JP2021093943A - Measurement system and measurement method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a measurement system and a measurement method, which are inexpensive and highly effective in labor saving.SOLUTION: A measurement system according to an embodiment comprises: a hanging tool for suspending a supporting tool for supporting a plant body; and a control device. The hanging tool comprises a vibrating device for applying vibration to the supporting tool and a detector for detecting the vibration of the supporting tool. The control device estimates weight of the plant body supported by the supporting tool on the basis of amplitude of the vibration of the supporting tool detected by the detector when the vibration is applied to the supporting tool by the vibrating device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

The present invention relates to a measuring system and a measuring method.

In recent years, in order to save labor in agricultural work, a system for monitoring the growth status of plants has been developed.

For example, according to the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, the growth state of a plant is determined by analyzing an image of the plant.

Further, according to the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2, vibration is applied to the stem on which the fruit is attached, and the growth state of the fruit is determined by the frequency of the vibration of the stem.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-202056 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2019-33672

However, according to the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, in order to widely cover a plant cultivated in a field, a large number of image pickup devices, a large amount of electric power for operating the large number of image pickup devices, and an image are used. Requires a large amount of computer resources to analyze. Therefore, it is disadvantageous in terms of cost.

Further, according to the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2, it is necessary to find a stem with fruits in the process of growing a plant and attach a device such as a sensor to the found stem. Therefore, the effect of labor saving is limited.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a measurement system and a measurement method that are inexpensive and have a high labor-saving effect.

The measurement system according to the embodiment includes a hanging tool for suspending a support tool for supporting the plant body, and a control device. The hanging tool includes a vibration device that applies vibration to the support tool and a detection device that detects the vibration of the support tool. The control device estimates the weight of the plant supported by the support based on the amplitude of the vibration of the support detected by the detector when the vibration is applied to the support by the vibrating device.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a measurement system and a measurement method that are inexpensive and have a high labor-saving effect.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the measurement system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing an example of a more detailed configuration of the hanging tool according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the measurement system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the initial measurement process according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the measurement process according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the initial measurement process according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the measurement process according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a configuration for obtaining a relational expression used in the measurement process according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a graph obtained by plotting the magnitude of the amplitude when a predetermined time has elapsed since the application of vibration was started. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a graph obtained by plotting the time required from the start of applying vibration to the magnitude of vibration amplitude reaching a predetermined magnitude.

The measurement system and the measurement method according to the embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

(First Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the measurement system according to the first embodiment.

The measurement system includes a hanging tool 100 installed in a field where the plant 300 is cultivated, and a server 200 which is a control device. The server 200 may be installed in the field or may be installed at a position away from the field. The field may be a cultivation facility for cultivating the plant 300, or may be an open field.

The field is provided with a medium 400 and a holding portion 500. The medium 400 may be a medium for hydroponic cultivation or soil. The plant 300 is planted in the medium 400.

The holding portion 500 is provided above the medium 400. A hanging tool 100 is attached to the holding portion 500. The suspender 100 suspends the support 600 from above the medium 400.

The holding portion 500 fixes the hanging position of the hanging tool 100. The hanging tool 100 can generate vibration (described later), but in order to transmit the vibration generated by the hanging tool 100 to the support tool 600 instead of the holding part 500, the hanging tool 100 vibrates in the holding part 500. It has a structure that does not shake as much as possible even if it is generated. The holding portion 500 may be made of a hard material such as metal, wood, or bamboo.

The hanging tool 100 applies vibration to the support 600 that it suspends, and detects the vibration of the support 600 that is actually caused by the vibration. Then, the hanging tool 100 can transmit the vibration detection value to the server 200.

The support 600 is an agricultural material that supports the plant 300 in order to prevent the plant 300 from falling down. The support 600 may be a net, a string, or a support. In the example of FIG. 1, the support 600 is assumed to be a net. When the support 600 is a rigid material such as a support, the support 600 is suspended by the suspension 100 so that the lower end of the support 600 does not reach the ground. When the support 600 is a non-rigid material such as a net or a string, the lower end of the support 600 may reach the ground, or the lower end of the support 600 may not reach the ground. ..

The plant 300 planted in the medium 400 is supported by the support 600 suspended by the suspension 100. As a result, the hanging tool 100 is in a state in which the total load of the weight of the support tool 600 and the load applied to the support tool 600 by the plant body 300 is applied.

In the example of FIG. 1, the plant 300 is a climbing plant and grows by itself entwined with the support 600. The plant body 300 is not limited to this. The plant 300 does not have to be climbing. Further, regardless of whether or not the plant body 300 is vine, a worker or a working robot may use a fixture or the like to attract the plant body 300 to the support tool 600.

The server 200 can communicate data with the hanging tool 100. The data communication path between the server 200 and the hanging device 100 may be wired, wireless, or a combination thereof. In the case of wireless, for example, a communication standard having low power consumption such as BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) can be adopted. The example of the communication standard is not limited to this.

The server 200 determines the weight of the plant 300 based on the on / off of the vibration applied to the support 600, the on / off of the vibration detection of the support 600, and the vibration detection value sent from the suspension 100. Estimates can be performed.

In the first embodiment, a vibration of a predetermined amount of energy is applied to the support 600. Then, the amplitude of the vibration of the support 600 is acquired at the timing when the application of the vibration of a predetermined amount of energy is completed. When the amount of vibration energy given is constant, the relationship is established that the heavier the object to which the vibration is applied, the smaller the vibration after the vibration energy is given. The server 200 estimates the weight of the plant 300 (more accurately, the load that the plant 300 exerts on the support 600) based on the acquired amplitude and the above relationship.

For example, the server 200 monitors the transition of the weight of the plant 300 by executing the estimation of the weight of the plant 300 at a plurality of timings. The increase in the weight of the plant 300 is considered to indicate the degree of growth of the plant 300. For example, when the plant body 300 is, for example, a fruit vegetable and the plant body 300 bears fruits, the weight of the plant body 300 suddenly increases. If the rapid increase in the weight of the plant 300 can be detected, it can be estimated that the plant 300 bears fruits.

As described above, according to the measurement system of the first embodiment, the weight of the plant body 300 is acquired as information indicating the growth state of the plant body 300.

Here, it is assumed that the application of vibration of a predetermined amount of energy is realized by the application of continuous vibration for a predetermined period. Any frequency can be selected as the vibration frequency. The intensity of the applied vibration is maintained constant during the applied period. The method of applying vibration of a predetermined amount of energy is not limited to this.

Further, although only one plant body 300 is shown in FIG. 1, a large number of plant bodies 300 are cultivated in the field. In the field, a hanging tool 100 and a holding portion 500 may be provided for each strain, or a hanging tool 100 and a holding portion 500 may be provided for each of a plurality of strains. The plurality of hanging tools 100 provided in the field can perform data communication with the common server 200. Thereby, it is possible to collect the weight of a large number of plants 300 cultivated in the field by one server 200. The measurement system may have a plurality of servers 200. The field may be divided into a plurality of sections, and a server 200 may be provided for each section.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing an example of a more detailed configuration of the hanging tool 100 according to the first embodiment.

The hanging tool 100 is large and includes a first component 110 attached to the holding portion 500 and a second component 120 to which the support 600 is attached.

The first component 110 includes a hook 111, which is attached to the holding portion 500 by the hook 111.

The second component 120 includes a hook 121, and the support 600 is attached to the second component 120 by the hook 121.

Further, the first component 110 includes a downward T-shaped structure 114. Further, the second component 120 includes a hooking portion 124. The first component 110 and the second component 120 are connected by hooking the hooked portion 124 of the second component 120 on the overhanging portion 115 of the downward T-shaped structure 114 of the first component 110.

A piezoelectric vibration sensor 123, which is a detection device for detecting vibration, is interposed at the joint portion between the first component 110 and the second component 120. With this structure, a force in the direction of separating the first component 110 and the second component 120 (that is, the load applied to the suspending tool 100) is applied to the piezoelectric vibration sensor 123 in the direction of compression. Then, the piezoelectric vibration sensor 123 can detect the vibration of the support 600 supporting the plant body 300 as a waveform. Here, the piezoelectric vibration sensor 123 is provided on the overhanging portions 115 on both sides of the downward T-shaped structure 114. The piezoelectric vibration sensor 123 may be provided only on one of the overhanging portions 115.

The detection device is not limited to the piezoelectric vibration sensor 123. Any detection device can be adopted as long as it can detect vibration. For example, a displacement sensor, a velocity sensor, or an acceleration sensor can be adopted as the detection device.

The power supply 112 and the controller 113 are built in the first component 110. A vibrator 122, which is a vibrating device, is attached to the second component 120.

The vibrator 122 can apply vibration to the support 600 via the second component 120. The method of generating vibration by the vibrator 122 is not limited to a specific method. For example, the vibrator 122 may generate vibration due to the rotation of the motor.

The frequency of vibration generated by the vibrator 122 is not limited to a specific frequency. For example, a sufficiently low frequency at which the support 600 can be integrally vibrated is selected as the frequency of vibration generated by the vibrator 122. As the piezoelectric vibration sensor 123, which is a detection device, a device capable of detecting at least vibration in the frequency band of vibration generated by the vibrator 122 is selected.

The power supply 112 supplies electric power for driving the controller 113 and the vibrator 122. The power supply 112 is, for example, a battery. The power supply 112 may be a circuit that converts the electric power supplied from the commercial power source into the electric power for driving the controller 113 and the vibrator 122.

The controller 113 acquires a value detected by the piezoelectric vibration sensor 123 and controls on / off of vibration generation by the vibrator 122. Further, the controller 113 has a communication function and can perform data communication with the server 200.

The controller 113 may be configured by a microprocessor unit that executes a computer program, or may be configured by a hardware circuit.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server 200 according to the first embodiment.

The server 200 includes a processor 201, an I / O device 202, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203, and a storage device 204. The processor 201, the I / O device 202, the RAM 203, and the storage device 204 are electrically connected to the bus 205.

The processor 201 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). Processor 201 can execute computer programs.

The I / O device 202 is an interface device for performing data communication with the hanging tool 100.

The RAM 203 is the main storage device and provides the processor 201 with an area for buffering or caching temporary data.

The storage device 204 is an auxiliary storage device, and has a storage area having a larger capacity than that of the main storage device such as the RAM 203. The storage device 204 is a non-volatile storage device, and can store computer programs, data, and the like non-volatilely.

According to the first embodiment, the storage device 204 stores the measurement program 210, which is a computer program, in advance. The processor 201, for example, loads the measurement program 210 from the storage device 204 into the RAM 203. Then, the processor 201 can execute the estimation of the weight of the plant 300 by executing the measurement program 210 loaded in the RAM 203.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the measurement system according to the first embodiment. The operation of the server 200 in the series of processes described in this figure is realized by the processor 201 executing the measurement program 210.

First, the measurement system executes the initial measurement process (S101). The initial measurement process is a process for measuring the weight of the support 600 in a state where the plant body 300 is not supported. For example, the plant body 300 is planted in the medium 400 after the measurement system is constructed. It will be carried out at the timing before the event. Even after the plant 300 has been planted in the medium 400, the initial measurement process may be performed while the plant 300 is small.

When the initial measurement process is completed, the server 200 determines whether or not the measurement timing has arrived in the measurement system (S102).

The method of setting the measurement timing is arbitrary. For example, the measurement timing may be set to arrive at a predetermined cycle such as a one-day interval or a one-week interval. Further, the measurement timing may be set so that the measurement cycle differs between the early stage of growth of the plant 300 and the harvest period of the plant 300. Further, the measurement timing may be determined by the instruction to start the measurement input by the worker.

If the measurement timing has not arrived (S102: No), the process of S102 is executed again. When the measurement timing arrives (S102: Yes), the measurement system executes the measurement process (S103). In S103, the server 200 estimates and records the weight of the plant 300.

Then, the measurement system determines whether or not to end the measurement (S104).

The method for determining the end of measurement is arbitrary. For example, it may be determined that the measurement is finished when the period for continuing the measurement is set in advance by the worker and the period elapses after the initial measurement process (S101) or the first measurement process (S103) is executed. .. Alternatively, when the scheduled number of times of execution of the measurement process (S103) is set in advance and the measurement process corresponding to the number of scheduled executions is executed, it may be determined that the measurement is completed. Alternatively, it may be determined that the measurement is finished by the instruction to end the measurement input by the worker.

When it is determined that the measurement is finished (S104: Yes), the operation of the measurement system is finished. If it is determined that the measurement is not completed (S104: No), the process of S102 is executed again.

The series of processes shown in FIG. 4 is executed for each hanging tool 100, for example.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the initial measurement process according to the first embodiment. The operation of the server 200 in the series of processes described in this figure is realized by the processor 201 executing the measurement program 210.

First, the server 200 determines whether or not the support 600 is stationary (S201). For example, the server 200 acquires the detected value of vibration by the piezoelectric vibration sensor 123 via the controller 113. The detected value is acquired at a predetermined short time interval, and it is determined whether or not the amplitude of the vibration of the support 600 is equal to or less than the level at which the support 600 can be regarded as not vibrating. The level that can be regarded as not vibrating may be zero or may be a real number close to zero.

When it is determined that the support 600 is not stationary (S201: No), the server 200 executes the process of S201 again. When it is determined that the support 600 is stationary (S201: Yes), the server 200 causes the controller 113 to start applying vibration and detecting vibration, and also starts measuring the elapsed time (S201: Yes). S202).

Then, the server 200 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the process of S202 was executed (S203). The process of S203 corresponds to the determination of whether or not the application of vibration of a predetermined amount of energy is completed.

If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed (S203: No), the process of S203 is executed again. When it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed (S203: Yes), the server 200 acquires the amplitude of the vibration at the timing when it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed (S204).

Then, the server 200 stops the application of vibration and the detection of vibration on the controller 113, and also stops the measurement of the elapsed time (S205).

Then, the server 200 calculates the weight from the acquired amplitude based on the relationship between the preset amplitude and the weight (S206). The weight of the support 600 is calculated by the process of S206.

Then, the server 200 stores the acquired weight as an initial value (S207), and the operation of the initial measurement process ends.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the measurement process according to the first embodiment. The operation of the server 200 in the series of processes described in this figure is realized by the processor 201 executing the measurement program 210.

First, in S301 to S306, the same processing as in S201 to S206 is executed. However, the plant body 300 at the timing when this measurement process is executed has grown more advanced than when the initial measurement process was executed, and the weight calculated by S306 is the weight of the support 600 and the plant body 300. (More precisely, the load applied by the plant 300 to the support 600) and the total value of.

Therefore, the server 200 calculates the weight of the plant 300 by subtracting the initial value stored in the process of S207 from the weight obtained by the process of S306 (S307).

Then, the server 200 records the weight of the plant 300 obtained by the subtraction in, for example, predetermined data (S308), and the operation of the measurement process ends.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the measurement system includes a hanging tool 100 for suspending a support tool 600 for supporting the plant body 300, and a server 200 as a control device. The hanging tool 100 includes a vibrator 122, which is a vibration device that applies vibration to the support tool 600, and a piezoelectric vibration sensor 123, which is a detection device that detects the vibration of the support tool 600. The server 200 uses the weight of the plant 300 supported by the support 600 based on the amplitude of the vibration of the support 600 detected by the piezoelectric vibration sensor 123 when the vibration is applied to the support 600 by the vibrator 122. To estimate.

The vibrator 122, the piezoelectric vibration sensor 123, and the controller 113 that controls the vibrator can be manufactured or purchased at a lower cost than an imaging device or the like. Therefore, even when the hanging tool 100 is installed for each plant 300, the measurement system is cheaper than the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 for measuring the growth of the plant by analyzing the image obtained by the imaging device. Can be built.

Further, the electric power consumed by the vibrator 122, the piezoelectric vibration sensor 123, the controller 113 that controls the vibrator, and the like is smaller than the electric power consumed by the imaging device. Therefore, the power required to operate the measurement system is less than that of the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1.

Further, since the data obtained for each hanging tool 100 is smaller in size than the image data, the server 200, which is a control device, is a high-performance computer that is required by the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1. Is unnecessary. Further, the processing for the detected value of the vibration obtained from the hanging tool 100 is simpler than the analysis of the image data. For these reasons, the server 200, which is a control device, is not required to have high performance, and the cost required for the server 200 can be reduced.

Further, according to the first embodiment, it is not necessary to find the stem with the fruit and attach a device such as a sensor to the found stem, which is necessary in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2. is there. According to the first embodiment, only the hanging tool 100 is provided in advance before the growth of the plant body 300 for each of one to a plurality of plants, and the subsequent manual work for weight measurement is not required.

That is, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to obtain a measurement system that is inexpensive and has a high labor-saving effect.

Further, unlike the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, the hanging tool 100 does not have an optical component, so even if dirt such as mud or dust adheres to the hanging tool 100, the dirt does not hinder the operation.

Further, the size and weight of the hanging tool 100 can be suppressed as compared with the imaging device. Therefore, the hanging tool 100 can be easily installed.

According to the first embodiment, the server 200 estimates the weight of the plant 300 based on the amplitude detected at the timing when the support 600 is applied with the vibration of a predetermined amount of energy. More specifically, the server 200 estimated the weight of the plant 300 based on the amplitude detected at the timing when the support 600 was continuously vibrated for a predetermined period of time.

Therefore, the weight of the plant 300 can be obtained with a simple structure.

Further, according to the first embodiment, the server 200 calculates the first weight of the support 600 at the first timing (for example, S101 in FIG. 4) (for example, S206 in FIG. 5). Then, the server 200 calculates the second weight of the support 600 (for example, S306 in FIG. 6) at the second timing (for example, S104 in FIG. 4) after the first timing, and the second weight. The weight of the plant is estimated by subtracting the first weight from (for example, S307 in FIG. 6).

This makes it possible to estimate the net weight of the plant 300 excluding the weight of the support 600.

The measuring system does not necessarily have to execute the process of calculating the first weight of the support 600. An operator or the like inputs the weight of the support 600 to the server 200 in advance, and in the process of S307 of FIG. 6, the server 200 inputs the weight previously input from the second weight obtained by the process of S306. The weight of the plant may be estimated by subtracting.

In addition, the measuring system may record the second weight obtained by the treatment of S306 in FIG. 6 as the weight of the plant 300.

According to the first embodiment, the suspending tool 100 includes a first component 110 attached to a holding portion 500 provided in the field and a second component 120 for suspending the support 600. The piezoelectric vibration sensor 123, which is a detection device, is interposed at the joint portion between the first component 110 and the second component 120.

Thereby, it is possible to detect the vibration of the support tool 600 in the state of supporting the plant body 300 suspended from the second component 120.

Further, according to the first embodiment, the vibrator 122, which is a vibrating device, is attached to the second component 120.

This makes it possible to apply vibration to the support 600 suspended from the second component 120 in a state of supporting the plant 300.

Further, according to the first embodiment, the step of applying vibration to the support for holding the plant (for example, S302 in FIG. 6) and the vibration of the support 600 when the vibration is applied to the support 600 are applied. A step of detecting (for example, S302 and S304 in FIG. 6) and a step of estimating the weight of the plant 300 based on the detected vibration amplitude of the support 600 (for example, S304 and S306 to S307 in FIG. 6) are performed. Including.

This makes it possible to obtain a measurement method that is inexpensive and can realize a high labor-saving effect.

(Second embodiment)
When the energy of the given vibration is constant, the relationship is established that the heavier the object to which the vibration is applied, the smaller the vibration after the energy of the vibration is given. Based on this relationship, it can be understood that the amount of energy required for the amplitude of vibration to reach a predetermined magnitude increases as the object to which vibration is applied becomes heavier.

In the second embodiment, the weight of the plant 300 is estimated based on the period of application of vibration required for the amplitude of vibration to reach a predetermined magnitude. The period required for the vibration amplitude to reach a predetermined magnitude corresponds to the amount of energy required for the vibration amplitude to reach a predetermined magnitude.

The measurement system according to the second embodiment has the same hardware configuration as the measurement system according to the first embodiment. A part of the processing executed by the measurement system according to the second embodiment is different from the measurement system according to the first embodiment. Hereinafter, matters different from those of the first embodiment will be mainly described, and description of the same matters as those of the first embodiment will be omitted.

In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the series of operations shown in FIG. 4 can be performed.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the initial measurement process according to the second embodiment. The operation of the server 200 in the series of processes described in this figure is realized by the processor 201 executing the measurement program 210.

First, in S401 and S402, the same processing as in S201 and S202 is executed. After S402, the server 200 determines whether or not the detected vibration amplitude has reached a predetermined magnitude (S403).

If it is determined that the amplitude has not reached a predetermined magnitude (S403: No), the process of S403 is executed again. When it is determined that the amplitude has reached a predetermined magnitude (S403: Yes), the server 200 acquires the elapsed time at that timing (S404). Then, the server 200 stops the application of vibration and the detection of vibration on the controller 113, and also stops the measurement of the elapsed time (S405).

Then, the server 200 calculates the weight from the acquired elapsed time based on the relationship between the elapsed time and the weight set in advance (S406). The weight of the support 600 is calculated by the processing of S406.

Then, the server 200 stores the acquired weight as an initial value (S407), and the operation of the initial measurement process ends.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the measurement process according to the second embodiment. The operation of the server 200 in the series of processes described in this figure is realized by the processor 201 executing the measurement program 210.

First, in S501 to S506, the same processing as in S401 to S406 is executed. However, the plant body 300 at the timing when this measurement process is executed has grown more advanced than when the initial measurement process was executed, and the weight calculated by S506 is the weight of the support 600 and the plant body 300. (More precisely, the load applied by the plant 300 to the support 600) and the total value of.

Therefore, the server 200 calculates the weight of the plant 300 by subtracting the initial value stored in the process of S407 from the weight obtained by the process of S506 (S507).

Then, the server 200 records the weight of the plant 300 obtained by the subtraction in, for example, predetermined data (S508), and the operation of the measurement process ends.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the server 200, which is a control device, continuously applies vibration to the support 600 required for the detected amplitude to reach a predetermined magnitude. Based on this, the weight of the plant 300 is estimated.

That is, also in the second embodiment, the server 200 also uses the support tool 200 based on the vibration amplitude of the support tool 600 detected by the piezoelectric vibration sensor 123 when the support device 600 is subjected to vibration by the vibrator 122. Estimate the weight of the plant 300 supported by 600.

Further, according to the second embodiment, the step of applying vibration to the support for holding the plant (for example, S502 in FIG. 8) and the vibration of the support 600 when the vibration is applied to the support 600 are applied. A step of detecting (for example, S502 to S503 in FIG. 8) and a step of estimating the weight of the plant 300 based on the vibration amplitude of the detected support 600 (for example, S503 to S504 and 506 to 507 in FIG. 8). ,including.

(Third Embodiment)
According to the first embodiment, in each measurement process, the estimated value of the plant 300 is calculated by subtracting the estimated weight of the support 600 from the estimated weight of the plant 300 including the support 600. Was done. The calculation method of the estimated value of the plant 300 is not limited to this.

The change in amplitude with respect to vibration differs depending on the size and material of the support 600 used. Therefore, the worker facilitates a plurality of weights whose weights are known within the range that the actually used support 600 and the plant body 300 to be measured can take, and confirms the change in amplitude with respect to vibration in advance. To do. The relationship between the vibration and the amplitude obtained by the confirmation is stored in the server 200, and in the measurement process, the weight of the plant 300 may be calculated based on the relationship.

For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the worker attaches the weight 700 to the support 600 before planting the plant 300, and the server 200 executes the processes of S301 to S305. As a result, it is possible to obtain the magnitude of the amplitude when a predetermined time elapses from the start of applying the vibration in the state where the weight 700 is applied to the support 600. The processes of S301 to S305 are executed a plurality of times by changing the weight of the weight 700. The processes of S301 to S305 are also executed when the weight 700 is not attached.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a graph obtained by plotting the magnitude of the amplitude when a predetermined time has elapsed since the application of vibration was started. As shown in this figure, the magnitude of the measured amplitude is plotted when the weight 700 is not attached and when the weight of the weight 700 is changed in 100 g increments from 100 to 500 g. There is. Fitting the plotted six-point data, for example by exponentiation, yields a relationship of 800. The relationship 800 thus obtained is stored in the server 200. The relationship 800 shown in FIG. 10 is an example. The relationship between the weight of the weight 700 and the magnitude of the amplitude when a predetermined time has elapsed since the application of vibration was started is not limited to the example shown in FIG.

After the relationship 800 is obtained, the actual measurement process is performed. In the actual measurement process, the server 200 executes the processes S301 to S305, and then calculates the weight from the acquired amplitude based on the relationship 800. The weight thus obtained is considered to be an estimate of the weight of the plant 300.

In this way, the worker obtains the relationship 800 between the weight of the plant 300 and the magnitude of the amplitude when vibration for a predetermined time is applied by an experiment using the actually used support 600, and the server. The 200 may estimate the weight of the plant 300 based on the relationship 800 in the measurement process. In that case, the initial value can be omitted.

(Fourth Embodiment)
According to the second embodiment, in each measurement process, the estimated value of the plant 300 is calculated by subtracting the estimated weight of the support 600 from the estimated weight of the plant 300 including the support 600. Was done. The calculation method of the estimated value of the plant 300 is not limited to this.

For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the worker attaches the weight 700 to the support 600 before planting the plant 300, and the server 200 executes the processes S501 to S505. As a result, it is possible to obtain the time required for the magnitude of the vibration amplitude to reach a predetermined magnitude in a state where the weight 700 is applied to the support 600. The processes of S501 to S505 are executed a plurality of times by changing the weight of the weight 700. The processes of S501 to S505 are also executed when the weight 700 is not attached.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a graph obtained by plotting the time required from the start of applying vibration to the magnitude of vibration amplitude reaching a predetermined magnitude. As shown in this figure, the time measured is plotted and plotted when the weight 700 is not attached and when the weight of the weight 700 is changed in 100 g increments from 100 to 600 g. By fitting the data of only 7 points by power approximation or the like, the relation 900 is obtained. The relationship 900 thus obtained is stored in the server 200. This relationship 900 is an example. The relationship between the weight of the weight 700 and the time required for the magnitude of the vibration amplitude to reach a predetermined magnitude after the start of applying the vibration is not limited to the example shown in FIG.

After the relationship 900 is obtained, the actual measurement process is carried out. In the actual measurement process, the server 200 executes the processes S501 to S505, and then calculates the weight from the acquired time based on the relationship 900. The weight thus obtained is considered to be an estimate of the weight of the plant 300.

In this way, the worker can perform the experiment using the actually used support 600 from the start of applying the weight and vibration of the plant 300 to the time when the magnitude of the vibration amplitude becomes a predetermined magnitude. Having obtained the relationship 900 with the required time, the server 200 may estimate the weight of the plant 300 based on the relationship 900 in the measurement process. In that case, the initial value can be omitted.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This novel embodiment can be implemented in various other embodiments, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. This embodiment and its modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

100 hanging tool, 110 first part, 111 hook, 112 power supply, 113 controller, 114 downward T-shaped structure, 115 overhang, 120 second part, 121 hook, 122 oscillator, 123 piezoelectric vibration sensor, 124 hook part, 200 servers, 201 processors, 202 I / O devices, 203 RAM, 204 storage devices, 205 buses, 210 measurement programs, 300 plants, 400 media, 500 holders, 600 supports, 700 weights, 800,900 relationships.

Claims (8)

A hanging tool including a vibrating device for suspending a support for supporting a plant and applying vibration to the support, and a detecting device for detecting the vibration of the support.
A control device that estimates the weight of the plant supported by the support based on the amplitude of the vibration of the support detected by the detection device when vibration is applied to the support by the vibration device. When,
A measurement system equipped with. The control device estimates the weight of the plant based on the amplitude detected at the timing when a vibration of a predetermined amount of energy is applied to the support.
The measurement system according to claim 1. The control device estimates the weight of the plant based on the amplitude detected at the timing when vibration is continuously applied to the support for a predetermined period of time.
The measurement system according to claim 1 or 2. The control device estimates the weight of the plant based on the period of continuous vibration application to the support required for the detected amplitude to reach a predetermined magnitude.
The measurement system according to claim 1. The control device is
At the first timing, the first weight of the support is calculated.
At the second timing after the first timing, the weight of the plant is calculated by calculating the second weight of the support and subtracting the first weight from the second weight. presume,
The measurement system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The hanging tool is
The first part attached to the holding part provided in the field and
The second part that suspends the support and
With
The detection device is a piezoelectric vibration sensor, which is interposed at a joint portion between the first component and the second component.
The measurement system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The vibrating device is attached to the second component.
The measuring system according to claim 6. Steps to apply vibration to the support that holds the plant,
A step of detecting the vibration of the support when the vibration is applied to the support, and
A step of estimating the weight of the plant based on the detected vibration amplitude of the support, and
Measurement method including.

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