Information processing device and program

Abstract

The present invention improves convenience in an information processing device for assisting in plant cultivation and agricultural work.　This information processing device is provided with a calculation unit and a control unit. In the information processing device, the calculation unit calculates, on the basis of a change in moisture content in soil within a past period from a specified past time to the current time, a change in moisture content at a time when watering is performed within a future period from the current time to a specified future time. Furthermore, in the information processing device, the control unit causes a display unit to display a change in moisture content within the future period.

Description

Information processing apparatus and program

[0001] The present technology relates to an information processing apparatus. More specifically, it relates to an information processing apparatus and a program for supporting plant cultivation and agricultural work.

[0002] It has been conventionally known that it is necessary to appropriately adjust the moisture content of soil in plant cultivation. For example, if the moisture content is too low, the growth of crops is inhibited, and in some cases the crops wither. On the other hand, if the moisture content is too high, it causes the occurrence of diseases and attracts pests and diseases, resulting in damage to crops.

[0003] In order to appropriately adjust the moisture content of soil, it is necessary to predict and perform appropriate irrigation so that the soil moisture content becomes suitable for the future state of plants to some extent according to the state of plants and weather. However, many cultivators still perform irrigation based on intuition and experience. Accordingly, a control device that calculates an irrigation amount and an irrigation time and automatically controls irrigation based on the calculation result has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2022-054221

[0005] In the above-mentioned conventional technology, automatic irrigation control is used to adjust the soil moisture content to an appropriate value. However, since the above-mentioned control device does not display calculation results, it is difficult for a user to grasp the current situation and schedule future irrigation, which poses a problem of low system convenience.

[0006] The present technology has been developed in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present technology is to improve convenience in an information processing apparatus for supporting plant cultivation and agricultural work.

[0007] This technology was developed to solve the aforementioned problems, and its first aspect is an information processing device comprising: a calculation unit that calculates the change in soil moisture content when irrigation is performed during a future period from the present time to a predetermined future time, based on the change in soil moisture content during a past period from a predetermined past time to the present time; and a control unit that displays the change in soil moisture content during the future period on the display unit; and a program to be executed by the device. This results in improved system usability.

[0008] Furthermore, in this first aspect, the control unit may distinguish between the change in moisture content within the past period and the change in moisture content within the future period and display them on the display unit. This further improves the convenience of the system.

[0009] Furthermore, in this first aspect, the control unit may display a first line showing the change in the moisture content during the past period and a second line showing the change in the moisture content during the future period in a graph with the moisture content on the vertical axis and time on the horizontal axis. This makes it easier to visualize the changes in the moisture content during the past and future periods.

[0010] Furthermore, in this first aspect, the calculation unit may detect the amount and time of the peak in moisture content due to irrigation among the peaks in moisture content within the past period as reference irrigation data, calculate the change in moisture content within the future period based on the reference irrigation data, and the control unit may further display the detected reference irrigation data in the graph. This reduces the effort required from the user compared to manually selecting reference irrigation.

[0011] Furthermore, in this first aspect, the calculation unit may add or delete at least one of the reference irrigation data according to user operations. This reduces false detections and failures during automatic detection and improves simulation accuracy.

[0012] Furthermore, in this first aspect, the control unit may perform at least one of the following: identification and display of the affected area, which is the range from immediately after irrigation until the time when the infiltration and sedimentation of the irrigation water into the soil is complete and the rate of change in the moisture content decreases. This makes the affected area easier to see.

[0013] Furthermore, in this first aspect, the calculation unit may calculate the amount of irrigation and the irrigation time within the future period, and the control unit may display a message to confirm whether the actual amount of irrigation at the calculated irrigation time is the calculated amount of irrigation. This has the effect of reducing uncertainty during automatic control.

[0014] Furthermore, in this first aspect, the control unit may change the amount of water used at the calculated watering time according to the user's operation. This reduces the uncertainty associated with automatic control.

[0015] Furthermore, in this first aspect, the calculation unit may display fields for inputting the amount of water to be irrigated and the time of irrigation, and the calculation unit may calculate the change in the amount of water when irrigation is performed at the input time with the input amount of water. This provides the effect of assisting the user in determining the amount of water to be irrigated and the time of irrigation.

[0016] Furthermore, in this first aspect, the control unit may display fields for inputting the amount of irrigation water and the cumulative solar radiation, and the calculation unit may calculate the change in the amount of water when irrigation is performed with the amount of irrigation water input in the field when the cumulative solar radiation reaches the value input in the field. This allows the user to arbitrarily set the cumulative solar radiation and the amount of irrigation water for which irrigation is performed.

[0017] Furthermore, in this first aspect, the soil may include the soil from multiple locations, and the control unit may display the changes in the moisture content at each of the multiple locations. This allows the user to view the conditions at multiple locations in an integrated manner and plan irrigation accordingly.

[0018] Furthermore, in this first aspect, the control unit may offset or normalize the changes in moisture content at each of the multiple locations and display them. This makes it easier to compare the conditions at multiple locations.

[0019] Furthermore, in this first aspect, the control unit may display the predicted range of moisture content for each time point within the future period. This allows the user to respond with a certain degree of leeway.

[0020] Furthermore, in this first aspect, the control unit may display a predetermined message if the moisture content falls outside the predicted range. This has the effect of prompting the user to take action.

[0021] Furthermore, in this first aspect, the control unit may display the measured moisture content for each time period when a predetermined operation is performed. This allows the user to proceed with their work plan after the prediction with flexibility.

[0022] Furthermore, in this first aspect, the control unit may display a field for setting a target range using at least one of the target upper limit and target lower limit of the moisture content, and a field for inputting a setting period of at least a portion of the future period, and the calculation unit may calculate at least one of the irrigation amount and irrigation time so that the moisture content within the setting period falls within the target range. This reduces the effort required for the user to repeatedly engage in trial and error.

[0023] Furthermore, in this first aspect, the above setting period may include multiple setting periods, and the above target range may include the second target range of each of the above multiple setting periods. This has the effect of reducing the effort required for the user to repeatedly engage in trial and error.

[0024] Furthermore, in this first aspect, the system may further include a communication unit that transmits a control signal to an external source instructing a change in the irrigation amount and irrigation time if the measured moisture content falls outside the target range within the set period. This allows the system to perform irrigation appropriate to the target range.

[0025] Furthermore, in this first aspect, the control unit may display a predetermined message if the measured moisture content falls outside the target range within the set period. This has the effect of prompting the user to take action.

[0026] Furthermore, in this first aspect, if the calculation unit finds that the measured moisture content falls outside the target range within the set period, it may further calculate the change in moisture content as reference data when irrigation is performed under different conditions after the set period has elapsed so that the moisture content falls within the target range, and the control unit may further display this reference data. This has the effect of prompting the user to make improvements.

[0027] This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a farming support system in the first embodiment of this technology. This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an information processing device in the first embodiment of this technology. This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of an information processing device in the first embodiment of this technology. This is a diagram showing an example of a display screen in the first embodiment of this technology. This is a diagram showing another example of a display screen in the first embodiment of this technology. This is a diagram showing an example of a display screen in the first embodiment of this technology when irrigation is not performed in the future period. This is an example of a display screen in the first embodiment of this technology when the unit of period is changed. This is an example of a display screen in the first embodiment of this technology that highlights the moisture rise range of the reference irrigation. This is an example of a display screen for a group of reference irrigation in the first embodiment of this technology. This is a diagram for explaining the method of confirmation and input of irrigation amount to the user in the first embodiment of this technology. This is an example of a display screen in the first embodiment of this technology that identifies and displays the range of influence of the reference irrigation. This is an example of a display screen in the first embodiment of this technology when setting multiple irrigation times within the future period. This is an example of a display screen in the first embodiment of this technology when setting the cumulative solar radiation. This is an example of a display screen in the first embodiment of this technology when displaying the change in moisture content at multiple locations. This is an example of a display screen in the first embodiment of this technology when displaying the predicted range of change in moisture content. This is a diagram showing an example of a display screen in the second embodiment of this technology. This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information processing device in the second embodiment of this technology. This is an example of a display screen in the third embodiment of this technology when a target upper limit is set. This is an example of a display screen in the third embodiment of this technology when a target lower limit is set. This is an example of a display screen in the third embodiment of this technology when a target range is set. This is an example of a display screen in the third embodiment of this technology when target upper limits are set for each of multiple periods. This is an example of a display screen in the third embodiment of this technology when target lower limits are set for each of multiple periods. This is an example of a display screen in the third embodiment of this technology when target ranges are set for each of multiple periods.This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing device in the fourth embodiment of this technology. This is a diagram illustrating an example of the display screen when a target upper limit is set in the fourth embodiment of this technology. This is an example of the display screen when target upper limits are set for multiple periods in the fourth embodiment of this technology. This is a diagram illustrating an example of the display screen with added buttons in the fourth embodiment of this technology. This is a diagram illustrating a method for handling communication errors in the fourth embodiment of this technology. This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing device in the fifth embodiment of this technology. This is a diagram illustrating an example of an alert message and guidance message when a target lower limit is set in the fifth embodiment of this technology. This is a diagram illustrating an example of a guidance message when a target lower limit is set in the fifth embodiment of this technology. This is a diagram illustrating an example of an alert message and guidance message when a target upper limit is set in the fifth embodiment of this technology. This is a diagram illustrating an example of a guidance message when a target upper limit is set in the fifth embodiment of this technology. This is a diagram illustrating an example of the display screen after a future period has elapsed in the fifth embodiment of this technology.

[0028] The following describes the embodiments for implementing this technology (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments"). The description will proceed in the following order: 1. First embodiment (an example of calculating and displaying changes in moisture content over a future period) 2. Second embodiment (an example of calculating and displaying changes in moisture content over a future period and displaying measured moisture content in real time) 3. Third embodiment (an example of calculating and displaying changes in moisture content over a future period so that the moisture content is within the target range) 4. Fourth embodiment (an example of calculating and displaying changes in moisture content over a future period and performing irrigation control) 5. Fifth embodiment (an example of calculating and displaying changes in moisture content over a future period and displaying a message)

[0029] <1. First Embodiment> [Example of Configuration of Farming Support System] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a farming support system 100 in the first embodiment of the present technology. This farming support system 100 is a system for supporting plant cultivation and farm work, and includes an environmental sensor 111, an environmental control device 112, a system control unit 113, a weather database 114, a data server 115, a moisture sensor 117, and an information processing device 200.

[0030] The environmental sensor 111 is a sensor that measures various physical quantities related to the farm environment. Examples of environmental sensors 111 include a solar radiation sensor that measures solar radiation and a temperature and humidity sensor that measures temperature and humidity. These sensors perform measurements according to the control of the system control unit 113 and transmit sensor data indicating the measured values ​​to the system control unit 113.

[0031] The environmental control device 112 controls various pieces of equipment that affect the farm environment, in accordance with the control of the system control unit 113. For example, the environmental control device 112 may be a device that controls skylights or curtains.

[0032] The system control unit 113 controls the environmental sensor 111 and the environmental control device 112 according to the setting data from the information processing device 200. This system control unit 113 communicates with the information processing device 200 via link 119. For example, the system control unit 113 transmits sensor data from the environmental sensor 111 to the information processing device 200 via link 119. A wired or wireless communication path is used as link 119. The system control unit 113 also holds location information indicating its own position and can transmit this location information to the information processing device 200.

[0033] The weather database 114 stores weather information related to the farm. The data server 115 stores data uploaded from the information processing device 200 via the network 116. The network 116 can be the internet or similar.

[0034] The moisture sensor 117 measures the moisture content in the farm soil according to the control of the information processing device 200. The moisture sensor 117 receives control signals from the information processing device 200 via link 118 and performs measurements according to those control signals. The moisture sensor 117 also transmits sensor data indicating the measured values ​​to the information processing device 200 via link 118. A wired or wireless communication path can be used as link 118.

[0035] The information processing device 200 calculates future changes in soil moisture content based on past changes in soil moisture content. This information processing device 200 acquires sensor data and location information from the environmental sensor 111 and the moisture sensor 117. The information processing device 200 can also acquire weather data for the location indicated by the location information from the weather database 114 and data showing past changes in moisture content from the data server 115, as needed. Using this data, the information processing device 200 calculates and displays future changes in moisture content. The information processing device 200 also uploads the calculation results and sensor data to the data server 115. Examples of the information processing device 200 include smartphones, personal computers, and dedicated terminals for controlling the moisture sensor 117.

[0036] Note that the environmental sensor 111, environmental control device 112, system control unit 113, weather database 114, and data server 115 within the dotted lines in the figure are not mandatory, and the configuration can be made without some or all of them.

[0037] [Example of Information Processing Device Configuration] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an information processing device 200 in the first embodiment of this technology. This information processing device 200 includes a communication unit 210, a memory 220, an arithmetic unit 230, an operation unit 240, a control unit 250, and a display unit 260. The display unit 260 and the operation unit 240 may be configured separately, or they may be integrated (e.g., a touch panel).

[0038] The communication unit 210 transmits and receives data to and from external sources such as the moisture sensor 117. The communication unit 210 receives data from external sources, such as data showing past changes in moisture content, weather data, and sensor data, and stores it in the memory 220.

[0039] The calculation unit 230 calculates future changes in moisture content. For example, the calculation unit 230 reads the data necessary for the calculation from the memory 220. Then, based on that data, the calculation unit 230 calculates the change in moisture content if irrigation is performed within a future period from the current time to a future time, and stores the calculation result in the memory 220.

[0040] The control unit 250 controls the circuits within the information processing device 200. The control unit 250 causes the calculation unit 230 to perform calculations according to the operation signals from the operation unit 240. The control unit 250 then reads data showing past changes in moisture content and the calculation results from the calculation unit 230 from the memory 220, distinguishes between them, and displays them on the display unit 260. The control unit 250 also transmits sensor data and calculation results to an external source (such as a data server 115) via the communication unit 210.

[0041] Furthermore, the calculations performed by the calculation unit 230 can be performed by the data server 115, as illustrated in Figure 1, and the information processing device 200 can download and display the calculation results.

[0042] [Example of operation of the information processing device] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information processing device 200 in the first embodiment of this technology. This operation is started, for example, when a predetermined application is executed. The information processing device 200 acquires various data necessary to calculate future changes in moisture content and stores them in the memory 220 (step S901). For example, data showing past changes in moisture content, weather data, and sensor data are stored in the memory 220.

[0043] Then, the information processing device 200 calculates (in other words, predicts or simulates) a change in moisture content for a future period based on data stored in the memory 220, and causes the display unit 260 to display the change in moisture content for a past period and the calculation result in a distinguishable manner (step S902).

[0044] Then, the information processing device 200 determines whether settings such as irrigation amount and irrigation time have been changed by a user (such as a grower) (step S903).

[0045] When the settings have been changed (step S903: Yes), the information processing device 200 performs recalculation (prediction or simulation), and switches display content based on the calculation result (step S904).

[0046] When the settings have not been changed (step S903: No), or after step S904, the information processing device 200 repeats step S903 and the subsequent steps.

[0047] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen according to the first embodiment of the present technology. a in the figure shows an example of a display screen when the irrigation amount and irrigation time are default values. b in the figure shows an example of a display screen when at least one of the irrigation amount and the irrigation time is changed.

[0048] When a predetermined application is executed, the control unit 250 causes the display unit 260 to display the display screen a shown in the figure. This display screen includes fields 301, 302, and 303.

[0049] In the field 301, a graph having soil moisture content as a vertical axis and time as a horizontal axis is displayed. The control unit 250 causes a change in moisture content for a past period from a predetermined past time to a current time and a change in moisture content when irrigation is performed within a future period from the current time to a predetermined future time to be displayed in the graph in a distinguishable manner. "Now" in a of the figure indicates the position of the current time. A solid line in the graph indicates the change in moisture content for the past period. A dotted line indicates the change in moisture content for the future period.

[0050] Furthermore, among the peaks in moisture content over the past period, the irrigation amount and time of the peaks caused by irrigation are used as "reference irrigation" data for prediction. The control unit 250 can display the time of the reference irrigation in the graph. This reference irrigation can be specified by the user through a predetermined operation, or it can be detected by the calculation unit 230 by analyzing the data in the memory 220. If there is irrigation history data, the calculation unit 230 will, for example, use one or more irrigations within the past period as reference irrigation. On the other hand, if there is no irrigation history, for example, the calculation unit 230 will detect the peak at the time closest to the current time among multiple peaks within the past period as the reference irrigation. This automatic detection reduces the effort required from the user.

[0051] Furthermore, the historical period containing the data to be displayed and the historical period containing the data referenced during calculations may be the same or different.

[0052] Field 302 is for inputting the amount of irrigation to be performed in the future, and field 303 is for inputting the time of that irrigation. The default value for the amount of irrigation is, for example, "1" times the amount of irrigation for the reference irrigation, and the default value for the time of irrigation is, for example, the current time. If there are two or more reference irrigations, for example, a multiplier for each irrigation amount's statistics (such as mean or median) is entered.

[0053] As illustrated in figure a, the moisture content increases with irrigation and decreases over time due to water absorption by plants. The amount of increase in moisture content and the rate of decrease in moisture content for a given amount of irrigation vary depending on the soil condition, plant type, and cultivation density. The calculation unit 230 calculates (predicts) the change in moisture content if irrigation is performed in the future, based on data before and after reference irrigation.

[0054] The user (such as a grower) can change at least one of the settings for irrigation amount and irrigation time by entering a value different from the default value in at least one of fields 301 and 302. When a setting is changed, the calculation unit 230 performs calculations (predictions) again based on the changed value, and the control unit 250 switches the display content based on the calculation result.

[0055] For example, if the amount of water used for irrigation is changed to 0.5 times the normal amount and the irrigation time is changed to 14:00, the system will calculate and display how the amount of water used will change after 14:00 if 0.5 times the normal amount of water is used for irrigation at 14:00, as illustrated in figure b.

[0056] As illustrated in figures a and b, the information processing device 200 simulates and displays what the moisture content will change if irrigation is performed at N times (where N is a real number) times the reference irrigation amount in a future period, based on past changes in moisture content. This helps the user determine the amount and timing of irrigation.

[0057] Users can not only refer to simulations of future soil conditions, but also specify arbitrary irrigation amounts and times for future periods, and then refer to simulation results of what would happen if such irrigation were performed. Through trial and error, users can develop irrigation plans that reflect the condition of the plants and the convenience of the grower.

[0058] Furthermore, in simulations of future periods, the calculation unit 230 basically utilizes the property that past changes in moisture content are repeated in the future. Since the increase in soil moisture content is due to irrigation, by specifying past irrigation amounts and times as reference irrigation, the calculation unit 230 can simulate the increase in moisture content due to future irrigation. In addition, water absorption by plants has a significant impact on the decrease in soil moisture content, and weather has a significant impact on that water absorption. However, since weather changes slowly in most cases due to the Earth's rotation, if data on past changes in moisture content (such as decreases) and time information are available, the calculation unit 230 can perform a simulation that reflects the influence of weather in a simple repetition. Therefore, the calculations of the calculation unit 230 can be performed with at least past irrigation history, past soil moisture content data, and time information.

[0059] Of course, it is clear that the accuracy of the simulation can be improved by adding environmental data such as the amount of sunlight, temperature, and humidity of the cultivation site, as well as location information of the cultivation site. Furthermore, it is clear that the accuracy of the simulation can be further improved by adding meteorological data such as weather forecasts, which can take into account the impact of rainfall predictions.

[0060] The information processing device 200 displays past period lines as solid lines and present period lines as dotted lines, but it is not limited to this display method as long as the lines can be identified. For example, the information processing device 200 can use different colors for past period lines and present period lines. It can also use different line widths for past period lines and present period lines.

[0061] Furthermore, while the changes in moisture content are displayed using a graph, this configuration is not limited to this example.

[0062] For example, as illustrated in Figure 5, the information processing device 200 can also display the moisture content for each time period as a numerical value.

[0063] Furthermore, while Figures 4 and 5 show the information processing device 200 calculating the change in moisture content if irrigation is performed in the future, the configuration is not limited to this.

[0064] For example, as illustrated in Figure 6, if the irrigation amount is changed to "0", the information processing device 200 calculates and displays the change in moisture content if no irrigation is performed in the future. The moisture content shown in the figure can also be set to the default value.

[0065] Furthermore, users can set past and future periods separately through a predetermined operation, and switch between units for each period (such as one day or one week). This makes it easier to view past trends and future predictions.

[0066] For example, as shown in Figure 7, the unit for past periods can be set to one week, and the unit for future periods can be set to one day.

[0067] Furthermore, as illustrated in Figure 8, the information processing device 200 can detect the moisture rise range due to reference irrigation and highlight areas outside that range with different colors and line widths. The thick lines in the figure indicate the highlighted areas. This highlighting makes it easier for the user to visualize the moisture rise range.

[0068] Furthermore, the calculation unit 230 within the information processing device 200 can detect multiple peaks in the past period and use each of them as reference irrigation peaks in the calculation. This improves the simulation accuracy compared to detecting only one peak. When multiple peaks are detected, the calculation unit 230 analyzes the pattern of moisture content changes within a certain period before and after each peak, and if peaks with the same pattern are repeated, they can be detected as a group of reference irrigation peaks. The calculation unit 230 can also refer to meteorological data and exclude peaks caused by rainfall from the reference irrigation peaks.

[0069] In Figure 9, 'a' is an example of a display screen for the reference irrigation group detected by the calculation unit 230.

[0070] In the same figure, b is the display screen when the user adds or deletes reference irrigation water in a. In addition to the automatically detected reference irrigation water, the user can add peaks that occurred when irrigation was actually performed as reference irrigation water. The user can also delete reference irrigation water if there are peaks that were mistakenly detected as reference irrigation water even though irrigation was not actually performed. In the same figure, the dotted arrow in b indicates the location of deleted reference irrigation water, and the white arrow indicates the location of added reference irrigation water.

[0071] Because automatic detection can sometimes result in false positives or missed detections, the accuracy of the simulation can be improved by the user manually deleting or adding data, as illustrated in figure b.

[0072] Furthermore, the information processing device 200 can record the amount of irrigation and the time of irrigation in the memory 220, etc., under the assumption that irrigation was performed according to the simulation. This reduces uncertainty when detecting past irrigation or setting it manually.

[0073] Then, after the calculation unit 230 analyzes the data and detects peaks with different patterns, the control unit 250 can display a message to the user to confirm whether or not that peak can be used as reference irrigation. The control unit 250 can also display the amount of each reference irrigation as a multiplier to a predetermined reference value.

[0074] For example, as illustrated in Figure 10a, the irrigation amount of the oldest reference irrigation on the far left is used as the base value, and the other irrigation amounts are displayed as a multiplier to that base value. Also, since the reference irrigation on the far right has a different pattern from the other reference irrigations, the control unit 250 displays a confirmation message such as "Reference irrigation × 1.2?" for that reference irrigation. If the user performs an affirmative operation, the control unit 250 adds that peak as a reference irrigation. On the other hand, if the user performs a negative operation, the control unit 250 removes that peak from the reference irrigation. By obtaining confirmation from the user in this way, uncertainty can be further reduced.

[0075] Furthermore, if for any reason the user does not perform irrigation according to the simulation, the user can change the reference irrigation amount to the actual amount through a predetermined operation. This further reduces uncertainty.

[0076] For example, the white arrow at point b in the figure indicates the peak at which the user changed the irrigation amount. Users can input the irrigation amount as a multiplier to a standard value (e.g., ×0.6) or as an absolute amount (e.g., 100cc). The input data is stored in the information processing device 200 and data server 115 within the farming support system 100. This reduces uncertainty in the entire system.

[0077] Furthermore, immediately after irrigation, a rapid decrease in moisture content may be observed due to factors such as water infiltration and gravity, but this may not necessarily represent the total soil moisture content of the growing medium. Therefore, the calculation unit 230 can detect the range from immediately after irrigation until the decrease in moisture content becomes gradual, and can identify and display the area up to that point as the range affected by irrigation, distinguishing it as outside that range.

[0078] For example, as illustrated in Figure 11, the affected area is displayed with a thicker line than the area outside that area. The color and type of line (solid, dashed, etc.) of the affected area can also be changed. Furthermore, the user can specify the affected area for reference irrigation through a predetermined operation. This improves the accuracy of the simulation.

[0079] Furthermore, as illustrated in Figure 12, the user can set multiple irrigation times within a future period. In this case, as illustrated in the same figure, two or more pairs of fields 302 and 303 will be displayed. The user can also add these fields through predetermined operations. The calculation unit 230 calculates the change in moisture content in the future period if irrigation is performed at each of the multiple irrigation times, and the control unit 250 displays the calculation results. This allows the user to create a flexible irrigation plan.

[0080] Furthermore, as illustrated in Figure 13, the user can also set the cumulative solar radiation at the time of irrigation instead of the irrigation time. In this case, as illustrated in the same figure, a field 304 for inputting the cumulative solar radiation is displayed instead of the irrigation time, and a line (a constant dashed line in the same figure) showing the change in cumulative solar radiation is also displayed. The calculation unit 230 also calculates the change in moisture content when irrigation is performed when the cumulative solar radiation reaches the set value. Data showing the cumulative solar radiation for each time period is downloaded from an external weather database 114. Alternatively, the cumulative solar radiation for each time period is calculated by the calculation unit 230 based on weather data.

[0081] In recent years, some growers have begun to utilize the fact that plant water absorption is proportional to solar radiation and perform irrigation in proportion to solar radiation. In this case, the amount of irrigation per unit amount of cumulative solar radiation is usually set to a fixed value. In contrast, the information processing device 200 of the first embodiment, as illustrated in the figure, can arbitrarily set the cumulative solar radiation and the amount of irrigation to be performed while simulating the amount of water.

[0082] Furthermore, as illustrated in Figures 14 a and b, the control unit 250 can also display the changes in moisture content at multiple locations on the same screen. Preferably, these locations are within the same irrigation system. This is because if the data is not from each location that is irrigated simultaneously, it will be difficult to understand when the data is overlaid.

[0083] In the figure, the thick solid and dotted lines in a and b indicate changes in moisture content at point A, while the thin solid and dotted lines indicate changes in moisture content at point B. By displaying the changes in moisture content at multiple points overlaid on each other, users can view the conditions at multiple points in an integrated manner and create an irrigation plan.

[0084] In Figure a, normalization is not performed, but as illustrated in Figure b, the changes in moisture content at each point may be displayed after normalization. For example, normalization is performed by offsetting the moisture content at each point based on a predetermined value (such as the amount of moisture corresponding to the amount of water used for field irrigation). Measurement values ​​may vary due to differences in soil properties at each location and other factors, but normalization can correct for these variations and make comparisons easier.

[0085] Furthermore, as illustrated in Figure 15, the control unit 250 may display a range of predicted moisture content. For example, the calculation unit 230 determines the range of moisture content that can be taken with a predetermined probability (e.g., 70 percent) for each time point in the future period as the predicted range, and the control unit 250 displays this predicted range. In the same figure, the range between the uppermost and lowermost of the three dotted lines corresponds to the predicted range. Since there are limits to the prediction accuracy, as illustrated in the same figure, showing a certain range of predictions allows the user to respond with a certain degree of leeway.

[0086] Thus, according to the first embodiment of this technology, the information processing device 200 distinguishes and displays changes in moisture content over past periods and changes in moisture content over future periods, thereby improving the convenience of the farming support system 100.

[0087] <2. Second Embodiment> In the first embodiment described above, the information processing device 200 calculated (predicted) and displayed the change in moisture content over a future period. However, it is also possible to display the actual change in moisture content in real time after the prediction. The information processing device 200 in this second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it displays the actual change in moisture content in real time after the prediction.

[0088] Figure 16 shows an example of a display screen in a second embodiment of this technology. For example, as illustrated in figure a, the control unit 250 displays the calculation (prediction) result in field 301 and also displays an irrigation decision button 311 in that field. The user operates the irrigation decision button 311 by tapping or clicking when they determine that the setting of the irrigation amount and irrigation time is complete.

[0089] When the irrigation decision button 311 is operated, the control unit 250 displays the next prediction button 312, as illustrated in figure b, and proceeds to display the measured moisture content for each time period in real time. In this case, the control unit 250 receives sensor data from the moisture sensor at regular intervals via the communication unit 210 and displays the measured moisture content indicated by that data. The line showing the real-time moisture content is displayed as a solid line, for example. This allows the user to proceed with subsequent work planning with flexibility.

[0090] Furthermore, if the water level falls outside the predicted range after the irrigation decision button 311 is pressed, the control unit 250 can display a predetermined alert message 313. For example, if the water level falls below the lower limit of the predicted range, an alert message 313 will be displayed stating, "The water level is below the lower limit!" The control unit 250 can also display a guidance message in field 301 suggesting how irrigation should have been performed. In this case, for example, a guidance message will be displayed stating, "If the amount of irrigation at a predetermined time in the past had been multiplied by N, it would not have fallen below the lower limit." Figure b illustrates a case where only an alert message is displayed.

[0091] The user then operates the next prediction button 312 if they want to predict the change in moisture content. When the next prediction button 312 is operated, the calculation unit 230 performs calculations (predictions) for the next future period, and the control unit 250 displays the screen exemplified in Figure 4a.

[0092] By displaying an alert message when the prediction range is exceeded, users can be prompted to take action. Furthermore, guidance messages allow users to improve their irrigation practices.

[0093] The information processing device 200 displays each message, such as alert messages and guidance messages, within field 301, which includes a graph, but it can also display them in a field other than field 301. Furthermore, the information processing device 200 can output the content of each message as audio. The information processing device 200 can also transmit each message externally. The same applies to the messages exemplified below.

[0094] Figure 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing device 200 in a second embodiment of the present technology. The operation of the information processing device 200 in this second embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in that steps S905 to S907 are further executed.

[0095] If the settings have not been changed (step S903: No), or after step S904, the information processing device 200 determines whether or not the irrigation decision button has been operated (step S905).

[0096] If the irrigation decision button is not pressed (step S905: No), the information processing device 200 repeats steps S903 onwards.

[0097] On the other hand, if the irrigation decision button is operated (step S905: Yes), the information processing device 200 displays the measured moisture content for each time period in real time (step S906). If the moisture content falls outside the predicted range while displayed in real time, the information processing device 200 can also display an alert message.

[0098] The information processing device 200 then determines whether the next prediction button has been pressed (step S907). If the next prediction button has not been pressed (step S907: No), the information processing device 200 repeats steps S906 onwards. On the other hand, if the next prediction button has been pressed (step S907: Yes), the information processing device 200 repeats steps S901 onwards.

[0099] Thus, according to the second embodiment of this technology, the control unit 250 of the information processing device 200 displays the measured moisture content for each time period when the irrigation decision button is operated, allowing the user to proceed with the work plan after the prediction with flexibility.

[0100] <3. Third Embodiment> In the second embodiment described above, the information processing device 200 calculated the change in moisture content over a future period, but it can also perform calculations to ensure that the moisture content falls within a target range desired by the user. The information processing device 200 in this third embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that it performs calculations to ensure that the moisture content falls within a target range.

[0101] Figure 18 shows an example of a display screen when a target upper limit is set in a third embodiment of this technology. In the third embodiment, the information processing device 200 further displays a field 321 for inputting the target range and a field 322 for inputting the set period.

[0102] Field 321 allows you to enter at least one of the target upper limit and target lower limit. These settings define the target range. Field 322 allows you to enter at least a portion of the future period as the set period.

[0103] The calculation unit 230 calculates at least one of the irrigation amount and irrigation time so that the moisture content falls within the target range within the set period. As illustrated in the figure, if only the target upper limit is entered, the range below that target upper limit is set as the target range, and the irrigation amount and irrigation time are calculated so that the moisture content falls within the target range. Also, as illustrated in the figure, a line segment with arrows at both ends is displayed in the graph. The distance from the left end to the right end of this line segment indicates the set period, and the height of the line segment indicates the target upper limit.

[0104] The user can set a target upper limit, for example, a water volume equivalent to the field's water supply (or field capacity), and have the system calculate the irrigation volume and timing so that the water volume does not exceed that limit but comes as close as possible. The user can also set a target lower limit, for example, a growth inhibition point for the plants being cultivated, and have the system calculate the irrigation volume and timing so that the water stress reaches as close as possible to that growth inhibition point but does not fall below it. By calculating the irrigation volume and timing according to the user's set target range in this way, the user's effort in trial and error can be reduced. The user can then use the calculation results to formulate an irrigation plan.

[0105] Furthermore, when the user sets a target upper limit, they can set one or more irrigation times within a future period. In the figure, two irrigation times are set. When irrigation times are set, the calculation unit 230 calculates the amount of irrigation under the set conditions so that the amount of moisture during the set period falls within the target range.

[0106] Furthermore, the information processing device 200 can also perform at least one of the following actions (such as highlighting) on ​​the display screen illustrated in the figure: identification and display of the affected area from immediately after irrigation until the decrease in moisture content becomes gradual, as illustrated in Figure 11. In addition, the information processing device 200 can also perform calculations to allow for the moisture content to deviate from the target range within that affected area.

[0107] Furthermore, as illustrated in Figure 19a, the user can also input a certain target lower limit value within the set period in field 321. If a target lower limit value is entered, the range above that lower limit value is set as the target range, and the irrigation amount and irrigation time are calculated so that the moisture content falls within the target range. In addition, a line segment with arrows at both ends is displayed in the graph. The distance from the left end to the right end of this line segment indicates the set period, and the height of the line segment indicates the target lower limit value.

[0108] Furthermore, as illustrated in figure b, users can also input a target lower limit that fluctuates over time within the set period. For example, if the target lower limit at the start of the set period is set to 20 percent and the target lower limit at the end of the set period is set to 15 percent, the target lower limit will change from 20 percent to 15 percent as time progresses within the set period.

[0109] Furthermore, as illustrated in Figure 20, the user can also input both a target upper limit and a target lower limit in field 321. If both target upper and lower limits are entered, the irrigation amount and irrigation time are calculated to fall within the target range from the target lower limit to the target upper limit. A rectangular frame 323 is also displayed within the graph. The area from the bottom to the top of this frame 323 indicates the target range, and the area from the left to the right of the frame 323 indicates the set period.

[0110] Furthermore, as illustrated in Figure 21, the user can set multiple setting periods and set a target upper limit for each setting period. In this case, as illustrated in the same figure, two or more pairs of fields 321 and 322 will be displayed.

[0111] Furthermore, as illustrated in Figure 22, users can set multiple setting periods and set a target lower limit for each period. In this figure, a constant target lower limit is entered within the setting period, but as illustrated in Figure 11b, it is also possible to enter a target lower limit that fluctuates over time within the setting period.

[0112] Furthermore, as illustrated in Figure 23, users can set multiple time periods and define target lower and upper limits for each time period.

[0113] Thus, according to the third embodiment of this technology, the calculation unit 230 performs calculations so that the moisture content falls within the target range within the set period, thereby reducing the effort required for the user to repeatedly engage in trial and error.

[0114] <4. Fourth Embodiment> In the third embodiment described above, the information processing device 200 performed calculations to ensure that the moisture content was within the target range, but it can also perform irrigation control. The information processing device 200 in this fourth embodiment differs from the third embodiment in that it also performs irrigation control.

[0115] Figure 24 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing device 200 in the fourth embodiment of this technology. The operation of the information processing device 200 in this fourth embodiment differs from that of the third embodiment in that steps S908 and S909 are further performed.

[0116] The information processing device 200 displays the measured moisture content for each time period in real time (step S906) and determines whether or not there is a risk that the moisture content will fall outside the target range (step S908). For example, if the difference between the target upper limit and the moisture content, or the difference between the target lower limit and the moisture content, falls below a predetermined margin, it is determined that there is a risk that the moisture content will fall outside the target range.

[0117] If there is a risk that the moisture content will fall outside the target range (step S908: Yes), the information processing device 200 performs irrigation control to change at least one of the irrigation amount and irrigation time so that the moisture content does not fall outside the target range (step S909). For example, the information processing device 200 generates a control signal instructing a change in the irrigation amount or irrigation time and transmits it to the external system control unit 113.

[0118] In the fourth embodiment, the environmental control device 113 further controls the irrigation equipment (such as an irrigation probe). The system control unit 113 controls irrigation via the irrigation control device 113 according to the control signal.

[0119] If there is no risk of the moisture content falling outside the target range (step S908: No), or after step S909, the information processing device 200 executes steps S907 and later.

[0120] As described above, since the information processing device 200 controls irrigation, the user does not need to perform irrigation, thus reducing the user's burden. In addition, since the user can set a target range, the farming support system 100 can predict the future and perform irrigation appropriate to the target range.

[0121] Figure 25 shows an example of a display screen when a target upper limit is set in the fourth embodiment of this technology. Assume that the target upper limit is about to be exceeded around 16:00 within the set period. In this case, the information processing device 200 transmits a control signal instructing the system to reduce the amount of irrigation water or delay the irrigation time.

[0122] In this diagram, only the upper target value is set, but as mentioned above, users can also set only the lower target value, or both the lower and upper target values.

[0123] Furthermore, as illustrated in Figure 26, the user can set multiple time periods and set an upper target value for each time period. The user can also set multiple time periods and set a lower target value for each time period. Additionally, the user can set multiple time periods and set both a lower and upper target value for each time period.

[0124] As illustrated in Figure 27, in addition to the next prediction button 312, a repeat prediction button 312-1 can also be added. In this case, when the repeat prediction button 312-1 is pressed, the next prediction button 312 is disabled, and the information processing device 200 repeats the irrigation control so that the same target range is achieved for the same set period on subsequent days. Alternatively, the information processing device 200 can display only the repeat prediction button 312-1 by default and repeat the same irrigation control unless an operation is performed to change the settings.

[0125] In the fourth embodiment, in which irrigation is instructed based on the measurement value of the moisture sensor 117, for example, if the information processing device 200 and the outside are communicating wirelessly, there is a risk of communication errors due to the instability of the wireless communication. Due to these communication errors, information may not be received, or incorrect information may be received.

[0126] For example, as illustrated in Figure 28, communication errors may occur in the link 118 between the moisture sensor 117 and the information processing device 200, or in the link 119 between the system control unit 113 and the information processing device 200. These communication errors can lead to incorrect irrigation or failure to perform necessary irrigation, potentially damaging or, in the worst case, killing the plants being cultivated. Therefore, the information processing device 200 can, for example, generate a control signal to instruct irrigation a predetermined time before the irrigation time and transmit it to the system control unit 113. Furthermore, the information processing device 200 can improve the reliability of irrigation by repeatedly transmitting the control signal a certain number of times or by encoding the control signal into an error correction code before transmission.

[0127] Thus, according to the fourth embodiment of this technology, the information processing device 200 controls irrigation so that the moisture content is within the target range, thereby reducing the burden on the user.

[0128] <5. Fifth Embodiment> In the third embodiment described above, the information processing device 200 performed calculations to ensure that the moisture content was within the target range. However, when the user performs irrigation, the moisture content may fall outside the target range. The information processing device 200 in this fifth embodiment differs from the third embodiment in that it displays various messages when the moisture content falls outside the target range.

[0129] Figure 29 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing device 200 in the fifth embodiment of this technology. The operation of the information processing device 200 in this fifth embodiment differs from the third embodiment in that steps S910 and S911 are performed instead of steps S908 and S909.

[0130] The information processing device 200 displays the measured moisture content for each time period in real time (step S906) and determines whether the measured value has fallen outside the target range (step S910). If the measured value has fallen outside the target range (step S910: Yes), the information processing device 200 displays a predetermined message, such as an alert message (step S911).

[0131] If the measured value is within the target range (step S910: No), or after step S911, the information processing device 200 executes steps S907 and later.

[0132] Figure 30 shows an example of an alert message and a guidance message when a target lower limit is set in the fifth embodiment of the present technology. In the figure, a shows an example of an alert message 331, and b shows an example of a guidance message 332.

[0133] Let's assume that the user has set a target lower limit, and the information processing device 200 is displaying the moisture content measurement in real time, when the measurement falls below the target lower limit. In this case, for example, as illustrated in figure a, the information processing device 200 displays an alert message 331 that notifies the user, "The moisture content is below the lower limit!" This allows the user to take action when the moisture content falls outside the target range set by the user.

[0134] Furthermore, the information processing device 200 can also display guidance messages for completed irrigation, suggesting irrigation amounts and times that, if performed, would likely have remained within the target range.

[0135] For example, as illustrated in figure b, a guidance message 332 is displayed that states, "If the amount of irrigation water at this point had been reduced to 0.8 times, the moisture level would not have fallen below the lower limit."

[0136] Alternatively, as illustrated in Figure 31, a guidance message 332 is displayed stating, "If you had irrigated 30 minutes earlier, the moisture level would likely not have fallen below the lower limit." These suggestions allow the user to improve their irrigation practices.

[0137] The information processing device 200 may display the alert message 331 and the guidance message 332 simultaneously, or sequentially. Figures 30 and 31 show an example of sequential display.

[0138] Figure 32 shows an example of an alert message and a guidance message when a target upper limit is set in the fifth embodiment of the present technology. In the figure, a shows an example of an alert message 331, and b shows an example of a guidance message 332.

[0139] The user sets a target upper limit, and the information processing device 200 displays the moisture content measurement in real time, and the measurement exceeds the target upper limit. In this case, for example, as illustrated in figure a, the information processing device 200 displays an alert message 331 that notifies the user, "The moisture content has exceeded the upper limit!"

[0140] Furthermore, if there is an irrigation to be performed next, the information processing device 200 can recalculate the next irrigation amount and time so that the moisture level does not fall outside the target range, and can also display a guidance message recommending those settings.

[0141] For example, as illustrated in figure b, a guidance message 332 is displayed that notifies the user, "We recommend halving the next amount of irrigation water."

[0142] Alternatively, as illustrated in Figure 33, a guidance message 332 is displayed that notifies the user, "We recommend watering at 16:30 next."

[0143] The information processing device 200 may display the alert message 331 and the guidance message 332 simultaneously, or sequentially. Figures 32 and 33 show an example of sequential display.

[0144] Furthermore, while only the lower target value is set in Figures 30 and 31, and only the upper target value is set in Figures 32 and 33, the information processing device 200 can display the same message even when both the lower and upper target values ​​are set.

[0145] Furthermore, if the measured moisture content within the set period falls outside the target range, the information processing device 200 can recalculate the change in moisture content after the set period has elapsed, assuming that the irrigation conditions are changed so that the moisture content falls within the target range, and display this as reference data.

[0146] For example, as illustrated in Figure 34, suppose irrigation is performed only once at 16:00 within the set period indicated by frame 323, and the measured moisture content falls outside the target range indicated by frame 323. In this case, after the set period has elapsed, the information processing device 200 recalculates by changing conditions such as the number of irrigation cycles so that the moisture content falls within the target range. For example, suppose that reducing the amount of irrigation and performing irrigation twice brings the moisture content within the target range. The information processing device 200 displays the calculation result as reference data using a dotted line or similar. The user can review this reference data and use it for irrigation the following day.

[0147] Furthermore, the fifth embodiment can also be applied to the fourth embodiment.

[0148] Thus, according to the fifth embodiment of this technology, the information processing device 200 displays an alert message or the like when the moisture content falls outside the target range, thereby prompting the user to take action or make improvements.

[0149] The embodiments described above are merely examples of how to realize this technology, and there is a corresponding relationship between the matters in the embodiments and the inventive features in the claims. Similarly, there is a corresponding relationship between the inventive features in the claims and the matters in the embodiments of this technology that bear the same name. However, this technology is not limited to the embodiments and can be realized by making various modifications to the embodiments without departing from the gist of the technology.

[0150] Furthermore, the processing procedure described in the above-described embodiment may be considered as a method comprising these steps, or as a program for causing a computer to execute these steps, or as a recording medium for storing such a program. As this recording medium, for example, a CD (Compact Disc), MD (MiniDisc), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), memory card, Blu-ray Disc (Blu-ray® Disc), etc., can be used.

[0151] The effects described herein are merely illustrative and not limited to those described herein, and other effects may also occur.

[0152] Furthermore, this technology can also be configured as follows: (1) An information processing device comprising: a calculation unit that calculates the change in the amount of moisture in the soil when irrigation is performed during a future period from the present time to a predetermined future time, based on the change in the amount of moisture in the soil during a past period from a predetermined past time to the present time; and a control unit that displays the change in the amount of moisture during the future period on the display unit. (2) The information processing device according to (1), wherein the control unit distinguishes between the change in the amount of moisture during the past period and the change in the amount of moisture during the future period and displays them on the display unit. (3) The information processing device according to (1), wherein the control unit displays a first line showing the change in the amount of moisture during the past period and a second line showing the change in the amount of moisture during the future period in a graph with the amount of moisture on the vertical axis and time on the horizontal axis. (4) The information processing apparatus according to (3), wherein the calculation unit detects the amount and time of the peak due to irrigation among the peaks of moisture content in the past period as reference irrigation data, calculates the change in moisture content in the future period based on the reference irrigation data, and the control unit further displays the detected reference irrigation data in the graph. (5) The information processing apparatus according to (4), wherein the calculation unit adds and deletes at least one of the reference irrigation data according to user operation. (6) The information processing apparatus according to (4) or (5), wherein the control unit identifies and displays at least one of the range of influence which is from immediately after irrigation to the time when the infiltration and sedimentation of the irrigation water into the soil is finished and the rate of change of moisture content decreases. (7) The information processing apparatus according to any one of (4) to (6), wherein the calculation unit calculates the amount and time of irrigation in the future period, and the control unit displays a message to confirm whether the actual amount of irrigation at the calculated irrigation time is the calculated amount of irrigation. (8) The information processing device according to (7), wherein the control unit changes the amount of water to be irrigated at the calculated irrigation time according to the user's operation. (9) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the calculation unit displays fields for inputting the amount of water to be irrigated and the irrigation time, and the calculation unit calculates the change in the amount of water when irrigation is performed at the input irrigation time with the input amount of water.(10) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the control unit displays fields for inputting the amount of irrigation water and the cumulative amount of solar radiation, and the calculation unit calculates the change in the amount of moisture when irrigation is performed with the amount of irrigation water input in the field when the cumulative amount of solar radiation reaches the value input in the field. (11) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the soil includes the soil of each of the multiple locations, and the control unit displays the change in the amount of moisture of each of the multiple locations. (12) The information processing device according to (11), wherein the control unit displays the change in the amount of moisture of each of the multiple locations after offsetting or normalizing it. (13) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (12), wherein the control unit displays the predicted range of the amount of moisture for each time in the future period. (14) The information processing device according to (13), wherein the control unit displays a predetermined message when the amount of moisture falls outside the predicted range. (15) An information processing device according to any one of (1) to (14), wherein the control unit displays the measured value of the moisture content for each time period when a predetermined operation is performed. (16) An information processing device according to any one of (1) to (15), wherein the control unit displays a field for setting a target range by at least one of a target upper limit and a target lower limit of the moisture content and a field for inputting a setting period of at least a portion of the future period, and the calculation unit calculates at least one of the irrigation amount and irrigation time such that the moisture content within the setting period falls within the target range. (17) An information processing device according to (16), wherein the setting period includes a plurality of setting periods, and the target range includes the target range of each of the plurality of setting periods. (18) An information processing device according to (16) or (17), further comprising a communication unit that transmits a control signal to the outside instructing a change in the irrigation amount and irrigation time when the measured value of the moisture content falls outside the target range within the setting period. (19) The information processing device according to any one of (16) to (18), wherein the control unit displays a predetermined message if the measured value of the moisture content falls outside the target range within the set period.(20) The information processing apparatus according to any one of (16) to (19), wherein the calculation unit, if the measured value of the moisture content falls outside the target range within the set period, further calculates the change in the moisture content as reference data when irrigation is performed under different conditions after the set period has elapsed so that the moisture content falls within the target range, and the control unit further displays the reference data. (21) A program for causing a computer to execute a calculation procedure for calculating the change in the moisture content when irrigation is performed within a future period from the present time to a predetermined future time, based on the change in the moisture content of the soil within a past period from a predetermined past time to the present time, and a control procedure for displaying the change in the moisture content within the future period on the display unit.

[0153] 100 Farming support system 111 Environmental sensor 112 Environmental control device 113 System control unit 114 Weather database 115 Data server 116 Network 117 Moisture sensor 118, 119 Link 200 Information processing device 210 Communication unit 220 Memory 230 Calculation unit 240 Operation unit 250 Control unit 260 Display unit 301-304, 321, 322 Field 311 Irrigation decision button 312 Next prediction button 313, 331 Alert message 323 Frame 332 Guidance message

Claims

1. An information processing device comprising: a calculation unit that calculates the change in the amount of moisture in the soil if irrigation is performed during a future period from the present time to a predetermined future time, based on the change in the amount of moisture in the soil during a past period from a predetermined past time to the present time; and a control unit that causes the change in the amount of moisture during the future period to be displayed on the display unit.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit distinguishes between the change in moisture content during the past period and the change in moisture content during the future period and displays them on the display unit.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the control unit to display a first line showing the change in the amount of moisture during the past period and a second line showing the change in the amount of moisture during the future period in a graph with the amount of moisture on the vertical axis and time on the horizontal axis.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the calculation unit detects the amount and time of the peak due to irrigation among the peaks of moisture content within the past period as reference irrigation data, calculates the change in moisture content within the future period based on the reference irrigation data, and the control unit further displays the detected reference irrigation data in the graph.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the calculation unit performs at least one of adding or deleting the reference irrigation data in accordance with user operations.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the control unit identifies and displays an affected range, which is the range from immediately after irrigation until the time when the infiltration and sedimentation of the irrigation water into the soil is complete and the rate of change of the moisture content decreases.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the calculation unit calculates the amount of irrigation and the irrigation time within the future period, and the control unit displays a message to confirm whether the actual amount of irrigation at the calculated irrigation time is the calculated amount of irrigation.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the control unit changes the amount of irrigation water at the calculated irrigation time according to the user's operation.

9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the calculation unit displays fields for inputting the amount of water to be irrigated and the time of irrigation, and the calculation unit calculates the change in the amount of water when irrigation is performed at the input irrigation time with the input amount of water.

10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit displays fields for inputting the amount of irrigation water and the cumulative solar radiation, and the calculation unit calculates the change in the amount of water when irrigation is performed with the amount of irrigation water input in the field when the cumulative solar radiation reaches the value input in the field.

11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the soil includes soil from each of the multiple locations, and the control unit displays the change in the moisture content of each of the multiple locations.

12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the control unit offsets or normalizes the change in moisture content at each of the plurality of locations and displays it.

13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit displays the predicted range of the moisture content for each time within the future period.

14. The information processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the control unit displays a predetermined message when the moisture content falls outside the predicted range.

15. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit displays the measured value of the moisture content for each time period when a predetermined operation is performed.

16. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit displays a field for setting a target range using at least one of the target upper limit and target lower limit of the moisture content and a field for inputting a setting period of at least a portion of the future period, and the calculation unit calculates at least one of the irrigation amount and irrigation time such that the moisture content within the setting period falls within the target range.

17. The information processing apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the setting period includes a plurality of setting periods, and the target range includes the respective target range of the plurality of setting periods.

18. The information processing apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising a communication unit that transmits a control signal to an external party instructing a change in the amount of irrigation and the irrigation time if the measured value of the moisture content falls outside the target range within the set period.

19. The information processing apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the control unit displays a predetermined message if the measured value of the moisture content falls outside the target range within the set period.

20. The information processing apparatus according to claim 16, wherein if the measured value of the moisture content falls outside the target range within the set period, the calculation unit further calculates the change in the moisture content as reference data when irrigation is performed under different conditions after the set period has elapsed so that the moisture content falls within the target range, and the control unit further displays the reference data.

21. A program for causing a computer to execute a calculation procedure for calculating the change in the amount of moisture in the soil if irrigation is performed during a future period from the present time to a predetermined future time, based on the change in the amount of moisture in the soil during a past period from a predetermined past time to the present time, and a control procedure for displaying the change in the amount of moisture during the future period on the display unit.

Images