Plant condition detection system and odor detection device

Abstract

To accurately detect the state of a plant by detecting the state of the plant based on the odor information.SOLUTION: A plant state detection system 1 includes an odor detector 2 including an odor detection unit 21 configured to detect an odorant emitted from a plant G, and a server 3 configured to acquire odor information detected by the odor detection unit 21 and detect a state of the plant based on the odor information. The plant state detection system can accurately detect the state of the plant G by detecting an odor emitted from the plant G and detect the state of the plant based on the odor information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vegetative state detection system and an odor detection device.

Background Art

[0002] [[ID=I2]]Conventionally, as a device for detecting a vegetative state, for example, as described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2020-64466, there is known a device that captures an image of a crop and analyzes the captured image to grasp the growth state of the crop or the damage situation of pests.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] [ However, in the device described in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to accurately detect the vegetative state. That is, the device described in Patent Document 1 that captures an image of a plant and detects the vegetative state can only detect the state of the plants within the captured range, and if diseases or pest damage occur in the range that is not captured, there is a risk of undetected.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a vegetative state detection system and an odor detection device capable of accurately detecting the vegetative state."

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In other words, a plant condition detection system according to one aspect of this disclosure comprises an odor detection device having an odor detection unit for detecting odor substances emitted from plants, and a plant condition detection device that acquires odor information detected by the odor detection unit and detects the state of the plant based on the odor information. This plant condition detection system can detect odors emitted from plants and detect the state of the plant based on that odor information. Therefore, the plant condition detection system can accurately detect the state of the plant.

[0007] Furthermore, in a plant condition detection system relating to one aspect of this disclosure, the odor detection device has an environmental detection unit that detects at least one environmental value among the environmental values ​​of temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide concentration, and illuminance around the plant, and the plant condition detection device may detect or predict the state of the plant based on the environmental value. In this case, the plant condition detection system can detect at least one environmental value among the environmental values ​​of temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide concentration, and illuminance around the plant, and detect or predict the state of the plant based on that environmental value.

[0008] Furthermore, in a plant condition detection system relating to one aspect of this disclosure, the odor detection device may further include a container for housing an odor detection unit and a suction device for drawing air from around the plant into the container. In this case, the plant condition detection system can draw substances emitted from the plant into the container by housing the odor detection unit in the container and drawing air from around the plant into the container. As a result, the diffusion of odor substances is suppressed, and the plant condition detection system can improve the detection accuracy of the odor detection device.

[0009] Furthermore, in a plant condition detection system relating to one aspect of this disclosure, the odor detection device may detect at least one of the following as an odor substance: a green fragrance substance, a terpene substance, a sulfur-based substance, and a moldy odor substance. In this case, the plant condition detection system can detect the state of plant damage by detecting a green fragrance substance as an odor substance, detect the state of environmental stress on the plant by detecting a terpene substance as an odor substance, detect the state of plant decay by detecting a sulfur-based substance as an odor substance, and detect the state of mold growth on the plant by detecting a moldy odor substance as an odor substance.

[0010] Furthermore, in a plant condition detection system relating to one aspect of this disclosure, multiple odor detection devices may be provided in a cultivation area where multiple plants are grown and arranged at equal intervals. In this case, by arranging multiple odor detection devices at equal intervals in the cultivation area, the plant condition detection system can accurately recognize the condition of plants at each location within the cultivation area.

[0011] Furthermore, a plant condition detection system relating to one aspect of this disclosure may include a display control unit that displays the plant condition in accordance with the placement of multiple odor detection devices. In this case, by displaying the plant condition in accordance with the placement of multiple odor detection devices, the plant condition detection system allows for easy visual understanding of the plant condition within the cultivation area.

[0012] An odor detection device relating to one aspect of this disclosure comprises an odor detection unit that detects odor substances emitted from plants, and an output unit that outputs odor information of the odor substances detected by the odor detection unit as information for detecting the state of the plant. According to this odor detection device, odor substances emitted from plants are detected, and the odor information is output as information for detecting the state of the plant. As a result, the odor detection device can detect the state of the plant based on the odor information of the plant, and can detect the state of the plant with high accuracy.

[0013] Furthermore, in an odor detection device relating to one aspect of this disclosure, an environmental detection unit may be provided that detects at least one environmental value among the environmental values ​​of temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide concentration, and illuminance around a plant, and the output unit may output the environmental value detected by the environmental detection unit as information for detecting the state of the plant. In this case, the odor detection device can output the plant's environmental value in addition to the odor information as information for detecting the state of the plant. Therefore, the odor detection device can detect and predict the state of the plant based on the odor and environmental value information.

[0014] Furthermore, an odor detection device relating to one aspect of this disclosure may include a container for housing an odor detection unit and a suction device for drawing air from around the plant into the container. In this case, by housing the odor detection unit in the container and drawing air from around the plant into the container, odor substances emitted from the plant can be drawn into the container. As a result, the diffusion of odor substances is suppressed, and the odor detection device can improve the accuracy of odor substance detection.

[0015] Furthermore, in an odor detection device relating to one aspect of this disclosure, the odor detection unit may detect at least one of the following as an odor substance: a green fragrance substance, a terpene substance, a sulfur-based substance, and a moldy odor substance. In this case, the odor detection device can detect the state of plant damage by detecting a green fragrance substance as an odor substance, and can detect the state of environmental stress on the plant by detecting a terpene substance as an odor substance. In addition, the odor detection device can detect the state of plant decay by detecting a sulfur-based substance as an odor substance, and can detect the state of mold growth on the plant by detecting a moldy odor substance as an odor substance.

[0016] Also, in the odor detection device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a plurality of odor detection units may be provided at equal intervals in a cultivation area where a plurality of plants are cultivated. In this case, by arranging a plurality of odor detection units at equal intervals in the cultivation area, the state of plants at each location within the cultivation area can be accurately recognized.

Advantages of the Invention

[0017] According to the present disclosure, the state of plants can be accurately detected.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of the electrical configuration of a plant state detection system and an odor detection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of the configuration and installation mode of the odor detection device. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the installation mode of the odor detection device. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a display mode of the state of plants in the plant state detection system. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing the control process of the odor detection device. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing the control process of the server of the plant state detection system.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of the electrical configuration of a plant state detection system and an odor detection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 2 and 3 are explanatory diagrams of the configuration mode and installation mode of the odor detection device.

[0021] As shown in Figure 1, the plant condition detection system 1 is a system that detects the state of plant G by detecting odor substances emitted from plant G. The state of plant G includes, for example, the health or growth state of plant G. The plant condition detection system 1 includes an odor detection device 2 and a server 3.

[0022] The odor detection device 2 is a device that detects odor substances emitted from a plant G, and is placed, for example, in the vicinity of the plant G. The plant G is a plant whose state is to be detected, and is, for example, a cultivated plant. The odor detection device 2 is configured to transmit data information such as odor information to the server 3. For example, the odor detection device 2 and the server 3 are configured to communicate via the internet N. The odor detection device 2 includes an odor detection unit 21, an environmental detection unit 22, a communication unit 23, a suction device 24, and a battery 25.

[0023] The odor detection unit 21 and the environmental detection unit 22 are provided as part of the sensor unit 20 and are arranged, for example, within the same housing. The odor detection unit 21 is an odor sensor that detects odor substances emitted from the plant G. The odor substances emitted from the plant G include not only odor substances directly emitted from the plant G, but also odor substances emitted from substances attached to the plant G or attached in the vicinity of the plant G.

[0024] Odor substances include, for example, green fragrance substances, terpene substances, sulfurous substances, and moldy odor substances. Green fragrance substances are volatile substances such as aldehydes, alcohols, and their esters, which have a six-carbon skeleton, specifically hexenol (green leaf alcohol) and sexienal (green leaf aldehyde). Terpene substances are (C5H8) nThese are organic compounds and terpene alcohols with unsaturated hydrocarbons as their basic structure, specifically α-pinene and β-caryophyllene. Sulfur-based substances are sulfur compounds such as hydrogen sulfide, which emit the odor of decaying plants, for example, dimethyl sulfide. Moldy odor substances include mold, trichloroanisole, geosmin, and methylisoborneol. When the odor detection unit 21 detects green fragrance substances as odor substances, the odor detection device 2 can cause the server 3 to detect the state of plant G being damaged by insects. Furthermore, when the odor detection unit 21 detects terpene substances as odor substances, the odor detection device 2 can cause the server 3 to detect the state of environmental stress on plant G. Furthermore, when the odor detection unit 21 detects sulfur-based substances as odor substances, the odor detection device 2 can cause the server 3 to detect the state of decay on plant G. Furthermore, by detecting moldy odor substances as odor substances in the odor detection unit 21, the odor detection device 2 can cause the server 3 to detect mold growth on plant G.

[0025] The odor detection unit 21 detects at least one of the following: green fragrance substances, terpene substances, sulfur-based substances, and moldy odor substances. The odor detection unit 21 may also detect some or all of these substances. Furthermore, the odor detection unit 21 may detect odor substances other than green fragrance substances, terpene substances, sulfur-based substances, and moldy odor substances that enable the detection of the plant's condition.

[0026] For the odor detection unit 21, for example, a sensor in which an organic film that reacts with odor substances is coated on a metal semiconductor may be used. Specifically, a sensor containing polyaniline as the organic film and tin oxide (SnO2) as the metal semiconductor may be used. When detecting multiple different odor substances, multiple sensors may be used as the odor detection unit 21. In addition, any sensor capable of detecting odor substances may be used as the odor detection unit 21, other than those mentioned above.

[0027] The environmental detection unit 22 is a sensor for detecting the growing environment of plant G. The environmental detection unit 22 detects at least one of the environmental values ​​of temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide concentration, and illuminance around plant G. The environmental detection unit 22 may detect some or all of the environmental values ​​of temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide concentration, and illuminance around plant G. For example, a thermometer, hygrometer, carbon dioxide concentration meter, or illuminance meter can be used as the environmental detection unit 22. In addition, the environmental detection unit 22 may detect environmental values ​​other than temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide concentration, and illuminance around plant G.

[0028] The sensor unit 20 may include an airflow sensor. The airflow sensor is a sensor that detects the airflow around the sensor unit 20. The odor detection device 2 can detect whether the air around the plant G is being drawn towards the sensor unit 20 by detecting the airflow around the sensor unit 20 using the airflow sensor. In some cases, the installation of the environmental detection unit 22 in the sensor unit 20 may be omitted.

[0029] The communication unit 23 functions as an output unit that outputs odor information detected by the odor detection unit 21 as information for detecting the state of the plant G. For example, the communication unit 23 outputs the odor information detected by the odor detection unit 21 to an external device. In this case, the communication unit 23 outputs the odor information to the external device repeatedly at a predetermined cycle. This makes it possible for the odor detection device 2 to provide the state of the plant G in real time. The odor information is, for example, the detection level of the odor substance. If the odor detection unit 21 has multiple sensors, multiple pieces of odor information corresponding to each sensor are output. In addition to odor information, the communication unit 23 may also output environmental value information detected by the environmental detection unit 22 as information for detecting the state of the plant G. This communication unit 23 is, for example, a communication device for communicating with the server 3 and is configured to communicate with the server 3 via the internet N. This communication unit 23 may be, for example, a router for connecting the sensor unit 20 to the internet N, or a wireless LAN router that relays the connection to the router.

[0030] The suction device 24 is a device for drawing air from around the plant G to the sensor unit 20. For example, a pump or fan capable of drawing in air can be used as the suction device 24. The battery 25 is a power storage device for supplying power to equipment in the odor detection device 2 that requires power. By equipping the odor detection device 2 with the battery 25, there is no need to connect a power cable to the odor detection device 2 to draw in external power, making the installation and handling of the odor detection device 2 easier. However, in some cases, the odor detection device 2 may be operated using an external power source without the battery 25.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, the odor detection device 2 is installed at the location of the plant G. For example, the odor detection device 2 is installed on the soil where the plant G is planted. In this case, the odor detection device 2 may be installed with spacers or other components between it and the ground. Also, as shown in Figure 3, when the odor detection device 2 is installed inside a facility 11 such as a greenhouse, the odor detection device 2 may be installed by suspending it from above. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the installation method of the odor detection device shown in Figure 1.

[0032] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, multiple odor detection devices 2 may be installed in the cultivation area R where multiple plants G are cultivated. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the installation configuration of the odor detection devices 2 and the display configuration of the plant status, and is a top view of the cultivation area R. In this case, the multiple odor detection devices 2 are arranged at equal intervals. For example, the odor detection devices 2 are installed at the same interval L to adjacent odor detection devices 2 in the cultivation area R. By arranging the odor detection devices 2 in this way, the server 3 can accurately recognize the status of the plants G at each location within the cultivation area R. Figure 4 shows the case where the odor detection devices 2 are arranged at equal intervals in the vertical direction in the cultivation area R, but the odor detection devices 2 may also be arranged at equal intervals in the horizontal or diagonal direction. Here, equal intervals include approximately equal intervals. The cultivation area R represents a cultivation lot of plants G, and multiple plants G are cultivated in the cultivation area R.

[0033] In Figure 2, the odor detection device 2 has a container 26. The container 26 is a component for housing the odor detection unit 21, and for example, a box-shaped container that covers the odor detection unit 21 is used. The container 26 may be a rectangular parallelepiped as shown in Figure 2, or it may be a shape other than a rectangular parallelepiped as long as it can enclose the odor detection unit 21. The container 26 is, for example, small enough to be held and handled. In Figure 2, the sensor unit 20 is housed inside the container 26, and the odor detection unit 21 and the environmental detection unit 22 are housed inside the container 26, but the environmental detection unit 22 may be placed outside the container 26. Also, although the communication unit 23 is not shown in Figure 2, the communication unit 23 may be installed inside the container 26 or outside the container 26.

[0034] The container 26 has a suction port 26a and an outlet port 26b. The suction port 26a and the outlet port 26b are openings that penetrate the inside and outside of the container 26. The suction port 26a is an opening for drawing air from around the plant G into the container 26. The suction port 26a is formed, for example, at the top of the container 26. The outlet port 26b is an opening for discharging air from inside the container 26 to the outside of the container 26. The outlet port 26b is formed, for example, at the bottom of the container 26.

[0035] The container 26 is equipped with a suction device 24. The suction device 24 draws air from around the plant G into the container 26. The suction device 24 is installed, for example, at the position of the outlet 26b, and by driving it, it discharges air from inside the container 26 through the outlet 26b, thereby drawing air from around the plant G into the container 26 through the suction port 26a. Alternatively, the suction device 24 may be installed at the position of the suction port 26a, and air may be drawn in from the suction port 26a by driving the suction device 24.

[0036] By providing a container 26 to house the odor detection unit 21 and drawing air from around the plant G into the container 26 to detect odor substances, the odor detection device 2 can improve the accuracy of odor substance detection. In other words, by drawing air from around the plant G into the container 26, the odor detection device 2 suppresses the diffusion of odor substances from the plant G and can maintain a high concentration of odor substances. As a result, the odor detection device 2 can improve the accuracy of detecting odor substances from the plant G.

[0037] In Figure 1, Server 3 is a plant state detection device that acquires odor information detected by the odor detection unit 21 and detects the state of plant G based on that odor information. In addition to odor information, Server 3 may also acquire environmental value information and detect and predict the state of plant G based on the odor information and environmental value information. Server 3 is composed of a computer including, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), and RAM (Random Access Memory), and records the odor information and environmental value information transmitted from the odor detection device 2, and detects and predicts the state of plant G based on this information. This Server 3 functions, for example, as the main device for cloud computing in the plant state detection system 1. In other words, Server 3 provides the plant state information, which is the state of plant G, to the terminal device 4. For example, Server 3 enables cloud services by providing plant state information to terminal devices 4 that access Server 3.

[0038] Server 3 includes a plant state detection unit 31, a display control unit 32, a recording unit 33, and a communication unit 34. The plant state detection unit 31 detects and predicts the state of plant G based on odor information and environmental value information. For example, the plant state detection unit 31 acquires the detection level of odor substances of plant G as odor information. The detection level corresponds to the concentration of odor substances. Then, the plant state detection unit 31 determines the state of plant G based on the detection level of odor substances. For example, the plant state detection unit 31 is configured with relational data such as a table relating the detection level of odor substances to the state of plant G, and a judgment threshold. By using this relational data, the plant state detection unit 31 can determine the state of plant G from the detection level of odor substances.

[0039] Specifically, if the odor substance is a green fragrance substance, the plant state detection unit 31 can determine the state of plant G being damaged by herbivory. That is, the plant state detection unit 31 determines whether plant G is in a normal state, a caution state, or a warning state based on the detection level of the green fragrance substance. A normal state is one in which the detection level is low and there is no damage from herbivory; a caution state is one in which the detection level exceeds the caution level and there is a risk of damage from herbivory; and a warning state is one in which the detection level exceeds the warning level and damage from herbivory is occurring. In this case, the plant state detection unit 31 determines the state of plant G in three stages, but it may also determine it in two or four or more stages.

[0040] Furthermore, if the odor substance is a terpene substance, the plant state detection unit 31 can determine the environmental stress state of plant G. That is, the plant state detection unit 31 determines whether plant G is in a normal state, a caution state, or a warning state based on the detection level of the terpene substance. A normal state is a state where the detection level is low and there is no problem with environmental stress, a caution state is a state where the detection level exceeds the caution level and there is a possibility of environmental stress occurring, and a warning state is a state where the detection level exceeds the warning level and environmental stress is occurring. In this case, the plant state detection unit 31 determines the state of plant G in three stages, but it may also determine it in two stages or four or more stages.

[0041] Furthermore, if the odor substance is a sulfur-based substance, the plant state detection unit 31 can determine the state of decay of plant G. Specifically, the plant state detection unit 31 determines whether plant G is in a normal state, a caution state, or a warning state based on the detection level of the sulfur-based substance. A normal state is a state where the detection level is low and no decay has occurred, a caution state is a state where the detection level exceeds the caution level and there is a risk of decay, and a warning state is a state where the detection level exceeds the warning level and decay has occurred. In this case, the plant state detection unit 31 determines the state of plant G in three stages, but it may also determine it in two stages or four or more stages.

[0042] Furthermore, if the odor substance is a moldy odor substance, the plant state detection unit 31 can determine the state of mold growth in plant G. That is, the plant state detection unit 31 determines whether plant G is in a normal state, a caution state, or a warning state based on the detection level of the moldy odor substance. A normal state is a state where the detection level is low and no mold has grown, a caution state is a state where the detection level exceeds the caution level and there is a risk of mold growth, and a warning state is a state where the detection level exceeds the warning level and mold has grown. In this case, the plant state detection unit 31 determines the state of plant G in three stages, but it may also determine it in two stages or four or more stages.

[0043] Furthermore, the plant state detection unit 31 acquires environmental values ​​such as temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide concentration, and illuminance around the plant G as environmental value information. The plant state detection unit 31 then determines the state of the plant G based on these environmental values. For example, the plant state detection unit 31 is configured with relational data such as a table relating environmental values ​​to the state of the plant G and a determination threshold. By using this relational data, the plant state detection unit 31 can determine the state of the plant G from the environmental values. In other words, the plant state detection unit 31 can predict the state of mold growth on the plant G based on the temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide concentration, and illuminance around the plant G. In addition, the plant state detection unit 31 can more accurately detect and predict the state of mold growth by combining odor information of mold odor substances with environmental value information.

[0044] The display control unit 32 displays the state of plant G based on the odor detection level in the odor detection device 2. For example, the display control unit 32 generates display data that associates the state of plant G with the state of odor detection device 2 based on the state of plant G detected by plant state detection unit 31. The display control unit 32 then displays the state of odor detection device 2 and plant G in association, making it viewable by terminal equipment 4 or the like.

[0045] Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, when multiple odor detection units 21 are installed in the cultivation area R, the display control unit 32 displays the status of the plants G in accordance with the placement of the odor detection devices 2. The display mode is different depending on the status of the plants G; for example, the better the condition of the plants G, the lighter the display mode. In other words, the worse the condition of the plants G, the darker the display mode. By using different display modes according to the status of the plants G, the display control unit 32 makes it easy to grasp the status of the plants G within the cultivation area R through visual means. Furthermore, when cultivating plants G in a large-scale cultivation facility, when cultivating plants G in a wide cultivation area R, or when cultivating plants G in multiple cultivation areas R, the plants G can be managed efficiently.

[0046] The display method for the state of plant G may vary depending on the state of plant G, using different colors. For example, if plant G is in good condition, an inconspicuous color may be used. For example, if plant G is in good condition, it may be green; if plant G is not in very good condition, it may be yellow; and if plant G is in poor condition, it may be red. The display control unit 32 may also display the state of plant G using different marks depending on the state of plant G, or it may display the state of plant G in text. The display control unit 32 may also display the state of plant G in a table format by assigning numbers to the odor detection unit 21.

[0047] The recording unit 33 records odor information and information about the state of plant G. In this case, it records odor information that is repeatedly transmitted from the odor detection device 2 at a predetermined interval, and records the state of plant G based on the odor information.

[0048] The communication unit 34 has the function of communicating with the odor detection device 2. For example, the communication unit 34 is capable of communicating with the odor detection device 2 via the internet N and receives odor information transmitted from the odor detection device 2. The communication unit 34 also provides information about the state of the plant G detected based on the odor information to the terminal device 4. For example, by accessing the server 3 using the terminal device 4, it becomes possible to check or recognize the state of the plant G through the terminal device 4 even without being at the location of the plant G. The terminal device 4 is, for example, a smartphone 4a or a personal computer 4b. Alternatively, the terminal device 4 may be other terminal devices such as a tablet.

[0049] Next, the method of use and operation of the plant condition detection system 1 and odor detection device 2 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0050] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the odor detection device 2. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the server 3 in the plant condition detection system 1.

[0051] First, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the odor detection device 2 is installed in the location of the plant G. The odor detection device 2 is positioned near the plant G. In this case, the odor detection device 2 may be installed on the ground or suspended from above. Also, as shown in Figure 4, multiple odor detection devices 2 may be installed in the cultivation area R of the plant G. In this case, the odor detection units 21 of the odor detection device 2 are arranged at equal intervals. This allows for accurate recognition of the state of the plant G at each location within the cultivation area R. The position of the odor detection device 2 within the cultivation area R is displayed and registered. For example, the position of the odor detection device 2 in the cultivation area R is set and registered to match the position within the display range.

[0052] Then, as shown in Figure 5, the odor detection process of the odor detection device 2 is executed. This series of control processes shown in Figure 5 is repeatedly executed by the odor detection device 2 at a predetermined cycle.

[0053] First, as shown in step S10 of Figure 5 (hereinafter simply referred to as S10; the same applies to subsequent steps), odor detection is performed. Odor detection is the process of detecting odor substances emitted from the plant G. For example, the odor detection unit 21 detects odor substances emitted from the plant G. This detection of odor substances is detected by the odor detection unit 21 as an odor concentration or odor intensity, and the odor detection device 2 processes and records it as odor information. If the odor detection unit 21 is equipped with multiple sensors to detect multiple odor substances, the odor information for each is recorded.

[0054] Furthermore, in S10, in addition to odor detection, environmental value detection may also be performed. Environmental value detection is a process that detects the growing environment of plant G. For example, the environmental detection unit 22 detects at least one of the environmental values ​​of temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide concentration, and illuminance around plant G. The detected environmental value is processed as environmental value information by the odor detection device 2 and recorded.

[0055] Furthermore, in S10, when odor substances are detected, the suction device 24 is activated. That is, as shown in Figure 2, the suction device 24 is activated, and the air surrounding the plant G is drawn into the container 26. This allows for accurate detection of odor substances. In other words, by housing the odor detection unit 21 in the container 26 and drawing the air surrounding the plant G into the container 26, the diffusion of odor substances around the plant G is suppressed. Therefore, odor detection can be performed without lowering the concentration of odor substances, and the detection accuracy is improved. In addition, by drawing the air surrounding the plant G into the container 26, odor substances can be reliably attracted and detected even when air is flowing around the plant G in the opposite direction to the odor detection device 2.

[0056] Then, the process moves to S12 in Figure 5, where odor information is output. The output of odor information is the process of sending odor information of the odor substance detected by the odor detection unit 21 to the server 3. For example, the communication unit 23 sends the odor information of the odor substance detected by the odor detection unit 21 to the server 3 via the internet N. At this time, if the environmental value of plant G is detected, the environmental value information is sent to the server 3 along with the odor information. After the process in S12 is completed, the series of control processes in Figure 5 is terminated.

[0057] Meanwhile, on server 3, the plant state detection process is executed as shown in Figure 6. This plant state detection process is repeatedly executed by server 3 at predetermined intervals.

[0058] First, as shown in S20 of Figure 6, odor information is acquired. This acquisition of odor information is a process of acquiring odor information transmitted from the odor detection device 2. For example, the communication unit 34 receives odor information transmitted from the odor detection device 2. The received odor information is then recorded in the recording unit 33. If environmental value information is received along with the odor information, that environmental value information is also recorded in the recording unit 33.

[0059] Then, the process moves to S22, where the plant state is detected. The plant state detection is a process that detects the state of plant G based on odor information. If environmental value information is also acquired in addition to odor information, the state of plant G may be detected based on both the odor information and the environmental value information. For example, the plant state detection unit 31 detects the state of plant G based on the odor information of plant G. That is, the plant state detection unit 31 detects the state of plant G based on the detection level of odor substances.

[0060] Specifically, the plant condition detection unit 31 can detect the degree of plant G being damaged by insects if the detected odor substance is a green fragrance substance. The plant condition detection unit 31 can detect that the degree of plant G being damaged by insects is greater the higher the detection level of the odor substance. Furthermore, the plant condition detection unit 31 can detect the state of environmental stress on plant G if the detected odor substance is a terpene substance. The plant condition detection unit 31 can detect that the environmental stress on plant G is greater the higher the detection level of the odor substance. In addition, the plant condition detection unit 31 can detect the state of plant G being decayed if the detected odor substance is a sulfur-based substance. The plant condition detection unit 31 can detect that the degree of plant G being decayed is greater the higher the detection level of the odor substance.

[0061] Furthermore, the plant state detection unit 31 can detect the state of mold growth on plant G if the detected odor substance is a moldy odor substance. The plant state detection unit 31 can detect that the higher the detection level of the odor substance, the more widespread or dense the mold growth is on plant G or around plant G. In this case, the plant state detection unit 31 can detect or predict the state of plant G based on environmental value information. That is, the plant state detection unit 31 can use some or all of the environmental values ​​of temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide concentration, and illuminance around plant G in the environmental value information to detect and predict mold growth. For example, the plant state detection unit 31 can detect or predict that there is a high possibility of mold growth when the temperature is high, the humidity is high, and the illuminance is low. Therefore, the plant state detection unit 31 can improve detection accuracy and prediction accuracy by combining odor information and environmental value information to detect and predict the state of plant G.

[0062] Then, the process moves to S24, where the plant status is displayed. Based on the status of the plant G detected in S22, display data is generated that associates the odor detection device 2 with the status of the plant G, and the status of the plant G is displayed in association with the odor detection device 2. For example, as shown in Figure 4, when multiple odor detection devices 2 are placed in the cultivation area R, the status of the plant G is displayed corresponding to the placement of the odor detection devices 2. Figure 4 schematically shows the cultivation area R, and the good or bad state of the plant G is shown with different shades of gray corresponding to the odor detection device 2. In other words, the better the state of the plant G, the lighter it is displayed, and the worse the state of the plant G, the darker it is displayed. In Figure 4, it can be seen that the state of the plant G in the upper left of the four cultivation areas R is poor. By using different display modes according to the state of the plant G, the plant status detection system 1 can easily grasp the state of the plant G within the cultivation area R through visual means. Furthermore, when cultivating plants G in a large-scale cultivation facility, cultivating plants G in a wide cultivation area R, or cultivating plants G in multiple cultivation areas R, the plant condition detection system 1 can efficiently manage the plants G.

[0063] Furthermore, the way in which the condition of plant G is indicated may vary depending on the condition of plant G. For example, if plant G is in good condition, an inconspicuous color may be used. For instance, if plant G is in good condition, it may be green; if plant G is not in very good condition, it may be yellow; and if plant G is in poor condition, it may be red.

[0064] The status of plant G, as shown in Figure 4, is displayed on terminal device 4 by accessing server 3 via terminal device 4. This allows users to check the status of plant G using terminal device 4. Therefore, even users in remote locations can check the status of plant G in real time. After completing the process in S24, the series of control processes shown in Figure 6 are terminated.

[0065] As described above, the plant condition detection system 1 and odor detection device 2 according to this embodiment detect odors emitted from the plant G and output the odor information as information for detecting the state of the plant G. As a result, the plant condition detection system 1 and odor detection device 2 can detect the state of the plant G based on the odor information of the plant G, and can detect the state of the plant G with high accuracy. For example, if the plant G is imaged and the state of the plant is detected based on this image, it is difficult to detect the state of parts of the plant G that are not imaged. In contrast, the plant condition detection system 1 and odor detection device 2 according to this embodiment detect the state of the plant G based on the odor information of the plant G, so it is possible to detect the state of parts of the plant G that are far from the odor detection unit 21 or in shaded areas. Therefore, the plant condition detection system 1 and odor detection device 2 according to this embodiment can detect the state of the plant G with high accuracy.

[0066] Furthermore, according to the plant condition detection system 1 and odor detection device 2 of this embodiment, the state of plant G can be detected based on the plant G's environmental values ​​in addition to the odor information of plant G. Therefore, the plant condition detection system 1 and odor detection device 2 of this embodiment can detect and predict the state of plant with greater accuracy based on odor information and environmental value information.

[0067] Furthermore, according to the plant condition detection system 1 and odor detection device 2 of this embodiment, the odor detection unit 21 is housed in a container 26, and air from around the plant G is drawn into the container 26, drawing odor substances emitted from the plant G into the container 26. As a result, the plant condition detection system 1 and odor detection device 2 of this embodiment suppress the diffusion of odor substances and improve the detection accuracy of odor substances.

[0068] Furthermore, according to the plant condition detection system 1 and odor detection device 2 of this embodiment, the odor detection unit 21 detects at least one of the following as odor substances: green fragrance substances, terpene substances, sulfur-based substances, and moldy odor substances. Therefore, the plant condition detection system 1 and odor detection device 2 of this embodiment can detect the state of plant G being damaged by herbicide by detecting green fragrance substances as odor substances, detect the state of environmental stress on plant G by detecting terpene substances as odor substances, detect the state of plant G being decayed by detecting sulfur-based substances as odor substances, and detect the state of mold growth on plant G by detecting moldy odor substances as odor substances.

[0069] Furthermore, according to the plant condition detection system 1 and odor detection device 2 of this embodiment, multiple odor detection units 21 are provided in the cultivation area R where multiple plants G are cultivated, and are installed at equal intervals. Therefore, the plant condition detection system 1 and odor detection device 2 of this embodiment can accurately recognize the condition of the plants G at each location within the cultivation area R.

[0070] Furthermore, the plant condition detection system 1 according to this embodiment includes a display control unit 32 that displays the state of the plant G in accordance with the placement positions of the multiple odor detection devices 2. Therefore, the plant condition detection system 1 can display the state of the plant G in accordance with the placement positions of the multiple odor detection devices 2, making it easy to grasp the state of the plant G within the cultivation area R through visual means.

[0071] Although embodiments of this disclosure have been described, these embodiments describe only a part of the embodiments of the plant condition detection system and odor detection device according to this disclosure, and the plant condition detection system and odor detection device according to this disclosure are not limited to those described in the above embodiments. The plant condition detection system and odor detection device according to this disclosure may be a modified or applied version of the plant condition detection system and odor detection device according to the above embodiments without changing the gist of each claim.

[0072] For example, in the plant condition detection system 1 and odor detection device 2 according to the above embodiment, odor information detected by the odor detection device 2 is transmitted to the server 3 via the Internet N, but odor information may be transmitted via a communication line other than the Internet N. Alternatively, the odor detection device 2 may be connected to a plant condition detection device using a wired or wireless connection, and the odor information detected by the odor detection device 2 may be transmitted to the plant condition detection device. In this case, by making a personal computer function as a plant condition detection device, the personal computer can perform plant condition detection and display the state of the plant G.

[0073] Furthermore, in the plant condition detection system 1 and odor detection device 2 according to the above embodiment, a container 26 containing an odor detection unit 21 is placed near the plant G. However, the plant G may be placed inside the container 26, and the odor substances of the plant G may be detected to determine the state of the plant G.

[0074] Furthermore, the multiple odor detection devices 2 may be installed freely, rather than at equal intervals. For example, each of the multiple odor detection devices 2 may be installed in a position that makes it easy to detect odor substances emitted from the plant G. In this case, the server 3 can be configured to acquire the installation positions of the multiple odor detection devices 2. The display control unit 32 of the server 3 can display the status of the odor detection devices 2 and the plant G in association with each other based on the installation positions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1...Plant condition detection system, 2...Odor detection device, 3...Server (plant condition detection equipment), 4...Terminal equipment, 21...Odor detection unit, 22...Environment detection unit, 23...Communication unit, 24...Suction device, 25...Battery, 26...Container, 31...Plant condition detection unit, 32...Display control unit, 33...Recording unit, 34...Communication unit (output unit), G...Plant, R...Cultivation area.

Claims

1. A plurality of odor detection devices provided in a cultivation area where a plurality of plants are cultivated, wherein each odor detection device has an odor detection unit for detecting odor substances emitted from the plants, and the plurality of odor detection devices A plant condition detection device that acquires odor information detected by the odor detection unit and detects the condition of the plant based on the odor information, Equipped with, The plant condition detection device has a display control unit, The aforementioned plurality of odor detection devices are arranged at equal intervals, The display control unit displays the status of the plant in accordance with the arrangement positions of the multiple odor detection devices. Plant condition detection system.

2. The odor detection device has an environmental detection unit that detects at least one environmental value among the environmental values ​​of temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide concentration, and illuminance around the plant. The plant condition detection device detects or predicts the state of the plant based on the environmental values. The plant condition detection system according to claim 1.

3. The odor detection device further comprises a container housing the odor detection unit and a suction device that draws air from around the plant into the container. The plant condition detection system according to claim 1.

4. The odor detection device detects at least one of the following odor substances: green fragrance substances, terpene substances, sulfur-based substances, and moldy odor substances. The plant condition detection system according to claim 1.

Images