Information management device, information management system, information management method, and program

Abstract

To provide an information management device, an information management system, an information management method, and a program that can improve convenience of setting the setting information for a connection apparatus that can communicate information related to an agriculture and fishery industry.SOLUTION: An information management device includes: a connection apparatus information acquisition unit that acquires connection apparatus information of a connection apparatus capable of communicating information related to an agriculture and fishery industry; a setting information registration unit that registers, on the basis of the connected apparatus information of the connected apparatus acquired by the connected apparatus information acquisition unit, setting information of the connected apparatus according to an instruction from an administrator so as to correspond to the connected apparatus; and a connected apparatus control unit that controls, on the basis of the setting information of the connected apparatus registered by the setting information registration unit when the connected apparatus is in a communicable state, the connected apparatus.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information management device, an information management system, an information management method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, an information management system for controlling connection devices related to the agricultural and fisheries industries has been disclosed. In such an information management system, the opening and closing of a solenoid valve is controlled based on the oxygen concentration in an aquaculture tank measured by a dissolved oxygen sensor.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in such an information management system, when changing the connection state of a connection device, it has been cumbersome to change the setting information of the connection device. Thus, it is desired to improve the convenience in setting the setting information of connection devices related to the agricultural and fisheries industries.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The information management device for solving the above problems includes a connection device information acquisition unit that acquires connection device information of a connection device capable of communicating information related to the agricultural and fisheries industries, a setting information registration unit that registers, according to an instruction from an administrator, setting information of the connection device so as to correspond to the connection device information acquired by the connection device information acquisition unit, and a connection device control unit that controls the connection device based on the setting information of the connection device registered by the setting information registration unit in a state where communication with the connection device is possible.

[0006] An information management system that solves the above problems comprises: a connection device information acquisition unit that acquires connection device information of a connection device capable of communicating information related to agriculture and fisheries; a setting information registration unit that registers setting information of the connection device in accordance with the instructions of the administrator, based on the connection device information of the connection device acquired by the connection device information acquisition unit, so as to correspond to the connection device; and a connection device control unit that, when in a state where it can communicate with the connection device, performs control of the connection device based on the setting information of the connection device registered by the setting information registration unit.

[0007] An information management method that solves the above problems involves one or more computers acquiring connection device information of a connected device capable of communicating information related to agriculture and fisheries; registering setting information of the connected device to correspond to the connected device based on the connection device information, according to the instructions of the administrator; and, while in a state where communication with the connected device is possible, performing control over the connected device based on the setting information of the connected device.

[0008] A program to solve the above problem causes one or more computers to perform the following actions: acquire connection device information of a connected device capable of communicating information related to agriculture and fisheries; register the setting information of the connected device to correspond to the connected device according to the instructions of the administrator, based on the connection device information of the connected device; and, when the connected device is in a state where it can communicate with the connected device, perform control over the connected device based on the setting information of the connected device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the convenience of setting configuration information for connected devices that can communicate information related to agriculture and fisheries. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows the overall configuration of the information management system of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the electrical configuration of the terminal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the electrical configuration of the controller according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows the electrical configuration of the information management device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows the administrator database of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows the configuration database of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows the connected device database of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the setting information provision control process of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the first setting control process of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the device information provision control process of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the second setting control process and the setting information transmission control process of the first embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the signal control process of the first embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the communication control process of the first embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] [First Embodiment] One embodiment of an information management device, an information management system, an information management method, and a program will be described.

[0012] <Configuration of Information Management System 10> As shown in FIG. 1, the information management system 10 is a system for managing information related to the agricultural and fisheries industries. In particular, the information management system 10 is a system for managing agricultural and fisheries farms such as, for example, farms or aquaculture farms. The agricultural and fisheries industries include agriculture and the fisheries industry. Agriculture includes livestock farming and dairy farming. Agriculture includes forestry. The fisheries industry includes aquaculture. Aquaculture includes inland water aquaculture and marine aquaculture.

[0013] The information management system 10 includes an information management device 11. The information management device 11 is a server that manages information related to the agricultural and fisheries industries. In particular, the information management device 11 is a server for managing agricultural and fisheries farms.

[0014] The information management system 10 includes a terminal device 12. The information management system 10 may include one or more terminal devices 12. The terminal device is a device used by a user. In particular, the terminal device may be a device used by a manager of an agricultural and fisheries farm as a user.

[0015] The information management system 10 includes a controller 13. The information management system 10 may include one or more controllers 13. The controller is a terminal device that performs control related to the agricultural and fisheries industries. In particular, the controller is a terminal device that performs control related to the connection device 14 described below.

[0016] The information management system 10 includes a connection device 14. The information management system 10 may include one or more connection devices 14. The connection device 14 can be electrically connected to the controller 13. The connection device 14 is a device related to the agricultural and fisheries industries. In particular, the connection device 14 may include a device capable of outputting information related to the agricultural and fisheries industries to the controller 13. The connection device 14 may include a device that is driven based on information related to the agricultural and fisheries industries from the controller 13.

[0017] The controller 13 and the connecting devices 14 may be installed at the agricultural and fisheries facility. For example, multiple controllers 13A, 13B and multiple connecting devices 14A to 14D may be installed at the first agricultural and fisheries facility 91. In this case, multiple connecting devices 14A and 14B may be connected to controller 13A, and multiple connecting devices 14C and 14D may be connected to controller 13B. Multiple controllers 13C, 13D and multiple connecting devices 14E to 14H may be installed at the second agricultural and fisheries facility 92. In this case, multiple connecting devices 14E and 14F may be connected to controller 13C, and multiple connecting devices 14G and 14H may be connected to controller 13D.

[0018] The information management device 11, one or more terminal devices 12, and one or more controllers 13 are connected to each other via a network 19. At least one combination of the information management device 11, one or more terminal devices 12, and one or more controllers 13 may be connected to each other directly without going through the network 19. Hereafter, the explanation of communication between each device via the network 19 will be omitted.

[0019] <Configuration of terminal device 12> As shown in Figure 2, the terminal device 12 consists of one or more computers. The terminal device 12 includes a terminal control unit 20, a terminal storage unit 21, a terminal communication unit 22, a terminal input unit 23, and a terminal display unit 24.

[0020] The terminal control unit 20 is configured to control the terminal device 12. The terminal control unit 20 includes an arithmetic unit and a main memory medium. The arithmetic unit loads the OS (Operating System) and programs from the terminal storage unit 21 to the main memory medium and executes instructions retrieved from the main memory medium. The arithmetic unit is one or more circuits. The circuits may be a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphic Processing Unit), or an NPU (Neural Network Processing Unit). The terminal storage unit 21 is a secondary memory medium that may store programs. The programs may be dedicated applications for using the information management system 10.

[0021] The terminal communication unit 22 is implemented as hardware, software, or a combination thereof. The terminal communication unit 22 sends and receives data to and from the information management device 11. The terminal input unit 23 is configured to input information in response to user operations. The terminal input unit 23 may be a touch panel integrated with the terminal display unit 24. The terminal input unit 23 may be a pointing device for operation buttons. The terminal display unit 24 displays information in response to output instructions from the terminal control unit 20.

[0022] <Configuration of Controller 13> As shown in Figure 3, the controller 13 is composed of one or more computers. The controller 13 includes a main control unit 30, a main storage unit 31, a main communication unit 32, a main input unit 33, and a main display unit 34.

[0023] The general control unit 30 is configured to control the controller 13. The general control unit 30 includes an arithmetic unit and a main memory medium. The general control unit 30 has a similar configuration to the terminal control unit 20, and the description of the arithmetic unit and main memory medium is omitted. The general storage unit 31 is a secondary storage medium and may store a program. The program may be a dedicated application for using the information management system 10.

[0024] The central communication unit 32 is implemented as hardware, software, or a combination thereof. The central communication unit 32 sends and receives data to and from the information management device 11. The central input unit 33 is configured to input information in response to operations by the manager of the agricultural and fisheries facility. The central input unit 33 may be a touch panel integrated with the central display unit 34. The central input unit 33 may be a pointing device for operation buttons. The central display unit 34 displays information in response to output instructions from the central control unit 30.

[0025] The controller 13 includes an input connection section 35. The input connection section 35 is configured to accept signals from one or more connected devices 14. The input connection section 35 includes one or more input connection terminals 35A. The input connection terminals 35A are terminals that can be electrically connected to the connected devices 14. The input connection section 35 includes one or more input interfaces 35B. The input connection section 35 can accept signals from one or more connected devices 14 via one or more input connection terminals 35A and one or more input interfaces 35B.

[0026] The controller 13 includes an output connection section 36. The output connection section 36 is configured to output signals to one or more connected devices 14. The output connection section 36 includes one or more output connection terminals 36A. The output connection terminals 36A are terminals that can be electrically connected to the connected devices 14. The output connection section 36 includes one or more output interfaces 36B. The output connection section 36 can output signals to one or more connected devices 14 via one or more output connection terminals 36A and one or more output interfaces 36B.

[0027] The connected device 14 may be a device equipped with a drive unit. The connected device 14 may be a device that can be driven based on a signal from the controller 13. The drive unit may be a solenoid valve. The drive unit may be a pump. The drive unit may be a motor. To give a specific example, the drive unit may include an irrigation drive unit for irrigation. The drive unit may include a liquid fertilizer spraying drive unit for spraying liquid fertilizer. The drive unit may include a window opening / closing drive unit for opening and closing a ventilation window. The drive unit may include a ventilation fan drive unit for driving a ventilation fan. The drive unit may include a blackout curtain drive unit for opening and closing a blackout curtain. The drive unit may include an oxygen supply drive unit for supplying oxygen. The drive unit may include a feeding drive unit for supplying feed.

[0028] The connected device 14 may be a device equipped with a detection unit. The connected device 14 may be a device capable of outputting the detection result from the detection unit to the controller 13. To give a specific example, the detection unit may include a water flow sensor. The detection unit may include a soil moisture sensor. The detection unit may include a sunlight sensor. The detection unit may include a temperature sensor. The detection unit may include a humidity sensor. The detection unit may include a carbon dioxide sensor. The detection unit may include a dissolved oxygen sensor. The detection unit may include a water temperature sensor. The detection unit may include a pH sensor. The detection unit may include an ammonia concentration sensor.

[0029] <Configuration of Information Management Device 11> As shown in Figure 4, the information management device 11 consists of one or more computers. The information management device 11 is a server for controlling one or more controllers 13. In other words, the information management device 11 is a server for controlling one or more connected devices 14 via one or more controllers 13.

[0030] The information management device 11 comprises a control unit 40, a storage unit 41, and a communication unit 42. The control unit 40 is configured to control the information management device 11. The control unit 40 includes an arithmetic unit and a main storage medium. The control unit 40 has a similar configuration to the terminal control unit 20, and the description of the arithmetic unit and main storage medium is omitted. The storage unit 41 is a secondary storage medium that stores information for managing the information management device 11.

[0031] The communication unit 42 is implemented as hardware, software, or a combination thereof. The communication unit 42 sends and receives data with the terminal device 12. The communication unit 42 also sends and receives data with the controller 13. In particular, the communication unit 42 can communicate with the connected device 14 via the controller 13. In other words, the information management device 11 can communicate information related to agriculture and fisheries with the connected device 14. The information management device 11 may include an operation unit for the operator to perform input operations, and may also include a display unit to display information.

[0032] In the information management device 11, the control unit 40 constitutes a processing circuit by executing a program. The control unit 40 comprises a connected device information acquisition unit 40A, a setting candidate acquisition unit 40B, a setting information acquisition unit 40C, a setting information registration unit 40D, a setting information transmission unit 40E, and a connected device control unit 40F as a processing circuit. In other words, the information management device 11 comprises a connected device information acquisition unit 40A, a setting candidate acquisition unit 40B, a setting information acquisition unit 40C, a setting information registration unit 40D, a setting information transmission unit 40E, and a connected device control unit 40F.

[0033] The connected device information acquisition unit 40A acquires the connected device information of connected device 14. The connected device information is information that can identify the model of connected device 14. In particular, the connected device information acquisition unit 40A acquires the connected device information of connected device 14 according to the instructions of the administrator.

[0034] The setting candidate acquisition unit 40B acquires setting candidates for the connected device 14. The setting candidates are candidates for setting information for the connected device 14. In particular, the setting candidate acquisition unit 40B acquires the connected device 14 and the corresponding setting candidates for the connected device 14 based on the connected device information of the connected device 14.

[0035] The configuration information acquisition unit 40C acquires configuration information for the connected device 14 according to the administrator's instructions. Specifically, the configuration information acquisition unit 40C acquires configuration information for the connected device 14 from the configuration candidates for the connected device 14 provided to the administrator according to the administrator's instructions.

[0036] The configuration information registration unit 40D registers the configuration information of the connected device 14 according to the administrator's instructions. In particular, the configuration information registration unit 40D registers the configuration information of the connected device 14 in a manner that corresponds to the connected device 14. In other words, the configuration information registration unit 40D registers the configuration information of the connected device 14 according to the administrator's instructions, based on the connected device information of the connected device 14, in a manner that corresponds to the connected device 14.

[0037] The configuration information transmission unit 40E transmits the configuration information of the connected device 14, which has been registered according to the administrator's instructions, to the controller 13. In particular, the configuration information transmission unit 40E transmits the configuration information of the connected device 14, which has been registered according to the administrator's instructions, to the controller 13 in response to a request from the controller 13 to transmit configuration information.

[0038] When the connected device control unit 40F is able to communicate with the connected device 14, it instructs the controller 13 to execute control over the connected device 14 based on the configuration information of the connected device 14 registered by the administrator. In other words, the connected device control unit 40F performs control over the connected device 14 based on the configuration information of the connected device 14.

[0039] <Administrator Database 41A> As shown in Figure 5, the storage unit 41 stores the administrator database 41A. The administrator database 41A is a database relating to administrators who use the information management system 10. In particular, the administrator database 41A is a database relating to administrators of agricultural and fisheries facilities who use the information management system 10.

[0040] In the administrator database 41A, administrator identification information, passwords, and administrator communication destinations are associated. In the administrator database 41A, administrator identification information is associated with one or more agricultural and fisheries facility identification information.

[0041] Administrator identification information is information that can identify the administrator of the agricultural and fisheries facility. The password is authentication information used by the administrator of the agricultural and fisheries facility when using the information management system 10. The administrator communication destination is the destination for communication with the administrator of the agricultural and fisheries facility. The administrator communication destination may be an email address. Agricultural and fisheries facility identification information is information that can identify the agricultural and fisheries facility managed by the administrator of the agricultural and fisheries facility.

[0042] In this way, by referencing the administrator database 41A, the administrator of the agricultural and fisheries facility is authenticated based on the administrator identification information and password. Furthermore, by referencing the administrator database 41A, it becomes possible to recognize the agricultural and fisheries facility managed by the administrator of the agricultural and fisheries facility based on the administrator identification information and the agricultural and fisheries facility identification information.

[0043] <Configuration Database 41B> As shown in Figure 6, the storage unit 41 stores the configuration database 41B. The configuration database 41B is a database for managing the controller 13 and connected equipment 14 installed at the agricultural and fisheries facility.

[0044] In the configuration database 41B, agricultural and fishery facility identification information is associated with industry information. In the configuration database 41B, agricultural and fishery facility identification information is associated with one or more controller identification information. In the configuration database 41B, controller identification information is associated with controller communication destinations. In the configuration database 41B, controller identification information is associated with one or more connection terminal information. In the configuration database 41B, connection terminal information is associated with connected device information. In the configuration database 41B, connected device information is associated with one or more configuration items. In the configuration database 41B, configuration items are associated with configuration information.

[0045] Industry information is information that can identify industries related to agriculture and fisheries, such as agriculture, fisheries, dairy farming, and forestry. Controller identification information is information that can identify controller 13. Controller identification information is information that can identify controller 13 installed at the agricultural and fisheries facility. Controller communication destination is the communication destination to controller 13. The controller communication destination may be an IP address.

[0046] The connection terminal information indicates the connection terminals of the controller 13 installed at the agricultural and fisheries facility. The connected device information is information that can identify the model of the connected device 14. The connected device information is information that can identify one or more connected devices 14 connected to the controller 13. The setting items are information that indicates one or more items to be set on the connected device 14. The setting information is information that is set on the connected device 14 to correspond to the setting items.

[0047] In this way, by referencing the configuration database 41B, information regarding the controller 13 installed at the agricultural and fisheries facility can be managed. Furthermore, by referencing the configuration database 41B, information regarding the connected equipment 14 at the agricultural and fisheries facility can be managed. In particular, by referencing the configuration database 41B, the number and models of connected equipment 14 at the agricultural and fisheries facility connected to the controller 13 can be managed. Furthermore, by referencing the configuration database 41B, the configuration information of the connected equipment 14 connected to the controller 13 at the agricultural and fisheries facility can be managed.

[0048] <Connected Device Database 41C> As shown in Figure 7, the storage unit 41 stores the connected device database 41C. The connected device database 41C is a database for managing information regarding the settings of the connected device 14.

[0049] In the connected device database 41C, connected device information is associated with usage information. In the connected device database 41C, connected device information may be associated with one or more usage information entries. In the connected device database 41C, connected device information is associated with one or more setting items. In the connected device database 41C, setting items are associated with setting candidates and default setting information.

[0050] Application information indicates the applications for which the connected device 14 is recommended. Application information may also indicate the industries for which the connected device 14 is recommended. Application information may also correspond to industry information. For example, application information for controlling soil moisture may correspond to agriculture. Application information for controlling water temperature may correspond to fisheries. Setting candidates indicate the candidates that can be set on the connected device 14. Setting candidates may also indicate the setting range for the candidates that can be set on the connected device 14. Default setting information indicates the default setting among the candidates that can be set on the connected device 14.

[0051] In this way, by referencing the connected device database 41C, the configuration items and configuration candidates to be set on the connected device 14 can be recognized based on the connected device information, configuration items, and configuration candidates. By referencing the connected device database 41C, the configuration items and default configuration information to be set on the connected device 14 can be recognized based on the connected device information, configuration items, and default configuration information.

[0052] [Settings Information] Here, we will explain the settings information in detail. The configuration information may include information about signal processing performed by the controller 13. In particular, the configuration information may include the type of signal input from the connected device 14 to the controller 13. The configuration information may also include the type of signal output from the controller 13 to the connected device 14. The signal type may include analog signals, digital signals, and pulse signals. The signal type may include analog signals based on voltage and analog signals based on current. The signal type may also include the pulse period of pulse signals. The configuration information may also include the maximum operating time for continuously driving the connected device 14, including the drive unit.

[0053] The configuration information may include threshold values ​​for signals input from the connected device 14 to the controller 13. In particular, the configuration information may include upper amplitude values ​​for analog signals input from the connected device 14 to the controller 13.

[0054] The configuration information may include a sampling period for sampling the signal input from the connected device 14 to the controller 13. The configuration information may also include the number of sampling steps for averaging the signal after sampling it from the connected device 14 to the controller 13.

[0055] The configuration information may include the units of the digitized values ​​of the analog signals input from the connected device 14 to the controller 13. The configuration information may also include the tolerance range of the digitized values ​​of the analog signals input from the connected device 14 to the controller 13.

[0056] The configuration information may include error detection conditions for the connected device 14. In particular, the configuration information may include a threshold for determining an error in the connected device 14 based on the signal input from the connected device 14 to the controller 13. The configuration information may also include the number of consecutive times the threshold for determining an error in the connected device 14 is exceeded based on the signal input from the connected device 14 to the controller 13. The configuration information may also include control details associated with the error detection of the connected device 14. Specifically, the configuration information may include continuing to operate the connected device 14 in response to the error detection, and stopping the operation in response to the error detection of the connected device 14.

[0057] The configuration information may include notification conditions for notifying the information management device 11 from the controller 13. In particular, the configuration information may include thresholds for which the notification conditions are met based on signals input from the connected device 14 to the controller 13. The configuration information may include whether or not the controller 13 sends a notification to the information management device 11 based on signals input from the connected device 14. The configuration information may include whether or not the controller 13 notifies the information management device 11 of the error judgment result of the connected device 14. The configuration information may also include whether or not the information management device 11 notifies the terminal device 12 of the error judgment result of the connected device 14.

[0058] To give a specific example, the configuration information may include whether or not to send a flow error notification for irrigation or liquid fertilizer application if there is a flow error. The configuration information may include whether or not to send a hoisting error notification for ventilation windows or ventilation fans if there is a hoisting error. The configuration information may include a threshold for determining a flow error. The configuration information may include the number of consecutive occurrences for determining a flow error. The configuration information may include a threshold for determining a hoisting error. The configuration information may include the number of consecutive occurrences for determining a hoisting error.

[0059] The configuration information may include whether or not to send a notification when the water content reaches the upper limit. The configuration information may include whether or not to send a notification when the water content reaches the lower limit. The configuration information may include whether or not to send a notification when the temperature reaches the upper limit. The configuration information may include whether or not to send a notification when the temperature reaches the lower limit. The configuration information may include whether or not to send a notification when the oxygen content reaches the upper limit. The configuration information may include whether or not to send a notification when the oxygen content reaches the lower limit. The configuration information may include whether or not to send a notification when the water temperature reaches the upper limit. The configuration information may include whether or not to send a notification when the water temperature reaches the lower limit.

[0060] The settings information may include an upper limit for water content. The settings information may include a lower limit for water content. The settings information may include an upper limit for temperature. The settings information may include a lower limit for temperature. The settings information may include an upper limit for oxygen content. The settings information may include a lower limit for oxygen content. The settings information may include an upper limit for water temperature. The settings information may include a lower limit for water temperature.

[0061] The configuration information may include control details for how the controller 13 controls the connected device 14. In particular, the configuration information may include processing details that are executed when a control condition is met based on a signal input from the connected device 14 to the controller 13.

[0062] To give a specific example, the setting information may include whether or not to drive the irrigation drive unit when the soil moisture content reaches a lower limit, based on a signal from the connected device 14, which includes a soil moisture sensor. The setting information may also include whether or not to drive the oxygen supply drive unit when the oxygen content reaches a lower limit, based on a signal from the connected device 14, which includes a dissolved oxygen sensor.

[0063] <Setting Information Provision Control Processing> Next, the setting information provision control process will be described with reference to Figure 8. The setting information provision control process is a process executed by the control unit 40 at predetermined intervals. The following processes will be explained assuming that the authentication of the agricultural and fisheries facility manager has been successfully performed in order to facilitate understanding of the invention.

[0064] As shown in Figure 8, in step S10, the information management device 11's control unit 40 determines whether a setting provision request has been input through communication with the terminal device 12. The setting provision request is information requesting the provision of the current setting information for the connected equipment 14 managed by the agricultural and fisheries facility manager. In the terminal device 12, the terminal control unit 20 transmits the setting provision request to the information management device 11 when the setting provision request is input from the terminal input unit 23 in response to an operation by the agricultural and fisheries facility manager. The setting provision request is information for requesting the provision of the setting information for the connected equipment 14 corresponding to the agricultural and fisheries facility manager. The setting provision request is information for requesting the provision of the current setting information for the connected equipment 14. The setting provision request may also include manager identification information.

[0065] In the information management device 11, the control unit 40 determines that a setting provision request has been received when it receives a setting provision request from the terminal device 12. If the control unit 40 determines that no setting provision request has been received, it terminates the setting information provision control process without executing steps S11 to S14. If the control unit 40 determines that a setting provision request has been received, it proceeds to step S11.

[0066] In step S11, the control unit 40 executes the administrator identification information acquisition process. In this process, the control unit 40 acquires the administrator identification information corresponding to the administrator of the agricultural and fisheries facility that entered the setting provision request. In this case, the control unit 40 may acquire the administrator identification information when the authentication of the administrator of the agricultural and fisheries facility is successfully performed, or it may acquire the administrator identification information included in the setting provision request.

[0067] In step S12, the control unit 40 performs a configuration database reference process. In this process, the control unit 40 refers to the configuration database 41B. In particular, the control unit 40 refers to information corresponding to the administrator identification information from the configuration database 41B. To give a specific example, the control unit 40 refers to agricultural and fisheries facility identification information, controller identification information, connection terminal information, connected equipment information, setting items, and setting information as information corresponding to the administrator identification information.

[0068] In step S13, the control unit 40 performs a connected device database lookup process. In this process, the control unit 40 refers to the connected device database 41C. Specifically, the control unit 40 obtains connected device information corresponding to the administrator identification information from the configuration database 41B. The control unit 40 then refers to the information corresponding to the connected device information from the connected device database 41C. To give a specific example, the control unit 40 refers to the configuration item information, configuration candidates, and default configuration information as information corresponding to the connected device information.

[0069] In step S14, the control unit 40 performs a configuration information provision process. In this process, the control unit 40 transmits to the terminal device 12 information corresponding to the administrator identification information referenced in step S12 and information corresponding to the connected device information referenced in step S13.

[0070] Meanwhile, in the terminal device 12, the terminal control unit 20 receives information from the information management device 11. The terminal control unit 20 stores the information received from the information management device 11 in the terminal storage unit 21. The terminal control unit 20 displays the information received from the information management device 11 on the terminal display unit 24.

[0071] As a result, in the information management device 11, the control unit 40 can provide the terminal device 12 with current setting information corresponding to the administrator identification information in response to a setting provision request input from the terminal device 12. The control unit 40 can also provide the terminal device 12 with setting candidates corresponding to the administrator identification information and current connected device information in response to a setting provision request input from the terminal device 12.

[0072] <First setting control process> Next, the first setting control process will be described with reference to Figure 9. The first setting control process is a process executed by the control unit 40 at predetermined intervals.

[0073] As shown in Figure 9, in step S20, the information management device 11 determines whether or not setting specification information has been input by communication with the terminal device 12. The setting specification information is information that specifies the setting information of the connected equipment 14 managed by the agricultural and fisheries facility manager. In other words, the setting specification information is also information for changing the setting information of the connected equipment 14 managed by the agricultural and fisheries facility manager. In the terminal device 12, the terminal control unit 20 transmits the setting specification information to the information management device 11 when the setting specification information is input from the terminal input unit 23 in response to an operation by the agricultural and fisheries facility manager. The setting specification information is information for specifying the setting information of the connected equipment 14. The setting specification information is information for changing the setting information of the connected equipment 14. The setting specification information may include manager identification information, agricultural and fisheries facility identification information, controller identification information, connection terminal information, connected equipment information, setting items, and setting information.

[0074] In the information management device 11, the control unit 40 determines that setting specification information has been input when it receives setting specification information from the terminal device 12. If the control unit 40 determines that no setting specification information has been input, it terminates the first setting control process without executing steps S21 to S23. If the control unit 40 determines that setting specification information has been input, it proceeds to step S21.

[0075] In Step S21, the control unit 40 executes a connected device information acquisition process. In this process, the control unit 40 acquires connected device information. In this case, the control unit 40 acquires connected device information included in the setting specification information.

[0076] In step S22, the control unit 40 executes a setting information acquisition process. In this process, the control unit 40 acquires the setting items and setting information of the connected device 14. In this case, the control unit 40 acquires the setting items and setting information included in the setting specification information. In addition to the connected device information, setting items, and setting information, the control unit 40 also acquires administrator identification information, agricultural and fisheries facility identification information, controller identification information, and connection terminal information included in the setting specification information.

[0077] In step S23, the control unit 40 executes a configuration information registration process. In this process, the control unit 40 registers the configuration information of the connected device 14 in the configuration database 41B based on the acquired information. As a result, the control unit 40 registers the configuration information so that it corresponds to the administrator identification information, agricultural and fisheries facility identification information, controller identification information, connection terminal information, configuration items, and connected device information.

[0078] In step S24, the control unit 40 performs the setting information provision process in the same manner as in step S14. In this process, the control unit 40 transmits the administrator identification information, agricultural and fisheries facility identification information, controller identification information, connection terminal information, connected equipment information, and setting information registered in the setting database 41B to the terminal device 12.

[0079] Meanwhile, in the terminal device 12, the terminal control unit 20 receives information from the information management device 11. The terminal control unit 20 stores the information received from the information management device 11 in the terminal storage unit 21. The terminal control unit 20 displays the information received from the information management device 11 on the terminal display unit 24.

[0080] As a result, in the information management device 11, the control unit 40 can provide the terminal device 12 with the current setting information, which has been updated by the registration of setting information, in response to the input of setting specification information from the terminal device 12.

[0081] <Device Information Provision Control Processing> Next, the device information provision control process will be described with reference to Figure 10. The device information provision control process is a process that is executed by the control unit 40 at predetermined intervals.

[0082] As shown in Figure 10, in step S30, the information management device 11 determines whether or not device specification information has been input through communication with the terminal device 12. The device specification information is information that specifies the connected device 14 managed by the manager of the agricultural and fisheries facility. In other words, the setting specification information is also information for changing the connected device 14 managed by the manager of the agricultural and fisheries facility. In the terminal device 12, the terminal control unit 20 transmits the device specification information to the information management device 11 when the device specification information is input from the terminal input unit 23 in response to an operation by the manager of the agricultural and fisheries facility. The device specification information is information for specifying the connected device 14 connected to the controller 13. The device specification information is also information for changing the connected device 14 connected to the controller 13. The device specification information may include manager identification information, agricultural and fisheries facility identification information, controller identification information, connection terminal information, and connected device information.

[0083] In the information management device 11, the control unit 40 determines that device specification information has been input when it receives device specification information from the terminal device 12. If the control unit 40 determines that device specification information has not been input, it terminates the device information provision control process without executing steps S31 to S36. If the control unit 40 determines that device specification information has been input, it proceeds to step S31.

[0084] In step S31, the control unit 40 performs the connected device information acquisition process in the same manner as in step S21. In this process, the control unit 40 acquires the connected device information included in the device specification information. In addition to the connected device information, the control unit 40 also acquires the administrator identification information, agricultural and fisheries facility identification information, controller identification information, and connection terminal information included in the device specification information.

[0085] In step S32, the control unit 40 performs the connected device database referencing process in the same manner as in step S13. In this process, the control unit 40 refers to the information corresponding to the connected device information in the connected device database 41C.

[0086] In step S33, the control unit 40 executes a default setting information acquisition process. In this process, the control unit 40 acquires default setting information corresponding to the connected device information from the connected device database 41C.

[0087] In step S34, the control unit 40 executes a default setting information registration process. In this process, the control unit 40 registers the default setting information obtained from the connected device database 41C into the setting database 41B. As a result, the control unit 40 registers the default setting information as setting information corresponding to the connected device information included in the device specification information.

[0088] In step S35, the control unit 40 executes a setting candidate acquisition process. In this process, the control unit 40 acquires setting candidates corresponding to the connected device information from the connected device database 41C.

[0089] In step S36, the control unit 40 performs the setting information provision process in the same manner as in step S14. In this process, the control unit 40 transmits the default setting information obtained in step S32 and the setting candidates obtained in step S34 to the terminal device 12. In addition to the default setting information and setting candidates, the control unit 40 may also transmit administrator identification information, agricultural and fisheries facility identification information, controller identification information, connection terminal information, and connected device identification information to the terminal device 12.

[0090] Meanwhile, in the terminal device 12, the terminal control unit 20 receives information from the information management device 11. The terminal control unit 20 stores the information received from the information management device 11 in the terminal storage unit 21. The terminal control unit 20 displays the information received from the information management device 11 on the terminal display unit 24. In particular, the terminal control unit 20 displays the default setting information received from the information management device 11 on the terminal display unit 24 so as to correspond to the connected device information. When setting candidate selection information is input from the terminal input unit 23 in response to an operation by the manager of the agricultural and fisheries facility, the terminal control unit 20 displays the setting candidates received from the information management device 11 on the terminal display unit 24 so as to correspond to the connected device information.

[0091] As a result, in the information management device 11, the control unit 40 can register default setting information corresponding to the connected device information as setting information in the setting database 41B in response to the input of device specification information from the terminal device 12. The control unit 40 can provide the terminal device 12 with default setting information and setting candidates corresponding to the connected device information in response to the input of device specification information from the terminal device 12.

[0092] <Setting information transmission control process and second setting control process> Next, the setting information transmission control process and the second setting control process will be described with reference to Figure 11. The setting information transmission control process is a process executed by the control unit 40 at predetermined intervals. The second setting control process is a process executed by the overall control unit 30 at predetermined intervals.

[0093] As shown in Figure 11, in the controller 13, in step S50 of the second setting control process, the control unit 30 determines whether or not it is time to start up. If the control unit 30 determines that it is not time to start up, it proceeds to step S52 without executing step S51. If the control unit 30 determines that it is time to start up, it proceeds to step S51.

[0094] In step S51, the control unit 30 executes a setting information transmission request process. In this process, the control unit 30 sends a setting information transmission request to the information management device 11. The setting information transmission request is a request to obtain setting information for the connected device 14 connected to the controller 13 from the information management device 11. The setting information transmission request includes controller identification information.

[0095] Meanwhile, in step S40 of the setting information transmission control process in the information management device 11, the control unit 40 determines whether or not a setting information transmission request has been received through communication with the terminal device 12. If the control unit 40 determines that no setting information transmission request has been received, it terminates the setting information transmission control process without executing step S41. If the control unit 40 determines that a setting information transmission request has been received, it proceeds to step S41.

[0096] In step S41, the control unit 40 executes the setting information transmission process. In this process, the control unit 40 obtains the controller identification information included in the setting information transmission request. The control unit 40 obtains the connection terminal information, connected device information, setting items, and setting information corresponding to the controller identification information from the setting database 41B. The control unit 40 transmits the connection terminal information, connected device information, setting items, and setting information to the controller 13 corresponding to the controller identification information.

[0097] Meanwhile, in step S52 of the second setting control process, the controller 13 determines whether or not it has received setting information from the information management device 11. In particular, the controller 13 receives not only setting information but also connection terminal information, connection device information, and setting items corresponding to the setting information from the information management device 11. If the controller 30 determines that it has not received setting information from the information management device 11, it terminates the second setting control process without executing step S53. If the controller 30 determines that it has received setting information from the information management device 11, it proceeds to step S53.

[0098] In step S53, the control unit 30 performs a setting process. In this process, the control unit 30 stores the received setting information in the storage unit 31. Specifically, the control unit 30 stores the setting information in the storage unit 31 so as to correspond to the connection terminal information, connected device information, and setting items. As a result, the control unit 30 performs control related to agriculture and fisheries based on the setting information transmission request obtained from the information management device 11.

[0099] <Signal control processing> Next, the signal control process will be explained with reference to Figure 12. The signal control process is a process that is executed by the central control unit 30 at predetermined intervals.

[0100] As shown in Figure 12, in step S60, the controller 13, the general control unit 30, determines whether or not it is the sampling period for each connected device 14 corresponding to the connection terminal information, based on the timer assigned to the general storage unit 31 for each connection terminal. Specifically, the general control unit 30 determines whether or not it is the sampling period for each connected device 14 by setting a value corresponding to the sampling period for each connection terminal in the timer based on the setting information stored in the general storage unit 31. If the general control unit 30 determines that it is not the sampling period, it terminates the signal control process without executing steps S61 to S64. If the general control unit 30 determines that it is the sampling period, it proceeds to step S61.

[0101] In step S61, the control unit 30 performs a sampling process. In this process, the control unit 30 samples the detection results from the connected device 14 based on the signal from the connected device 14 that corresponds to the sampling period. In this way, the control unit 30 extracts the detection results from the connected device 14 at each sampling period. The control unit 30 stores the detection results from the connected device 14 in the storage unit 31.

[0102] In step S62, the control unit 30 determines whether the value is a sampling count for each connected device 14 corresponding to the connection terminal information, based on a counter assigned to the control storage unit 31 for each connection terminal. Specifically, the control unit 30 determines whether the value is a sampling count for each connected device 14 by setting a value corresponding to the sampling count for each connection terminal in the counter, based on the setting information stored in the control storage unit 31. The sampling count can be an integer and can be one or more times. If the control unit 30 determines that the value is not a sampling count, it terminates the signal control process without executing steps S63 and S64. If the control unit 30 determines that the value is a sampling count, it proceeds to step S63.

[0103] In step S63, the control unit 30 performs an averaging process. In this process, the control unit 30 averages the detection results from the connected devices 14 corresponding to the number of samplings. In this way, the control unit 30 extracts the detection results from the connected devices 14 extracted at each sampling period, over the number of samplings, and averages them.

[0104] In step S64, the control unit 30 executes a detection result acquisition process. In this process, the control unit 30 acquires the detection results from the connected devices 14 that were averaged in step S63 and stores them in the storage unit 31.

[0105] <Communication control processing> Next, the communication control process will be explained with reference to Figure 13. The communication control process is a process executed by the central control unit 30 at predetermined intervals.

[0106] As shown in Figure 13, in step S70, the controller 13's control unit 30 determines whether the transmission condition has been met. The transmission condition is the condition for transmitting the detection result from the connected device 14 to the information management device 11. The transmission condition is met when the detection result from the connected device 14 is obtained. If the control unit 30 determines that the transmission condition has not been met, it proceeds to step S72 without executing step S71. If the control unit 30 determines that the transmission condition has been met, it proceeds to step S71.

[0107] In step S71, the control unit 30 executes the detection result transmission process. In this process, the control unit 30 transmits the detection result from the connected device 14 to the information management device 11. In addition to the detection result from the connected device 14, the control unit 30 may also transmit controller identification information, connected terminal information, and connected device information to the information management device 11.

[0108] In the information management device 11, when the control unit 40 receives a detection result from the connected device 14, it stores the detection result from the connected device 14 in the storage unit 41, associating it with the controller identification information, connected terminal information, connected device information, and the current date and time information. This allows the control unit 40 to recognize the detection result from the connected device 14.

[0109] Furthermore, the control unit 40 may transmit the detection results from the connected device 14 to the terminal device 12 in response to instructions from the manager of the agricultural and fisheries facility. This allows the terminal control unit 20 to display the detection results from the connected device 14 on the terminal display unit 24 of the terminal device 12.

[0110] In step S72, the control unit 30 determines whether the notification condition has been met. The notification condition is the condition for notifying the information management device 11 from the controller 13. The notification condition can be met for matters corresponding to the setting information, provided that setting information for notifying the information management device 11 from the controller 13 is registered in the storage unit 31.

[0111] To give a specific example, the notification condition is met for information corresponding to the configuration information when configuration information for notifying information based on a signal from the connected device 14 is registered in the integrated storage unit 31. The notification condition is met when the connected device 14 makes an error determination corresponding to the configuration information when configuration information for notifying the error determination result in response to an error determination is registered in the integrated storage unit 31.

[0112] If the control unit 30 determines that the notification condition is not met, it terminates the communication control process without executing step S73. If the control unit 30 determines that the notification condition is met, it proceeds to step S73.

[0113] In step S73, the control unit 30 performs notification processing. In this process, the control unit 30 transmits information to the information management device 11 indicating that the notification condition has been met. Specifically, if the notification condition is met based on a signal from the connected device 14, the control unit 30 transmits information based on the signal from the connected device 14 to the information management device 11. If the notification condition is met in response to an error determination, the control unit 30 transmits the error determination result to the information management device 11. The control unit 30 may also transmit controller identification information, connection terminal information, and connected device information to the information management device 11 as information indicating that the notification condition has been met.

[0114] In the information management device 11, when the control unit 40 receives information indicating that a notification condition has been met, it stores the information indicating that the notification condition has been met in the storage unit 41. This allows the control unit 40 to recognize that the notification condition has been met.

[0115] In this way, the controller 13 communicates information from the connected equipment 14 related to agriculture and fisheries to the information management device 11. In other words, the connected equipment 14 can communicate information related to agriculture and fisheries to the information management device 11 via the controller 13.

[0116] Furthermore, the control unit 40 may transmit a notification to the terminal device 12 that the notification conditions have been met, in response to instructions from the manager of the agricultural and fisheries facility. As a result, the terminal control unit 20 can display on the terminal display unit 24 of the terminal device 12 that the notification conditions have been met.

[0117] In the controller 13, in a process separate from the communication control process, the general control unit 30 determines whether a control condition has been met based on the setting information registered in the general storage unit 31. The control condition is met based on a signal input to the controller 13 from the connected device 14. If the general control unit 30 determines that the control condition has been met, it executes the control content corresponding to the control condition.

[0118] To give a specific example, the control unit 30 determines that the control condition is met when the soil moisture content reaches a lower limit based on a signal from the connected device 14, which includes a soil moisture sensor, and drives the irrigation drive unit included in the connected device 14. The control unit 30 determines that the control condition is met when the oxygen content reaches a lower limit based on a signal from the connected device 14, which includes a dissolved oxygen sensor, and drives the oxygen supply drive unit included in the connected device 14.

[0119] <Operation and Effects of the First Embodiment> The operation and effects of the first embodiment will now be described. (1) The control unit 40 registers the setting information of the connected device 14, which is capable of communicating information related to agriculture and fisheries, based on the connected device information of the connected device 14, in accordance with the instructions of the administrator. When the control unit 40 is in a state where it can communicate with the connected device 14, it causes the controller 13 to execute control related to the connected device 14 based on the registered setting information of the connected device 14. Therefore, by obtaining the connected device information of the connected device 14, it is possible to register the connected device 14 and the setting information of the connected device 14 in association with each other based on the connected device information of the connected device 14. In particular, even when the connection status of the connected device 14 is changed, such as when connected devices 14 with different specifications are connected, the setting information of the connected device 14 can be easily changed. In addition, the models and number of connected devices 14 connected to the controller 13 can be easily managed. This makes it easy to set the setting information for the connected device 14.

[0120] (2) The control unit 40 obtains the connection device 14 and corresponding setting candidates for the connection device 14 based on the connection device information of the connection device 14. The control unit 40 obtains the setting information for the connection device 14 from the setting candidates for the connection device 14 according to the instructions of the administrator. Therefore, the administrator can specify either the connection device 14 or the corresponding setting candidate for the connection device 14 as the setting information. This makes it easy to set the setting information for the connection device 14. Thus, the convenience of setting the setting information for the connection device 14 that can communicate information related to agriculture and fisheries can be improved.

[0121] (3) The control unit 40 acquires default setting information corresponding to the connected device 14 based on the connected device information of the connected device 14. Therefore, even if the setting information of the connected device 14 is in its initial state, the default setting information is set. This makes it easy to set the setting information for the connected device 14. Thus, the convenience of setting the setting information for the connected device 14 that can communicate information related to agriculture and fisheries can be improved.

[0122] (4) The control unit 40 registers setting information related to signal processing to be performed by the controller 13. Therefore, when communicating with connected devices 14 via the controller 13, it is possible to manage setting information related to signal processing to be performed by the controller 13. In this way, signal processing can be performed by the controller 13 rather than the information management device 11. In particular, the controller 13 can perform signal processing for each connected device 14, and even if the connection status of the connected devices 14 changes, such as when connected devices 14 with different specifications are connected, the signal processing by the controller 13 can be easily changed for each connected device 14. This improves the accuracy of signal processing, makes it less susceptible to the effects of communication conditions, and distributes the control load associated with signal processing. In other words, it improves real-time performance. Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience of setting setting information for connected devices 14 that can communicate information related to agriculture and fisheries.

[0123] (5) The control unit 40 registers notification conditions for notifying the information management device 11 from the controller 13 as setting information for the connected device 14. This makes it easy for the manager of the agricultural and fisheries facility to manage the notification conditions. In particular, since the notification conditions can be managed for each connected device 14, even if the connection status of the connected devices 14 changes, such as when connected devices 14 with different specifications are connected, the notification conditions can be easily changed for each connected device 14. This makes it easy to control notifications from the controller 13. Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience of setting setting information for connected devices 14 that can communicate information related to agriculture and fisheries.

[0124] (6) The control unit 40 transmits the configuration information of the connected device 14 to the controller 13 in response to a request for configuration information transmission from the controller 13. Therefore, the controller 13 can be provided with the latest configuration information of the connected device 14 in response to a request for configuration information transmission from the controller 13. Furthermore, even if communication becomes impossible between the information management device 11 and the controller 13, the integrated control unit 30 can control the connected device 14 based on the configuration information of the connected device 14 provided to the controller 13. Also, even if the configuration information of the integrated storage unit 31 is lost in the controller 13, the controller 13 can be provided with the latest configuration information of the connected device 14 in response to a request for configuration information transmission from the controller 13. This improves the reliability of information related to agriculture and fisheries. Furthermore, when the controller 13 is replaced, the configuration information for the controller 13 can be easily set. Therefore, the convenience of setting the configuration information of connected devices 14 that can communicate information related to agriculture and fisheries can be improved.

[0125] (7) In particular, when the controller 13 is started up, the control unit 40 transmits the configuration information of the connected device 14 to the controller 13 in response to a request from the controller 13 to transmit configuration information. Therefore, the configuration information of the connected device 14 can be provided to the controller 13 in response to the controller 13 being started up. Thus, the convenience of setting the configuration information of the connected device 14 that can communicate information related to agriculture and fisheries can be improved.

[0126] [Example of changes] This embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0127] The control unit 40 may register the monitoring cycle as setting information for the connected device 14 in the setting database 41B. In this case, the control unit 40 may register the monitoring cycle for each connected device 14, including the detection unit, in the setting database 41B. The monitoring cycle may be the cycle at which the transmission conditions for sending the detection results from the connected device 14 from the controller 13 to the information management device 11 are met. This makes it less susceptible to the influence of communication conditions and distributes the control load associated with signal processing. Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience of setting the setting information for connected devices 14 that can communicate information related to agriculture and fisheries.

[0128] In the information management device 11, the control unit 40 may store in the storage unit 41 as setting information for each detection result from the connected devices 14, which is an aggregation method for aggregating the detection results received from the controller 13 by the connected devices 14. In this case, as a specific example of the aggregation method, the interval between dates and times for graphing the detection results from the connected devices 14 may be specified.

[0129] The control unit 40 may synchronize and change the configuration information of the other connected devices 14 if any of the configuration information of one of the connected devices 14 is changed, even if the multiple connected devices 14 are of the same model, even if the administrator identification information is the same but the multiple connected devices 14 connected to different controllers 13 are of the same model, even if the configuration information of one of the connected devices 14 is changed, even if the other configuration information of the other connected devices 14 is changed.

[0130] The control unit 40 may send configuration information to the controller 13 when it receives a request to send configuration information via communication with the terminal device 12. In this case, the request to send configuration information may include controller identification information. As a result, when the control unit 40 receives a request to send configuration information via communication with the terminal device 12, it sends configuration information to the controller 13 corresponding to the controller identification information.

[0131] The control unit 40 may acquire setting information by receiving setting specification information from the controller 13. In this case, the control unit 40 acquires controller identification information, connection terminal information, connected device information, and setting items in addition to the setting information by receiving setting specification information from the controller 13.

[0132] The control unit 40 may, in response to a setting provision request, read industry information corresponding to the agricultural and fisheries facility identification information and provide the terminal device 12 with candidate settings and default setting information for connected equipment information for which usage information corresponding to the industry information has been defined. This makes it possible to provide the administrator of the agricultural and fisheries facility with candidate settings and default setting information for connected equipment information that is suitable for the industry information of the agricultural and fisheries facility.

[0133] As a user, the terminal device 12, controller 13, and connected equipment 14 may be managed not only by the manager of the agricultural and fisheries facility, but also by a manager entrusted by the manager of the agricultural and fisheries facility. The manager entrusted by the manager of the agricultural and fisheries facility may also be the manager responsible for system installation at the agricultural and fisheries facility. In other words, the manager may include both the manager of the agricultural and fisheries facility and the manager responsible for system installation.

[0134] - Communication between the terminal device 12 and the controller 13 may be possible without going through the information management device 11. The control unit 40 may send the administrator communication destination to the controller 13. This allows the overall control unit 30 in the controller 13 to recognize the administrator communication destination. The control unit 40 may also send the controller communication destination to the terminal device 12. This allows the terminal control unit 20 in the terminal device 12 to recognize the controller communication destination. In such a case, the overall control unit 30 in the controller 13 may directly notify the terminal device 12 of the information without going through the information management device 11.

[0135] In the controller 13, the central control unit 30 may update the setting information based on input from the central input unit 33. In the controller 13, the central control unit 30 may update the setting information by communicating with the terminal device 12. If the central control unit 30 updates the setting information without communication from the information management device 11, it may transmit the updated setting information to the information management device 11. In this case, in the information management device 11, the control unit 40 updates the setting database 41B based on the setting information received from the controller 13.

[0136] In the controller 13, the central control unit 30 may acquire connection device information from the connected device 14 when the connected device 14 is connected to the input connection terminal 35A or the output connection terminal 36A. In this case, the central control unit 30 in the controller 13 may transmit the connection device information acquired from the connected device 14 to the information management device 11. The central control unit 30 may also transmit the connection terminal information to which the connected device 14 is connected, associating it with the connection device information, to the information management device 11. In the information management device 11, the control unit 40 may acquire the connection device information and connection terminal information by receiving the connection device information and connection terminal information from the controller 13, and update the setting database 41B. When the setting database 41B is updated, the control unit 40 may send a setting request regarding the connected device 14 to the terminal device 12 corresponding to the manager of the agricultural and fisheries facility.

[0137] In the information management system 10, devices including, for example, a controller 13 may be connected in multiple stages between the information management device 11 and the connected devices 14. To give a specific example, a main controller that can communicate with the information management device 11 and a sub-controller that can communicate with the connected devices 14 may be installed at the agricultural and fisheries facility, and the main controller and the sub-controller may be able to communicate with each other. In this case, the functions of the controller 13 may be divided between the main controller and the sub-controller.

[0138] In the information management device 11, the control unit 40 may perform control over the connected device 14 without going through the controller 13. In other words, the control unit 40 may perform control over the connected device 14 based on the setting information of the connected device 14 while in a state where it can communicate with the connected device 14.

[0139] The information management system 10 may include multiple information management devices 11. The information management device 11 may be configured to manage one agricultural or fishery farm. In other words, the information management system 10 may have an information management device 11 installed in one agricultural or fishery farm.

[0140] As used herein, the expression "at least one of" means one or more of the desired options. For example, as used herein, if there are two options, the expression "at least one of" means either one option or both of the two options. As another example, as used herein, if there are three or more options, the expression "at least one of" means either one option or any combination of two or more options.

[0141] [Note] The technical concepts that can be gleaned from the embodiments and modifications described above are outlined below. [Aspect 1] The information management device comprises: a connection device information acquisition unit that acquires connection device information of a connected device capable of communicating information related to agriculture and fisheries; a setting information registration unit that registers setting information of the connected device in correspondence with the connected device according to the instructions of the administrator, based on the connection device information of the connected device acquired by the connection device information acquisition unit; and a connection device control unit that, when in a state where it can communicate with the connected device, performs control of the connected device based on the setting information of the connected device registered by the setting information registration unit.

[0142] The information management device described in [Aspect 2] and [Aspect 1] includes a setting candidate acquisition unit that acquires setting candidates for the connected device corresponding to the connected device based on the connected device information of the connected device acquired by the connected device information acquisition unit, and a setting information acquisition unit that acquires setting information for the connected device from the setting candidates of the connected device acquired by the setting candidate acquisition unit according to the instructions of the administrator, and the setting information registration unit registers the setting information of the connected device acquired by the setting information acquisition unit so as to correspond to the connected device.

[0143] The information management device described in [Aspect 3], [Aspect 1], or [Aspect 2] includes a communication unit that can communicate with the connected device via a controller, and the setting information registration unit registers setting information relating to signal processing performed by the controller.

[0144] The information management device described in [Aspect 4], [Aspect 1], or [Aspect 2] comprises a communication unit capable of communicating with the connected device via a controller, and a setting information transmission unit that transmits setting information of the connected device registered by the setting information registration unit to the controller in response to a setting information transmission request from the controller.

[0145] [Aspect 5] The information management system comprises: a connection device information acquisition unit that acquires connection device information of a connected device capable of communicating information related to agriculture and fisheries; a setting information registration unit that registers setting information of the connected device in accordance with the instructions of the administrator, based on the connection device information of the connected device acquired by the connection device information acquisition unit, so as to correspond to the connected device; and a connection device control unit that, when in a state where it can communicate with the connected device, performs control of the connected device based on the setting information of the connected device registered by the setting information registration unit.

[0146] [Aspect 6] The information management method involves one or more computers acquiring connection device information of a connected device capable of communicating information related to agriculture and fisheries; registering setting information of the connected device to correspond to the connected device based on the connection device information of the connected device, according to the instructions of the administrator; and performing control over the connected device based on the setting information of the connected device while in a state where communication with the connected device is possible.

[0147] [Aspect 7] The program causes one or more computers to perform the following actions: acquire connection device information of a connected device capable of communicating information related to agriculture and fisheries; register setting information of the connected device to correspond to the connected device based on the connection device information of the connected device, according to the instructions of the administrator; and, when the connected device is in a state where it can communicate with the connected device, perform control over the connected device based on the setting information of the connected device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0148] 10... Information management system, 11... Information management device, 12... Terminal device, 13, 13A~13D... Controller, 14, 14A~14H... Connected devices, 19... Network, 20... Terminal control unit, 30... General control unit, 40... Control unit, 40A... Connected device information acquisition unit, 40B... Setting candidate acquisition unit, 40C... Setting information acquisition unit, 40D... Setting information registration unit, 40E... Setting information transmission unit, 40F... Connected device control unit, 41... Storage unit, 41A... Administrator database, 41B... Setting database, 41C... Connected device database, 42... Communication unit.

Claims

1. A connection device information acquisition unit that acquires connection device information of the said connection device, which can identify the model of the connection device that can communicate information related to agriculture and fisheries, Based on the connection device information of the connection device acquired by the connection device information acquisition unit, a setting information registration unit registers the setting information of the connection device in accordance with the instructions of the administrator to correspond to the connection device. The system includes a connected device control unit that, when in a state where it can communicate with the connected device, performs control of the connected device based on the setting information of the connected device registered by the setting information registration unit, Information management device.

2. In the information management device according to claim 1, Based on the connection device information of the connection device acquired by the connection device information acquisition unit, a setting candidate acquisition unit acquires setting candidates for the connection device that correspond to the connection device, The system includes a setting information acquisition unit that acquires setting information for the connected device from the setting candidate acquisition unit acquired by the connected device, according to the instructions of the administrator. The setting information registration unit registers the setting information of the connected device acquired by the setting information acquisition unit so as to correspond to the connected device. Information management device.

3. In the information management device according to claim 1 or claim 2, It includes a communication unit that can communicate with the connected device via a controller, The aforementioned setting information registration unit registers setting information related to signal processing performed by the controller. Information management device.

4. In the information management device according to claim 1 or claim 2, A communication unit capable of communicating with the connected device via a controller, The system includes a setting information transmission unit that transmits the setting information of the connected device registered by the setting information registration unit to the controller in response to a request for setting information transmission from the controller. Information management device.

5. A connection device information acquisition unit that acquires connection device information of the said connection device, which can identify the model of the connection device that can communicate information related to agriculture and fisheries, Based on the connection device information of the connection device acquired by the connection device information acquisition unit, a setting information registration unit registers the setting information of the connection device in accordance with the instructions of the administrator to correspond to the connection device. The system includes a connected device control unit that, when in a state where it can communicate with the connected device, performs control of the connected device based on the setting information of the connected device registered by the setting information registration unit, Information management system.

6. One or more computers, To obtain information on connected devices that can identify the model of connected devices that can communicate information related to agriculture and fisheries, Based on the connection device information of the aforementioned connected device, the setting information of the aforementioned connected device is registered according to the administrator's instructions to correspond to the aforementioned connected device. In a state where communication with the connected device is possible, the following actions are performed: to control the connected device based on the configuration information of the connected device. Information management method.

7. On one or more computers, To obtain information on connected devices that can identify the model of connected devices that can communicate information related to agriculture and fisheries, Based on the connection device information of the aforementioned connected device, the setting information of the aforementioned connected device is registered according to the administrator's instructions to correspond to the aforementioned connected device. In a state where communication with the connected device is possible, the system will perform control over the connected device based on the configuration information of the connected device. program.

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