Ultraviolet irradiation device

Abstract

To provide an ultraviolet irradiation device that can directly irradiate the underside of leaves of agricultural crops with ultraviolet light.SOLUTION: According to an embodiment, the ultraviolet irradiation device has an ultraviolet irradiator and irradiation position adjustment means. The ultraviolet irradiator emits ultraviolet light. For the leaves of agricultural crops having a first surface that is irradiated with ultraviolet light by the ultraviolet irradiator and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface, the irradiation position adjustment means irradiates the second surface of the leaves of agricultural crops with direct ultraviolet light.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an ultraviolet irradiation device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is an ultraviolet irradiation device that irradiates ultraviolet rays on crops for pest control purposes to control pathogens and pests on the crops. The conventional ultraviolet irradiation device is configured to install an ultraviolet irradiator that irradiates ultraviolet rays above or obliquely above the growing crops and irradiate the crops with the ultraviolet rays from the ultraviolet irradiator.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the conventional ultraviolet irradiation device, the ultraviolet rays from the ultraviolet irradiator installed above or obliquely above do not hit the back side of the leaves of the crops. For this reason, some of the conventional ultraviolet irradiation devices are configured such that the ultraviolet rays reflected by the reflection sheet are irradiated on the back side of the leaves by laying a reflection sheet that reflects ultraviolet rays on the ground.

[0005] It is difficult to irradiate the back side of the leaves under irradiation conditions that have a sufficient effect for controlling pathogens and pests with ultraviolet rays as indirect light reflected by a reflection sheet from the ultraviolet rays irradiated by an ultraviolet irradiator installed above or obliquely above the crops as in the above-described ultraviolet irradiation device. In addition, the conventional ultraviolet irradiation device fixed indoors has a problem that it is difficult to irradiate the back side of the leaves of the crops or the entire crops evenly with ultraviolet rays because the location irradiated with the ultraviolet rays from the ultraviolet irradiator does not change much in the crops.

[0006] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide an ultraviolet irradiation device that can efficiently irradiate crops with ultraviolet light. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one embodiment, the ultraviolet irradiation device includes an ultraviolet irradiator and an irradiation position adjustment means. Camera and control unit and The ultraviolet irradiator emits ultraviolet light. The irradiation position adjustment means irradiates the second surface of the leaf of a crop, which has a first surface that is irradiated with ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet irradiator and a second surface that is opposite the first surface, with direct ultraviolet light. The camera photographs the leaves of the crop. The control unit controls the irradiation position adjustment means according to the position of the leaves of the crop extracted from the image captured by the camera. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an ultraviolet irradiation device that can efficiently irradiate crops with ultraviolet light. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a first configuration example of an ultraviolet irradiation device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a front view showing a first configuration example of an ultraviolet irradiation device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a second configuration example of the ultraviolet irradiation device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a front view showing a second configuration example of the ultraviolet irradiation device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control system in an ultraviolet irradiation device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of an ultraviolet irradiation device according to an embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The ultraviolet irradiation device (1) of the embodiment includes an ultraviolet irradiator (11) and irradiation position adjustment means (13, 19). The ultraviolet irradiator (11) irradiates ultraviolet light. The irradiation position adjustment means (13, 19) irradiate the second surface of the leaves of the crop, which have a first surface that is irradiated with ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet irradiator and a second surface that is opposite the first surface, with direct ultraviolet light. This makes it possible to directly irradiate the underside of the leaves of the crop, which are not directly irradiated with light from the ultraviolet irradiator (11), with ultraviolet light, and to control diseases or pests in the crop.

[0011] In the ultraviolet irradiation device (1A) of the embodiment, the irradiation position adjustment means (13) is a blower mechanism (13) that sends air to change the direction in which the ultraviolet rays irradiated from the ultraviolet irradiator are irradiated onto the second surface of the leaves of the crop. This makes it possible to change the direction of the leaves of the crop with air, so that the ultraviolet rays irradiated by the ultraviolet irradiator (11) are directed onto the underside of the leaves of the crop, and thus it is possible to control diseases or pests that affect the crop.

[0012] In the ultraviolet irradiation device (1B) of the embodiment, the irradiation position adjustment means (19) is a movable irradiation unit comprising an irradiation unit (19a) that irradiates ultraviolet light and a drive mechanism that moves the irradiation unit (19a) to a position facing the second surface of the leaves of the crop. This allows the ultraviolet light irradiated by the irradiation unit to be applied as direct light to the underside of the leaves of the crop, thereby preventing diseases and pests in the crop.

[0013] The ultraviolet irradiation device (1) of the embodiment further includes a housing (10) in which the ultraviolet irradiator (11) and the irradiation position adjustment means (13, 19) are installed, and a moving mechanism (12) for moving the housing (10) along the crop. This makes it possible to automate the irradiation of crops with ultraviolet light, including the irradiation of the underside of the leaves of the crops, and to easily control diseases and pests on crops.

[0014] The ultraviolet irradiation device (1) of the embodiment further includes a camera (15) for photographing the leaves of the crop and a control unit (18) for controlling the irradiation position adjusting means (13, 19) according to the position of the leaves of the crop extracted from the image photographed by the camera (15). Accordingly, the actual leaf position can be specified from the image photographed by the camera, the direct light of ultraviolet rays can be irradiated on the back surface according to the actual leaf position, and pests and diseases caused by diseases or pests in the crop can be controlled.

[0015] In the ultraviolet irradiation device (1) of the embodiment, the control unit (7) analyzes the state of the leaves of the crop based on the image photographed by the camera (15) and controls the irradiation position adjusting means according to the state of the leaves of the crop. Accordingly, diseases or pests actually occurring on the leaves of the crop can be specified, and the direct light of ultraviolet rays can be irradiated on the back surface by control according to the specified leaf state, and pests and diseases caused by diseases or pests in the crop can be controlled.

[0016] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Figs. 1 to 4 are diagrams showing a configuration example of an ultraviolet irradiation device 1 (1A, 1B) according to the embodiment. The ultraviolet irradiation device 1 is a device that irradiates ultraviolet rays for controlling or weakening pathogenic bacteria and pests on crops. The ultraviolet irradiation device 1 includes, in addition to an ultraviolet irradiator 11 (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d) that irradiates ultraviolet rays to be irradiated on the crop, an irradiation position adjusting means for irradiating direct light of ultraviolet rays on the back surface of the leaves of the crop.

[0017] First, a first configuration example of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1A according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a first configuration example of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1A according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view showing a first configuration example of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1A according to the embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the ultraviolet irradiation device 1A includes a housing 10, ultraviolet irradiators 11 (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d), a moving mechanism 12, a blower mechanism 13, a filter 14, a camera 15, a height adjustment mechanism 16, a width adjustment mechanism 17, and a control unit 18.

[0018] The housing 10 is arranged around the crop 22 to be irradiated and is moved by the moving mechanism 12. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 2, the housing 10 is formed by an arch-shaped frame that covers the crop 22 growing on the table 21. The housing 10 may be configured using a frame, or may have a configuration in which a plate or the like is formed in an arch shape, or may have a configuration in which a hollow member is formed in an arch shape. The ultraviolet irradiators 11 (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d), the moving mechanism 12, the blower mechanism 13, the filter 14, the camera 15, and the control unit 18 are attached to the housing 10.

[0019] The ultraviolet irradiators 11 (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d) irradiate ultraviolet rays for eliminating pathogenic bacteria and pests from the crop 22. The light irradiated by the ultraviolet irradiator 11 is not limited to ultraviolet rays in a specific frequency band, for example, light of 380 nm or less. Further, the ultraviolet irradiator 11 may irradiate ultraviolet rays of a specific wavelength, or may be able to adjust the wavelength of the irradiated ultraviolet rays according to a control instruction from the control unit 18. Note that as a light source, a visible light irradiator or an infrared irradiator may be provided separately from the ultraviolet irradiator 11.

[0020] The ultraviolet irradiator 11 is installed in the housing 10 so that the irradiated ultraviolet rays are irradiated onto the crop. In the configuration examples shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the ultraviolet irradiators 11a and 11b are provided to irradiate the crop with ultraviolet rays from above the crop, and the ultraviolet irradiators 11c and 11d are provided to irradiate the crop with ultraviolet rays from the side or below the crop.

[0021] The moving mechanism 12 moves the ultraviolet irradiation device 1. The moving mechanism 12 moves the housing 10, in which its various parts are installed along the crops to be irradiated with ultraviolet light. For example, the moving mechanism 12 may move the housing 10 along the ridges in a field, or it may move the housing 10 along the trellises on which the crops are cultivated. In the configuration example shown in Figures 1 and 2, the moving mechanism 12 has a drive mechanism and tires, and the housing 10 is moved by the rotation of the tires by the drive mechanism.

[0022] The tires constituting the mobile mechanism 12 may be changed as appropriate depending on the operating environment of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1. For example, if the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 is configured to move over an unpaved surface (ground) such as a field, the tires constituting the mobile mechanism 12 should be off-road tires or tires used on a tractor. If the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 is configured to move over a paved surface such as a plant factory, the tires of the mobile mechanism 12 should be on-road tires.

[0023] The blower mechanism 13 blows air onto the crops that are to be irradiated with ultraviolet light. The blower mechanism 13 is an example of an irradiation position adjustment means for irradiating the underside of the leaves of the crops with direct ultraviolet light. The blower mechanism 13 may be designed to allow adjustment of the airflow volume and direction. The crops have leaves as the parts that are irradiated with ultraviolet light. The leaves of the crops have a surface (first surface) that receives light from above and an underside (second surface) that faces the surface, and the orientation of the leaves is changed by the air from the blower mechanism 13.

[0024] In the configuration examples shown in Figures 1 and 2, the blower mechanism 13 has an air outlet that blows air onto the crop 22 from below. The air from the air outlet located below the crop is blown onto the underside of the crop's leaves. The underside of the crop's leaves, which are hit by the air from the blower mechanism 13, changes orientation so that they face the ultraviolet irradiator 11 (e.g., ultraviolet irradiators 11c, 11d) located to the side of the crop. As a result, the underside of the crop's leaves, whose orientation has been changed by the blower mechanism 13, is directly irradiated with ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet irradiator 11. The ultraviolet irradiator 11 (e.g., ultraviolet irradiators 11c, 11d) may be controlled to light up only while the blower mechanism 13 is operating. This is expected to prevent the light emitted by the ultraviolet irradiator 11 from unintentionally hitting a person.

[0025] The filter 14 is a filter designed to allow air to pass through and capture pests. The filter 14 captures pests blown away from crops by the air blowing mechanism 13. In the example configuration shown in Figure 1, the filter 14 is installed in the housing 10. The parts of the housing 10 other than the filter 14 may be made to be windproof (not allowing wind or pests to pass through). In this case, the air inside the arched housing 10 can pass through the filter 14 more easily, so the filter 14 can capture pests blown away from crops by the air blowing mechanism 13. For example, in Figure 1, pests blown away by the air blowing mechanism 13 located on the right side are captured by the filter 14 on the left side.

[0026] Camera 15 photographs the crops (leaves of the crops) that are to be irradiated with ultraviolet light. Camera 15 only needs to be configured to capture images that allow for the determination of the condition of the leaves of the crops. In the configuration examples shown in Figures 1 and 2, camera 15 is installed in the housing 10. In addition, multiple cameras 15 may be installed in multiple locations to photograph the crops from multiple directions.

[0027] The housing 10 includes a height adjustment mechanism 16 and a width adjustment mechanism 17. The height adjustment mechanism 16 adjusts the height of the housing 10. In the configuration examples shown in Figures 1 and 2, the height adjustment mechanism 16 is configured to extend or retract the housing 10 in the direction of arrow a (height direction) to adjust the height of the housing 10. Alternatively, the height adjustment mechanism 16 may adjust the height (height from the ground) of the ultraviolet irradiators 11a and 11b installed above the crops. In other words, the height adjustment mechanism 16 may be a mechanism that moves the ultraviolet irradiators 11a and 11b so that the irradiation distance (distance from the ultraviolet irradiator 11 to the target to be irradiated) of the ultraviolet irradiators 11a and 11b can be adjusted. Furthermore, the height adjustment mechanism 16 may be configured to change the height of the housing 10 or the ultraviolet irradiator 11 in response to control instructions from the control unit 18.

[0028] The width adjustment mechanism 17 adjusts the width of the housing 10. In the configuration examples shown in Figures 1 and 2, the width adjustment mechanism 17 is configured to expand or contract the width of the housing 10 by expanding or contracting the housing 10 in the direction of arrow b (width direction). Alternatively, the width adjustment mechanism 17 may adjust the width (position in the width direction) between the ultraviolet irradiators 11c and 11d installed on the side of the crop. In other words, the width adjustment mechanism 17 may be a mechanism that moves the ultraviolet irradiators 11c and 11d so that the irradiation distance of the ultraviolet irradiators 11c and 11d (distance from the ultraviolet irradiator 11 to the target to be irradiated) can be adjusted. Furthermore, the width adjustment mechanism 17 may be configured to change the width of the housing 10 or the position of the ultraviolet irradiator 11 in the width direction in response to control instructions from the control unit 18.

[0029] The control unit 18 is an information processing device such as a computer. The control unit 18 controls each part of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1. The control unit 18 also performs information processing such as data communication with a server acting as a higher-level device, or analysis of images captured by the camera 15. Although the control unit 18 is installed in the housing 10, it may be installed outside the housing 10 as long as it can communicate with the other parts.

[0030] Next, a second example of the configuration of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1B according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a second configuration example of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1B according to the embodiment. Figure 4 is a front view showing a second configuration example of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1B according to the embodiment. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the ultraviolet irradiation device 1B comprises a housing 10, ultraviolet irradiators 11 (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d), a moving mechanism 12, a camera 15, a height adjustment mechanism 16, a width adjustment mechanism 17, a control unit 18, and an irradiation arm 19.

[0031] In the ultraviolet irradiation device 1B of the second configuration example shown in Figures 3 and 4, the housing 10, ultraviolet irradiators 11 (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d), moving mechanism 12, camera 15, height adjustment mechanism 16, width adjustment mechanism 17, and control unit 18 have the same configuration as the ultraviolet irradiation device 1A of the first configuration example shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0032] However, in the second configuration example shown in Figures 3 and 4, the ultraviolet irradiators 11a and 11b are installed to irradiate the crops with ultraviolet light from above, and the ultraviolet irradiators 11c and 11d are installed to irradiate the crops with ultraviolet light from diagonally above. In addition, the control unit 18 in the ultraviolet irradiation device 1B of the second configuration example shown in Figures 3 and 4 has a function to control the irradiation arm 19.

[0033] The irradiation arm (movable irradiation unit) 19 comprises a small irradiation unit 19a that irradiates ultraviolet light and an arm drive unit 19b that drives the arm to which the irradiation unit is attached. The irradiation arm 19 as a movable irradiation unit is an example of an irradiation position adjustment means for irradiating the underside of crop leaves with direct ultraviolet light. In the configuration example shown in Figures 3 and 4, the irradiation unit 19a is provided at the tip of the arm driven by the arm drive unit 19b. The arm drive unit 19b moves the position of the irradiation unit 19a provided at the tip of the arm by driving the arm.

[0034] The irradiation unit 19a irradiates ultraviolet light onto the underside of the leaves of agricultural crops. The irradiation unit 19a is composed of, for example, an LED that emits ultraviolet light. The light emitted by the irradiation unit 19a is not limited to ultraviolet light of a specific frequency band, similar to the light emitted by the ultraviolet irradiator 11 described above. However, the light emitted by the irradiation unit 19a may be ultraviolet light of a different wavelength than the light emitted by the ultraviolet irradiator 11 described above.

[0035] In the second configuration example, the arm drive unit 19b of the irradiation arm 19 drives the arm in the direction of arrow c shown in Figure 4, starting from the mounting position of the arm to the housing 10. The irradiation unit 19a moves in accordance with the movement of the arm driven by the drive unit 19b. The irradiation unit 19a moves on the lower side of the crop (the side facing the ultraviolet irradiators 11a and 11b with the crop in between) according to the condition of the crop. As a result, the ultraviolet light emitted by the irradiation unit 19a is directly irradiated as light onto the underside of the leaves of the crop.

[0036] Furthermore, the irradiation unit 19a and drive unit 19b of the irradiation arm 19 operate in accordance with control instructions from the control unit 18. For example, the control unit 18 causes the irradiation unit 19a to irradiate ultraviolet light. The control unit 18 also drives the arm with the drive unit 19b to move the position of the irradiation unit 19a. The control unit 18 adjusts the position of the irradiation unit 19a by driving the arm with the arm drive unit 19b so that the ultraviolet light emitted by the irradiation unit 19a is directed onto the underside of the leaves of the crops.

[0037] Furthermore, the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 according to the embodiment may be configured by combining the first configuration example shown in Figures 1 and 2 and the second configuration example shown in Figures 3 and 4. That is, the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 according to the embodiment may be configured to include both a blower mechanism 13 and an irradiation arm 19 as irradiation position adjustment means.

[0038] Next, the configuration of the control system in the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 (1A, 1B) according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control system in the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 (1A, 1B) according to the embodiment. The first configuration example of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1A includes a processor 51, system memory 52, data memory 53, communication unit 54, ultraviolet irradiators 11 (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d), a moving mechanism 12, a blower mechanism 13, a camera 15, a height adjustment mechanism 16, and a width adjustment mechanism 17. The second configuration example of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1B includes an irradiation arm 19 (irradiation unit 19a and arm drive unit 19b) instead of the blower mechanism 13 found in the ultraviolet irradiation device 1A.

[0039] The control unit 18 of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 is composed of a processor 51, a system memory 52, a data memory 53, and a communication unit 54. The processor 51 performs various processes by executing programs stored in system memory 52 or data memory 53, etc. The processor 51 is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a microcontroller, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and a DSP (Digital Signal processor).

[0040] The system memory 52 consists of storage devices such as ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and NVM. The system memory 52 includes memory used by the processor 51 to execute processes. For example, the system memory 52 stores programs or configuration data executed by the processor 51.

[0041] The data memory 53 is composed of rewritable, non-volatile storage devices such as HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) and SSDs (Solid State Drives). For example, the data memory 53 stores image data, processing results from the processor 51, or configuration information.

[0042] The communication unit 54 is an interface for communicating with external devices. For example, the communication unit 54 communicates with a server that supplies operation setting information to the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 and collects processing results from the ultraviolet irradiation device 1.

[0043] As described above, the ultraviolet irradiators 11 (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d) irradiate ultraviolet light. The ultraviolet irradiators 11 are connected to the processor 51 via an interface, and their irradiation state is controlled according to control commands from the processor 51. For example, the ultraviolet irradiators 11 may be turned on or off by control commands from the processor 51, or the ultraviolet irradiation conditions may be controlled by control commands from the processor 51. Alternatively, each of the ultraviolet irradiators 11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d may be controlled independently by control commands from the processor 51.

[0044] As described above, the moving mechanism 12 moves the ultraviolet irradiation device 1. The moving mechanism 12 is connected to the processor 51 via an interface, and its operation is controlled according to control commands from the processor 51. For example, the moving mechanism 12 controls the movement and stopping of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1, and controls the movement speed of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1, according to control instructions from the processor 51.

[0045] As described above, the blower mechanism 13 blows air onto the crops that are to be irradiated with ultraviolet light. The blower mechanism 13 is connected to the processor 51 via an interface, and its operation is controlled according to control instructions from the processor 51. For example, the blower mechanism 13 may control the amount of air blown from the air outlet according to control instructions from the processor 51. Also, if the blower mechanism 13 has a mechanism for adjusting the direction of airflow, the blower mechanism 13 may control the airflow direction according to control instructions from the processor 51.

[0046] As described above, camera 15 photographs the crops to be irradiated with ultraviolet light. Camera 15 is connected to processor 51 via an interface. The images captured by camera 15 are supplied to processor 51. Camera 15 may also be controlled in response to control instructions from processor 51.

[0047] As described above, the height adjustment mechanism 16 adjusts the height of the housing 10 or the ultraviolet irradiator 11. The height adjustment mechanism 16 is connected to the processor 51 via an interface, and its operation is controlled according to control commands from the processor 51. For example, the height adjustment mechanism 16 adjusts the height of the housing 10 or the ultraviolet irradiator 11 according to control instructions from the processor 51.

[0048] As described above, the width adjustment mechanism 17 adjusts the width of the housing 10 or the position of the ultraviolet irradiator 11 in the width direction. The width adjustment mechanism 17 is connected to the processor 51 via an interface and adjusts the width of the housing 10 or the position of the ultraviolet irradiator 11 in the width direction in response to control instructions from the processor 51. Furthermore, the height adjustment mechanism 16 may be configured to allow manual adjustment of its height, and the width adjustment mechanism 17 may be configured to allow manual adjustment of its width.

[0049] As described above, the irradiation arm 19 comprises an irradiation unit 19a and an arm drive unit 19b. The irradiation arm 19 irradiates the underside of the leaves of the crop to be irradiated with ultraviolet light by moving the position of the irradiation unit 19a via the arm drive unit 19b. The irradiation unit 19a and the arm drive unit 19b are connected to the processor 51 via an interface. The irradiation state of the irradiation unit 19a is controlled according to control commands from the processor 51. The arm drive unit 19b is also controlled to move according to control commands from the processor 51.

[0050] Next, the operation of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 according to this embodiment in which ultraviolet light is irradiated onto crops will be described. Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of how the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 according to this embodiment irradiates crops with ultraviolet light. First, when starting the ultraviolet irradiation operation on crops by the ultraviolet irradiation device 1, the processor 51 of the control unit 18 sets the operating conditions for each part (ST11). For example, the processor 51 may set the operating conditions based on default settings stored in the system memory 52 or data memory 53.

[0051] Furthermore, the processor 51 may set operating conditions based on setting values ​​such as irradiation conditions obtained from the server 100 with which it communicates via the communication unit 54. Alternatively, the processor 51 may set operating conditions according to specified values ​​specified by a terminal device operated by an operator with whom it communicates via the communication unit 54.

[0052] Here, the processor 51 sets operating conditions, including the ultraviolet irradiation conditions (irradiation conditions) from the ultraviolet irradiator 11 and set values ​​(movement conditions) such as the moving speed of the moving mechanism 12. Furthermore, the processor 51 sets set values ​​for the irradiation position adjustment means, such as set values ​​for the amount of air blown by the blower mechanism 13 or set values ​​for the irradiation conditions and position (position) of the irradiation unit 19a, as operating conditions.

[0053] When the processor 51 of the control unit 18 sets the operating conditions, it starts the ultraviolet irradiation operation by irradiating the ultraviolet irradiator 11 according to the set operating conditions and moving the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 with the moving mechanism 12 (ST12).

[0054] The processor 51 moves the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 and irradiates the crops with ultraviolet light, while simultaneously acquiring images of the crops being irradiated by the camera 15 (ST13). For example, the processor 51 acquires images taken by the camera 15 at predetermined intervals while the ultraviolet irradiation operation is being performed. In this case, instead of the camera 15, a configuration that acquires information from a position sensor or a distance sensor may also be used.

[0055] When the processor 51 acquires an image of the crops captured by the camera 15, it determines whether or not it is necessary to adjust the height of the housing 10 or the height of the ultraviolet irradiator 11 based on the image of the crops captured by the camera 15 (ST14). The processor 51 determines whether or not it is necessary to adjust the height by checking whether the height of the crops estimated from the image captured by the camera 15 matches the height of the housing 10 or the height of the ultraviolet irradiator 11. When information is acquired from a position sensor or distance sensor, the processor 51 determines whether or not it is necessary to adjust the height by checking whether the acquired information (numerical value) satisfies a predetermined value.

[0056] If the processor 51 determines that height adjustment is necessary, that is, that it determines that the height should be changed (ST14, YES), it adjusts the height of the housing 10 or the height of the ultraviolet irradiator 11 using the height adjustment mechanism 16 according to the height of the crop estimated from the image captured by the camera 15 (ST15).

[0057] For example, the processor 51 may estimate the size of the leaves of the crop from the image captured by the camera 15 and decide whether or not to adjust the height of the housing 10 or the height of the ultraviolet irradiator 11 based on the size of the leaves in the image captured by the camera 15. In this case, the processor 51 may estimate the distance from the camera 15 to the leaves, which corresponds to the height of the crop, by comparing the size of the leaves in the image captured by the camera 15 with a specified value for the size of the leaves of the crop, and determine the adjustment value for the height of the housing 10 according to the estimated distance.

[0058] Furthermore, the processor 51 determines whether or not width adjustment is necessary based on the image of the crop captured by the camera 15 (ST16). The processor 51 determines whether or not width adjustment is necessary based on whether or not the width of the crop estimated from the image captured by the camera 15 matches the width of the housing 10 or the widthwise position of the ultraviolet irradiators 11c and 11d.

[0059] If the processor 51 determines that width adjustment is necessary, that is, that it determines that the width should be changed (ST16, YES), it adjusts the width of the housing 10 or the widthwise position of the ultraviolet irradiators 11c and 11d using the width adjustment mechanism 17, according to the width of the crop estimated from the image captured by the camera 15 (ST17).

[0060] For example, the processor 51 may detect the angle of the leaves of the crops in the image captured by the camera 15 and decide whether or not to adjust the width of the housing 10 or the position of the ultraviolet irradiator 11 in the width direction based on the detected leaf angle. In this case, the processor 51 may determine the adjustment range of the housing 10 according to the leaf angle in the image captured by the camera 15.

[0061] The ultraviolet irradiation device 1 shown in Figures 1 to 4 is configured such that the irradiation position adjustment means is adjusted by adjusting the width of the housing 10. For example, in the first configuration example ultraviolet irradiation device 1A shown in Figures 1 and 2, the angle at which the wind from the blower mechanism 13 hits the crops is adjusted by adjusting the width of the housing 10. Also, in the second configuration example ultraviolet irradiation device 1B shown in Figures 3 and 4, the angle at which ultraviolet rays from the irradiation part 19a of the irradiation arm 19 are irradiated onto the crops is adjusted by adjusting the width of the housing 10.

[0062] Furthermore, the processor 51 determines whether or not to change the operating conditions for the ultraviolet irradiation operation based on the image of the crop captured by the camera 15 (ST18). The processor 51 analyzes the condition of the crop captured by the camera 15 and determines whether or not to change the operating conditions for irradiating the crop with ultraviolet light based on the analysis results of the condition of the crop. If the processor 51 determines to change the operating conditions (ST18, YES), it changes to the operating conditions set (specified) based on the analysis results of the image captured by the camera 15 (ST19).

[0063] In the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 according to this embodiment, the following configurations are possible for setting the operating conditions based on the analysis results of the image captured by the camera 15. Firstly, the processor 51 identifies the location of the leaves of the crop to be irradiated from the image captured by the camera 15. Once the location of the leaves is identified, the processor 51 identifies operating conditions, including setting values ​​for irradiating the underside of the leaves of the identified crop as direct ultraviolet light.

[0064] For example, in the first configuration example, the ultraviolet irradiation device 1A, which includes a blower mechanism 13, is configured to specify operating conditions including a setting value for directing the air from the blower mechanism 13 towards the underside of the leaves of the crops. In the ultraviolet irradiation device 1B, which includes an irradiation arm 19, is configured to specify operating conditions including a setting value for operating the arm drive unit 19b so that the ultraviolet light emitted by the irradiation unit 19a hits the underside of the leaves of the crops.

[0065] Secondly, the processor 51 identifies the condition of the leaves of the crop to be irradiated from the image captured by the camera 15. The processor 51 identifies conditions such as the occurrence of disease, the presence of pests, or partial mutations (e.g., discoloration) that may be precursors to disease. Once the processor 51 has identified the condition of the leaves of the crop, it identifies operating conditions, including ultraviolet irradiation conditions and movement conditions by the movement mechanism 12, according to the condition of the leaves.

[0066] For example, if the processor 51 detects a disease, pest, or partial mutation, it may set an operating condition to irradiate the underside of the leaf where the disease is occurring, where the pest is attached, or where the partial mutation is occurring with ultraviolet light for an extended period of time (for example, slowing down the movement speed of the movement mechanism 12).

[0067] Furthermore, if the ultraviolet irradiation device 1A is equipped with a blower mechanism 13, the processor 51 may also be set as an operating condition to increase the amount of air blown from the blower mechanism 13 to the location where pest attachment is detected. If the ultraviolet irradiation device 1B is equipped with an irradiation arm 19, the processor 51 may also be set as an operating condition to bring the irradiation unit 19a closer to the underside of the leaf where disease is occurring, where pests are attached, or where partial mutations are occurring.

[0068] The processor 51 determines whether or not to terminate the ultraviolet irradiation operation based on the analysis results of the image captured by the camera 15 (ST20). For example, if the processor 51 finds that crops are present in the irradiation range of the ultraviolet irradiator 11 in the image captured by the camera 15, it decides to continue the ultraviolet irradiation operation (ST20, NO). If the processor 51 decides to continue the ultraviolet irradiation operation, it returns to ST13 and executes the above-described operation while continuing the ultraviolet irradiation according to the operating conditions.

[0069] Furthermore, the processor 51 may save the operating status (operating conditions, etc.) of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 as an operation log in the data memory 53 while the ultraviolet irradiation operation is continuing. In this case, the processor 51 may also save operation log information, including images taken by the camera 15, in the data memory 53.

[0070] The processor 51 determines to terminate the ultraviolet irradiation operation when there are no more crops to be irradiated in the image captured by the camera 15 (ST20, YES). When the processor 51 determines to terminate the ultraviolet irradiation operation, it stops the operation of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1.

[0071] As described above, the ultraviolet irradiation device of the first configuration example according to the embodiment has an ultraviolet irradiator and a blowing mechanism, and is configured to irradiate the surface of the crop with ultraviolet light emitted by the ultraviolet irradiator, and to blow the underside of the leaves of the crop with air from the blowing mechanism. The ultraviolet irradiation device according to this embodiment irradiates the surface surface of the leaves of crops with ultraviolet light emitted by an ultraviolet irradiator, and also irradiates the underside of the leaves of crops with direct ultraviolet light using an irradiation position adjustment means. As a result, direct ultraviolet light can be irradiated to both sides of the leaves of crops, making it possible to control diseases and pests in crops.

[0072] Furthermore, the ultraviolet irradiation device of the first configuration example according to the embodiment has a blowing mechanism that blows air onto the leaves from below the crop as an irradiation position adjustment means. This allows the direction of the crop's leaves to be changed by the wind, thereby direct ultraviolet light to the underside of the leaves, and thus enabling the control of diseases and pests on the crop.

[0073] The ultraviolet irradiation device of the second configuration example according to the embodiment has an irradiation arm as an irradiation position adjustment means, which moves the irradiation unit that irradiates ultraviolet light to a position facing the underside of the leaves of the crop. As a result, the moved irradiation unit can directly expose the underside of the leaves of the crop to ultraviolet light, thereby controlling pests and diseases in the crop.

[0074] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. The following is an appendix to the claims originally filed for this application. [1] A UV irradiation device for irradiating crops with ultraviolet light, A UV irradiator that emits ultraviolet light; The leaf of the crop has a first surface to which the direct ultraviolet light emitted by the ultraviolet irradiator is irradiated, and a second surface facing the first surface, and the irradiation position adjustment means is provided to irradiate the second surface of the leaf of the crop with the direct ultraviolet light; A UV irradiation device having the following features. [2] The irradiation position adjustment means is a blowing mechanism that sends air to change the direction in which the second surface of the leaves of the crop is irradiated with direct ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet irradiator. [1] The ultraviolet irradiation device described above. [3] The irradiation position adjustment means is a movable irradiation unit comprising an irradiation unit that irradiates ultraviolet light and a drive mechanism that moves the irradiation unit to a position facing the second surface of the leaves of the crop. [1] The ultraviolet irradiation device described above. [4] Furthermore, the housing comprising the ultraviolet irradiator and the irradiation position adjustment means; The housing has a moving mechanism for moving it along the crops; [1] The ultraviolet irradiation device described above. [5] Furthermore, a camera for photographing the leaves of the aforementioned crops; The system includes a control unit that controls the irradiation position adjustment means according to the position of the leaves of the crop extracted from the image captured by the camera; An ultraviolet irradiation device as described in any one of [1] to [4]. [6] The control unit analyzes the condition of the leaves of the crop based on the image captured by the camera, and controls the irradiation position adjustment means according to the condition of the leaves of the crop. [5] The ultraviolet irradiation device described above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1 (1A, 1B)... Ultraviolet irradiation device, 11 (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d)... Ultraviolet irradiator, 12... Moving mechanism, 13... Blower mechanism (irradiation position adjustment means), 14... Filter, 15... Camera, 16... Height adjustment mechanism, 17... Width adjustment mechanism, 18... Control unit, 19... Irradiation arm (movable irradiation unit, irradiation position adjustment means), 19a... Irradiation unit, 19b... Arm drive unit, 21... Stand, 22... Agricultural products, 51... Processor, 52... System memory, 53... Data memory, 54... Communication unit.

Claims

1. A UV irradiation device for irradiating crops with ultraviolet light, A UV irradiator that emits ultraviolet light; The leaf of the crop has a first surface to which the direct ultraviolet light emitted by the ultraviolet irradiator is irradiated, and a second surface facing the first surface, and the irradiation position adjustment means is provided to irradiate the second surface of the leaf of the crop with the direct ultraviolet light; A camera for photographing the leaves of the aforementioned crops; A control unit that controls the irradiation position adjustment means according to the position of the leaves of the crop extracted from the image captured by the camera; A UV irradiation device having the following features.

2. The irradiation position adjustment means is a blowing mechanism that sends air to change the direction in which the second surface of the leaves of the crop is irradiated with direct ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet irradiator. The ultraviolet irradiation device according to claim 1.

3. The irradiation position adjustment means is a movable irradiation unit comprising an irradiation unit that irradiates ultraviolet light and a drive mechanism that moves the irradiation unit to a position facing the second surface of the leaves of the crop. The ultraviolet irradiation device according to claim 1.

4. Furthermore, the housing comprising the ultraviolet irradiator and the irradiation position adjustment means; The housing has a moving mechanism for moving it along the crops; The ultraviolet irradiation device according to claim 1.

5. The control unit analyzes the condition of the leaves of the crop based on the image captured by the camera, and controls the irradiation position adjustment means according to the condition of the leaves of the crop. The ultraviolet irradiation device according to claim 1.

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