Tools for surveying crop growth

Abstract

To provide a crop growth checking tool that makes it possible to smoothly perform a series of growth check.SOLUTION: A crop growth checking tool 1 comprises: a linear scale-shaped tool body 3 having a measure part 2 on one side of a front face of which length graduations are marked; a plurality of approximately semi-circular notch parts 4 of different sizes which are formed on the other side of the tool body 3 with a predetermined gap; and a color scale 5 (flower-color color scale 5a, leaf-color color scale 5b) which is provided for a rear face of the tool body 3. Further, in the crop growth checking tool 1, a flower-color color scale 5a' is provided for an area other than the measure part 2 of the front face of the tool body 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tool for investigating the growth of agricultural crops. More specifically, the present invention relates to a tool for investigating the growth of agricultural crops such as tomatoes and cucumbers cultivated in a greenhouse, which is used for measuring and evaluating (growth investigation) the height of the flowering position near the growth point, the stem diameter and thickness, the color of the flower, the color of the leaf, etc.

Background Art

[0002] Environmental control in a greenhouse is an important management task for ensuring the yield and quality of agricultural crops such as tomatoes and cucumbers, and it is carried out according to the growth state (tree vigor, balance, type). And in order to perform optimal environmental control, it is necessary to regularly measure and evaluate (growth investigation) the height of the flowering position near the growth point, the stem diameter and thickness, the color of the flower, the color of the leaf, etc.

[0003] Although it is conceivable to conduct growth investigations of agricultural crops such as tomatoes and cucumbers using an AI camera, there are cost and technical difficulties (usage restrictions) caused by the following factors in using an AI camera. (a) There are many necessary measurement items and target plant numbers. (b) It is necessary to take pictures from various angles and heights for one plant. (c) 30 to 40 cameras are required for a 1 ha greenhouse. (d) It is necessary to develop an AI algorithm for each scene and measurement item.

[0004] Therefore, at present, growth investigations of agricultural crops such as tomatoes and cucumbers are a practical solution and method using a plurality of tools such as a "ruler", a "vernier caliper", and a "color scale (color chart)" as shown in FIG. 6 (for example, see Non-Patent Documents 1 to 3, etc.).

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0005] [Non-Patent Document 1] "Differences in Measurement Values ​​and Measurement Methods for Growth Survey Items in Tomatoes and Cherry Tomatoes," Atsushi Yamanami, Kazuhiro Tajiri, Kaoru Oogi (Kumamoto Agricultural Research Center), [online], [Retrieved March 27, 2022], Internet <URL: https: / / www.naro.affrc.go.jp / org / karc / qnoken / yoshi / no82 / 6%E9%87%8E%E8%8F%9C%E8%8A%B1%E3%81%8D%E9%83%A8%E4%BC%9A / 82-yasai-p1.pdf> [Non-Patent Document 2] "Greenhouse Tomatoes: Secrets to Increasing Tomato Yields - Growth Survey," [online], [Accessed March 27, 2022], Internet <URL: https: / / ghtomato.com / blog-entry-46.html> [Non-Patent Document 3] Seiwa Co., Ltd., "Farm Storm", [online], [Accessed March 27, 2022], Internet <URL: https: / / www.seiwa-ltd.jp / labo / tomatopark009 / > [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] However, in growth surveys using multiple tools as described above, it is necessary to change tools for each survey (measurement / evaluation) item, which presents a challenge in conducting a series of growth surveys smoothly.

[0007] This invention was made to solve the aforementioned problems in the prior art, and aims to provide a tool for crop growth surveys that enables a series of growth surveys to be carried out smoothly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above objective, the configuration of the crop growth survey tool according to the present invention is as follows: (1) A straight ruler-shaped tool body having a ruler section on one side with length markings for measuring the height of the flowering position based on the growing point of the crop, On the other side of the tool body, there are multiple notches of different sizes for measuring the stem diameter at positions corresponding to the stem diameter measurement reference points provided on the ruler portion, The tool body, in a portion other than the ruler portion, is equipped with a color scale that can be used to evaluate the color of agricultural products by applying it to the leaves or flowers of the crops. Multiple notches are arranged in order of size, and each notch is assigned a stem diameter value. doing It is characterized by the following:

[0009] The configuration of the crop growth survey tool of the present invention described in (1) provides the following effects. In other words, according to the configuration described in (1) above, the ruler part of the tool body can be used to measure, for example, the height of the flowering position near the growth point, or the location of the stem diameter / thickness to be measured. Furthermore, the multiple notches on the same tool body allow for quick numerical measurement of, for example, the stem diameter / thickness near the growth point, and by shifting the tool body horizontally (longitudinal direction), it becomes easier to find the notch that matches the stem diameter / thickness, thereby improving the efficiency of growth survey work. In addition, the color scale on the same tool body allows for evaluation of, for example, the color of flowers or leaves near the growth point by applying it to the leaves or flowers of the crop. Thus, according to the configuration in (1) above, without changing the tool for each survey (measurement / evaluation) item, a series of raw It becomes possible to conduct child development surveys. Therefore, according to the configuration of (1) above, it is possible to provide a tool for crop growth surveys that enables a series of growth surveys to be carried out smoothly.

[0010] In addition, when using the tool for investigating the growth of agricultural crops of the present invention, since the tool body provided with a color scale is formed in a straight ruler shape, the color scale can be applied from above the leaves and flowers to evaluate the color of the leaves and the color of the flowers. Therefore, it becomes easier to match the color of the color scale with the color of the leaves and flowers, and it is possible to efficiently perform the evaluation work of the color of the leaves and the color of the flowers.

[0011] In the configuration of the above (1) of the tool for investigating the growth of agricultural crops of the present invention, it is preferable to have the following configurations (2) to (5) and so on.

[0014] (2) In the configuration of the above (1), the shape of the notch portion is substantially semicircular or substantially semi-elliptical.

[0015] In the above (2) According to the preferable configuration, it becomes possible to accurately measure the stem diameter and the thickness of the stem.

[0020] (3) In the configuration of the above (1), the color scale consists of a flower color scale and a leaf color scale.

[0021] (4) In the above (3) configuration, the flower color scale is divided into three stages from light yellow to dark yellow and arranged in parallel The aforementioned leaf color scale is divided into seven stages, from light green to dark green, and arranged side by side.

[0022] In the above (4) According to the preferable configuration , tree vigor (weak / strong), and life it becomes possible to confirm whether the growth balance is reproductive growth or vegetative growth.

Effects of the Invention

[0025] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a tool for crop growth surveys that enables a series of growth surveys to be carried out smoothly. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0026] [Figure 1] This figure shows the configuration of a tool for surveying crop growth in one embodiment of the present invention ((a) is the front view, (b) is the back view). [Figure 2] Photographic perspective views showing crop growth surveys (a) to (d) using a crop growth survey tool according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] A photographic perspective view showing crop growth surveys (e) to (h) using a crop growth survey tool according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] A photographic perspective view showing an enlarged portion of Figure 3(h). [Figure 5] A perspective photograph showing how tomato leaf color is evaluated using a color scale in conventional technology. [Figure 6] A photographic plan view showing a conventional tool for surveying crop growth. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] The present invention will be described in more detail below using preferred embodiments. However, the embodiments described below are merely examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0028] (Configuration of tools for crop growth surveys) First, the configuration of the crop growth survey tool in one embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to Figure 1.

[0029] Figure 1 shows the configuration of the crop growth survey tool in this embodiment ((a) is a front view, (b) is a back view).

[0030] As shown in Figure 1, the crop growth survey tool 1 of this embodiment comprises a straight plastic tool body 3 having a ruler portion 2 with length markings on one side of its surface, a plurality of semicircular notches 4 of different sizes formed at predetermined intervals on the other side of the tool body 3, and a color scale 5 provided on the back surface of the tool body 3.

[0031] The configuration of the crop growth survey tool 1 of this embodiment provides the following effects. In other words, with this configuration, the ruler portion 2 of the tool body 3 can be used to measure, for example, the height of the flowering position near the growing point. Furthermore, the multiple notches 4 of the same tool body 3 can be used to measure, for example, the stem diameter and thickness near the growing point. Additionally, the color scale 5 of the same tool body 3 can be used to evaluate, for example, the color of the flowers and leaves near the growing point. Thus, with this configuration, it becomes possible to conduct a series of growth surveys without changing tools for each survey (measurement and evaluation) item. Therefore, with this configuration, it is possible to provide a crop growth survey tool 1 that enables a series of growth surveys to be carried out smoothly.

[0032] Further details are provided below. As shown in Figure 1, only the length scale mark "15" on the ruler part 2 is marked with a large number "15" in a black circle with a white outline. In other words, the stem diameter measurement reference point 2a is marked on the ruler part 2. With this configuration, it becomes possible to accurately determine the location of the stem diameter / thickness to be measured.

[0033] The multiple notches 4 are arranged in order of size. With this configuration, by shifting the tool body 3 horizontally (longitudinal direction), it becomes easier to find the notch 4 that matches the stem diameter and thickness, thereby improving the efficiency of the growth survey work.

[0034] Each notch 4 is marked with a corresponding stem diameter / stem thickness value. With this configuration, it becomes possible to immediately quantify the measured stem diameter and stem thickness.

[0035] Color scale 5 consists of flower color color scale 5a and leaf color color scale 5b. The flower color scale 5a is divided into three stages, from pale yellow to dark yellow, and arranged side by side. This arrangement makes it possible to determine whether the growth balance is reproductive or vegetative. The leaf color scale 5b is divided into seven stages, from light green to dark green, and arranged side by side. This configuration makes it possible to check the tree's vigor (weak / strong) and whether its growth is reproductive or vegetative. In addition, in the crop growth survey tool 1 of this embodiment, a flower color scale 5a' is provided on the surface of the tool body 3, in addition to the portion other than the ruler portion 2.

[0036] (How to use tools for crop growth surveys) Next, the method of using the crop growth survey tool in one embodiment of the present invention will be explained, using the case where the crop to be surveyed is a tomato as an example, with reference to Figures 2 to 4.

[0037] Figure 2 is a photographic perspective view showing crop growth surveys (a) to (d) using the crop growth survey tool in this embodiment, Figure 3 is a photographic perspective view showing crop growth surveys (e) to (h) using the same crop growth survey tool, and Figure 4 is a photographic perspective view showing an enlarged portion of Figure 3(h).

[0038] The crop (tomato) growth survey is conducted as follows: First, as shown in Figure 2(a), the length (cm) of the stem and growing point since the last measurement date is measured using the ruler part 2 of the tool body 3. This is to confirm how many centimeters it has grown since the last measurement date. Next, as shown in Figure 2(b), the height of the flowering position (distance from the growth point to the flowering position) (cm) is measured using the ruler part 2 of the same tool body 3. This is to confirm whether the growth balance is reproductive growth or vegetative growth.

[0039] Next, as shown in Figure 2(c), the ruler part 2 of the same tool body 3 is used to locate the point approximately 15 cm from the growth point (stem diameter measurement reference point). This is to accurately determine the location of the stem diameter / thickness to be measured. Next, as shown in Figure 2(d), the stem diameter and thickness are measured using the multiple notches 4 on the same tool body 3. This is to check the tree's vigor (weak or strong). Since the multiple notches 4 are arranged in order of size, by sliding the tool body 3 horizontally (longitudinal direction), it is easy to find the notch 4 that matches the stem diameter / thickness from among the multiple notches 4. In addition, each notch 4 is marked with a corresponding stem diameter / thickness value, so the measured stem diameter / thickness can be immediately quantified. Therefore, it is possible to improve the efficiency of growth survey work.

[0040] Next, as shown in Figure 3(e), the flower color is evaluated in three stages from pale yellow to dark yellow using the same tool body 3' flower color scale 5a'. This is to determine whether the growth balance is reproductive growth or vegetative growth. Next, as shown in Figure 3(f), the length (cm) of the flower stalk (the stem that bears the flower) is measured using the ruler part 2 of the same tool body 3. This is to confirm whether the growth balance is reproductive growth or vegetative growth.

[0041] Next, as shown in Figure 3(g), the length (cm) of the nodes (the parts where leaves attach to the stem) is measured using the ruler part 2 of the same tool body 3. This is to check the tree's vigor (weak or strong). Next, as shown in Figure 3(h), the leaf color is evaluated on a 7-point scale from light green to dark green using the leaf color scale 5b of the same tool body 3. This is to check the tree's vigor (weak / strong) and whether its growth is reproductive or vegetative.

[0042] As described above, by using the crop growth survey tool 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to perform a series of growth surveys without changing the tool for each survey (measurement and evaluation) item. Therefore, by using the crop growth survey tool 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to perform a series of growth surveys smoothly.

[0043] Incidentally, as shown in Figure 5, the conventionally used color scale 6 consists of a wide rectangular base 7 with a flower color scale 8a and a leaf color scale 8b attached to it. Therefore, when evaluating the leaf color or flower color of tomatoes, it was necessary to position the color scale 6 below the leaves or flowers. As a result, it was pointed out that this made it difficult to efficiently evaluate the leaf color and flower color. In contrast, using the crop growth survey tool 1 of this embodiment, the tool body 3, which is equipped with a color scale 5 (flower color scale 5a, leaf color scale 5b) and a flower color scale 5a', is formed in the shape of a straight ruler. As shown in Figure 4, the color scale 5 (flower color scale 5a, leaf color scale 5b) and the flower color scale 5a' can be applied to the leaves and flowers to evaluate the leaf and flower colors. This makes it easier to match the colors on the color scale with the leaf and flower colors, enabling efficient evaluation of leaf and flower colors.

[0044] In this embodiment, the case in which the crop being surveyed is a tomato was used as an example. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this mode of use. The crop growth survey tool of the present invention can be used to survey the growth of crops grown in greenhouses other than tomatoes, such as cucumbers, eggplants, and strawberries. Furthermore, the crop growth survey tool of the present invention can also be used to survey the growth of crops that are not grown in greenhouses, such as rice.

[0045] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the case in which the tool body 3 is made of plastic was used as an example for the explanation. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this configuration. The tool body may be made of, for example, bamboo or wood. The tool body may also be flexible.

[0046] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the case in which the notch portion 4 for measuring the stem diameter and stem thickness is approximately semicircular was described as an example. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this configuration. The shape of the notch portion can be any shape that allows for the measurement of the stem diameter and stem thickness, and for example, it can be formed into an approximately semi-elliptical shape. If the shape of the notch 4 is approximately semicircular or semi-elliptical, it becomes possible to accurately measure the stem diameter and stem thickness. Furthermore, the shape of the notch may be, for example, a roughly semi-regular hexagon.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the case in which a flower color scale 5a and a flower color scale 5a' are provided on the back and front surfaces of the tool body 3, respectively, has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this configuration. The flower color scale only needs to be provided on at least one of the back and front surfaces of the tool body 3.

[0048] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the case in which the stem diameter measurement reference point 2a is marked at the length scale "15" of the ruler part 2 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this configuration. The position of the stem diameter measurement reference point can be changed depending on the type of crop being grown in a greenhouse or the like.

[0049] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the case in which the flower color scales 5a and 5a' are divided into three stages from pale yellow to dark yellow and arranged side by side was described as an example. Similarly, the case in which the leaf color scale 5b is divided into seven stages from light green to dark green and arranged side by side was described as an example. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to these configurations. The number of divisions in each of the flower color scale and leaf color scale can be changed depending on the type of crop being grown in a greenhouse or the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0050] 1. Tools for surveying crop growth 2. Ruler section 2a Stem diameter measurement reference points 3. Tool body 4 Notch 5 Color Scale 5a, 5a' Flower Color Scale 5b Leaf Color Scale

Claims

1. A straight ruler-shaped tool body having a ruler section on one side with length markings for measuring the height of the flowering position based on the growth point of the crop, On the other side of the tool body, there are multiple notches of different sizes for measuring the stem diameter at positions corresponding to the stem diameter measurement reference points provided on the ruler portion, The tool body, in a portion other than the ruler portion, is equipped with a color scale that can be used to evaluate the color of agricultural products by applying it to the leaves or flowers of the crops. A crop growth survey tool used for surveying crop growth, comprising multiple notches arranged in order of size, with each notch labeled with a corresponding stem diameter value.

2. The crop growth survey tool according to claim 1, wherein the shape of the notch is approximately semicircular or approximately semielliptical.

3. The tool for surveying crop growth according to claim 1, wherein the color scale comprises a flower color color scale and a leaf color color scale.

4. The aforementioned flower color scale is divided into three stages, from pale yellow to dark yellow, and arranged side by side. The crop growth survey tool according to claim 3, wherein the leaf color scale is divided into seven stages from light green to dark green and arranged side by side.

Images