Farm product measurement device

Abstract

A farm product measurement device 1 according to the present disclosure comprises: a plurality of first light sources 34 for emitting first light; a plurality of second light sources 36 for emitting second light having a wavelength different from the wavelength of the first light; and a light reception unit 16 for receiving reflected light composed of the first light and the second light reflected by a farm product. The plurality of first light sources 34 are arrayed so as to surround the light reception unit 16. The plurality of second light sources 36 are positioned on the outside of the array of the plurality of first light sources 34.

Description

Crop measuring device

[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-100481, filed on June 21, 2024, and incorporates by reference all of the contents of said Japanese application.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a measuring device that irradiates a measurement object such as a fruit with light and performs spectroscopic analysis of the reflected light to obtain quality values ​​such as sugar content and acidity of the measurement object.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-116141

[0004] The presently disclosed agricultural crop measuring device includes a plurality of first light sources that emit a first light, a plurality of second light sources that emit a second light having a wavelength different from that of the first light, and a light receiving unit that receives the first light reflected by the agricultural crop and the second light reflected by the agricultural crop. The plurality of first light sources are arranged to surround the light receiving unit. The plurality of second light sources are arranged outside the arrangement of the plurality of first light sources.

[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a crop measuring device. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the crop measuring device. FIG. 3 is an external view showing a light source circuit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the arrangement of light sources of a light source circuit according to a modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the arrangement of light sources of a light source circuit according to another modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the arrangement of light sources of a light source circuit according to yet another modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the arrangement of light sources of a light source circuit according to yet another modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a light source circuit. FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of a light source circuit according to a second modified example of the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of a crop measuring device according to a third modified example of the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is an external view showing a light source circuit according to a third embodiment. FIG. 12 is an external view showing a light source circuit according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view showing another example of the internal configuration of the crop measuring device.

[0006] [Problem to be Solved by the Present Disclosure] The conventional measurement device described above includes multiple light sources and a light receiving element. The multiple light sources and the light receiving element are provided on a single substrate. The light receiving element is exposed on the substrate surface of the substrate and receives light reflected from the object to be measured. The multiple light sources include multiple types of light sources that emit light of different wavelengths.

[0007] Here, in order to perform measurements with higher accuracy, it is necessary to ensure a sufficient amount of light from each of the multiple types of light sources. Ensuring a sufficient amount of light from each of the multiple types of light sources requires increasing the number of each of the multiple types of light sources. Increasing the number of each of the multiple types of light sources increases the area in which the multiple light sources are arranged, which may result in an increase in the size of the device.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a technology that enables compactness even when multiple types of light sources are arranged.

[0009] [Effects of the Present Disclosure] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to make the device compact even when multiple types of light sources are arranged.

[0010] First, the details of the embodiments will be described. [Outline of the Embodiments] (1) The presently disclosed agricultural produce measuring device includes a plurality of first light sources that emit a first light, a plurality of second light sources that emit a second light having a wavelength different from the wavelength of the first light, and a light receiving unit that receives the first light reflected by the agricultural produce and the light reflected by the second light. The plurality of first light sources are arranged to surround the light receiving unit. The plurality of second light sources are arranged outside the arrangement of the plurality of first light sources. According to the above configuration, the plurality of second light sources are arranged outside the arrangement of the plurality of first light sources that are arranged to surround the light receiving unit, so the second light sources are arranged in a separate row from the arrangement of the plurality of first light sources. In this way, the light sources are arranged in multiple rows around the light receiving unit, which enables a more compact design than, for example, a case in which multiple types of light sources are arranged in a single row.

[0011] (2) In the agricultural crop measuring device of (1), the plurality of first light sources may be arranged on a circle surrounding the light receiving unit, and the plurality of second light sources may be arranged on a circle concentric with the circle. In this case, the plurality of first light sources and the plurality of second light sources may be arranged so as to form two annular rows.

[0012] (3) In the agricultural produce measuring device of (2), the center of one of the second light sources may be located on a line passing through the center of the arrangement circle and the center of one of the first light sources. In this case, since one first light source and one second light source are close to each other, for example, when the first light source and the second light source are mounted on the same circuit board and can be connected in series, the length of wiring connecting the first light source and the second light source can be shortened.

[0013] (4) In the agricultural produce measuring device of (2), the centers of the second light sources may be located on a line passing through the center of the arrangement circle and the center of one of the first light sources. In this case, the first light source and the second light source located on the same line are close to each other. Therefore, for example, when the first light source and the second light source are mounted on the same circuit board and can be connected in series, the length of wiring connecting the first light source and the second light source can be shortened.

[0014] (5) In the agricultural crop measuring device described in (2), the center of one of the second light sources may be located at a position other than on a line passing through the center of the arrangement circle of the first light sources and the center of one of the first light sources. In this case, the circumferential position of one second light source is between a pair of adjacent first light sources. Therefore, even if the arrangement circle and the concentric circle are brought close to each other, interference between the first light source and the second light source can be easily avoided. As a result, it is easy to further reduce the arrangement area in which the multiple first light sources and the multiple second light sources are provided.

[0015] (6) In the agricultural crop measuring device described in (2) above, the centers of the second light sources may be located at positions other than on a line passing through the center of the arrangement circle of the first light sources and the center of one of the first light sources. In this case, the circumferential position of the second light source is also between a pair of adjacent first light sources. Therefore, even if the arrangement circle and the concentric circle are brought close to each other, interference between the first light source and the second light source can be easily avoided. As a result, it is easy to further reduce the arrangement area in which the first light sources and the second light sources are provided.

[0016] (7) In the agricultural crop measuring device of any one of (1) to (6) above, the number of light sources of the plurality of second light sources may be greater than the number of light sources of the plurality of first light sources. (8) Furthermore, in the agricultural crop measuring device of any one of (1) to (6) above, the number of light sources of the plurality of second light sources may be equal to or greater than the number of light sources of the plurality of first light sources. In this case, the number of light sources of the plurality of first light sources and the number of light sources of the plurality of second light sources can be adjusted as necessary.

[0017] (9) In the agricultural produce measuring device according to any one of (2) to (6), if the agricultural produce measuring device further includes one or more third light sources arranged on the arrangement circle and one or more fourth light sources arranged on the concentric circle, the one or more third light sources may be light sources that emit the second light, and the one or more fourth light sources may be light sources that emit the first light. In this case, the degree of freedom in arranging the light sources can be increased.

[0018] (10) The agricultural produce measuring device of any one of (1) to (9) above may further include a substrate having a mounting surface on which the plurality of first light sources and the plurality of second light sources are mounted. (11) In the agricultural produce measuring device of (10) above, the distance from one of the plurality of first light sources to the mounting surface may be different from the distance from one of the plurality of second light sources to the mounting surface. (12) In the agricultural produce measuring device of (10) above, the distance from one of the plurality of first light sources and one of the plurality of second light sources to the mounting surface may be different from the distance from the other light sources to the mounting surface. In this case, the first light sources and the second light sources can be arranged three-dimensionally according to the shape of the agricultural produce.

[0019] [Details of the embodiment] Preferred embodiments will now be described with reference to the drawings. Note that at least some of the embodiments described below may be combined in any desired manner.

[0020] [Overall Configuration of the Crop Measuring Device] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the crop measuring device. The crop measuring device 1 is used to measure the quality values ​​of crops. Measurable quality values ​​include, for example, sugar content, acidity, pH, and polyphenol content. The crop measuring device 1 emits light containing near-infrared rays toward the crop and receives reflected light from the crop. The crop measuring device 1 also has the function of spectrally separating the reflected light and outputting information about the near-infrared rays in the reflected light as crop quality information. Note that reflected light includes not only light reflected from the surface of the crop, but also diffuse reflected light. Diffuse reflected light is reflected light that occurs when light penetrates the interior of the crop, scatters within the crop, and is then emitted back out of the crop.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1 , the agricultural crop measuring device 1 includes a housing 2, a handle 3, a light-emitting / receiving unit 4, and a power switch 5. The housing 2 is a horizontally elongated member formed of resin or the like. The housing 2 houses circuits and other components for implementing the functions of the agricultural crop measuring device 1. The light-emitting / receiving unit 4 is provided at the tip of one side of the housing 2. The light-emitting / receiving unit 4 has a light-emitting / receiving surface 4a that emits light toward the crop and receives light reflected from the crop. The light-emitting / receiving unit 4 includes a light source circuit 6 and a light-receiving unit 16, as described below. The handle 3 extends along the longitudinal direction of the housing 2 and is provided on the outer surface of the housing 2. The handle 3 is held by an operator operating the agricultural crop measuring device 1. The power switch 5 is used to activate the agricultural crop measuring device 1. The power switch 5 switches the state of the agricultural crop measuring device 1 between an activated state and a stopped state in response to an operator's input. In this embodiment, the power switch 5 is provided on the side of the housing 2, but this is not limited to this and the power switch 5 may be provided on the top surface or end surface of the housing 2 or on the handle 3.

[0022] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the agricultural produce measuring device 1. The light-emitting / receiving unit 4 has a light source circuit 6, a protective plate 8, and a holding unit 10. The light source circuit 6 has a plurality of light sources 12 and a circuit board 14. The plurality of light sources 12 have the function of emitting light to be emitted toward the agricultural produce G. Here, grapes are shown as the agricultural produce G, but other agricultural produce such as apples, peaches, pears, tomatoes, etc. may be used.

[0023] The circuit board 14 is a dielectric substrate made of polyimide resin, epoxy resin, PPE resin, fluororesin, or the like. The circuit board 14 has a mounting surface 14a on which the plurality of light sources 12 are mounted. The circuit board 14 has a disk shape. The circuit board 14 has a hole 14b. The center of the hole 14b coincides with the center of the outline of the circuit board 14. The light receiving unit 16 is provided in the hole 14b so as to be exposed to the protection plate 8.

[0024] The protective plate 8 is a disc-shaped member and is made of glass that transmits at least near-infrared rays. The protective plate 8 may also be made of resin that transmits at least near-infrared rays. The holding portion 10 is a resin member integrally formed at the end of the housing 2 and has an opening 11. The opening 11 communicates between the inside and outside of the housing 2. The opening 11 has a cylindrical inner surface 11a. The light source circuit 6 and the protective plate 8 are held and fixed to the inner surface 11a of the opening 11. The holding portion 10 holds the periphery of the light source circuit 6 and the periphery of the protective plate 8. Therefore, the light source circuit 6 and the protective plate 8 are fixed to the inner surface 11a so as to cover the opening 11. The circuit board 14 is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the housing 2.

[0025] The light source circuit 6 and the protective plate 8 are arranged concentrically and parallel to each other, facing each other. The light source circuit 6 and the protective plate 8 are arranged in this order from the inside to the outside of the housing 2. The mounting surface 14a of the light source circuit 6 faces the protective plate 8. The mounting surface 14a faces the outside of the housing 2. Therefore, light emitted by the light source 12 of the light source circuit 6 passes through the protective plate 8 and is emitted to the outside. The light source circuit 6 will be described in detail later.

[0026] The agricultural crop measuring device 1 further includes a light receiving unit 16, a spectroscope 18, a control circuit 20, and a power supply circuit 22. The light receiving unit 16, the spectroscope 18, the control circuit 20, and the power supply circuit 22 are housed inside the housing 2. The light receiving unit 16 receives light from the agricultural crop G. The light receiving unit 16 is a component including a single optical fiber or a bundle of multiple optical fibers, and is fixed inside the housing 2. The light receiving unit 16 has a rod shape extending along the longitudinal direction of the housing 2. The light receiving unit 16 includes a light receiving surface 16a and an end surface 16b. The light receiving surface 16a is an end surface facing the protective plate 8 (exterior side) and faces the protective plate 8. The end surface 16b is an end surface opposite the light receiving surface 16a. The light receiving unit 16 guides light incident from the light receiving surface 16a to the end surface 16b.

[0027] The end of the light receiving unit 16 on the light receiving surface 16a side is inserted into the hole 14b of the circuit board 14. The light receiving surface 16a is located inside the hole 14b. The light receiving surface 16a is exposed to the protective plate 8. The light receiving unit 16 receives light that enters the inside of the housing 2 through the protective plate 8 at the light receiving surface 16a. In other words, the outer surface of the protective plate 8 forms the light emitting / receiving surface 4a, which emits light and receives light reflected from the crops G. The light receiving unit 16 guides the light received by the light receiving surface 16a to the end surface 16b. The light guided to the end surface 16b is provided to the spectroscope 18.

[0028] The spectroscope 18 splits the light guided from the light receiving unit 16 and converts the light intensity of each wavelength in a predetermined wavelength range into a signal output. The signal output from the spectroscope 18 is provided to the control circuit 20. The control circuit 20 is a computer having a processing unit composed of a processor and a memory unit. The control circuit 20 can be connected to an external computer 30 via an interface unit 24 provided in the housing 2. The control circuit 20 controls the spectroscope 18 and the power supply circuit 22. The control circuit 20 also controls the light source circuit 6 via the power supply circuit 22. The control circuit 20 also generates quality information based on the signal output from the spectroscope 18 and provides it to the computer 30 external to the agricultural crop measuring device 1. The quality information includes information about the light intensity of the split light in the near-infrared region. The computer 30 uses the quality information to calculate and output quality values ​​such as sugar content and acidity. The power supply circuit 22 converts externally applied power and supplies the converted power to the light source circuit 6, the spectroscope 18, and the control circuit 20. Each unit, including the power supply circuit 22, is switched between an operating state and a stopped state by the power switch 5. When each unit, including the power supply circuit 22, is switched from the stopped state to the operating state, the agricultural produce measuring device 1 enters an activated state.

[0029] An operator switches the agricultural produce measuring device 1 from a stopped state to an activated state by operating the power switch 5. The operator then grasps the handle 3 and points the light-emitting and receiving surface 4a toward the crop G, which is the object to be measured. When light is emitted from the light-emitting and receiving surface 4a in this state, the light from the light-emitting and receiving surface 4a is irradiated onto the crop G and reflected by the crop G. The reflected light from the crop G reaches the light-emitting and receiving surface 4a. The light from the light-emitting and receiving surface 4a may also pass through the crop G and reach the light-emitting and receiving surface 4a again. As described above, the light-receiving surface 16a is exposed to the protective plate 8. Therefore, the reflected light and transmitted light that reach the light-emitting and receiving surface 4a pass through the protective plate 8 and are incident on the light-receiving surface 16a of the light-receiving unit 16. As a result, the reflected light and transmitted light are received by the light-receiving unit 16.

[0030] The reflected light and transmitted light incident on light-receiving surface 16a are guided to spectroscope 18 by the main body of light-receiving unit 16. Spectrometer 18 separates the reflected light and transmitted light and provides quality information to computer 30. As a result, computer 30 determines the quality value of crop G.

[0031] [Regarding the Light Source Circuit 6 According to the First Embodiment] Fig. 3 is an external view showing the light source circuit 6 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 3 shows a plan view of the mounting surface 14a. The plurality of light sources 12 mounted on the mounting surface 14a are LED elements. The plurality of light sources 12 include a plurality of first light sources 34 and a plurality of second light sources 36. The wavelength of the light (first light) emitted by the plurality of first light sources 34 is different from the wavelength of the light (second light) emitted by the plurality of second light sources 36.

[0032] The first light source 34 is a broadband light source that emits light with a relatively broad wavelength range. On the other hand, the second light source 36 is a narrowband light source that emits light with a narrow wavelength range. In other words, the first light source 34 and the second light source 36 emit light with different wavelength bandwidths. Here, "the two lights have different wavelengths" includes cases where the two lights have different center wavelengths or different wavelength bandwidths. When the two lights have different wavelength bandwidths, the center wavelength of one light may be located within the wavelength band of the other light. The wavelength band of the first light source 34 is, for example, approximately 400 nm to 1000 nm. The center wavelength of the second light source 36 is, for example, 950 nm.

[0033] The plurality of first light sources 34 are arranged on a first arrangement circle C1. The first arrangement circle C1 is a virtual circle on the mounting surface 14a. The first arrangement circle C1 is a circle whose center is the center P of the circuit board 14. In the illustrated example, the number of light sources in the plurality of first light sources 34 is 10.

[0034] Each of the ten first light sources 34 has a package 34a and a cover 34b that covers the LED chip on the package 34a. The cover 34b may include a lens or a filter function that allows light of a specific wavelength to pass through. The package 34a has a substantially square shape in a plan view. The ten first light sources 34 are arranged so that the center of each package 34a passes through the first arrangement circle C1. The ten first light sources 34 are also arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The light receiving surface 16a of the light receiving unit 16 is arranged in the hole 14b. Thus, the ten first light sources 34 are arranged in a ring shape surrounding the light receiving unit 16.

[0035] The plurality of second light sources 36 are arranged on a second arrangement circle C2. The second arrangement circle C2 is a virtual circle on the mounting surface 14a. The second arrangement circle C2 is a circle centered at the center P. Therefore, the second arrangement circle C2 is a concentric circle with the first arrangement circle C1. Furthermore, the diameter of the second arrangement circle C2 is larger than the diameter of the first arrangement circle C1. In the illustrated example, the number of light sources of the plurality of second light sources 36 is 10.

[0036] Each of the ten second light sources 36 has a package 36a and a cover 36b that covers the LED chip on the package 36a. The cover 36b may include a lens or a filter function that allows light of a specific wavelength to pass through. The package 36a has a substantially square shape in a plan view. The size of the package 36a of the second light source 36 is smaller than the size of the package 34a of the first light source 34. The ten second light sources 36 are arranged so that the center of the package 36a passes through the second arrangement circle C2. The ten second light sources 36 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The circumferential positions of the ten second light sources 36 are the circumferential centers of a pair of adjacent first light sources 34 among the ten first light sources 34.

[0037] The ten second light sources 36 are arranged on a second arrangement circle C2 having a larger diameter than the first arrangement circle C1. Therefore, the ten second light sources 36 are arranged outside the ten first light sources 34. In this embodiment, the second light sources 36 are arranged outside the arrangement of the ten first light sources 34 arranged to surround the light receiving unit 16, and therefore the second light sources 36 are arranged in a row separate from the arrangement of the ten first light sources 34. In this way, the light sources are arranged in multiple rows around the light receiving unit 16, which makes it possible to make the light emitting and receiving unit 4 and the device 1 more compact than, for example, when multiple types of light sources are arranged in a single row.

[0038] Furthermore, in this embodiment, ten first light sources 34 are arranged on the first arrangement circle C1, and ten second light sources 36 are arranged on the second arrangement circle C2. This allows the ten first light sources 34 and ten second light sources 36 to be arranged so as to form two annular rows. This prevents uneven distribution of light emitted by the ten first light sources 34, thereby enabling the light emitted by the ten first light sources 34 to be uniform. Similarly, this prevents uneven distribution of light emitted by the ten second light sources 36, thereby enabling the light emitted by the ten second light sources 36 to be uniform. As a result, the light emitted from the light-emitting / receiving unit 4 can be uniform.

[0039] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the centers of the packages 36a of the ten second light sources 36 are located at positions other than on the first line L1. The first line L1 is a line passing through the center P and the center of the package 34a of one of the ten first light sources 34. In this case, the circumferential position of the second light source 36 is between a pair of adjacent first light sources 34. Therefore, even if the first arrangement circle C1 and the second arrangement circle C2 are close to each other, interference between the first light source 34 and the second light source 36 can be easily avoided. As a result, the arrangement area in which the multiple first light sources 34 and the multiple second light sources 36 are provided can be made smaller.

[0040] In this embodiment, an example is given in which all ten second light sources 36 are located at positions other than on the first straight line L1, but at least one of the ten second light sources 36 may be located at a position other than on the first straight line L1.

[0041] In this embodiment, the first light source 34 is located radially inward of the line L10. The line L10 connects the mutually facing inner diameter corners of the packages 36a of a pair of adjacent second light sources 36 among the ten second light sources 36. However, the first light source 34 may be located at a position straddling the line L10. In this case, the second arrangement circle C2 of the second light source 36 can be made smaller while ensuring a space between the first light source 34 and the second light source 36. As a result, the light projecting and receiving unit 4 can be made more compact.

[0042] [Regarding the Light Source Circuit 6 According to a Modification of the First Embodiment] Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of light sources in the light source circuit 6 according to a modification of the first embodiment. Fig. 4 illustrates the light source circuit 6 according to a first modification of the first embodiment. The first modification differs from the first embodiment in that ten second light sources 36 are each arranged on a first straight line L1. The ten second light sources 36 in this example are each arranged at a point where the second arrangement circle C2 intersects with the first straight line L1. In other words, one first light source 34 and one second light source 36 are arranged on one first straight line L1.

[0043] In this case, one first light source 34 and one second light source 36 located on the same first straight line L1 are close to each other, so if the first light source 34 and the second light source 36 are mounted on the same circuit board and the first light source 34 and the second light source 36 can be connected in series, the wiring length when connecting the first light source 34 and the second light source 36 can be shortened.

[0044] In this embodiment, an example is given in which all ten second light sources 36 are located on the first straight line L1, but at least one of the ten second light sources 36 may be located on the first straight line L1.

[0045] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating the arrangement of light sources in a light source circuit 6 according to another modification of the first embodiment. (a) in Fig. 5 illustrates a light source circuit 6 according to a second modification of the first embodiment. The second modification differs from the first embodiment in that the number of second light sources 36 is 20. The second light sources 36 in this example include second light sources 36 arranged at the circumferential center positions of a pair of adjacent first light sources 34 out of the ten first light sources 34, as well as second light sources 36 arranged at the intersections of a second arrangement circle C2 and a first straight line L1.

[0046] 5B shows a light source circuit 6 according to a third modification of the first embodiment. The third modification differs from the first embodiment in that the number of first light sources 34 is 20. The 20 first light sources 34 in this example are arranged at equal intervals on a first arrangement circle C1.

[0047] In this way, the number of light sources of the plurality of second light sources 36 may be greater than the number of light sources of the plurality of first light sources 34, or may be equal to or greater than the number of light sources of the plurality of first light sources 34. In this case, the number of light sources of the plurality of first light sources 34 and the number of light sources of the plurality of second light sources 36 can be adjusted as necessary.

[0048] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of light sources in a light source circuit 6 according to yet another modification of the first embodiment. (a) in FIG. 6 illustrates a light source circuit 6 according to a fourth modification of the first embodiment. The fourth modification differs from the first embodiment in that the ten second light sources 36 are arranged at positions offset from the circumferential center of a pair of adjacent first light sources 34 and at positions other than on the first straight line L1. The ten second light sources 36 in this example are arranged at equal intervals on the second arrangement circle C2. The ten second light sources 36 are arranged at positions overlapping the ten first light sources 34 in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the ten second light sources 36 are arranged at positions slightly offset from the first straight line L1.

[0049] 6B shows a light source circuit 6 according to a fifth modification of the first embodiment. The fifth modification differs from the first embodiment in that only one of the ten second light sources 36 is disposed at a position that is offset from the circumferential center of a pair of adjacent first light sources 34 and is not on the first straight line L1. In this example, of the ten second light sources 36, only the second light source 36 located on the upper side of the drawing is disposed at a position that overlaps with the first light source 34 in the circumferential direction. Therefore, this second light source 36 is disposed at a position slightly offset from the first straight line L1.

[0050] In the fourth modified example, an example was given in which all ten second light sources 36 are arranged in positions that overlap ten first light sources 34 in the circumferential direction, but some of the ten second light sources 36 may be arranged in positions that overlap first light sources 34 in the circumferential direction, as in the fifth modified example.

[0051] In the fourth and fifth modified examples, as in the first modified example, the first light source 34 and one second light source 36 that overlap each other circumferentially are close to each other, so if the first light source 34 and the second light source 36 are mounted on the same circuit board and the first light source 34 and the second light source 36 can be connected in series, the wiring length when connecting the first light source 34 and the second light source 36 can be shortened.

[0052] 7A and 7B are diagrams illustrating the arrangement of light sources in a light source circuit 6 according to yet another modification of the first embodiment. (a) in Fig. 7A illustrates a light source circuit 6 according to a sixth modification of the first embodiment. The sixth modification differs from the first embodiment in that only one of the ten first light sources 34 is arranged at a radially offset position. In this example, of the ten first light sources 34, only the first light source 34 located on the upper side of the drawing is radially offset and arranged to straddle both the first arrangement circle C1 and the second arrangement circle C2.

[0053] In this way, by having the center of one of the multiple first light sources 34 deviate from the first arrangement circle C1, it becomes possible to avoid devices, lines, and the like mounted on the circuit board 14, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in designing the light source circuit 6. Note that even if one of the multiple first light sources 34 deviates from the first arrangement circle C1, the remaining first light sources 34 are positioned on the first arrangement circle C1, so there is almost no effect on the whole.

[0054] 7B shows a light source circuit 6 according to a seventh modification of the first embodiment. The seventh modification includes four first light sources 34 and eight second light sources 36. The four first light sources 34 are arranged at equal intervals on a first arrangement circle C1. The eight second light sources 36 are arranged on a second arrangement circle C2, on both circumferential sides of each of the four first light sources 34. In this case, a space where no light source is mounted can be secured on the circuit board 14, increasing the design freedom of the light source circuit 6.

[0055] [Regarding the Light Source Circuit 6 According to the Second Embodiment] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the light source circuit 6. (a) in Fig. 8 shows a cross-section of the light source circuit 6 according to the first embodiment. (b) in Fig. 8 shows a cross-section of the light source circuit 6 according to the second embodiment. As shown in (a) in Fig. 8, in the light source circuit 6 according to the first embodiment, the plurality of first light sources 34 and the plurality of second light sources 36 are mounted on the mounting surface 14a of the circuit board 14. Therefore, the distance from the plurality of first light sources 34 to the mounting surface 14a is the same as the distance from the plurality of second light sources 36 to the mounting surface 14a.

[0056] In contrast, in the light source circuit 6 of the second embodiment, the distance from the multiple first light sources 34 to the mounting surface 14a is different from the distance from the multiple second light sources 36 to the mounting surface 14a. The light source circuit 6 of this embodiment further includes an annular substrate 40. The annular substrate 40 is a dielectric substrate formed from polyimide resin, epoxy resin, PPE resin, fluororesin, or the like. The annular substrate 40 is laminated on the outer periphery of the mounting surface 14a of the circuit board 14. The multiple second light sources 36 are mounted on the substrate surface 40a of the annular substrate 40. Therefore, the distance from the multiple first light sources 34 to the mounting surface 14a is zero, while the distance from the multiple second light sources 36 to the mounting surface 14a is the thickness dimension of the annular substrate 40. In other words, the distance from the multiple second light sources 36 to the mounting surface 14a is greater than the distance from the multiple first light sources 34 to the mounting surface 14a. In other words, in this embodiment, the distance from the light source to the mounting surface 14a varies depending on the type of light source.

[0057] In this way, by mounting the multiple first light sources 34 on the inner diameter side relatively low and the multiple second light sources 36 on the outer diameter side relatively high on the mounting surface 14a of the circuit board 14, the first light sources 34 and the second light sources 36 can be arranged three-dimensionally in accordance with the outer surface of agricultural produce G having a convex shape, such as apples or mandarin oranges.

[0058] FIG. 8 (c) shows a cross section of a light source circuit 6 according to a first modification of the second embodiment. In this modification, an annular substrate 40 is provided on the inner periphery of the second light sources 36. The second light sources 36 are mounted on the mounting surface 14a. Meanwhile, the first light sources 34 are mounted on the substrate surface 40a of the annular substrate 40. Therefore, the distance from the second light sources 36 to the mounting surface 14a is zero, and the distance from the first light sources 34 to the mounting surface 14a is the thickness of the annular substrate 40. In other words, the distance from the first light sources 34 to the mounting surface 14a is greater than the distance from the second light sources 36 to the mounting surface 14a. In this case, the first light sources 34 and the second light sources 36 can be arranged three-dimensionally in accordance with the outer surface of the crops G.

[0059] 9 is a partial perspective view of a light source circuit 6 according to a second modification of the second embodiment. In this modification, a plurality of first light sources 34 and a plurality of second light sources 36 are provided on a support substrate. Note that FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration, and the numbers of first light sources 34 and second light sources 36 are shown reduced for ease of understanding.

[0060] The multiple first light sources 34 are provided on multiple first support substrates 44. The multiple first support substrates 44 are dielectric substrates made of polyimide resin, epoxy resin, PPE resin, fluororesin, or the like, and have a cylindrical shape. The first support substrates 44 are stacked on the mounting surface 14a of the circuit board 14. The multiple first light sources 34 are each mounted on the substrate surface 44a of the first support substrate 44.

[0061] The plurality of second light sources 36 are provided on a plurality of second support substrates 46. The plurality of second support substrates 46 are dielectric substrates made of polyimide resin, epoxy resin, PPE resin, fluororesin, or the like, and have a cylindrical shape. The second support substrates 46 are stacked on the mounting surface 14a of the circuit board 14. The plurality of second light sources 36 are mounted on the substrate surfaces 46a of the second support substrates 46, respectively.

[0062] Here, the thickness of the plurality of second support substrates 46 is greater than the thickness of the plurality of first support substrates 44. Therefore, the distance from the plurality of second light sources 36 to mounting surface 14a is greater than the distance from the plurality of first light sources 34 to mounting surface 14a. In this case as well, first light sources 34 and second light sources 36 can be arranged three-dimensionally in accordance with the outer surface of crops G.

[0063] Although FIG. 9 illustrates an example in which the distance from the light source to the mounting surface 14a is the same among light sources of the same type (same wavelength band), the distance from the light source to the mounting surface 14a may be set to be different among light sources of the same type. Furthermore, when multiple light sources have multiple types of light sources with different directivities, the distance from the light source to the mounting surface 14a may be the same among light sources of the same type, and the distance from the light source to the mounting surface 14a may be different among light sources of different types. Furthermore, regardless of the type of light source, the distance from the light source to the mounting surface 14a may be set randomly. In other words, the distance from one light source 12 to the mounting surface 14a among the multiple light sources 12 may be different from the distance from the other light sources 12 to the mounting surface 12.

[0064] Figure 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of a crop measuring device 1 according to a third modification of the second embodiment. In each of the above embodiments, the circuit board 14 of the light source circuit 6 is arranged so as to be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the housing 2. In contrast, the circuit board 14 of this modification is arranged so as to diagonally intersect with the longitudinal direction of the housing 2. The protective plate 8 is also arranged so as to be parallel to the circuit board 14. Furthermore, the outer end surface of the holder 10 is also an inclined surface that is parallel to the circuit board 14. The light source circuit 6 of this modification is the light source circuit 6 of the second embodiment shown in Figure 8(b).

[0065] In this example, circuit board 14 is inclined from the upper edge (on the handle 3 side) to the opposite edge so as to approach the interior of housing 2. This makes it easy for the operator to position first light source 34 and second light source 36 three-dimensionally in accordance with the outer surface of crop G.

[0066] 11 is an external view showing a light source circuit 6 according to a third embodiment. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it further includes a plurality of third light sources 48 and a plurality of fourth light sources 50.

[0067] A plurality of third light sources 48 (five in the illustrated example) are arranged on the first arrangement circle C1. The pitch of the light sources on the first arrangement circle C1 is the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, five first light sources 34 are arranged on the first arrangement circle C1. The five first light sources 34 and the five third light sources 48 are arranged alternately on the first arrangement circle C1. In other words, the five first light sources 34 are replaced with third light sources 48.

[0068] A plurality of fourth light sources 50 (five in the illustrated example) are arranged on the second arrangement circle C2. The pitch of the light sources on the second arrangement circle C2 is the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, five second light sources 36 are arranged on the second arrangement circle C2. The five second light sources 36 and the five fourth light sources 50 are arranged alternately on the second arrangement circle C2. In other words, the five second light sources 36 are replaced with the fourth light sources 50.

[0069] The third light source 48 is the same LED element as the second light source 36. The fourth light source 50 is the same LED element as the first light source 34. By arranging multiple types of light sources on one arrangement circle in this way, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the light sources 34, 36, 48, and 50. Furthermore, by increasing the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the light sources 34, 36, 48, and 50, it is possible to arrange the light emitted from the light-emitting and receiving unit 4 so that it is uniform.

[0070] [Regarding the Light Source Circuit 6 According to the Fourth Embodiment] Fig. 12 is an external view showing the light source circuit 6 according to the fourth embodiment. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it further includes a plurality of fifth light sources 52. The plurality of fifth light sources 52 (ten in the illustrated example) are arranged in the space between the hole portion 14b and the ten first light sources 34. The ten fifth light sources 52 are arranged in a ring shape centered on the center P. The centers of the ten fifth light sources 52 are located on a straight line L1. The wavelength of the fifth light source 52 is different from the wavelength of the first light source 34 and the wavelength of the second light source 36.

[0071] In this way, by using more types of light sources, the light source circuit 6 can emit near-infrared light suitable for spectroscopic analysis. Also, it is possible to prevent uneven distribution of the light emitted by each of the light sources 34, 36, and 52, and to homogenize the light emitted from the light projecting and receiving unit 4.

[0072] [Others] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. In the above embodiments, the agricultural crop measuring device 1 provides quality information to an external computer 30, and the computer 30 uses the quality information to calculate a quality value. However, as shown in FIG. 13 , the agricultural crop measuring device 1 may include a built-in microcomputer 60 capable of calculating a quality value. In this case, the control circuit 20 of the agricultural crop measuring device 1 provides the quality information to the microcomputer 60. The microcomputer 60, upon receiving the quality information, calculates a quality value and outputs the quality value to the outside via the interface unit 24. With this configuration, the agricultural crop measuring device 1 can output a quality value, eliminating the need to connect the computer 30 to the agricultural crop measuring device 1.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the power supply circuit 22 converts power provided from an external source and supplies it to each component. However, as shown in FIG. 13 , the agricultural produce measuring device 1 may have a built-in battery 62. In this case, the power supply circuit 22 can supply power from the battery 62 to each component. This allows the agricultural produce measuring device 1 to be used for measurement without receiving power from an external source. This eliminates the need to connect a power supply cable or the like to the agricultural produce measuring device 1, reducing the burden on the operator.

[0074] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the size of the package 36a of the second light source 36 is smaller than the size of the package 34a of the first light source 34. However, the size of the package 36a of the second light source 36 may be the same as the size of the package 34a of the first light source 34, or may be larger than the size of the package 34a of the first light source 34. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not the meaning described above, and is intended to include meanings equivalent to the claims and all modifications within the scope of the claims.

[0075] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 agricultural product measuring device 2 housing 3 handle 4 light-emitting / receiving unit 4a light-emitting / receiving surface 6 light source circuit 8 protective plate 10 holding unit 11 opening hole 11a inner surface 12 light source 14 circuit board 14a mounting surface 14b hole 16 light-receiving unit 16a light-receiving surface 16b end surface 18 spectroscope 20 control circuit 22 power supply circuit 24 interface unit 30 computer 34 first light source 34a package 34b cover 36 second light source 36a package 36b cover 40 annular substrate 40a substrate surface 44 first support substrate 44a substrate surface 46 second support substrate 46a substrate surface 48 third light source 50 fourth light source 52 fifth light source 60 microcomputer 62 battery C1 First arrangement circle C2 Second arrangement circle G Crop P Center

Claims

1. A crop measuring device comprising: a plurality of first light sources that emit a first light; a plurality of second light sources that emit a second light having a wavelength different from that of the first light; and a light receiving unit that receives the first light reflected by the crop and light reflected by the second light, wherein the plurality of first light sources are arranged to surround the light receiving unit, and the plurality of second light sources are arranged outside the arrangement of the plurality of first light sources.

2. The agricultural product measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of first light sources are arranged on a circle surrounding the light receiving unit, and the plurality of second light sources are arranged on circles concentric with the circle.

3. The agricultural crop measuring device according to claim 2, wherein the center of one of the plurality of second light sources is located on a straight line passing through the center of the arrangement circle and the center of one of the plurality of first light sources.

4. The agricultural crop measuring device according to claim 2, wherein the centers of the plurality of second light sources are each located on a straight line passing through the center of the arrangement circle and the center of one of the plurality of first light sources.

5. The agricultural crop measuring device according to claim 2, wherein the center of one of the plurality of second light sources is located at a position other than a position on a line passing through the center of the arrangement circle of the plurality of first light sources and the center of one of the plurality of first light sources.

6. The agricultural crop measuring device according to claim 2, wherein the centers of the plurality of second light sources are each located at a position other than a position on a straight line passing through the center of the arrangement circle of the plurality of first light sources and the center of one of the plurality of first light sources.

7. The agricultural crop measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the number of light sources of the plurality of second light sources is greater than the number of light sources of the plurality of first light sources.

8. The agricultural crop measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the number of light sources of the plurality of second light sources is equal to or greater than the number of light sources of the plurality of first light sources.

9. A crop measuring device as described in any one of claims 2 to 6, further comprising one or more third light sources arranged on the arrangement circle, and one or more fourth light sources arranged on the concentric circle, wherein the one or more third light sources are light sources that emit the second light, and the one or more fourth light sources are light sources that emit the first light.

10. The agricultural crop measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a substrate having a mounting surface on which the plurality of first light sources and the plurality of second light sources are mounted.

11. The agricultural crop measuring device according to claim 10, wherein the distance from one of the plurality of first light sources to the mounting surface is different from the distance from one of the plurality of second light sources to the mounting surface.

12. The agricultural crop measuring device according to claim 10, wherein the distance from one of the plurality of first light sources and the plurality of second light sources to the mounting surface is different from the distance from the other light sources to the mounting surface.

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