultivation system SY is abnormal, it includes a case where the control unit 4 cannot acquire the captured image V.

[0140] In the horticultural facility 1, a manager performs cultivation management tasks such as vine downing, training, leaf removal, and harvesting. When cultivation management tasks are performed, the posture and leaf position of the cultivated plants Q change. This tends to cause a sudden change in the leaf area B1 in the captured image V acquired by the fixed camera Ca. When the leaf area B1 in the captured image V changes suddenly, the coverage rate Br also changes suddenly.

[0141] A decrease in leaf area B1 means that the leaf area B1 in the captured image V has become smaller than a preset threshold value. In other words, when the operating state is abnormal, the leaf area of ​​the cultivated plant Q in the captured image V is smaller than a preset lower threshold value.

[0142] The dense leaf area B1 means that the leaf area B1 in the captured image V is larger than a preset threshold. In other words, when the operating state is abnormal, the leaf area of ​​the cultivated plant Q in the captured image V is larger than a preset upper threshold. The upper threshold is set to be larger than the above-mentioned lower threshold.

[0143] In addition, in this embodiment, if the coverage rate Br changes suddenly, the reference coverage rate ST and the irrigation reference value TH are recalculated. For example, in the example shown in Fig. 10, the timing at which the irrigation instruction signal is output by the irrigation control unit 49 is indicated by an upward arrow. In this example, after irrigation is performed at time t11, cultivation management work is performed at time t12, causing a sudden increase in the coverage rate Br.

[0144] Then, from the time t11 when irrigation is performed until the set time Ti1, irrigation is not performed, and the coverage rate Br does not fall below the reference coverage rate ST. The maximum value of the coverage rate Br within this set time Ti1 is the value at time t13. In this case, the control unit 4 (first reference coverage rate setting unit 42 and second reference coverage rate setting unit 46) corrects the reference coverage rate ST at time t14 by replacing the reference coverage rate ST with the maximum value of the coverage rate Br within the set time Ti1. This increases the reference coverage rate ST. Furthermore, the control unit 4 (first reference calculation unit 43 and second reference calculation unit 47) recalculates the irrigation reference value TH based on the corrected reference coverage rate ST. This increases the irrigation reference value TH.

[0145] 11, an upward arrow indicates the timing at which the irrigation instruction signal is output by the irrigation control unit 49. In this example, after irrigation is performed at time t21, cultivation management work is performed at time t22, causing the coverage rate Br to rapidly decrease to below the irrigation reference value TH.

[0146] Then, because the coverage rate Br fell below the irrigation reference value TH, the irrigation control unit 49 repeatedly outputs an irrigation instruction signal from time t23 to t26. However, thereafter, the coverage rate Br does not exceed the irrigation reference value TH. Therefore, the control unit 4 (first reference coverage rate setting unit 42, second reference coverage rate setting unit 46, first reference calculation unit 43, and second reference calculation unit 47) resets the reference coverage rate ST and the irrigation reference value TH downward. In other words, the control unit 4 changes the reference coverage rate ST and the irrigation reference value TH if, after the coverage rate Br fell below the irrigation reference value TH, the coverage rate Br does not exceed the irrigation reference value TH even after irrigation has been performed a preset number of times.

[0147] In this way, the control unit 4 is configured to execute a standard value resetting process to change the standard coverage rate ST and the irrigation standard value TH when the coverage rate Br does not fall below the standard coverage rate ST even if no irrigation is performed for a predetermined set time Ti1, or when the coverage rate Br does not exceed the irrigation standard value TH even if irrigation is performed a predetermined number of times.

[0148] Frequent downward revisions of the irrigation standard value TH mean that the standard value resetting process for changing the standard coverage rate ST and the irrigation standard value TH has been frequently performed. In other words, this includes the case where the standard value resetting process has been performed a predetermined number of times or more within a predetermined time limit when the operating state of the cultivation system SY is abnormal. The number of times can be set to a value equal to or greater than two.

[0149] In this embodiment, a limit can be set on the number of irrigation times within a preset time limit Ti2. For example, as shown in Fig. 11, the control unit 4 controls the irrigation device 10 so that the number of irrigation times performed by the irrigation device 10 within the preset time limit Ti2 is within the preset limit (within three times in the example shown in Fig. 11). The occurrence of a repeated irrigation limit means that the number of irrigation times within the preset time limit Ti2 has reached an upper limit, making further irrigation impossible within the time limit Ti2. In other words, this includes a case where the operating state of the cultivation system SY is abnormal and the number of irrigation times within the time limit Ti2 has reached the limit, making it impossible for the irrigation device 10 to irrigate.

[0150] Error items for the irrigation device 10 include an irrigation device communication abnormality, a watchdog timer abnormality, an irrigation device 10 abnormality, and an irrigation valve abnormality in the irrigation device 10. When the irrigation control unit 49 outputs a control signal to the irrigation device 10, it receives a response signal from the irrigation device 10. An irrigation device communication abnormality means that the irrigation control unit 49 does not receive a response signal from the irrigation device 10 within a preset time. A watchdog timer abnormality means that the watchdog timer used to monitor the status of the irrigation device 10 has become abnormal. An irrigation device 10 abnormality means, for example, that an abnormality such as a failure has occurred in the irrigation device 10. An irrigation valve abnormality means, for example, that an abnormality such as a failure has occurred in the irrigation valve.

[0151] If an error in the cultivation system SY corresponds to an error item in the irrigation device 10, the control mode of the control unit 4 becomes abnormal mode. In other words, this includes a case where the control unit 4 cannot control the irrigation device 10 when the operating state of the cultivation system SY is abnormal.

[0152] [Error history screen] 12, the display 53 of the management computer MC can display an error history screen 80. The error history screen 80 has an error history list area 81, a confirmation section 82, and a display switching section 83.

[0153] The error history list area 81 displays a list of the error occurrence history, including the date and time the error occurred, the content of the error, and the date and time the error was resolved (recovery date and time). The error occurrence history is displayed from top to bottom in order of the most recent date and time of occurrence, but may also be displayed from top to bottom in order of the oldest date and time of occurrence. The error history list area 81 is configured to be vertically scrollable. For example, the operator may scroll by tracing the touch screen (input unit 54) with his / her finger, or the operator may scroll by operating the computer mouse (input unit 54).

[0154] As described above, the confirmation unit 82 can accept a manual operation to return the control mode of the control unit 4 to the irrigation mode after the error in the cultivation system SY is resolved. When a manual operation is performed on the input unit 54 and the coordinate point specified based on the manual operation overlaps with the coordinate where the confirmation unit 82 is located on the screen of the display 53, the confirmation unit 82 accepts the manual operation.

[0155] The display switching unit 83 can accept a manual operation to switch the display mode in the error history list area 81. When a manual operation is performed on the input unit 54 and the coordinate point specified based on the manual operation overlaps with the coordinates at which the display switching unit 83 is located on the screen of the display 53, the display switching unit 83 accepts the manual operation. When the display switching unit 83 accepts the manual operation, the display mode in the error history list area 81 alternates between a mode that displays all errors and a mode that displays only errors that are currently occurring.

[0156] Similar to the management screen 60 shown in Fig. 6, the error history screen 80 shown in Fig. 12 displays a stacked indicator light section 68, an abnormality display section 69, a control changeover switch section 70, and a buzzer stop operation section 71. On the error history screen 80, the stacked indicator light section 68, the abnormality display section 69, the control changeover switch section 70, and the buzzer stop operation section 71 are as described above with reference to Fig. 6.

[0157] [Another embodiment] The present invention is not limited to the configurations exemplified in the above-described embodiments, and other representative embodiments of the present invention will be exemplified below.

[0158] (1) The "imaging unit" of the present invention may be, for example, an infrared camera or a three-dimensional laser scanner.

[0159] (2) In the above-described embodiment, stacked indicator light unit 68 is shown as an example of the "indicator light unit" of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and for example, the indicator light unit may be a rotating indicator light, or a single, non-stacked indicator light may be configured to display different colors for each control mode.

[0160] (3) In the above-described embodiment, the warning mode corresponds to the "alarm mode" of the present invention. The "alarm mode" of the present invention is not limited to this embodiment and may include both the warning mode and the abnormality mode in the above-described embodiment. In this case, the "second color" of the present invention may be, for example, orange or red. Furthermore, the stacked indicator light unit 68 may be configured so that the upper portion 68C is not provided, and the middle portion 68B is displayed in orange or red in the "alarm mode."

[0161] (4) The "first color" of the present invention may be, for example, blue or purple.

[0162] (5) In the above embodiment, the lower portion 68A, the middle portion 68B, and the upper portion 68C each flash in the stacked indicator light unit 68. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and the lower portion 68A, the middle portion 68B, and the upper portion 68C each may each light up.

[0163] 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 present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0164] The present invention can be applied to an irrigation control system for irrigating cultivated plants. [Explanation of symbols]

[0165] 4: Control section 10: Irrigation equipment 53: Display (display unit) 57: Judgment section 60: Management screen (display section) 65: Alarm column 68: Stacked indicator light section (indicator light section) 80: Error history screen (display) 82: Confirmation section (operation section) B1: Leaf area (leaf area) Br: Coverage rate (tension index value) Ca: Fixed camera (imaging unit) TH: Standard watering value ST: Standard coverage rate (standard index value) Q: Cultivated plants V: Captured image SY: Cultivation system (irrigation control system)

Claims

1. an irrigation device for irrigating cultivated plants; an imaging unit that images the cultivated plant; a control unit capable of controlling the irrigation device based on the captured image acquired by the imaging unit; a determination unit that determines whether an error that interferes with the operating state of a system including the irrigation device, the imaging unit, and the control unit has occurred; a display unit that displays the operating status, the control unit has a plurality of modes and is capable of switching the modes depending on the type of the error determined by the determination unit, an indicator light unit that can display visual information for calling attention to an operator in a plurality of display patterns; The control unit switches the display pattern of the indicator light unit in response to the switching of the mode.

2. An irrigation device for irrigating cultivated plants; an imaging unit that images the cultivated plant; a control unit capable of controlling the irrigation device based on the captured image acquired by the imaging unit; a determination unit that determines whether an operating state of a system including the irrigation device, the imaging unit, and the control unit is normal; a display unit that displays the operating status; an operation unit that accepts manual operation, the control unit has a plurality of modes including an operation mode which is a mode that the control unit can execute when the operating state is normal, and an alarm mode which is a mode that the control unit can execute when the operating state is abnormal, and is capable of switching the mode according to the determination result of the determination unit, an indicator light unit that can display visual information for calling attention to an operator in a plurality of display patterns; the control unit switches the display pattern of the indicator light unit in response to the switching of the mode so that the indicator light unit flashes in a preset first color in the operation mode and flashes in a second color having a longer wavelength than the first color in the alarm mode; An irrigation control system in which the control unit transitions to the alarm mode when the operating state switches from a normal state to an abnormal state, and transitions to the operating mode when the operating unit is operated when the operating state switches from an abnormal state to a normal state.

3. an alarm field showing characters for urging caution or warning to the operator is displayed on the display unit; The irrigation control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit switches the display pattern of the indicator light unit and switches the display mode in the alarm field in response to the switching of the mode.

4. the plurality of modes include an operation mode that is a mode that the control unit can execute when the operating state is normal, and an alarm mode that is a mode that the control unit executes when the operating state is not normal, The control unit of the irrigation control system of claim 1 or 2 switches the display pattern so that the indicator light unit flashes in a predetermined first color in the operation mode, and switches the display pattern so that the indicator light unit flashes in a second color having a longer wavelength than the first color in the alarm mode.

5. The plurality of modes includes an abnormality mode that is a mode that is executed by the control unit when the operating state is abnormal, The irrigation control system according to claim 4, wherein the control unit switches the display pattern so that the indicator light unit flashes in a third color having a longer wavelength than the second color when in the abnormal mode.

6. The irrigation control system according to claim 5 , wherein when the operating state is abnormal, the control unit is unable to acquire the captured image.

7. The irrigation control system according to claim 5 , wherein when the operating state is abnormal, the control unit is unable to control the irrigation device.

8. the control unit is configured to calculate a leaf firmness index value that indicates a leaf firmness degree of the cultivated plant based on the captured image, set the leaf firmness index value at a reference time as a reference index value, and calculate an irrigation reference value based on the reference index value; the control unit is configured to execute a reference value resetting process to change at least one of the reference index value and the irrigation reference value when the tension index value does not fall below the reference index value even if a state in which irrigation is not performed continues for a preset time, or when the tension index value does not exceed the irrigation reference value even if irrigation is performed a preset number of times; An irrigation control system as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein when the operating condition is not normal, the reference value resetting process is executed more than a predetermined number of times within a predetermined time limit.

9. the control unit controls the irrigation device so that the number of times of irrigation performed by the irrigation device within a predetermined time limit is within a predetermined limit, The irrigation control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the abnormal operating condition includes a case where the number of irrigation attempts reaches the limit within the time limit and the irrigation device is unable to irrigate.

10. The irrigation control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the abnormal operating condition includes a condition in which the leaf area of ​​the cultivated plant in the captured image is smaller than a preset lower threshold value.

11. The irrigation control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the abnormal operating condition includes a case where the area of ​​the leaves of the cultivated plant in the captured image is larger than a preset upper threshold value.

Images