Water quality monitoring system for aquaculture water, water quality monitoring method for aquaculture water, program, combination of programs, and water quality monitoring system for plant cultivation water

Abstract

This water quality monitoring system for aquaculture water comprises: a reagent solution supply device; an aquaculture water supply device; a data acquisition device for acquiring color data about a reaction solution formed as a result of reaction between aquaculture water and a reagent solution; a discharge device; a cleaning solution supply device; and a controller. The controller is capable of: transmitting a supply command to the reagent solution supply device and the aquaculture water supply device so that the reagent solution and the aquaculture water are supplied to a first container; transmitting a data acquisition command to the data acquisition device; transmitting a discharge command to the discharge device so that the reaction solution is discharged from the first container; and transmitting a cleaning solution supply command to the cleaning solution supply device so that the first container is cleaned by a cleaning solution.

Description

Water quality monitoring system for aquaculture water, method for monitoring water quality of aquaculture water, program, program combination, and water quality monitoring system for plant cultivation water

[0001] The present invention relates to a water quality monitoring system for aquaculture water, a water quality monitoring method for aquaculture water, a program, a combination of programs, and a water quality monitoring system for plant cultivation water.

[0002] Aquaculture water quality monitoring systems are known.

[0003] As a related technique, Patent Document 1 discloses a system and method for monitoring the quality of aquaculture water. The aquaculture water quality monitoring system described in Patent Document 1 includes an integrated water quality analyzer, an aquaculture gateway, a terminal host, and multiple high-performance aquaculture nodes. In addition, in the aquaculture water quality monitoring method described in Patent Document 1, each high-performance aquaculture node detects the quality of the aquaculture water using a water quality analyzer integrated into the high-performance aquaculture node and activates corresponding aquaculture equipment to adjust the quality of the aquaculture water.

[0004] JP 2010-94121 A

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for improving the reliability of water quality monitoring of aquaculture water or plant cultivation water.

[0006] In some embodiments, the water quality monitoring system for aquaculture water comprises a reagent solution supplying device that supplies a reagent solution to a first container, a culture water supplying device that supplies aquaculture water used for cultivating aquatic organisms to the first container, a data acquisition device that acquires color data of a reaction solution formed by the reaction between the aquaculture water and the reagent solution, a discharge device that discharges the reaction solution from the first container, a cleaning solution supplying device that supplies a cleaning solution to the first container, and a controller that controls the reagent solution supplying device, the aquaculture water supplying device, the data acquisition device, the discharge device, and the cleaning solution supplying device. The controller is capable of executing a first process of sending a supply command to at least the reagent solution supply device and the aquaculture water supply device so that the reagent solution and the aquaculture water are supplied to the first container; a second process of sending a data acquisition command to at least the data acquisition device so that the data acquisition device acquires the color data of the reaction solution; and a third process of sending a discharge command to at least the discharge device so that the reaction solution is discharged from the first container, and sending a cleaning liquid supply command to at least the cleaning liquid supply device so that the first container is cleaned with the cleaning liquid.

[0007] In some embodiments, a method for monitoring the water quality of aquaculture water includes the steps of supplying a reagent solution and aquaculture water used for cultivating aquatic organisms to a first container using a reagent solution supplying device and an aquaculture water supplying device controlled by a controller; acquiring color data of a reaction solution formed by a reaction between the aquaculture water and the reagent solution using a data acquisition device controlled by the controller; discharging the reaction solution from the first container using a discharge device controlled by the controller; supplying a cleaning solution to the first container using a cleaning solution supplying device controlled by the controller; and discharging the cleaning solution from the first container using the discharge device.

[0008] The present invention can provide a technology for improving the reliability of water quality monitoring of aquaculture water or plant cultivation water.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a water quality monitoring system for aquaculture water according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a water quality monitoring system for aquaculture water according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a water quality monitoring system for aquaculture water according to a second embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing a water quality monitoring system for aquaculture water according to the second embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing a water quality monitoring system for aquaculture water according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a water quality monitoring system for aquaculture water according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing a water quality monitoring system for aquaculture water according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing a water quality monitoring system for aquaculture water according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing a portion of the water quality monitoring system for aquaculture water according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing a portion of the water quality monitoring system for aquaculture water according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing a portion of the water quality monitoring system for aquaculture water according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically illustrating a portion of a water quality monitoring system for aquaculture water according to a second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view schematically illustrating an example of a first container. FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an example of the arrangement of components of a data acquisition device. FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view schematically illustrating an example of the arrangement of components of a data acquisition device. FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a state in which multiple elements are supported on a support member. FIG. 17 is a diagram schematically illustrating a water quality monitoring system for aquaculture water according to a first modified example of the second embodiment. FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a controller in more detail. FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a control device in more detail. FIG. 20 is a diagram schematically illustrating a water quality monitoring system for aquaculture water according to a second modified example of the second embodiment. FIG. 21 is a diagram schematically illustrating a state in which the concentration of a specific component in aquaculture water is displayed on a display. FIG. 22 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of an algorithm for deriving the concentration of a specific component in aquaculture water. Fig. 23 is a diagram schematically showing another example of an algorithm for deriving the concentration of a specific component in the culture water. Fig. 24 is a diagram schematically showing a water quality monitoring system for the culture water according to the second embodiment.FIG. 25 is a diagram schematically illustrating a water quality monitoring system for aquaculture water according to a third embodiment. FIG. 26 is a diagram schematically illustrating a water quality monitoring system for aquaculture water according to a third embodiment. FIG. 27 is a diagram schematically illustrating a water quality monitoring system for aquaculture water according to a third embodiment. FIG. 28 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of content displayed on a display according to an embodiment. FIG. 29 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a combination of a water quality monitoring system for aquaculture water according to an embodiment and an aquaculture device. FIG. 30 is a diagram schematically illustrating another example of a combination of a water quality monitoring system for aquaculture water according to an embodiment and an aquaculture device. FIG. 31 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a combination of a water quality monitoring system for aquaculture water according to an embodiment and a plurality of aquaculture devices. FIG. 32 is a diagram schematically illustrating a state in which a second controller can control a second reagent solution supplying device, a second aquaculture water supplying device, a second data acquiring device, a second discharging device, and a second cleaning solution supplying device. Fig. 33 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for monitoring the water quality of aquaculture water in an embodiment. Fig. 34 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for monitoring the water quality of aquaculture water in an embodiment. Fig. 35 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a storage medium on which a program executed by a controller is recorded. Fig. 36 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a storage medium on which an analysis program executed by an analysis device is recorded.

[0010] The following describes the water quality monitoring system 1 for aquaculture water, the water quality monitoring method for aquaculture water, the program 722, the combination of programs, and the water quality monitoring system for plant cultivation water according to the embodiment, with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that in the following description, the same reference numerals are used for components and parts having the same functions, and repeated description of the same reference numerals will be omitted.

[0011] (First embodiment) A water quality monitoring system 1A for aquaculture water according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figures 1 and 2 are diagrams that schematically show the water quality monitoring system 1A for aquaculture water according to the first embodiment. Note that in Figures 1 and 2, the size of the first container C1 relative to the other components is exaggerated. The same applies to drawings other than Figures 1 and 2 (in other words, drawings of other embodiments). In reality, the size of the first container C1 relative to the other components may be smaller than the size shown in the drawings.

[0012] 1 , the aquaculture water quality monitoring system 1A in the first embodiment includes a reagent solution supplying device 2a, an aquaculture water supplying device 3, a data acquiring device 4, a discharge device 5, a cleaning solution supplying device 6, and a controller 7. Additionally, the aquaculture water quality monitoring system 1A may include a control device 9 and / or an analyzing device 99. The aquaculture water quality monitoring system 1A may also include a display 97.

[0013] The reagent solution supplying device 2a supplies the reagent solution L1 to the first container C1.

[0014] The aquaculture water supply device 3 supplies aquaculture water Q (more specifically, supernatant liquid Q1 of the aquaculture water) used in culturing aquatic organisms to the first container C1. Hereinafter, the "supernatant liquid Q1 of the aquaculture water" will be simply referred to as "supernatant liquid Q1." In this specification, aquatic organisms include, for example, fish, crustaceans, and shellfish. Aquatic organisms may also be algae. Aquatic organisms may be organisms that live in seawater (in other words, organisms that live in water containing salt) or organisms that live in freshwater. In addition, in this specification, organisms that live in water are included in the aquatic organisms even if they may come onto land.

[0015] The data acquisition device 4 acquires color data of the reaction liquid L3 formed by the reaction between the culture water Q (more specifically, the supernatant liquid Q1) and the reagent liquid L1.

[0016] The discharge device 5 discharges the reaction liquid L3 from the first container C1.

[0017] 2, the cleaning liquid supply device 6 supplies a cleaning liquid W to a first container C1. The cleaning liquid W may be water or another liquid. The water used as the cleaning liquid W may be pure water or tap water.

[0018] The controller 7 controls the reagent solution supplying device 2a, the culture water supplying device 3, the data acquiring device 4, the discharge device 5, and the cleaning solution supplying device 6. Additionally, the controller 7 may control other devices.

[0019] The control device 9 remotely controls the controller 7 via a communication network N.

[0020] The analysis device 99 derives the concentration of a specific component in the culture water Q (more specifically, the supernatant liquid Q1) by analyzing the color data of the reaction solution L3. The analysis device 99 may be included in the control device 9 or may be provided separately from the control device 9.

[0021] In response to receiving a display command G1 from the analysis device 99, the display 97 displays the concentration of the specific component calculated by the analysis device 99. The display 97 may be provided integrally with the analysis device 99 (or the control device 9), or may be provided separately from the analysis device 99.

[0022] The following describes a supply mode M1 (i.e., a first process), a data acquisition mode M2 ​​(i.e., a second process), and a cleaning mode M3 (i.e., a third process) that can be executed by the controller 7. Additionally, the controller 7 may be capable of executing other modes (e.g., a data transmission mode M4).

[0023] 1, the controller 7 can execute a supply mode M1. The supply mode M1 includes transmitting a supply command S to at least the reagent solution supplying device 2a and the culture water supplying device 3 so that the reagent solution L1 and the culture water Q (more specifically, the supernatant liquid Q1) are supplied to the first container C1.

[0024] (Data Acquisition Mode M2: Second Process) The controller 7 can execute the data acquisition mode M2. The data acquisition mode M2 ​​includes transmitting a data acquisition command A1 to at least the data acquisition device 4 so that the data acquisition device 4 acquires color data of the reaction liquid L3 (more specifically, so that the data acquisition device 4 acquires color data of the reaction liquid L3 contained in the first container C1).

[0025] 2, the controller 7 can execute the cleaning mode M3. The cleaning mode M3 includes (1) transmitting a discharge command D1 to at least the discharge device 5 so as to discharge the reaction liquid L3 from the first container C1, and (2) transmitting a cleaning liquid supply command S3 to at least the cleaning liquid supply device 6 so as to clean the first container C1 with the cleaning liquid W.

[0026] In this specification, there is no particular limitation on the amount of cleaning liquid W supplied to the first container C1 by executing the cleaning mode M3. As an example, the volume of the cleaning liquid W supplied to the first container C1 by executing the cleaning mode M3 is 10 mL or more. By supplying 10 mL or more of cleaning liquid W to the first container C1, the first container C1 is suitably cleaned.

[0027] In this specification, there is no particular limitation on the ratio between the volume of the culture water Q supplied to the first container C1 by executing the supply mode M1 and the volume of the cleaning solution W supplied to the first container C1 by executing the cleaning mode M3. As an example, the volume of the cleaning solution W supplied to the first container C1 by executing the cleaning mode M3 is at least twice the volume of the culture water Q supplied to the first container C1 by executing the supply mode M1. By supplying the cleaning solution W to the first container C1 in an amount at least twice the volume of the culture water Q, the first container C1 is suitably cleaned.

[0028] 1, the controller 7 may be capable of executing a data transmission mode M4 (in other words, a fourth process). The data transmission mode M4 includes transmitting the color data DA of the reaction solution L3 acquired by the data acquisition device 4 to an analyzing device 99 via a communication network N such as the Internet. In this case, the analyzing device 99, which is remotely located relative to the controller 7, can be used to derive the concentration of a specific component in the culture water Q (more specifically, the supernatant liquid Q1).

[0029] Alternatively, the concentration of a specific component in the culture water Q (more specifically, the supernatant liquid Q1) may be derived using an analysis device 99 disposed near the controller 7. In this case, the data transmission mode M4 may include transmitting data indicating the concentration derived by the analysis device 99 to the control device 9 via the communication network N.

[0030] In the aquaculture water quality monitoring system 1A according to the first embodiment, the first container C1 is cleaned with the cleaning liquid W. This allows the first container C1 to be reused. This also prevents or inhibits a decrease in the reliability of the aquaculture water quality monitoring that occurs as the first container C1 is used for an extended period of time or for a longer number of times. Furthermore, because the first container C1 is cleaned using the discharge device 5 and the cleaning liquid supply device 6, the workload on the operator is reduced compared to when the first container C1 is cleaned manually.

[0031] Furthermore, when the controller 7 is capable of executing the data transmission mode M4 in which the controller 7 transmits the color data DA of the reaction solution L3 to the analysis device 99 via the communication network N, it is not necessary to install the analysis device 99 at the aquaculture site. Therefore, the operator does not need to visit the aquaculture site for maintenance of the analysis device 99. Furthermore, the operator can easily change the analysis algorithm, etc., without visiting the aquaculture site. In the first embodiment, the first container C1 is effectively cleaned, making the first embodiment well suited to remote monitoring. In other words, if cleaning is not performed effectively, the reliability of the analysis results decreases. Therefore, even if the analysis is performed at a location far from the aquaculture site, the reliability of the analysis is poor. In contrast, in the first embodiment, the first container C1 is effectively cleaned, increasing the reliability of the analysis results. Therefore, the frequency with which the operator must visit the aquaculture site to check the analysis results can be reduced.

[0032] Second Embodiment A water quality monitoring system 1B for aquaculture water according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 24. FIGS. 3 to 8 are diagrams schematically illustrating the water quality monitoring system 1B for aquaculture water according to the second embodiment. FIGS. 9 to 12 are diagrams schematically illustrating a portion of the water quality monitoring system 1B for aquaculture water according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a first container C1. FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the arrangement of the components of the data acquisition device 4. FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the arrangement of the components of the data acquisition device 4. In FIG. 15, to clearly show the positional relationship between the sensor 41, the first container C1, and the reflector 43, the sensor 41, the first container C1, and the reflector 43 are indicated by solid lines, and the other components are indicated by dashed lines. FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which multiple elements are supported by a support member 47. FIG. 17 is a diagram schematically illustrating a water quality monitoring system 1B for aquaculture water in a first modified example of the second embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of the controller 7 in more detail. FIG. 19 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of the control device 9 in more detail. FIG. 20 is a diagram schematically illustrating a water quality monitoring system 1B for aquaculture water in a second modified example of the second embodiment. FIG. 21 is a diagram schematically illustrating the display 97 displaying the concentration of a specific component in the aquaculture water. FIG. 22 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of an algorithm for deriving the concentration of a specific component in the aquaculture water. FIG. 23 is a diagram schematically illustrating another example of an algorithm for deriving the concentration of a specific component in the aquaculture water. FIG. 24 is a diagram schematically illustrating a water quality monitoring system 1B for aquaculture water in the second embodiment.

[0033] In the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, repeated descriptions of matters already described in the first embodiment will be omitted. Therefore, it goes without saying that matters already described in the first embodiment can be applied to the second embodiment even if they are not explicitly described in the second embodiment.

[0034] 3 , the aquaculture water quality monitoring system 1B in the second embodiment includes a reagent solution supplying device 2a, an aquaculture water supplying device 3, a data acquiring device 4, a discharge device 5, a cleaning solution supplying device 6, and a controller 7. Additionally, the aquaculture water quality monitoring system 1B may include a control device 9 and / or an analysis device 99.

[0035] The reagent solution supplying device 2a, the aquaculture water supplying device 3, the data acquisition device 4, the discharge device 5, the cleaning solution supplying device 6, the controller 7, the control device 9, and the analysis device 99 have already been described in the first embodiment, so repeated explanations of their configurations will be omitted.

[0036] The aquaculture water quality monitoring system 1B in the second embodiment has the same effects as the aquaculture water quality monitoring system 1A in the first embodiment.

[0037] (Optional Additional Configuration) Next, optional additional configurations that can be employed in the second embodiment (or the first embodiment described above, or the third embodiment described below) will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0038] (Supply Mode M1: First Process) As illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the supply mode M1 (in other words, the first process) may include: (1) a reagent solution supply mode M1-1 (in other words, the first sub-process) (see Figure 3) which includes transmitting a reagent solution supply command S1 from the controller 7 to at least the reagent solution supplying device 2a so that the reagent solution L1 is supplied to the first container C1; and (2) an aquaculture water supply mode M1-2 (in other words, the second sub-process) (see Figure 4) which includes transmitting aquaculture water supply command S2 from the controller 7 to at least the aquaculture water supplying device 3 so that the aquaculture water Q (more specifically, the supernatant liquid Q1) is supplied to the first container C1.

[0039] The reagent solution supplying device 2a receives the reagent solution supply command S1 and supplies the reagent solution L1 to the first container C1. The culture water supplying device 3 receives the culture water supply command S2 and supplies the culture water Q (more specifically, the supernatant liquid Q1) to the first container C1.

[0040] 3 and 4, the culture water supply mode M1-2 is executed after the reagent solution supply mode M1-1 so that the culture water Q (more specifically, the supernatant solution Q1) is supplied to the first container C1 after the reagent solution L1 is supplied to the first container C1. In this case, the supply of the culture water Q allows the reagent solution L1 to be suitably dispersed throughout the culture water Q. Therefore, the reaction between the culture water Q and the reagent solution L1 is not biased to a specific area. Therefore, there is no need to provide a dedicated stirring device for stirring the culture water Q and the reagent solution L1.

[0041] In this specification, there is no particular limitation on the ratio between the volume of the reagent solution L1 supplied to the first container C1 and the volume of the culture water Q supplied to the first container C1 when the supply mode M1 is executed. As an example, the volume of the culture water Q supplied to the first container C1 when the culture water supply mode M1-2 is executed is 200 times or more the volume of the reagent solution L1 supplied to the first container C1 when the reagent solution supply mode M1-1 is executed. By supplying the culture water Q to the first container C1 in an amount 200 times or more the volume of the reagent solution L1, the reagent solution L1 is effectively agitated by the culture water Q.

[0042] When the culture water supplying mode M1-2 is executed twice, the reagent solution supplying mode M1-1 may be executed between the first culture water supplying mode M1-2 and the second culture water supplying mode M1-2. In this case, the second culture water supplying mode M1-2 is executed after the reagent solution supplying mode M1-1.

[0043] Alternatively, the culture water supply mode M1-2 may be executed prior to the reagent solution supply mode M1-1. In this case, the reaction between the culture water Q and the reagent solution L1 may be locally biased. Therefore, after the culture water supply mode M1-2 and the reagent solution supply mode M1-1 are executed, it is preferable to stir the reaction solution L3 in the first container C1. The stirring may include vibrating the first container C1, or may include moving or rotating a stirring member inserted in the reaction solution L3.

[0044] 3, one type of reagent liquid L1 is supplied to the first container C1 in the reagent liquid supply mode M1-1. Alternatively, multiple types of reagent liquid may be supplied to the first container C1 in the reagent liquid supply mode M1-1.

[0045] 5 , the data acquisition mode M2 ​​includes transmitting a data acquisition command A1 from the controller 7 to at least the data acquisition device 4 so that color data of the reaction liquid L3 is acquired by the data acquisition device 4. Upon receiving the data acquisition command A1, the data acquisition device 4 (more specifically, the sensor 41) emits light toward the first container C1 and the reaction liquid L3, and acquires color data of the light after passing through the first container C1 and the reaction liquid L3 as color data of the reaction liquid L3.

[0046] 6, the cleaning mode M3 includes transmitting a discharge command D1 from the controller 7 to at least the discharge device 5 so as to discharge the reaction liquid L3 from the first container C1. The discharge device 5 that receives the discharge command D1 discharges the reaction liquid L3 from the first container C1.

[0047] 7 , the cleaning mode M3 includes transmitting a cleaning liquid supply command S3 from the controller 7 to at least the cleaning liquid supply device 6 so that the first container C1 is cleaned with the cleaning liquid W. Upon receiving the cleaning liquid supply command S3, the cleaning liquid supply device 6 supplies the cleaning liquid W to the first container C1.

[0048] 8 , the cleaning mode M3 includes transmitting a cleaning liquid discharge command D2 from the controller 7 to at least the discharge device 5 so as to discharge the cleaning liquid W from the first container C1. Upon receiving the cleaning liquid discharge command D2, the discharge device 5 discharges the cleaning liquid W from the first container C1.

[0049] 6 to 8, in the cleaning mode M3, the reaction solution L3 is discharged from the first container C1, the cleaning solution W is supplied to the first container C1, and the cleaning solution W is discharged from the first container C1 in this order. Note that in the cleaning mode M3, the supply of the cleaning solution W to the first container C1 and the discharge of the cleaning solution W from the first container C1 may be repeated multiple times.

[0050] In the example shown in FIGS. 3 to 8 , the first container C1 is maintained at a predetermined first position P1 when the supply mode M1 (first process), the data acquisition mode M2 ​​(second process), and the cleaning mode M3 (third process) are performed. Also, in the example shown in FIGS. 3 to 8 , the first container C1 is maintained at the predetermined first position P1 from the start of supplying the reagent solution L1 to the first container C1 until the completion of cleaning the first container C1 with the cleaning solution W. When the supply mode M1, the data acquisition mode M2, and the cleaning mode M3 are performed while the first container C1 is maintained at the first position P1, there is no need to transport the first container C1. This simplifies the aquaculture water quality monitoring system 1 and reduces the occurrence of failures in the system. The first position P1 may be any position as long as it allows the above-described supply mode M1, the data acquisition mode M2, and the cleaning mode M3 to be performed. The first position P1 may be a position set within the housing 45 described below, or may be a position defined by the support member 47 described below. Furthermore, the position where the user places the first container C1 within an area where the supply mode M1, data acquisition mode M2, and cleaning mode M3 described above can be executed may function as the first position P1.

[0051] (Reagent solution supplying device 2a) In the example shown in FIG. 3 , the reagent solution supplying device 2a has a nozzle 21a that dispenses the reagent solution L1. The nozzle 21a forms the reagent solution L1 into droplets, causing the droplet-like reagent solution L1w to fall. By dispensing the reagent solution L1 dropwise, the amount of the reagent solution L1 and the culture water Q (more specifically, the supernatant liquid Q1) supplied to the first container C1 can be reduced. The nozzle 21a may dispense the reagent solution L1 drop by drop. One drop is, for example, about 0.05 mL (e.g., between 0.02 mL and 0.1 mL).

[0052] 9 , the reagent solution supplying device 2a includes a reagent solution container C2, a first pump 23a that supplies the reagent solution L1 stored in the reagent solution container C2 toward the nozzle 21a, and a conduit 25a that connects the reagent solution container C2 to the nozzle 21a. The first pump 23a is, for example, a tube pump 230a (in other words, a peristaltic pump). The tube pump 230a pushes the reagent solution L1 toward the nozzle 21a by compressing an elastic tube 250a that constitutes at least a part of the conduit 25a with a roller 231a. The first pump 23a supplies the reagent solution L1 toward the nozzle 21a at a supply rate of approximately 0.2 mL / min (e.g., a supply rate of 0.1 mL / min or more and 1 mL / min or less).

[0053] 3, the reagent solution supplying device 2a has a droplet detection sensor 27a that detects droplets dropped from the nozzle 21a. In this case, the controller 7 executing the reagent solution supplying mode M1-1 controls the first pump 23a based on a signal received from the droplet detection sensor 27a.

[0054] In this specification, "K" is defined as any natural number equal to or greater than 1 (in other words, "K" is 1, 2, 3, . . . ).

[0055] Assume that the command received by the controller 7 from the control device 9 is a command to supply only "K" droplets of the reagent liquid L1 to the first container C1. In this case, the controller 7 executing the reagent liquid supply mode M1-1 controls the first pump 23a so that only "K" droplets of the reagent liquid L1 are dripped from the nozzle 21a, based on the command received from the control device 9 and the signal received from the droplet detection sensor 27a.

[0056] (Cultivation Water Supplying Apparatus 3) In the example shown in FIG. 4, the culture water supplying apparatus 3 has a first pipeline 31, a liquid pump (hereinafter referred to as a “second pump 33”), and an air pump 35.

[0057] The first pipeline 31 is capable of temporarily storing a predetermined amount of culture water Q (more specifically, supernatant liquid Q1). The second pump 33 is capable of sending the culture water Q (more specifically, supernatant liquid Q1) to the drainage pipeline 381 via the first pipeline 31. The air pump 35 sends the predetermined amount of culture water Q (more specifically, supernatant liquid Q1) stored in the first pipeline 31 to the first container C1. In this way, the culture water Q (more specifically, supernatant liquid Q1) can be supplied to the first container C1 in an amount corresponding to the volume of the first pipeline 31.

[0058] An example of the aquaculture water supplying apparatus 3 will be described in more detail. In the example shown in Fig. 10, the aquaculture water supplying apparatus 3 has a first three-way valve 36 and a second three-way valve 37. The first pipe 31 is disposed between the first three-way valve 36 and the second three-way valve 37.

[0059] The culture water supplying apparatus 3 also has a second pipe 382 that sends the culture water Q (more specifically, the supernatant liquid Q1) to the first three-way valve 36, a third pipe 383 that sends air to the first three-way valve 36, a drain pipe 381 connected to the second three-way valve 37, and a fourth pipe 384 that sends the culture water Q (more specifically, the supernatant liquid Q1) from the second three-way valve 37 to the first container C1. Additionally, the culture water supplying apparatus 3 may have a waste liquid container C4 connected to the drain pipe 381.

[0060] 10 , the controller 7 executing the reagent solution supply mode M1-1 sends a first command V1 to the first three-way valve 36 to connect the second conduit 382 to the first conduit 31, sends a second command V2 to the second three-way valve 37 to connect the first conduit 31 to the drain conduit 381, and sends an operation command R1 to the second pump 33. The second pump 33 receiving the operation command R1 sends out the culture water Q (more specifically, the supernatant liquid Q1) toward the drain conduit 381 via the second conduit 382 and the first conduit 31. In this way, the first conduit 31 is filled with the culture water Q (more specifically, the supernatant liquid Q1).

[0061] In the example shown in FIG. 11 , the controller 7 executing the reagent solution supply mode M1-1 sends a stop command to the second pump 33, sends a third command V3 to the first three-way valve 36 to connect the third conduit 383 to the first conduit 31, sends a fourth command V4 to the second three-way valve 37 to connect the first conduit 31 to the fourth conduit 384, and sends an operation command R2 to the air pump 35. Upon receiving the operation command R2, the air pump 35 pumps the culture water Q (more specifically, the supernatant liquid Q1) temporarily stored in the first conduit 31 into the first container C1. As a result, a predetermined amount of the culture water Q (more specifically, the supernatant liquid Q1) is supplied to the first container C1 (see FIG. 12 ). Furthermore, a predetermined amount of the culture water Q and the reagent solution are mixed to form a reaction liquid L3.

[0062] The configuration and operation for temporarily storing the culture water Q in the first pipeline 31 and delivering the culture water Q from the first pipeline 31 to the first container C1 are not limited to the examples shown in Figures 10 to 12. For example, a plurality of two-way valves may be used instead of the three-way valves (36, 37). Furthermore, a metering pump having a cylinder and a piston may be used as a mechanism for supplying a predetermined amount of culture water Q to the first container C1.

[0063] (First Container C1) In the example shown in Fig. 4, the first container C1 is a flat container. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 13, the first container C1 may be an elongated container. Further alternatively, a part of the pipeline may be closed using a valve, so that the pipeline upstream of the valve functions as the first container C1. In this case, the pipeline is considered to be the first container C1.

[0064] The sidewall of the first container C1 (or the entire first container C1) is preferably transparent. Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 13 , a flange C1f that can be supported by a support member may be formed at the upper end of the first container C1. The flange C1f may be integrally molded with the container body of the first container C1, or a component that constitutes the flange C1f may be attached to a component that constitutes the container body. The flange C1f may have a rectangular shape in plan view, or may have a circular shape in plan view.

[0065] 14, the data acquisition device 4 has a sensor 41 that acquires color data of the reaction liquid L3. More specifically, the sensor 41 acquires color data of light that has passed through the first container C1 and the reaction liquid L3 as the color data of the reaction liquid L3.

[0066] The sensor 41 may be a color sensor 41a or may be configured with a digital camera. The sensor 41 (more specifically, the color sensor 41a) may be a reflective sensor or a transmissive sensor. For example, the sensor 41 (more specifically, the color sensor 41a) may be a reflective sensor that irradiates an object with light (e.g., white light emitted by a light source such as a white LED) and receives light reflected from the object. The sensor 41 may be equipped with a photodiode that detects light in each of the RGB wavelength regions.

[0067] 14 , the controller 7 executing the data acquisition mode M2 ​​transmits a data acquisition command A1 to the data acquisition device 4 (more specifically, the sensor 41). Upon receiving the data acquisition command A1, the data acquisition device 4 (more specifically, the sensor 41) emits light (more specifically, white light) toward the first container C1 and the reaction liquid L3, and acquires color data of the light that has passed through the first container C1 and the reaction liquid L3 as color data DA of the reaction liquid L3.

[0068] 14, the data acquisition device 4 has a reflector 43. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the sensor 41 (more specifically, the color sensor 41a) acquires color data of the light LE that has traveled along the first path PA as color data of the reaction liquid L3. The first path PA is a path that passes through the first container C1 and the reaction liquid L3, turns around at the reflector 43, and passes through the first container C1 and the reaction liquid L3 again. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the "sensor 41" is a "reflective sensor," and the "first container C1, the reaction liquid L3, and the reflector 43" correspond to the "object" onto which the light from the sensor 41 is irradiated.

[0069] In the example shown in FIG. 14 , the reflector 43 is preferably a gray reflector. More specifically, in a 256-tone RGB color system, each of the R value, G value, and B value of the reflector 43 itself is preferably 100 or more and 230 or less (more preferably 118 or more and 128 or less). Furthermore, in the 256-tone RGB color system, the absolute value of the difference between the R value and the G value of the reflector 43 itself is preferably 20 or less (more preferably 10 or less). Furthermore, in the 256-tone RGB color system, the absolute value of the difference between the G value and the B value of the reflector 43 itself is preferably 20 or less (more preferably 10 or less). Furthermore, in the 256-tone RGB color system, the absolute value of the difference between the B value and the R value of the reflector 43 itself is preferably 20 or less (more preferably 10 or less).

[0070] The use of the gray reflector 43 prevents or suppresses a decrease in the accuracy of the color data of the reaction liquid L3 acquired by the sensor 41 due to the presence of the reflector 43 (more specifically, due to the color of the reflector 43). The reflector 43 may be a gray aluminum plate.

[0071] It is preferable that the distance U1 between the reflector 43 and the first container C1 is greater than the distance U2 between the sensor 41 and the first container C1. By making the distance U2 between the reflector 43 and the first container C1 greater, a decrease in the accuracy of the color data of the reaction solution L3 acquired by the sensor 41 due to the color of the reflector 43 is prevented or suppressed.

[0072] When the color data of the light LE that has traveled through the first path PA described above is obtained as color data of the pure water under the condition that the first container C1 filled with pure water is used instead of the reaction liquid L3, it is preferable that the distance U1 between the reflector 43 and the first container C1 is set so that the R value, G value, and B value indicated by the color data of the pure water are substantially the same in the RGB color system.

[0073] 15 , the data acquisition device 4 has a housing 45. The housing 45 maintains an optical system including the sensor 41, the first container C1, and the reflector 43 in a dark environment. "The housing 45 maintains a dark environment" means that the housing 45 is made of a material that is not transparent to visible light, and that visible light is substantially prevented from entering the interior space of the housing 45 from outside the housing 45. In the example shown in FIG. 15 , the sensor 41, the first container C1, and the reflector 43 are disposed in the interior space of the housing 45, and the housing 45 prevents visible light from entering the interior space of the housing 45 from outside the housing 45.

[0074] By employing the housing 45 that maintains the optical system in a dark environment, a decrease in the accuracy of the color data of the reaction liquid L3 acquired by the sensor 41 due to the intrusion of external light is prevented or suppressed.

[0075] Among the multiple walls constituting the first container C1, the wall C1w through which the light LE for color measurement passes may be formed of a transparent flat plate. By employing a flat plate as the wall C1w through which the light LE for color measurement passes, a decrease in the accuracy of the color data of the reaction liquid L3 acquired by the sensor 41 due to curvature of the wall C1w (more specifically, due to the thickness of the wall C1w in the direction along the traveling direction of the light LE changing along the X-axis in FIGS. 14 and 15 ) is prevented or suppressed.

[0076] 14, the data acquisition device 4 may have a support member 47 that supports the first container C1. The support member 47 is configured by assembling a plurality of parts.

[0077] 14 , the support member 47 includes a receiving portion 471 that supports the flange C1 f of the first container C1 and a plurality of support columns 473 that support the receiving portion 471. In the example shown in Fig. 14 , the support member 47 also functions as a member that positions the first container C1. More specifically, when the first container C1 is placed on the support member 47 (more specifically, when the flange C1 f of the first container C1 is placed on the receiving portion 471 of the support member 47), the first container C1 is positioned by the support member 47.

[0078] 16 , the support member 47 may support the above-described sensor 41 and / or the above-described nozzle 21a in addition to the first container C1. When the support member 47 supports both the first container C1 and the sensor 41, the operator can easily position the first container C1 relative to the sensor 41. When the support member 47 supports both the first container C1 and the nozzle 21a, the operator can easily position the nozzle 21a relative to the first container C1.

[0079] Alternatively, or in addition, the support member 47 may support the fourth conduit 384 described above and / or the drain conduit 51 described below. The support member 47 may also support the supply conduit 61 described below.

[0080] In the example shown in Figure 16, the nozzle 21a, the lower end of the pipeline (more specifically, the fourth pipeline 384) that supplies the culture water Q (more specifically, the supernatant liquid Q1) to the first container C1, the lower end of the pipeline (more specifically, the supply pipeline 61) that supplies the cleaning liquid W to the first container C1, and the lower end of the drainage pipeline 51 are arranged in the internal space of the housing 45.

[0081] (Discharge device 5 and washing liquid supply device 6) In the example shown in FIG. 6 , the discharge device 5 has a drainage pipe 51 that removes the reaction liquid L3 from the first container C1. Additionally, the discharge device 5 may have a liquid pump (hereinafter referred to as a "third pump 53"). The third pump 53 pumps the reaction liquid L3 from the first container C1. In the example shown in FIG. 6 , the lower end of the drainage pipe 51 is inserted inside the first container C1. The lower end of the drainage pipe 51 may be inserted inside the first container C1 so that the lower end of the drainage pipe 51 reaches near the bottom wall of the first container C1.

[0082] 17, the discharge device 5 may be a device that uses gravity to discharge the reaction liquid L3 from the first container C1. In the example shown in FIG. 17, the discharge device 5 has a valve 56 that opens and closes the drainage line 51.

[0083] 6 , the discharge device 5 may have a waste liquid container C5 that receives the reaction liquid L3 (or the cleaning liquid W) from the drainage pipe 51. The waste liquid container C5 connected to the drainage pipe 51 may be the same as the waste liquid container C4 connected to the drainage pipe 381 of the aquaculture water supplying device 3. In other words, the waste liquid container C4 may be connected to both the drainage pipe 51 and the drainage pipe 381.

[0084] 7, the cleaning liquid supply device 6 has a supply pipe 61. Additionally, the cleaning liquid supply device 6 may have a liquid pump (hereinafter referred to as a "fourth pump 63") and / or a reservoir C6 for storing the cleaning liquid. Alternatively, the supply pipe 61 may be connected to a water supply.

[0085] In the example shown in FIG. 6 , the controller 7 executing the cleaning mode M3 first transmits a discharge command D1 to the third pump 53. Upon receiving the discharge command D1, the third pump 53 discharges the reaction liquid L3 from the first container C1. In the example shown in FIG. 7 , the controller 7 executing the cleaning mode M3 second transmits a stop command to the third pump 53 and transmits a cleaning liquid supply command S3 to the fourth pump 63. Upon receiving the cleaning liquid supply command S3, the fourth pump 63 supplies the cleaning liquid W (e.g., water) to the first container C1. In the example shown in FIG. 8 , the controller 7 executing the cleaning mode M3 third transmits a stop command to the fourth pump 63 and transmits a cleaning liquid discharge command D2 to the third pump 53. Upon receiving the cleaning liquid discharge command D2, the third pump 53 discharges the cleaning liquid W from the first container C1.

[0086] 18 , the controller 7 includes a processor 70, a memory 72 that stores a program 722 and data 726 (e.g., data 726a required to execute each of the above-described modes, color data DA of the reaction liquid L3 acquired by the data acquisition device 4, etc.), and a communication circuit 74. The controller 7 may include a microcontroller (e.g., a device in which the processor 70, memory 72, and communication circuit 74 are integrated into a single integrated circuit). Alternatively, multiple microcontrollers may work together to function as the controller 7.

[0087] The memory 72 is a storage medium readable by the processor 70. The memory 72 may be, for example, a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as a RAM, a ROM, or a flash memory, or may be any other type of memory.

[0088] When the processor 70 executes the program 722 stored in the memory 72, the controller 7 executes the above-mentioned supply mode M1, the above-mentioned data acquisition mode M2, the above-mentioned cleaning mode M3, the above-mentioned data transmission mode M4, etc.

[0089] (Control Device 9) In the example shown in FIG. 19 , the control device 9 includes a processor 90, a memory 92 that stores programs (e.g., a program 922 that generates control commands such as the first control command CM1, an analysis program 991, etc.) and data 926 required for generating the control commands, a communication circuit 94, an input device 96, and a display 97. The processor 90, the memory 92, the communication circuit 94, the input device 96, and the display 97 are connected to one another via a bus 98. The input device 96 and the display 97 may be integrated. For example, a display with a touch panel may function as both the input device 96 and the display 97. The control device 9 may be configured as a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet, or a smartphone. Furthermore, multiple computers may work together to function as the control device 9.

[0090] The memory 92 is a storage medium readable by the processor 90. The memory 92 may be, for example, a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as a RAM, a ROM, or a flash memory, or may be another type of memory. The memory 92 may be distributed across multiple locations. For example, a portion of the memory 92 may be included in cloud storage. The memory 92 may store data 992 required to execute the analysis program (e.g., color data DA of the reaction solution L3, data 992a indicating a first calibration curve F1 described below, data 992b indicating a second calibration curve F2 described below, thresholds TH1 and TH2 described below, etc.) in addition to data 926 required to generate the control command.

[0091] The control device 9 controls the controller 7 via the communication network N. In the example shown in Fig. 19 , the control device 9 transmits a first control command CM1 to the controller 7 so that the controller 7 executes the above-mentioned supply mode M1, the above-mentioned data acquisition mode M2, the above-mentioned cleaning mode M3, and the above-mentioned data transmission mode M4. More specifically, the control device 9 transmits the first control command CM1 to the controller 7, and the controller 7 that receives the first control command CM1 executes the above-mentioned supply mode M1, the above-mentioned data acquisition mode M2, the above-mentioned cleaning mode M3, and the above-mentioned data transmission mode M4.

[0092] The first control command CM1 may include multiple sub-commands. For example, (1) in response to receiving a first sub-command from the control device 9, the controller 7 may execute the above-mentioned supply mode M1, (2) in response to receiving a second sub-command from the control device 9, the controller 7 may execute the above-mentioned data acquisition mode M2, (3) in response to receiving a third sub-command from the control device 9, the controller 7 may execute the above-mentioned cleaning mode M3, and (4) in response to receiving a fourth sub-command from the control device 9, the controller 7 may execute the above-mentioned data transmission mode M4. Alternatively, the controller 7 may be configured to execute all of the above-mentioned multiple modes (M1, M2, M3, M4) when the controller 7 receives a single first control command CM1 as a trigger.

[0093] The timing at which the first control command CM1 is transmitted from the control device 9 to the controller 7 may be determined by a manual input by an operator. For example, the first control command CM1 may be transmitted from the control device 9 to the controller 7 in response to clicking a start button on the input device 96.

[0094] Alternatively, or additionally, the first control command CM1 may be transmitted from the control device 9 to the controller 7 at predetermined time intervals. In this case, the color data of the reaction liquid L3 is acquired periodically.

[0095] Since the controller 7 can be remotely operated by the control device 9, the frequency with which the operator visits the aquaculture site is reduced, thereby reducing the burden on the operator.

[0096] (Analysis Device 99) The analysis device 99 derives the concentration of a specific component in the culture water Q (more specifically, the supernatant Q1) by analyzing the color data DA of the reaction solution L3. More specifically, the analysis device 99 executes an analysis program 991 stored in memory by a processor of the analysis device 99, causing the analysis device 99 to execute an analysis mode M5 (in other words, a fifth process). The analysis mode M5 (in other words, the fifth process) includes deriving the concentration of a specific component in the culture water Q (more specifically, the supernatant Q1) based on the color data DA of the reaction solution L3.

[0097] 19 , the control device 9 also functions as an analysis device 99. More specifically, the control device 9 functions as the analysis device 99 by the processor 90 executing an analysis program 991 stored in the memory 92.

[0098] Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 20 , the control device 9 and the analysis device 99 may be provided separately. More specifically, the control device 9 and the analysis device 99 may be configured as separate computers. In the example illustrated in FIG. 20 , an analysis program 991 stored in a memory 990 is executed by a processor 99P of the analysis device 99, causing the analysis device 99 to execute an analysis mode M5. In the example illustrated in FIG. 20 , data 992 required for executing the analysis program 991 (e.g., color data DA of the reaction solution L3, data 992a indicating a first calibration curve F1 described below, data 992b indicating a second calibration curve F2 described below, thresholds TH1 and TH2 described below, etc.) are stored in the memory 990 of the analysis device 99.

[0099] The reagent solution L1 may be, for example, a reagent solution containing naphthylethylenediamine. Furthermore, the "concentration of a specific component in the culture water Q (more specifically, the supernatant Q1)" derived by the analyzer 99 may be the concentration of nitrite nitrogen. In this specification, "nitrite nitrogen" refers to nitrogen contained in the form of nitrite.

[0100] 21 , the analyzing device 99 derives the concentration E1 of nitrite nitrogen in the culture water Q (more specifically, the supernatant liquid Q1) based on the color data DA of the reaction solution L3 received from the sensor 41 via the controller 7. The derived concentration E1 is stored in a memory (for example, the memory 92 of the control device 9 or the memory 990 of the analyzing device 99).

[0101] The analysis device 99 may perform the following operations: (1) extracting the R component in the RGB color system and the B component in the RGB color system from the color data DA of the reaction liquid L3; and (2) deriving the concentration E1 of nitrite nitrogen in the culture water Q (more specifically, the supernatant liquid Q1) based on the ratio between the R component and the B component and the first calibration curve F1.

[0102] FIG. 22 shows an example of an analysis algorithm (more specifically, a concentration derivation algorithm) executed by the analysis device 99.

[0103] 22, for "sample 1" of reaction solution L3, the ratio of the B component in the RGB color system to the R component in the RGB color system is 0.82. In this case, the analyzer 99 derives the concentration of nitrite nitrogen (0.199 mg / L) in the culture water Q (more specifically, the supernatant liquid Q1) based on the ratio (0.82) and the first calibration curve F1.

[0104] 22, for "sample 2" of reaction solution L3, the ratio of the B component in the RGB color system to the R component in the RGB color system is 0.94. In this case, the analyzer 99 derives the concentration of nitrite nitrogen (0.083 mg / L) in the culture water Q (more specifically, the supernatant liquid Q1) based on the ratio (0.94) and the first calibration curve F1.

[0105] As illustrated in FIG. 21, the concentration E1 of nitrite nitrogen derived by the analysis device 99 may be displayed on a display 97.

[0106] Alternatively, the analysis device 99 may perform the following: (1) converting the color data DA of the reaction liquid L3 from values ​​in the RGB color system to values ​​in the CMYK color system; and (2) deriving the concentration E1 of nitrite nitrogen in the culture water Q (more specifically, the supernatant liquid Q1) based on the intensity of the Y component of the CMYK color system and the second calibration curve F2.

[0107] FIG. 23 shows an example of an analysis algorithm (more specifically, a concentration derivation algorithm) executed by the analysis device 99.

[0108] 23, for "sample 1" of reaction liquid L3, the color data of reaction liquid L3 is converted from RGB color system values ​​(R: 1.763, G: 0.135, B: 1.453) to CMYK color system values ​​(K: 0.359, C: 0, M: 0.923, Y: 0.176). Furthermore, in the example shown in FIG. 23, the analyzing device 99 derives the concentration of nitrite nitrogen (0.195 mg / L) in the culture water Q (more specifically, the supernatant liquid Q1) based on the intensity of the Y component of the CMYK color system (0.176) and the second calibration curve F2.

[0109] 23, for "sample 2" of reaction liquid L3, the color data of reaction liquid L3 is converted from RGB color system values ​​(R: 2.191, G: 0.38, B: 2.059) to CMYK color system values ​​(K: 0.203, C: 0, M: 0.827, Y: 0.060). Furthermore, in the example shown in FIG. 23, the analyzing device 99 derives the concentration of nitrite nitrogen (0.083 mg / L) in the culture water Q (more specifically, the supernatant liquid Q1) based on the intensity of the Y component of the CMYK color system (0.060) and the second calibration curve F2.

[0110] The concentration E1 of nitrite nitrogen derived by the analysis device 99 may be displayed on the display 97.

[0111] Conventionally, the concentration of nitrite nitrogen in aquaculture water has been measured visually using a colorimetric plate. Factors that make it difficult to automate the measurement of this concentration include: (1) problems caused by impurities (especially solid components) contained in the aquaculture water, (2) problems caused by the nonlinearity of the color change of the reaction solution L3 relative to the concentration of nitrite nitrogen (especially the small color change relative to the concentration in both the high-concentration and low-concentration regions), and (3) problems caused by disturbances such as external light.

[0112] In contrast to this, it was confirmed that in the second embodiment, the concentration E1 of nitrite nitrogen can be automatically derived with high accuracy.

[0113] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 22, a first calibration curve F1 is created based on various solutions with known nitrite nitrogen concentrations E1, and the coefficient of determination (R ２ ) was calculated, and the coefficient of determination was 0.9924. Therefore, it was found that the ratio of the B component in the RGB color system to the R component in the RGB color system has a good correlation with the concentration of nitrite nitrogen. Furthermore, it was found that the first calibration curve F1 has high linearity, and the problem caused by the nonlinearity of the color change of the reaction solution L3 with respect to the concentration of nitrite nitrogen (particularly, the point where the color change with respect to concentration is small in both the high-concentration region and the low-concentration region) is resolved.

[0114] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 23, a second calibration curve F2 was created based on various solutions with known nitrite nitrogen concentrations E1, and the coefficient of determination (R ２ ) was calculated, and the coefficient of determination was 0.9925. Therefore, it was found that the intensity of the Y component of the CMYK color system has a good correlation with the concentration of nitrite nitrogen. Furthermore, it was found that the second calibration curve F2 has high linearity, and the problem caused by the nonlinearity of the color change of the reaction solution L3 with respect to the concentration of nitrite nitrogen (particularly, the point where the color change with respect to concentration is small in both the high-concentration region and the low-concentration region) is resolved.

[0115] In the second embodiment, the concentration of a specific component in the aquaculture water (e.g., the concentration of nitrite nitrogen) is accurately derived based on factors such as (1) the use of the supernatant liquid Q1, (2) the shape of the first container C1, (3) maintaining the cleanliness of the first container C1, (4) maintaining the position of the first container C1, (5) the use of a gray reflector 43, (6) ensuring a dark environment, (7) accurate dripping of a small amount of reagent solution L1, and (8) selection of a linear calibration curve. Note that in the second embodiment, all of the above conditions (1) to (8) do not necessarily need to be satisfied. Furthermore, an analysis algorithm different from the above-described analysis algorithm (more specifically, the first calibration curve F1 or the second calibration curve F2) may be employed to derive the concentration of nitrite nitrogen (or the concentration of a specific component other than nitrite nitrogen).

[0116] In the above example, the concentration of nitrite nitrogen is calculated. Alternatively, the analyzer 99 may calculate the concentration of nitrate nitrogen, the concentration of hydrogen ions (i.e., pH), or the concentration of another specific component based on the color data of the reaction solution L3. It goes without saying that the type of reagent solution is selected depending on the type of specific component whose concentration is to be calculated.

[0117] The supply mode M1, the data acquisition mode M2, the cleaning mode M3, the data transmission mode M4, and the analysis mode M5 may be repeatedly executed. In the example shown in Figures 7 and 8, the first container C1 is cleaned in the cleaning mode M3. Therefore, when the supply mode M1, the data acquisition mode M2, and the cleaning mode M3 are repeatedly executed by the controller 7, the first container C1 is repeatedly used. Furthermore, repeated use of the first container C1 does not reduce the accuracy of deriving the concentration of a specific component in the culture water.

[0118] 24 , the above-described supply mode M1 may include supplying the cleaning solution W (more specifically, water) to the first container C1 in addition to the reagent solution L1 and the culture water Q. In other words, the supply mode M1 may include supplying the reagent solution L1, the culture water Q (more specifically, supernatant solution Q1), and the cleaning solution W (more specifically, water) to the first container C1 by transmitting a supply command S from the controller 7 to at least the reagent solution supplying device 2a, the culture water supplying device 3, and the cleaning solution supplying device 6.

[0119] In this case, the above-mentioned data acquisition mode M2 ​​includes transmitting a data acquisition command A1 from the controller 7 to at least the data acquisition device 4, thereby causing the data acquisition device 4 to acquire color data DA of the reaction liquid L3 diluted with the cleaning liquid W (more specifically, water).

[0120] The above-described analysis mode M5 also includes deriving the concentration of the specific component in the culture water Q (more specifically, the supernatant Q1) based on the color data DA of the reaction solution L3, the amount of the culture water Q (more specifically, the supernatant Q1) supplied to the first container C1 by executing the supply mode M1, and the amount of the cleaning solution W (more specifically, water) supplied to the first container C1 by executing the supply mode M1. For example, if the amount of the cleaning solution W supplied to the first container C1 is "T" times the amount of the culture water Q supplied to the first container C1, the analysis device 99 may derive the concentration of the specific component in the culture water Q by multiplying the concentration of the specific component corresponding to the color data DA of the diluted reaction solution L3 by "1 + T".

[0121] (Third embodiment) A water quality monitoring system 1C for aquaculture water according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 25 to 27. Figures 25 to 27 are diagrams schematically showing the water quality monitoring system 1C for aquaculture water according to the third embodiment.

[0122] In the third embodiment, differences from the first and second embodiments will be mainly described. Meanwhile, in the third embodiment, repeated descriptions of matters already described in the first or second embodiment will be omitted. Therefore, even if not explicitly described in the third embodiment, it goes without saying that matters already described in the first or second embodiment can be applied to the third embodiment. Furthermore, matters described in the third embodiment can also be adopted in the first or second embodiment.

[0123] The aquaculture water quality monitoring system 1C of the third embodiment differs from the aquaculture water quality monitoring system 1B of the second embodiment in that it is capable of supplying multiple types of reagent solutions. In other respects, the aquaculture water quality monitoring system 1C of the third embodiment is similar to the aquaculture water quality monitoring system 1B of the second embodiment.

[0124] 25, the aquaculture water quality monitoring system 1C includes a supply device (hereinafter referred to as "second supply device 2b") that supplies the second reagent liquid L2 to the first container C1. The second supply device 2b may include a second nozzle 21b that drips the second reagent liquid L2.

[0125] In the example shown in FIG. 25, the second supply device 2b includes a second reagent liquid container C3, a pump 23b that supplies the second reagent liquid L2 stored in the second reagent liquid container C3 toward the second nozzle 21b, and a conduit 25b that connects the second reagent liquid container C3 and the second nozzle 21b.

[0126] In the example shown in FIG. 25, the second supply device 2b has a second droplet detection sensor 27b that detects droplets dropped from the second nozzle 21b.

[0127] 25, the controller 7 can execute the second supply mode M6 (i.e., the sixth process). The second supply mode M6 (i.e., the sixth process) includes transmitting a supply command S' to at least the second supply device 2b and the aquaculture water supply device 3 so that the second reagent solution L2 and the aquaculture water Q (more specifically, the supernatant liquid Q1) are supplied to the first container C1.

[0128] The second supply mode M6 may include: (1) a second reagent solution supply mode M6-1 (in other words, a third sub-process) including transmitting a supply command S1' from the controller 7 to at least the second supply device 2b so that the second reagent solution L2 is supplied to the first container C1; and (2) a culture water supply mode M6-2 (in other words, a fourth sub-process) including transmitting a supply command S2' from the controller 7 to at least the aquaculture water supply device 3 so that the aquaculture water Q (more specifically, the supernatant solution Q1) is supplied to the first container C1. Furthermore, the aquaculture water supply mode M6-2 may be executed after the second reagent solution supply mode M6-1.

[0129] The second supply device 2b, which receives the supply command S1', supplies the second reagent solution L2 to the first container C1. The culture water supply device 3, which receives the supply command S2', supplies the culture water Q (more specifically, the supernatant liquid Q1) to the first container C1.

[0130] In the third embodiment, the controller 7 performs the following operations: (1) transmits a supply command S' to at least the second supply device 2b and the culture water supply device 3 so that the second reagent solution L2 and the culture water Q (more specifically, the supernatant liquid Q1) are supplied to the first container C1, as illustrated in FIG. 25; and (2) transmits a data acquisition command S' to at least the data acquisition device 4 so that the data acquisition device 4 acquires color data DA' of the second reaction solution L4 formed by the reaction between the culture water Q (more specifically, the supernatant liquid Q1) and the second reagent solution L2, as illustrated in FIG. (3) as illustrated in FIG. 27, sending a discharge command D1' to at least the discharge device 5 so that the second reaction liquid L4 is discharged from the first container C1; (4) as illustrated in FIG. 27, sending a cleaning liquid supply command S3' to at least the cleaning liquid supply device 6 so that the first container C1 is washed with cleaning liquid W; and (5) as illustrated in FIG. 26, sending color data DA' of the second reaction liquid L4 acquired by the data acquisition device 4 to the analysis device 99 via the communication network N.

[0131] 26, the analyzer 99 derives the concentration E2 of the second specific component in the culture water Q (more specifically, the supernatant Q1) based on the color data DA' of the second reaction solution L4. The display 97 displays the derived concentration E2 of the second specific component.

[0132] As described above, in the third embodiment, the concentration of a specific component in the culture water Q (e.g., the concentration E1 of nitrite nitrogen) can be derived using the reagent solution L1 and the culture water quality monitoring system 1C, and the concentration E2 of a second specific component in the culture water Q can be derived using the second reagent solution L2 and the culture water quality monitoring system 1C. Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the culture water supply device 3, data acquisition device 4, discharge device 5, cleaning liquid supply device 6, controller 7, control device 9, analyzer 99, and first container C1 are shared by both monitoring the specific component in the culture water Q and monitoring the second specific component in the culture water Q. Therefore, the third embodiment has advantages in terms of cost, space, and maintenance.

[0133] As illustrated in Figure 25, each mode (e.g., the above-mentioned second supply mode M6) executed to derive the concentration of the second specific component in the aquaculture water Q may be executed, for example, when the controller 7 receives a second control command CM2 from the control device 9 via the communication network N as a trigger.

[0134] (Display 97, Second Display 77) The aquaculture water quality monitoring system 1 includes a display 97. As illustrated in Fig. 28 , the aquaculture water quality monitoring system 1 may include a display 97 controlled by the control device 9 or the analysis device 99, and a second display 77 controlled by the controller 7.

[0135] 28 , the display 97 (or the second display 77) may display the numerical value of the concentration of a specific component (e.g., the concentration E1 of nitrite nitrogen) in the culture water Q (more specifically, the supernatant Q1) derived by the analysis device 99. Additionally, the display 97 (or the second display 77) may display the numerical value of the concentration E2 of a second specific component in the culture water Q (more specifically, the supernatant Q1) derived by the analysis device 99.

[0136] Alternatively, or in addition, a first graph GH1 showing the change over time in the concentration of the specific component (e.g., the concentration E1 of nitrite nitrogen) may be displayed on the display 97 (or the second display 77). Also, a second graph GH2 showing the change over time in the concentration E2 of the second specific component may be displayed on the display 97 (or the second display 77).

[0137] As illustrated in FIG. 28, the display 97 may be configured to display an alert AL (e.g., a warning message) when the concentration of a specific component derived by the analysis device 99 exceeds a predetermined threshold (e.g., when the concentration E1 of nitrite nitrogen exceeds a predetermined threshold).

[0138] When the concentration of a specific component derived by the analysis device 99 exceeds a predetermined threshold TH1, a first alert AL1 (e.g., a first warning message) may be displayed on the display 97, and a second alert AL2 (e.g., a second warning message) may be displayed on the second display 77. The first alert AL1 and the second alert AL2 may be the same type of alert, or the first alert AL1 and the second alert AL2 may be different types of alerts.

[0139] Alternatively, or additionally, the control device 9 (or the controller 7) may be configured to issue an alarm when the concentration of a specific component derived by the analysis device 99 exceeds a predetermined threshold TH1 (for example, when the concentration E1 of nitrite nitrogen exceeds a predetermined threshold). In this case, an operator who is not constantly monitoring the water quality of the aquaculture water can quickly become aware of abnormalities in the water quality of the aquaculture water.

[0140] (Control of the Aquaculture Device 8) In the first to third embodiments described above, the controller 7 may be capable of controlling the aquaculture device 8.

[0141] 29 , the aquaculture device 8 includes an aquaculture tank 81, a circulation pump 83 that circulates the aquaculture water Q within the aquaculture tank 81, and a feeding device 85 that supplies food to the aquaculture tank 81. The aquaculture tank 81 includes a breeding tank 81a that houses aquatic organisms to be cultured, and a filtration tank 81b that filters unwanted matter from the aquaculture water Q. The filtration tank 81b may include a settling tank that settles solids, a foam separation device that removes fine solids, a nitrification device that removes ammonia, or a denitrification device that removes nitrate ions.

[0142] In the example shown in Figure 29, the control device 9 sends a control command (hereinafter referred to as the "third control command CM3") to the controller 7 in response to the concentration of a specific component derived by the analysis device 99 exceeding a predetermined threshold value TH1.

[0143] The controller 7 receiving the third control command CM3 may increase the amount of water discharged per unit time (e.g., the amount of water discharged per minute) from the circulation pump 83. Increasing the amount of water discharged per unit time from the circulation pump 83 improves the water quality of the culture water Q. Alternatively, or additionally, the controller 7 receiving the third control command CM3 may decrease the amount of feed supplied per unit period (e.g., the amount of feed supplied per day) from the feeding device 85. Decreasing the amount of feed supplied per unit period from the feeding device 85 improves the water quality of the culture water Q.

[0144] 29, the culture water supplying apparatus 3 takes in the supernatant Q1 directly from the water tank 81 (more specifically, the filtration tank 81b). As illustrated in Fig. 30, the culture water supplying apparatus 3 may have an auxiliary container C7 that temporarily stores the culture water Q taken out from the water tank 81. In this case, the culture water supplying apparatus 3 may have a device that takes out the culture water Q from the water tank 81 to the auxiliary container C7, and a device that supplies the culture water Q (more specifically, the supernatant Q1) from the auxiliary container C7 to the first container C1.

[0145] (Control of Multiple Controllers 7) As illustrated in Fig. 31 , in the first to third embodiments described above, the control device 9 may be able to remotely control multiple controllers (7, 7-2) via a communication network N. In the example shown in Fig. 31 , the control device 9 is able to remotely control the controller 7 and a second controller 7-2 via the communication network N. The controller 7 has already been described in the first to third embodiments, so a repeated description of the controller 7 will be omitted.

[0146] The second controller 7-2 controls the second reagent solution supplying device 2a-2, the second culture water supplying device 3-2, the second data acquiring device 4-2, the second discharge device 5-2, and the second cleaning solution supplying device 6-2.

[0147] 32, the second reagent solution supplying device 2a-2 supplies the reagent solution L1 to the second container C1-2. The "second reagent solution supplying device 2a-2" and the "second container C1-2" have the same configuration as the above-mentioned "reagent solution supplying device 2a" and "first container C1," respectively.

[0148] The second aquaculture water supplying device 3-2 supplies second aquaculture water Q-2 that has been used for cultivating aquatic organisms in the second water tank 81-2 to the second container C1-2. The above-mentioned "aquaculture water supplying device 3" supplies the aquaculture water that has been used for cultivating aquatic organisms in the water tank 81 to the first container C1, whereas the "second aquaculture water supplying device 3-2" supplies second aquaculture water Q-2 that has been used for cultivating aquatic organisms in a second water tank 81-2 that is different from the water tank 81 to the second container C1-2, which is the difference between the two. In other respects, the "second aquaculture water supplying device 3-2" is similar to the "aquaculture water supplying device 3."

[0149] The second data acquisition device 4-2 acquires color data of the reaction solution L3-2 formed by the reaction between the second culture water Q-2 and the reagent solution L1. The "second data acquisition device 4-2" has the same configuration as the above-mentioned "data acquisition device 4."

[0150] The second discharge device 5-2 discharges the reaction liquid L3-2 from the second container C1-2. The "second discharge device 5-2" has the same configuration as the above-mentioned "discharge device 5."

[0151] The second cleaning liquid supply device 6-2 supplies a cleaning liquid W (for example, water) to the second container C1-2. The "second cleaning liquid supply device 6-2" has the same configuration as the above-mentioned "cleaning liquid supply device 6."

[0152] The above-mentioned analysis device 99 derives the concentration of the specific component in the second culture water Q-2 by analyzing the color data of the reaction solution L3-2. It is preferable that the analysis device 99 is shared for deriving the concentration of the specific component in the culture water Q (see, for example, Figure 22 or Figure 23) and for deriving the concentration of the specific component in the second culture water Q-2.

[0153] In the example shown in FIG. 32, the second controller 7-2 can execute the following modes (in other words, the seventh process): (1) a mode including sending a supply command to at least the second reagent solution supply device 2a-2 and the second aquaculture water supply device 3-2 so that the reagent solution L1 and the second aquaculture water Q-2 are supplied to the second container C1-2; (2) a mode including sending a data acquisition command to at least the second data acquisition device 4-2 so that the second data acquisition device 4-2 acquires color data of the reaction solution L3-2 (in other words, the eighth process); and (3) a mode including sending a discharge command to at least the second discharge device 5-2 so that the reaction solution L3-2 is discharged from the second container C1-2, and sending a cleaning liquid supply command to at least the second cleaning liquid supply device 6-2 so that the second container C1-2 is cleaned with cleaning liquid W (in other words, the ninth process).

[0154] 31 , the display 97 may display the concentration of a specific component in the second culture water Q-2 (e.g., the concentration E1-2 of nitrite nitrogen) in response to receiving a second display command G2 from the analyzer 99. The display 97 may simultaneously or selectively display the concentration of a specific component in the culture water Q taken from the water tank 81 (e.g., the concentration E1 of nitrite nitrogen) and the concentration of a specific component in the second culture water Q-2 taken from the second water tank 81-2 (e.g., the concentration E1-2 of nitrite nitrogen).

[0155] (Method for monitoring the quality of aquaculture water) Next, a method for monitoring the quality of aquaculture water in an embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 34. Figures 33 and 34 are flowcharts showing an example of a method for monitoring the quality of aquaculture water in an embodiment.

[0156] The method for monitoring the water quality of aquaculture water in the embodiments may be performed using the water quality monitoring system for aquaculture water 1A in the first embodiment, the water quality monitoring system for aquaculture water 1B in the second embodiment, the water quality monitoring system for aquaculture water 1C in the third embodiment, or any other water quality monitoring system for aquaculture water.

[0157] In a first step ST1, a reagent solution L1 and aquaculture water Q (more specifically, a supernatant liquid Q1) used for culturing aquatic organisms are supplied to a first container C1. The first step ST1 is a first supply step.

[0158] In the example shown in Figure 1 (or Figures 3 and 4), the first supply step includes supplying the reagent solution L1 and the culture water Q (more specifically, the supernatant liquid Q1) to the first container C1 using a reagent solution supplying device 2a controlled by the controller 7 and an aquaculture water supplying device 3 controlled by the controller 7.

[0159] The first supplying step may include: (1) a reagent solution supplying step of supplying the reagent solution L1 to the first container C1 using a reagent solution supplying device 2a controlled by the controller 7, as exemplified in Fig. 3; and (2) a culture water supplying step of supplying the culture water Q (more specifically, supernatant liquid Q1) to the first container C1 using a culture water supplying device 3 controlled by the controller 7, as exemplified in Fig. 4. In the examples shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the culture water supplying step is performed after the reagent solution supplying step.

[0160] 24 , the first supplying step may include supplying a cleaning liquid W (more specifically, water) to the first container C1 using a cleaning liquid supplying device 6 controlled by the controller 7. In this case, the reaction liquid L3 in the first container C1 is diluted with the cleaning liquid W.

[0161] Additionally, the first supplying step may include supplying another reagent liquid to the first container C1, in which case the reagent liquid L1, the other reagent liquid, and the culture water Q are supplied to the first container C1.

[0162] The first container C1, the reagent solution supplying device 2a, the aquaculture water supplying device 3, and the cleaning solution supplying device 6 have already been described in the first, second, or third embodiment, so repeated explanations of their configurations will be omitted.

[0163] In the second step ST2, color data DA of the reaction liquid L3 is acquired. The second step ST2 is a color data acquisition step.

[0164] In the example shown in Figure 1 or Figure 5, the color data acquisition process includes acquiring color data DA of the reaction liquid L3 formed by the reaction between the culture water Q (more specifically, the supernatant liquid Q1) and the reagent liquid L1 using a data acquisition device 4 controlled by a controller 7.

[0165] The data acquisition device 4 has already been described in the first, second, or third embodiment, and therefore a repeated description of the data acquisition device 4 will be omitted.

[0166] In the third step ST3, the color data DA of the reaction liquid L3 is transmitted to the analysis device 99. The third step ST3 is a data transmission process. Note that the third step ST3 may be omitted if the color data DA of the reaction liquid L3 is analyzed at the aquaculture site.

[0167] 1 or 5, the data transmission step includes transmitting color data DA of the reaction liquid L3 acquired by the data acquisition device 4 from the controller 7 to the analysis device 99 via the communication network N. The color data DA transmitted to the analysis device 99 may be raw color data acquired by the data acquisition device 4, or may be processed color data obtained by processing the raw color data (for example, processed color data obtained by subjecting the raw color data to noise removal, averaging, standardization, etc.).

[0168] In a fourth step ST4, the concentration of the specific component in the culture water Q (more specifically, the supernatant Q1) is calculated by the analyzer 99. The fourth step ST4 is a concentration calculation process. Note that, in cases where the analysis is outsourced, the fourth step ST4 may be omitted.

[0169] In the example described in Figure 22 or Figure 23, the concentration derivation process includes the analysis device 99 deriving the concentration of a specific component in the culture water Q (more specifically, the supernatant liquid Q1) based on the color data DA of the reaction liquid L3.

[0170] Examples of the analysis device 99 and the analysis algorithm (more specifically, the concentration derivation algorithm) have already been described in the first, second, or third embodiment, so repeated descriptions of the analysis device 99 and the analysis algorithm will be omitted.

[0171] In a fifth step ST5, the concentration of the specific component in the culture water Q is displayed on the display 97. The fifth step ST5 is a display step.

[0172] The display step includes displaying on the display 97 the concentration of the specific component in the culture water Q (more specifically, the supernatant Q1) derived by the analysis device 99.

[0173] 28 , the displaying step may include displaying a first graph GH1 showing a change over time in the concentration of the specific component (e.g., the concentration E1 of nitrite nitrogen) on the display 97. Furthermore, the displaying step may include displaying a first alert AL1 (e.g., a warning message) on the display 97 in response to the concentration of the specific component exceeding a predetermined threshold TH1.

[0174] In addition, the water quality monitoring method for aquaculture water in the embodiment may include (1) a step of increasing the amount of water discharged per unit time from the circulation pump 83, and / or (2) a step of decreasing the amount of feed supplied per unit period from the feeding device 85, in response to the concentration of a specific component derived by the analysis device 99 exceeding a predetermined threshold value TH1.

[0175] In a sixth step ST6, the reaction liquid L3 is discharged from the first container C1. The sixth step ST6 is a reaction liquid discharge step. The reaction liquid discharge step may be performed before the third step ST3 to the fifth step ST5, after the third step ST3 to the fifth step ST5, or in parallel with the third step ST3 to the fifth step ST5.

[0176] In the example shown in FIG. 6, the reaction liquid discharging step includes discharging the reaction liquid L3 from the first container C1 using a discharging device 5 controlled by a controller 7.

[0177] The discharge device 5 has already been described in the first, second, or third embodiment, so a repeated description of the discharge device 5 will be omitted.

[0178] In a seventh step ST7, a cleaning liquid W (for example, water) is supplied to the first container C1. The seventh step ST7 is a cleaning liquid supplying step.

[0179] In the example shown in FIG. 7, the cleaning liquid supplying step includes supplying a cleaning liquid W (eg, water) to the first container C1 using a cleaning liquid supply device 6 controlled by a controller 7.

[0180] The cleaning liquid supply device 6 has already been described in the first, second or third embodiment, so a repeated description of the cleaning liquid supply device 6 will be omitted.

[0181] In the eighth step ST8, the cleaning liquid W is discharged from the first container C1. The eighth step ST8 is a cleaning liquid discharge step.

[0182] In the example shown in FIG. 8, the cleaning liquid discharging step includes discharging the cleaning liquid W from the first container C1 using a discharging device 5 controlled by the controller 7.

[0183] The seventh step ST7 and the eighth step ST8 may be executed multiple times.

[0184] In the embodiment of the method for monitoring the water quality of aquaculture water, if multiple types of components are monitored, the method for monitoring the water quality of aquaculture water in the embodiment may include the 9th step ST9 to the 16th step ST16 described below.

[0185] In a ninth step ST9, the second reagent solution L2 and the culture water Q (more specifically, the supernatant liquid Q1) used in culturing aquatic organisms are supplied to the first container C1. The ninth step ST9 is a second supply step.

[0186] In the example shown in Figure 25, the second supply process includes supplying the second reagent solution L2 and the aquaculture water Q (more specifically, the supernatant liquid Q1) to the first container C1 using a second supply device 2b controlled by the controller 7 and an aquaculture water supply device 3 controlled by the controller 7.

[0187] In the tenth step ST10, color data DA' of the second reaction liquid L4 is acquired. The tenth step ST10 is a second color data acquisition step.

[0188] In the example described in Figure 26, the second color data acquisition process includes acquiring color data DA' of the second reaction liquid L4 formed by the reaction between the culture water Q (more specifically, the supernatant liquid Q1) and the second reagent liquid L2 using a data acquisition device 4 controlled by a controller 7.

[0189] In an eleventh step ST11, the color data DA' of the second reaction liquid L4 is transmitted to the analysis device 99. The eleventh step ST11 is a second data transmission step.

[0190] In the example shown in Figure 26, the second data transmission process includes transmitting the color data DA' of the second reaction liquid L4 acquired by the data acquisition device 4 from the controller 7 to the analysis device 99 via the communication network N.

[0191] In a twelfth step ST12, the concentration of the second specific component in the culture water Q (more specifically, the supernatant Q1) is derived by the analyzer 99. The twelfth step ST12 is a second concentration derivation step.

[0192] In the example shown in Figure 26, the second concentration derivation process includes the analysis device 99 deriving the concentration of a second specific component in the culture water Q (more specifically, the supernatant liquid Q1) based on the color data DA' of the second reaction liquid L4.

[0193] In a thirteenth step ST13, the concentration of the second specific component in the culture water Q is displayed on the display 97. The thirteenth step ST13 is a second display step.

[0194] In the example shown in Figure 26, the second display step includes displaying on the display 97 the concentration E2 of a second specific component in the culture water Q (more specifically, the supernatant Q1) derived by the analytical device 99.

[0195] 28 , the second display step may include displaying a second graph GH2 indicating a change in the concentration E2 of the second specific component over time on the display 97. Furthermore, the second display step may include displaying an alert on the display 97 in response to the concentration E2 of the second specific component exceeding a predetermined threshold TH2.

[0196] In a fourteenth step ST14, the second reaction liquid L4 is discharged from the first container C1. The fourteenth step ST14 is a second reaction liquid discharge step. The second reaction liquid discharge step may be performed before the eleventh step ST11 to the thirteenth step ST13, after the eleventh step ST11 to the thirteenth step ST13, or in parallel with the eleventh step ST11 to the thirteenth step ST13.

[0197] In the example shown in FIG. 27, the second reaction liquid discharging step includes discharging the second reaction liquid L4 from the first container C1 using a discharging device 5 controlled by the controller 7.

[0198] In a fifteenth step ST15, a cleaning liquid W (for example, water) is supplied to the first container C1. The fifteenth step ST15 is a second cleaning liquid supplying step.

[0199] In the example shown in FIG. 27, the second cleaning liquid supplying step includes supplying a cleaning liquid W (for example, water) to the first container C1 using a cleaning liquid supplying device 6 controlled by a controller 7.

[0200] In a sixteenth step ST16, the cleaning liquid W is discharged from the first container C1. The sixteenth step ST16 is a second cleaning liquid discharge step.

[0201] In the example shown in FIG. 27, the second cleaning liquid discharging step includes discharging the cleaning liquid W from the first container C1 using a discharging device 5 controlled by the controller 7.

[0202] The fifteenth step ST15 and the sixteenth step ST16 may be executed multiple times.

[0203] (Program 722) The program 722 in the embodiment is a program for the controller executed by the controller 7. The program 722 is a program for causing the controller 7 to execute the first supplying step (first step ST1), the color data acquiring step (second step ST2), the data transmitting step (third step ST3), the reaction liquid discharging step (sixth step ST6), the cleaning liquid supplying step (seventh step ST7), and the cleaning liquid discharging step (eighth step ST8) of the water quality monitoring method for aquaculture water described above.

[0204] More specifically, the program 722 in the embodiment includes the following steps: (1) transmitting a supply command S to the reagent solution supplying device 2a and the culture water supplying device 3 so that the reagent solution L1 and the culture water Q (more specifically, the supernatant liquid Q1) used in culturing aquatic organisms are supplied to the first container C1 (FIGS. 3 and 4: first step ST1); (2) transmitting a data acquisition command A1 to the data acquiring device 4 so that color data DA of the reaction solution L3 formed by the reaction of the culture water Q (more specifically, the supernatant liquid Q1) with the reagent solution L1 is acquired (FIG. 5: second step ST2); and (3) determining the characteristics of the culture water Q (more specifically, the supernatant liquid Q1) based on the color data DA of the reaction solution L3. The program causes the controller 7 to execute a water quality monitoring method for aquaculture water, the method comprising: (1) a step of transmitting color data DA of the reaction liquid L3 to an analyzing device 99 that derives the concentration of a fixed component (FIG. 5: third step ST3); (2) a step of transmitting a discharge command D1 to the discharge device 5 so that the reaction liquid L3 is discharged from the first container C1 (FIG. 6: sixth step ST6); (3) a step of transmitting a cleaning liquid supply command S3 to the cleaning liquid supply device 6 so that the cleaning liquid W (e.g., water) is supplied to the first container C1 (FIG. 7: seventh step ST7); and (4) a step of transmitting a cleaning liquid discharge command D2 to the discharge device 5 so that the cleaning liquid W (e.g., water) is discharged from the first container C1 (FIG. 8: eighth step ST8).

[0205] Additionally, the program 722 in the embodiment includes the steps of: (1) transmitting a supply command S′ to the second supply device 2b and the culture water supply device 3 so that the second reagent solution L2 and the culture water Q (more specifically, the supernatant liquid Q1) used in culturing aquatic organisms are supplied to the first container C1 (FIG. 25: ninth step ST9); (2) transmitting a second data acquisition command to the data acquisition device 4 so that color data DA′ of the second reaction solution L4 formed by the reaction of the culture water Q (more specifically, the supernatant liquid Q1) with the second reagent solution L2 is acquired (FIG. 26: tenth step ST10); and (3) deriving the concentration of the second specific component in the culture water Q (more specifically, the supernatant liquid Q1) based on the color data DA′ of the second reaction solution L4. (4) a step of transmitting color data DA′ of the second reaction liquid L4 to an analyzing device 99 that analyzes the color data DA′ of the second reaction liquid L4 (FIG. 26: eleventh step ST11); (5) a step of transmitting a second discharge command D1′ to the discharge device 5 so that the second reaction liquid L4 is discharged from the first container C1 (FIG. 27: fourteenth step ST14); (6) a step of transmitting a second cleaning liquid supply command S3′ to the cleaning liquid supply device 6 so that a cleaning liquid W (e.g., water) is supplied to the first container C1 (FIG. 27: fifteenth step ST15); and (7) a step of transmitting a second cleaning liquid discharge command to the discharge device 5 so that the cleaning liquid W (e.g., water) is discharged from the first container C1 (sixteenth step ST16).

[0206] The above-mentioned program 722 may be configured to cause the controller 7 to execute the above-mentioned first step ST1 to third step ST3 and the above-mentioned sixth step ST6 to eighth step ST8 when the controller 7 receives a first control command CM1 from the control device 9 via the communication network N.

[0207] Furthermore, the above-mentioned program 722 may be configured to cause the controller 7 to execute the above-mentioned ninth step ST9 to eleventh step ST11 and the above-mentioned fourteenth step ST14 to sixteenth step ST16 when the controller 7 receives a second control command CM2 from the control device 9 via the communication network N.

[0208] The memory 72 in the embodiment may be a non-volatile storage medium that records the above-described program 722. The non-volatile storage medium that records the above-described program 722 may be a portable storage medium 72M, as exemplified in FIG.

[0209] (Analysis Program 991) The analysis program 991 in the embodiment is a program for the analysis device that is executed by the analysis device 99. The analysis program 991 is a program for causing the analysis device 99 to execute the concentration derivation step (fourth step ST4) and the display step (fifth step ST5) of the above-described method for monitoring the water quality of aquaculture water.

[0210] More specifically, the analysis program 991 in the embodiment is a program for causing the analysis device 99 to execute an analysis method including: (1) a step of deriving the concentration of a specific component in the culture water Q (more specifically, the supernatant liquid Q1) based on the color data DA of the reaction liquid L3 (FIG. 22 or FIG. 23: fourth step ST4); and (2) a step of sending a display command G1 to the display 97 so that the concentration of the specific component in the culture water Q (more specifically, the supernatant liquid Q1) is displayed on the display 97 (FIG. 5: fifth step ST5).

[0211] Additionally, the analysis program 991 in the embodiment may be a program for causing the analysis device 99 to execute an analysis method further comprising: (1) a step of deriving the concentration of a second specific component in the culture water Q (more specifically, the supernatant liquid Q1) based on the color data DA' of the second reaction liquid L4 (twelfth step ST12); and (2) a step of sending a second display command G2 to the display 97 so that the concentration of the second specific component in the culture water Q (more specifically, the supernatant liquid Q1) is displayed on the display 97 (Figure 31: thirteenth step ST13).

[0212] The memory 990 in the embodiment may be a non-volatile storage medium that records the above-described analysis program 991. The non-volatile storage medium that records the above-described analysis program 991 may be a portable storage medium 990M, as exemplified in FIG.

[0213] The combination of programs in the embodiment includes the above-described program 722 and the above-described analysis program 991 .

[0214] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments or modifications, and it is clear that each embodiment or modification can be appropriately modified or changed within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. Furthermore, various techniques used in each embodiment or modification can be applied to other embodiments or modifications as long as no technical contradiction occurs. Furthermore, optional additional configurations in each embodiment or modification can be omitted as appropriate.

[0215] In the above-described embodiment, the water quality monitoring of aquaculture water has been described. Alternatively, the above-described embodiment may be used for water quality monitoring of plant growth water (more specifically, water quality monitoring of plant growth water in a plant factory). In this case, the terms "aquatic organisms" and "aquaculture" in the description of the above-described embodiment may be read as "plants" and "growth," respectively.

[0216] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1A, 1B, 1C...water quality monitoring system, 2a...reagent solution supply device, 2a-2...second reagent solution supply device, 2b...second supply device, 3...aquaculture water supply device, 3-2...second aquaculture water supply device, 4...data acquisition device, 4-2...second data acquisition device, 5...discharge device, 5-2...second discharge device, 6...cleaning liquid supply device, 6-2...second cleaning liquid supply device, 7...controller, 7-2...second controller, 8...aquaculture device, 9...control device, 21a...nozzle, 21b...second nozzle, 23a...first pump, 23b...pump, 25a...pipe, 25b...pipe, 27a...droplet detection sensor, 27b...second droplet detection sensor, 31...first pipe, 33...second pump, 35...air pump, 36...first three-way valve, 37...second three-way valve, 41...sensor, 41a...color sensor, 43...reflector, 45...housing, 47...support member, 51...drainage pipe, 53...third pump, 56...valve, 61...supply pipe, 63...fourth pump, 70...processor, 72...memory, 72M...storage medium, 74...communication circuit, 77...second display, 81...aquarium, 81-2...second aquarium, 81a...breeding tank, 81b...filter tank, 83...circulation pump, 85...feeding device, 90...processor, 92... Memory, 94...communication circuit, 96...input device, 97...display, 98...bus, 99...analysis device, 99P...processor, 230a...tube pump, 231a...roller, 250a...elastic tube, 381...drainage line, 382...second line, 383...third line, 384...fourth line, 471...receiving portion, 473...support, 722...program, 726, 726a...data, 922...program, 926...data, 990...memory, 990M...storage medium, 991...analysis program, 992...data, 992a...data showing first calibration curve, 992b...data showing second calibration curve data, A1, A1'...data acquisition command, AL...alert, AL1...first alert, AL2...second alert, C1...first container, C1-2...second container, C1f...flange, C1w...wall, C2...reagent container, C3...second reagent container, C4...waste container, C5...waste container, C6...storage container, C7...auxiliary container, CM1...first control command, CM2...second control command, CM3...third control command, D1, D1'...discharge command, D2...cleaning liquid discharge command, DA, DA'...color data, E1, E1-2...nitrite nitrogen concentration, E2...concentration of second specific component, F1...first calibration curve, F2...second calibration curve,G1...display command, G2...second display command, L1...reagent solution, L2...second reagent solution, L3, L3-2...reaction solution, L4...second reaction solution, LE...light, M1...supply mode, M1-1...reagent solution supply mode, M1-2...culture water supply mode, M2...data acquisition mode, M3...cleaning mode, M4...data transmission mode, M5...analysis mode, M6...second supply mode, M6-1...second reagent solution supply mode, M6-2 ...Aquaculture water supply mode, N...Communication network, PA...First route, Q...Aquaculture water, Q-2...Second aquaculture water, Q1...Supernatant liquid, R1...Operation command, R2...Operation command, S, S'...Supply command, S1...Reagent liquid supply Supply command, S1'...supply command, S2...culture water supply command, S2'...supply command, S3, S3'...cleaning liquid supply command, V1...first command, V2...second command, V3...third command, V4...fourth command, W...cleaning liquid,

Claims

1. A system comprising: a reagent solution supplying device that supplies a reagent solution to a first container; a culture water supplying device that supplies culture water used in cultivating aquatic organisms to the first container; a data acquisition device that acquires color data of a reaction solution formed by a reaction between the culture water and the reagent solution; a discharge device that discharges the reaction solution from the first container; a cleaning liquid supplying device that supplies a cleaning liquid to the first container; and a controller that controls the reagent solution supplying device, the culture water supplying device, the data acquisition device, the discharge device, and the cleaning liquid supplying device, wherein the controller performs a first process of sending supply commands to at least the reagent solution supplying device and the culture water supplying device so that the reagent solution and the culture water are supplied to the first container; and a second process of sending data acquisition commands to at least the data acquisition device so that the data acquisition device acquires the color data of the reaction solution. a third process of sending a discharge command to at least the discharge device so that the reaction liquid is discharged from the first container, and sending a cleaning liquid supply command to at least the cleaning liquid supply device so that the first container is cleaned with the cleaning liquid.

2. The water quality monitoring system for aquaculture water described in claim 1, further comprising: a control device that remotely controls the controller via a communication network; and an analysis device that derives the concentration of a specific component in the aquaculture water by analyzing the color data of the reaction liquid, wherein the controller is capable of executing a fourth process of transmitting the color data of the reaction liquid acquired by the data acquisition device to the analysis device via the communication network.

3. The aquaculture water quality monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the first process includes: a first sub-process of sending a reagent solution supply command to at least the reagent solution supply device so that the reagent solution is supplied to the first container; and a second sub-process of sending a culture water supply command to at least the aquaculture water supply device so that the aquaculture water is supplied to the first container; and the second sub-process is executed after the first sub-process so that the aquaculture water is supplied to the first container after the reagent solution has been supplied to the first container.

4. The water quality monitoring system for aquaculture water described in claim 1, wherein the first container is maintained at a predetermined first position from the time when the supply of the reagent solution to the first container begins until cleaning of the first container with the cleaning solution is completed.

5. The water quality monitoring system for aquaculture water described in claim 1, wherein the data acquisition device comprises: a sensor that acquires the color data of the reaction liquid; a gray reflector; and a housing that maintains an optical system including the sensor, the first container, and the reflector in a dark environment, wherein the sensor acquires color data of light that has traveled along a first path as the color data of the reaction liquid, and the first path is a path that passes through the first container and the reaction liquid, is turned back by the reflector, and passes through the first container and the reaction liquid again.

6. The water quality monitoring system for aquaculture water according to claim 1, further comprising an analyzing device, wherein the data acquisition device has a sensor that acquires color data of light that has passed through the first container and the reaction liquid as the color data of the reaction liquid, and the analyzing device extracts the R component in an RGB color system and the B component in the RGB color system from the color data of the reaction liquid, and derives the concentration of nitrite nitrogen in the aquaculture water based on the ratio between the R component and the B component and a first calibration curve.

7. The water quality monitoring system for aquaculture water according to claim 1, further comprising an analyzing device, wherein the data acquisition device has a sensor that acquires color data of light that has passed through the first container and the reaction liquid as the color data of the reaction liquid, and the analyzing device converts the color data of the reaction liquid from values ​​in the RGB color system to values ​​in the CMYK color system, and derives the concentration of nitrite nitrogen in the aquaculture water based on the intensity of the Y component of the CMYK color system and a second calibration curve.

8. The water quality monitoring system for aquaculture water described in claim 1, wherein the reagent solution supplying device has a nozzle that drips the reagent solution, a first pump that supplies the reagent solution toward the nozzle, and a droplet detection sensor that detects droplets dripping from the nozzle, and the controller controls the first pump based on a signal received from the droplet detection sensor.

9. The aquaculture water quality monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the aquaculture water supply device comprises: a first pipeline capable of temporarily storing a predetermined amount of the aquaculture water; a liquid pump capable of sending the aquaculture water to a drainage pipeline via the first pipeline; and an air pump that sends the predetermined amount of the aquaculture water stored in the first pipeline to the first container.

10. The aquaculture water quality monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the first process includes supplying the reagent solution, the aquaculture water, and the cleaning solution to the first container by sending supply commands to at least the reagent solution supply device, the aquaculture water supply device, and the cleaning solution supply device, and the second process includes having the data acquisition device acquire the color data of the reaction solution diluted with the cleaning solution.

11. A water quality monitoring system for aquaculture water according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a second supply device that supplies a second reagent liquid to the first container, wherein the controller is capable of: sending supply commands to at least the second supply device and the aquaculture water supply device so that the second reagent liquid and the aquaculture water are supplied to the first container; sending a data acquisition command to at least the data acquisition device so that the data acquisition device acquires color data of a second reaction liquid formed by the reaction between the aquaculture water and the second reagent liquid; sending a discharge command to at least the discharge device so that the second reaction liquid is discharged from the first container; and sending a cleaning liquid supply command to at least the cleaning liquid supply device so that the first container is cleaned with the cleaning liquid.

12. A water quality monitoring system for aquaculture water as described in claim 1, further comprising: a control device that remotely controls the controller via a communication network; an analysis device that derives the concentration of a specific component in the aquaculture water by analyzing the color data of the reaction solution; a circulation pump that circulates the aquaculture water in an aquarium; and a feeding device that supplies food to the aquarium, wherein the control device transmits a control command to the controller in response to the concentration of the specific component derived by the analysis device exceeding a predetermined threshold, and the controller that receives the control command performs at least one of increasing the amount of water discharged per unit time from the circulation pump and decreasing the amount of food supplied per unit period from the feeding device.

13. A method for monitoring the quality of aquaculture water, comprising: a step of supplying a reagent solution and aquaculture water used for cultivating aquatic organisms to a first container using a reagent solution supplying device and aquaculture water supplying device controlled by a controller; a step of acquiring color data of a reaction solution formed by a reaction between the aquaculture water and the reagent solution using a data acquiring device controlled by the controller; a step of discharging the reaction solution from the first container using a discharging device controlled by the controller; a step of supplying a cleaning solution to the first container using a cleaning solution supplying device controlled by the controller; and a step of discharging the cleaning solution from the first container using the discharging device.

14. A program for causing a controller to execute a water quality monitoring method for aquaculture water, comprising the steps of: sending a supply command to a reagent solution supplying device and aquaculture water supplying device so that a reagent solution and aquaculture water used for cultivating aquatic organisms are supplied to a first container; sending a data acquisition command to a data acquisition device so that color data of a reaction solution formed by the reaction between the aquaculture water and the reagent solution is acquired; sending the color data of the reaction solution to an analyzing device that derives the concentration of a specific component in the aquaculture water based on the color data of the reaction solution; sending a discharge command to a discharge device so that the reaction solution is discharged from the first container; sending a cleaning solution supply command to a cleaning solution supplying device so that a cleaning solution is supplied to the first container; and sending a cleaning solution discharge command to the discharge device so that the cleaning solution is discharged from the first container.

15. A combination of programs including the program according to claim 14 and an analysis program for causing the analysis device to execute an analysis method comprising the steps of: deriving the concentration of the specific component in the culture water based on the color data of the reaction liquid; and sending a display command to the display so that the concentration of the specific component is displayed on the display.

16. A system comprising: a reagent solution supplying device that supplies a reagent solution to a first container; a growing water supplying device that supplies growing water used for growing plants to the first container; a data acquiring device that acquires color data of a reaction solution formed by the reaction between the growing water and the reagent solution; a discharge device that discharges the reaction solution from the first container; a cleaning solution supplying device that supplies cleaning solution to the first container; and a controller that controls the reagent solution supplying device, the growing water supplying device, the data acquiring device, the discharge device, and the cleaning solution supplying device, wherein the controller performs a first process of sending supply commands to at least the reagent solution supplying device and the growing water supplying device so that the reagent solution and the growing water are supplied to the first container; and a second process of sending data acquisition commands to at least the data acquiring device so that the color data of the reaction solution is acquired by the data acquiring device. a third process of sending a discharge command to at least the discharge device so that the reaction liquid is discharged from the first container, and a third process of sending a cleaning liquid supply command to at least the cleaning liquid supply device so that the first container is cleaned with the cleaning liquid.

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