JP7744309B2 - Field Water Management System - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to technology for a field water management system that manages water in fields.

Technology for field water management systems that manage water in fields has been publicly known, as described, for example, in Patent Document 1.

The automated water management device (field water management system) described in Patent Document 1 comprises a water supply pump and a drainage pump that supply and drain water to the ground surface of the field, a water level controller that controls the water supply pump and the drainage pump to adjust the water level in the field, and a computer connected to the water level controller. The computer estimates the water level appropriate for the crop's growth stage and issues instructions to the water level controller to adjust the water level based on the estimation results. The water level controller adjusts the water level in the field based on the instructions. This allows for the management of water supply to the ground surface, making it possible to cultivate rice, etc.

In farm fields, upland crops may be grown after rice cultivation. In upland crops, water must be supplied underground, rather than to the surface. However, the automatic water management device in Patent Document 1 cannot supply water underground. Therefore, when both rice cultivation and upland crops are carried out in the same farm field, it is necessary to use both the automatic water management device and another device that manages the water supply underground, which is inconvenient.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-87856

One aspect of the present disclosure was made in light of the above situation, and the problem it aims to solve is to provide a field water management system that can improve convenience.

The above is the problem that one aspect of this disclosure aims to solve, and next we will explain the means for solving this problem.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, a water management device is provided that can manage the supply of water to the surface of a field and the supply of water underground in the field; a measuring device that is configured to be able to move to a first position where the water level and water temperature on the surface can be measured and to a second position where the water level and water temperature underground can be measured; and a control unit that can control the water management device based on the measurement results of the measuring device, wherein the control unit is configured to be able to execute control modes for controlling the water management device, namely a first mode that manages the supply of water to the surface of the field and a second mode that manages the supply of water underground, and determines the control mode to be executed based on the water temperature measurement results by the measuring device.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a control mode suited to the position of the measuring device can be automatically executed based on the water temperature measurement result, thereby improving convenience.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit determines the control mode to be executed based on an amount of change in water temperature measured by the measurement device over a predetermined period of time.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it becomes easier to execute a control mode suited to the position of the measurement device.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the device further includes an operation unit that allows an operator to select the control mode, and the control unit issues a predetermined notification when the control mode selected by the operation unit and the control mode determined based on the water temperature measurement results are different modes.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to notify when the control mode selected by the operation unit differs from the control mode determined by the control unit.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the device further includes an operation unit that allows the operator to select the control mode, and when the control mode selected by the operation unit and the control mode determined based on the water temperature measurement results are different modes, the control unit executes the control mode determined based on the water temperature measurement results.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the control mode determined by the control unit can be executed regardless of the control mode selected by the operation unit.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit detects an abnormality in the measurement device based on the measurement result of the water temperature in the first mode and the second mode.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the water temperature measurement results can be used to check for abnormalities in the measurement device.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the device further includes a storage unit that stores the water temperature measurement results obtained by the measurement device.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to record the history of water temperatures on the earth's surface and underground.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the storage unit stores information about a location where the water temperature is measured by the measurement device.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the history of water temperatures on the ground surface and underground can be managed for each location.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit detects an abnormality in the measuring device based on at least one of previously stored water temperature measurement results by the measuring device or information on the location where the water temperature was measured by the measuring device.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an abnormality in the measurement device can be detected using the history (information in the storage unit).

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, water can be appropriately supplied to the ground surface and underground based on the measurement results of the measurement device.

1 is an explanatory diagram showing a field water management system according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 1A is a diagram showing the flow of water in a surface irrigation mode, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view showing the height positions of water level and water temperature sensors in a surface irrigation mode. 1A is a diagram showing the flow of water in sub-irrigation mode, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view showing the height positions of water level and water temperature sensors in sub-irrigation mode. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the field setting screen when the subirrigation button is on. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the field setting screen when the rice button is on. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a mode execution process. 10A is a cross-sectional view showing another example of a height adjustment mechanism, and FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view showing a plurality of storage members. (a) A cross-sectional view showing a plurality of receiving members (b) A cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a water level and temperature sensor that is directly buried underground. 10 is a flowchart showing a mode confirmation process according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the installation locations of water level and water temperature sensors.

The following describes the field water management system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The field water management system 1 shown in Figure 1 is used to manage water in field H. The field water management system 1 includes a water management device 10, a water level and temperature sensor 20, a height adjustment mechanism 30, a communication repeater 40, an operator terminal 50, a data center 60, and a field management server 70.

The water management device 10 is used to manage the water supply to the ground surface H1 and underground H2 of the field H. The water management device 10 can be installed in each of multiple fields H. The water management device 10 includes a water supply box 11, a water supply device 12, a first water supply pipe 13, a plate-shaped member 14, a lid 15, and a second water supply pipe 16.

The water supply manhole 11 shown in Figure 2 is a roughly box-shaped part that is open at the top. The water supply manhole 11 is installed adjacent to the field H. The water supply manhole 11 has a first through hole 11a and a second through hole 11b. The first through hole 11a and the second through hole 11b are formed to penetrate the bottom of the water supply manhole 11.

The water supply device 12 supplies water to the water supply manhole 11. The water supply device 12 is installed within the water supply manhole 11. The water supply device 12 includes a communication device (not shown) for communicating with the communication repeater 40 (described below), a water supply valve (valve) 12a that can be opened and closed, and an electric actuator 12b that can electrically operate the water supply valve 12a. By opening and closing the water supply valve 12a with the electric actuator 12b, the water supply device 12 can switch between a state in which water from the first water supply pipe 13 can be supplied to the water supply manhole 11 and a state in which water cannot be supplied. The water supply device 12 can also adjust the amount of water supplied by changing the opening degree of the water supply valve 12a with the electric actuator 12b.

The first water supply pipe 13 supplies water from the water source to the water supply device 12. One end of the first water supply pipe 13 is inserted into the first through-hole 11a and connected to the water supply device 12. The other end of the first water supply pipe 13 is connected to the water source via a water distribution device or the like (not shown) to adjust the amount of water supplied.

The plate-shaped member 14 is a generally plate-shaped member provided on the side wall of the water supply manhole 11. In this embodiment, water can be stored in the water supply manhole 11 up to the height of the upper end of the plate-shaped member 14. An operator (such as the manager of farm field H) can adjust the water level that can be stored in the water supply manhole 11 by changing the vertical position of the plate-shaped member 14 relative to the water supply manhole 11.

The lid portion 15 is a member used to close the second through-hole 11b as needed. The operator can remove the lid portion 15 at will.

The second water supply pipe 16 is used to supply water from the water supply manhole 11 to the underground H2 of the field H. The second water supply pipe 16 comprises a first connecting pipe 16a, a second connecting pipe 16b, and a perforated pipe 16c. The first connecting pipe 16a and the second connecting pipe 16b are pipes used to connect the water supply manhole 11 and the perforated pipe 16c. The first connecting pipe 16a is connected to the second through hole 11b of the water supply manhole 11 and is positioned to extend downward from the second through hole 11b. The second connecting pipe 16b is connected to the lower end of the first connecting pipe 16a and is positioned to extend horizontally.

The perforated pipe 16c is a pipe with multiple holes formed on its outer surface. The perforated pipe 16c is connected to the second connecting pipe 16b and is positioned so that it extends horizontally (perpendicular to the second connecting pipe 16b). The other end of the perforated pipe 16c is connected to a drainage channel (not shown). Multiple perforated pipes 16c are provided at predetermined intervals in the extension direction of the second connecting pipe 16b (the depth direction of the paper in Figure 2).

When the lid 15 is attached, the water management device 10 can supply water to the ground surface H1 of the field H. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4(a), when water is supplied from the water supply device 12 into the water supply manhole 11 with the lid 15 attached, the water level rises in the water supply manhole 11. This rise in the water level causes the water in the water supply manhole 11 to climb over the plate-like member 14, and water is supplied from the water supply manhole 11 to the ground surface H1 of the field H. Hereinafter, the position of the water surface of the water supplied to the ground surface H1 (the height from the ground surface H1 to the water surface) will be referred to as the "surface water level W1." The temperature of the water supplied to the ground surface H1 will be referred to as the "surface water temperature."

The water management device 10 can supply water to the underground H2 of the field H when the lid 15 is removed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5(a), when water is supplied from the water supply device 12 into the water supply manhole 11 with the lid 15 removed, the water flows from the water supply manhole 11 into the first connecting pipe 16a. The water that flows into the first connecting pipe 16a flows through the second connecting pipe 16b to the perforated pipe 16c and is supplied to the underground H2 of the field H through the holes in the perforated pipe 16c. In this way, water is supplied from the water supply manhole 11 to the underground H2 of the field H. Hereinafter, the water surface position of the water supplied to the underground H2 (the depth from the ground surface H1 to the water surface) is referred to as the "groundwater level W2." The temperature of the water supplied to the underground H2 is referred to as the "groundwater temperature."

The water management device 10 is equipped with a drainage device (not shown) for draining water supplied to the ground surface H1 or underground H2. The drainage device has, for example, a lifting body installed at the drainage outlet of the field H, and discharges water from the field H that exceeds the lifting body into a drainage channel. The lifting body of the drainage device is raised and lowered manually by an operator or automatically in response to a signal from the field management server 70 (see Figure 1), which will be described later. This makes it possible to adjust the height of water that can be stored in the field H (maximum water level).

The water level and temperature sensor 20 shown in Figure 3 is used to measure the water level and water temperature in the farm field H. The water level and temperature sensor 20 is installed in the farm field H. The water level and temperature sensor 20 includes a case 21, a cap 22, an electrode 23, etc.

The case 21 is a component for housing the electrode 23. The case 21 is arranged with its axis facing up and down and is formed in a generally cylindrical shape with a bottom and an open top. The case 21 is formed with a water passage hole (not shown) for introducing water into the interior. A first marked line L1 and a second marked line L2 are marked on the outer surface of the case 21. The first marked line L1 and the second marked line L2 will be described later. The cap 22 is a component that covers the top of the case 21. The electrode 23 is used to measure the water level. The electrode 23 is formed in a longitudinal shape that extends up and down.

When the water level and temperature sensor 20 is submerged in water from the field H, the water from the field H flows into the case 21 through the water passage hole. At this time, the water flows into the case 21 up to the same height as the water level of the field H (surface water level W1 or groundwater level W2). The capacitance of the electrode 23 varies depending on the relative height position of the electrode 23 to the water (how high the water is submerged). More specifically, the capacitance of the electrode 23 increases the further the water is submerged above the electrode 23. The water level and temperature sensor 20 can measure the water level of the field H based on the difference in capacitance depending on the relative position of the water and the electrode 23.

The water level and temperature sensor 20 also has a temperature measurement unit (not shown) that can measure temperature, and can measure the water temperature of the field H when the water in the field H comes into contact with this temperature measurement unit. In this embodiment, the water level and water temperature of the field H can be obtained as measurements by the water level and water temperature sensor 20. The water level and water temperature sensor 20 is connected to the water supply device 12 (see Figure 2) and can transmit information regarding the measurement results of the water level and water temperature of the field H to the water supply device 12.

Here, in order to measure both the surface water level W1 and the groundwater level W2 using a single water level/temperature sensor 20, the electrode 23 must be configured to be immersed in water over a wide area, from above the ground surface H1 to deep underground H2. If the electrode 23 were made longer, it would be possible to immerse it in water over a wider area, but this configuration raises concerns about a decrease in the strength of the water level/temperature sensor 20.

In this embodiment, the height position of the water level/temperature sensor 20 is adjusted using the height adjustment mechanism 30 shown in Figure 3, allowing the water level/temperature sensor 20, which has a relatively short electrode 23, to measure both the surface water level W1 and the groundwater level W2. Adjusting the height position also allows the water level/temperature sensor 20 to measure both the surface water temperature and the groundwater temperature. This helps prevent a decrease in the strength of the water level/temperature sensor 20. Furthermore, compared to measuring the surface water level W1 and the groundwater level W2 using separate water level/temperature sensors, it is possible to reduce the number of water level/temperature sensors 20 installed, thereby reducing costs. The height adjustment mechanism 30 is described below. The height adjustment mechanism 30 comprises a housing member 31, a receiving member 32, a support member 33, and an attachment member 34.

The storage member 31 is a member for storing the water level/temperature sensor 20. The storage member 31 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape with its axis oriented vertically and an open top and bottom. The storage member 31 is embedded in the field H so that its top protrudes from the ground surface H1 of the field H. This prevents soil from flowing into the storage member 31 in the surface irrigation mode described below. Note that the storage member 31 is not shown in Figures 1, 2, 4(a), and 5(a). As shown in Figure 3, the storage member 31 has a water passage hole 31a.

The water passage holes 31a are formed so as to penetrate the outer and inner surfaces of the storage member 31. Multiple water passage holes 31a are formed at intervals in the vertical direction. Water supplied to the field H flows into the storage member 31 through the water passage holes 31a. In this way, water flows into the inside of the storage member 31 up to the same height as the surface water level W1 or the groundwater level W2 (see Figures 4(b) and 5(b)).

The receiving member 32 is used to receive soil and other materials that have gotten into the storage member 31. The receiving member 32 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape with an open top and a closed bottom. The receiving member 32 is placed on the bottom of the storage member 31. A handle 32a is formed on the receiving member 32. The operator can easily remove the receiving member 32 from the storage member 31 by using the handle 32a to pull up the receiving member 32. This makes it easy to remove soil and other materials that have accumulated in the receiving member 32.

The support member 33 is used to support the mounting member 34. The support member 33 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape with its axis oriented vertically. The support member 33 is positioned outside the storage member 31. The support member 33 is buried in the field H so that its upper portion protrudes above the ground surface H1 of the field H.

The mounting member 34 is used to mount the water level and water temperature sensor 20. The mounting member 34 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape with its axis oriented vertically. The mounting member 34 is fixed to the support member 33 via the first mounting portion 34a. The water level and water temperature sensor 20 is mounted to the mounting member 34 via the second mounting portion 34b. The second mounting portion 34b is detachable from the mounting member 34, and its mounting position (vertical position relative to the mounting member 34) can be changed.

The height adjustment mechanism 30 can adjust the height position of the water level/temperature sensor 20 by changing the mounting position of the second mounting portion 34b. By adjusting the height position, the height adjustment mechanism 30 can switch the height position of the water level/temperature sensor 20 between the first position P1 and the second position P2.

The first position P1 shown in Figure 4(b) is a position where the surface water level W1 and surface water temperature can be measured. A first origin G1 is preset in the water level/temperature sensor 20 as the reference point (water level 0 cm) when measuring the surface water level W1. In this embodiment, the lower part of the case 21 of the water level/temperature sensor 20 is set as the first origin G1. The first reference line L1 marked on the case 21 of the water level/temperature sensor 20 is a line indicating this first origin G1. The operator can move the water level/temperature sensor 20 to the first position P1 by adjusting the height position of the water level/temperature sensor 20 so that the first reference line L1 (first origin G1) coincides with the ground surface H1.

When the water level and temperature sensor 20 is moved to the first position P1, most of the electrode 23 is positioned higher than the ground surface H1. As a result, when water is supplied to the ground surface H1, the electrode 23 is immersed in water, allowing the water level and temperature sensor 20 to measure the surface water level W1. Furthermore, because the temperature measuring section of the water level and temperature sensor 20 is in contact with water, it can measure the surface water temperature.

The second position P2 shown in Figure 5(b) is a position where the groundwater level W2 and groundwater temperature can be measured. A second origin G2 is preset in the water level/temperature sensor 20 as the reference point (water level 0 cm) when measuring the groundwater level W2. In this embodiment, the top of the case 21 of the water level/temperature sensor 20 is set as the second origin G2. The second reference line L2 marked on the case 21 of the water level/temperature sensor 20 is a line indicating this second origin G2. The operator can move the water level/temperature sensor 20 to the second position P2 by adjusting the height position of the water level/temperature sensor 20 so that the second reference line L2 (second origin G2) coincides with the ground surface H1.

When the water level and temperature sensor 20 is moved to the second position P2, most of the electrode 23 is positioned lower than the ground surface H1. As a result, when water is supplied underground H2, the electrode 23 is immersed in water, allowing the water level and temperature sensor 20 to measure the groundwater level W2. The water level and temperature sensor 20 can also measure the groundwater temperature.

The communication repeater 40 shown in FIG. 1 is a device capable of wireless communication. The communication repeater 40 can exchange information wirelessly between the water supply device 12 and the farmland management server 70 (described later).

The operator terminal 50 is a terminal owned by the operator. The operator terminal 50 is equipped with a calculation device capable of executing calculation processing, a storage device in which programs and the like are stored, an input device into which information can be input, and an output device into which the results of calculation processing and the like can be displayed. The operator terminal 50 is configured from a smartphone, personal computer, etc.

The data center 60 is a facility for storing various information related to the field H and the field water management system 1. The data center 60 is provided with a storage device (e.g., large-capacity storage) for storing information, and the storage device stores the measurement results of the water level and temperature sensor 20 and information about the location of the field H (latitude and longitude). The data center 60 can store information sent from the field management server 70 in the storage device. Furthermore, the data center 60 can send the information stored in the storage device to the field management server 70 when requested by the field management server 70.

The farm field management server 70 performs processes related to water supply to farm field H. The farm field management server 70 is configured as a cloud server (strictly speaking, a server virtually constructed within the cloud server). The farm field management server 70 can exchange information with the water supply device 12 via the communication repeater 40. The farm field management server 70 can obtain various information by receiving signals from the water supply device 12. For example, the farm field management server 70 can obtain the opening degree of the water tap 12a and the measurement results of the water level and water temperature sensor 20 based on signals from the water supply device 12.

The farm field management server 70 can also control the water management device 10. For example, the farm field management server 70 can open and close the water tap 12a by sending a signal to the water supply device 12, switching between a state in which water can be supplied to the water supply manhole 11 and a state in which water cannot be supplied, and can adjust the opening angle to control the amount of water supplied. The farm field management server 70 is configured to be able to switch between surface irrigation mode and sub-irrigation mode as modes for controlling the water management device 10. The surface irrigation mode and sub-irrigation mode will be described later.

The farm field management server 70 can also exchange information with the operator terminal 50 via an internet line or the like. For example, the farm field management server 70 can display on the operator terminal 50 screens that the operator can operate (such as the field setting screen 80 and graph display screen 90 shown in FIG. 1). By operating the operator terminal 50 (screen), the operator can receive signals from the farm field management server 70 and check the water level of the farm field H, etc. By operating the operator terminal 50, the operator can also send signals to the farm field management server 70 and remotely control the water supply to the farm field H. The screens displayed on the operator terminal 50 will be described later.

The farm field management server 70 is also configured to be able to acquire meteorological information (e.g., temperature, precipitation, etc.) for the area including the farm field H by communicating with a specified server.

The surface irrigation mode and subsurface irrigation mode are explained below. As shown in Figure 4, the surface irrigation mode is a mode for managing water supply to the ground surface H1. The surface irrigation mode is executed when water is stored on the ground surface H1 to grow crops, such as rice cultivation. In the surface irrigation mode, the lid 15 is attached and the system is switched to a state where water can be supplied to the ground surface H1. In the surface irrigation mode, the water level and temperature sensor 20 is moved to the first position P1.

In surface irrigation mode, the field management server 70 calculates the surface water level W1 based on a first origin G1 that is set according to the first position P1. For example, the field management server 70 detects which part of the electrode 23 is submerged in water based on the capacitance of the electrode 23, and calculates the distance from this detected part to the first origin G1 to calculate the surface water level W1. In surface irrigation mode, the field management server 70 controls the water management device 10 so that the calculated surface water level W1 becomes a water level (set water level) suitable for growing crops in the field H.

For example, if the calculated surface water level W1 is lower than the set water level by a predetermined amount or more, the field management server 70 controls the water management device 10 to raise the surface water level W1. In this case, the field management server 70 opens the water supply valve 12a, for example, to increase the amount of water supplied to the ground surface H1. Alternatively, if the calculated water level is higher than the set water level by a predetermined amount or more, the field management server 70 controls the water management device 10 to lower the surface water level W1. In this case, the field management server 70 closes the water supply valve 12a, for example, to reduce the amount of water supplied to the ground surface H1. In this way, the field management server 70 manages the water supply and drainage to the field H based on the measurement results of the surface water level W1 by the water level and water temperature sensor 20 so that the surface water level W1 becomes the set water level, thereby ensuring appropriate crop growth. For example, rice paddy growth can be ensured appropriately.

As shown in Figure 5, the sub-irrigation mode is a mode for managing water supply to the underground H2. The sub-irrigation mode is executed when water is supplied to the underground H2 to grow crops, such as in field farming. In the sub-irrigation mode, the lid 15 is removed and the system is switched to a state in which water can be supplied to the underground H2. In the sub-irrigation mode, the water level and temperature sensor 20 is moved to the second position P2.

In subsurface irrigation mode, the field management server 70 calculates the groundwater level W2 based on a second origin G2 that is set according to the second position P2. For example, the field management server 70 detects how far the electrode 23 is submerged in water based on the capacitance of the electrode 23, and calculates the distance from this detected part to the second origin G2 to calculate the groundwater level W2. In subsurface irrigation mode, the field management server 70 controls the water management device 10 so that the calculated groundwater level W2 becomes a water level (set water level) suitable for growing crops in the field H.

For example, if the calculated groundwater level W2 is lower than the set water level by a predetermined amount or more, the field management server 70 opens the water tap 12a to increase the amount of water supplied to the ground H2. Furthermore, if the calculated groundwater level W2 is higher than the set water level by a predetermined amount or more, the field management server 70 closes the water tap 12a to reduce the amount of water supplied to the ground H2. In this way, the field management server 70 manages the water supply and drainage to the field H based on the measurement results of the groundwater level W2 by the water level and water temperature sensor 20 so that the groundwater level W2 becomes the set water level, thereby enabling appropriate crop growth. For example, this allows appropriate growth of soybeans and other crops.

The following describes the screens created by the field management server 70 (the field setting screen 80 and graph display screen 90 shown in Figure 1). The field setting screen 80 and graph display screen 90 shown in Figures 6 to 8 are dynamic web pages created using a CGI (Common Gateway Interface) program or the like. The field setting screen 80 and graph display screen 90 can be displayed on the browser of the operator terminal 50.

The field setting screen 80 shown in Figure 6 is a screen for setting information about field H. The field setting screen 80 includes a static display section 81, a dynamic display section 82, and a button display section 83.

The static display section 81 is an area whose display content does not change (displays common information) regardless of the state of the subirrigation button 81a and paddy rice button 81b, which will be described later. The static display section 81 is displayed in roughly the upper half of the field setting screen 80. In the static display section 81, the name of field H ("Field Name") and other information can be set. The static display section 81 also contains the subirrigation button 81a and paddy rice button 81b.

The sub-irrigation button 81a and the paddy rice button 81b are buttons for switching between sub-irrigation mode and surface irrigation mode. The sub-irrigation button 81a is a button for executing the sub-irrigation mode. The paddy rice button 81b is a button for executing the surface irrigation mode, which supplies water to the ground surface H1, and growing paddy rice. The sub-irrigation button 81a and the paddy rice button 81b are configured to be switchable between an on state and an off state. In Figures 6 and 7, buttons in the on state are shown filled in black, and buttons in the off state are shown filled in white.

The subirrigation button 81a and the paddy rice button 81b are configured so that when one button is switched on, the other button is automatically switched off. By operating the operator terminal 50 to switch the state of the subirrigation button 81a and the paddy rice button 81b, the operator can select the control mode they wish to execute, either the surface irrigation mode or the subirrigation mode.

The dynamic display section 82 is the section whose display content changes depending on the state of the subirrigation button 81a and the paddy rice button 81b. The dynamic display section 82 is displayed in roughly the lower half of the field setting screen 80.

As shown in Figure 6, when the subirrigation button 81a is on, the dynamic display section 82 displays a depth setting section 82a, a graph setting section 82b, and a memo 82c.

The depth setting unit 82a sets information related to the depth of the water level/temperature sensor 20. The depth setting unit 82a can set a maximum depth and a minimum depth for each field H. The field management server 70 of this embodiment is configured to calculate the water level of the field H based on the output value from the water level/temperature sensor 20 within a range R (see Figure 3) of the electrode 23. The maximum depth of the depth setting unit 82a is used to set the lower limit of the range R. The minimum depth is used to set the upper limit of the range R. When the maximum depth is set, the minimum depth is automatically set according to the maximum depth (set value). By setting the maximum depth and minimum depth, the operator can freely define the range R shown in Figure 3. In subsurface irrigation mode, the field management server 70 calculates the groundwater level W2 within the range R thus defined.

The graph setting section 82b shown in Figure 6 is used to set the upper and lower limit values for the water level of the water level graph 91 displayed on the graph display screen 90, which will be described later. The graph setting section 82b allows the upper and lower limit values to be set for each control mode. As shown in Figure 6, when the subirrigation button 81a is on, the graph setting section 82b allows the upper and lower limit values for the subirrigation mode to be set. The memo 82c is used by the operator to input any information.

As shown in Figure 7, when the paddy rice button 81b is on, the dynamic display unit 82 displays the graph setting unit 82b. In the graph setting unit 82b, the upper and lower water level limits of the water level graph 91 in surface irrigation mode can be set.

In this embodiment, the field management server 70 is configured to calculate the surface water level W1 in the same range R (see Figure 3) for all fields H in surface irrigation mode. Therefore, when the rice button 81b is on, the depth setting section 82a will not be displayed on the field setting screen 80.

The button display section 83 displays various buttons. The button display section 83 includes a back button 83a and a settings button 83b.

The back button 83a is a button for returning to the previous screen. The setting button 83b is a button for reflecting the settings made on the field setting screen 80. When the setting button 83b is pressed, the field management server 70 sends the settings made on the field setting screen 80 to the data center 60. As a result, the settings made on the field setting screen 80 (such as the name of field H and the selected control mode) are stored in the storage device of the data center 60.

When the setting button 83b is pressed, the farm field management server 70 executes the flowchart shown in Figure 9. The flowchart shown in Figure 9 is for executing the control mode. Hereinafter, the process (flowchart) for executing the control mode will be referred to as the "mode execution process." The mode execution process will be explained below.

When the mode execution process begins, the field management server 70 proceeds to step S110. In step S110, the field management server 70 determines whether the selected mode is surface irrigation mode. That is, the field management server 70 determines whether the paddy rice button 81b was on when the setting button 83b was pressed on the field setting screen 80 shown in Figures 6 and 7. If the paddy rice button 81b is on (surface irrigation mode is selected), the field management server 70 proceeds to step S120. On the other hand, if the paddy rice button 81b is not on (subsurface irrigation mode is selected), the field management server 70 proceeds to step S130.

In step S120, the farm field management server 70 executes the surface irrigation mode (see Figure 4). By executing the surface irrigation mode, the farm field management server 70 calculates the surface water level W1 based on the first origin G1 and controls the water management device 10 so that the surface water level W1 becomes the set water level. When the processing of step S120 is completed, the farm field management server 70 ends the mode execution processing.

In step S130, the field management server 70 executes the subsurface irrigation mode (see Figure 5). By executing the subsurface irrigation mode, the field management server 70 calculates the groundwater level W2 based on the second origin G2 and controls the water management device 10 so that the groundwater level W2 becomes the set water level. When the processing of step S130 is completed, the field management server 70 ends the mode execution processing.

The graph display screen 90 shown in Figure 8 is a screen for displaying graphs related to field H. The graph display screen 90 displays a water level graph 91, a water temperature graph 92, an air temperature graph 93, a precipitation graph 94, and an opening graph 95. The water level graph 91 and other graphs have time on the horizontal axis and various information such as water level on the vertical axis.

The water level graph 91 is a graph that shows the water level measurement results from the water level/water temperature sensor 20 (more specifically, the water level calculation results from the farmland management server 70). The range of the vertical axis of the water level graph 91 is the range set in the graph setting unit 82b in Figures 6 and 7. By making the range of the vertical axis variable in this way using the graph setting unit 82b, the range of the vertical axis can be changed to make the surface water level W1 and groundwater level W2 easier to see, thereby improving convenience.

The water temperature graph 92 is a graph showing the water temperature measurement results from the water level/temperature sensor 20. The air temperature graph 93 is a graph showing the air temperature. The precipitation graph 94 is a graph showing the amount of precipitation. The farm field management server 70 creates and displays the air temperature graph 93 and the precipitation graph 94 based on weather information. The opening graph 95 is a graph showing the opening degree of the water tap 12a.

By visually viewing the graph display screen 90, the operator can check the history of various information, such as the surface water level W1 and groundwater level W2, all at once. This improves convenience.

Below, a specific example of the procedure for switching control modes will be explained using the example of switching from surface irrigation mode to subsurface irrigation mode. Switching from surface irrigation mode to subsurface irrigation mode is performed, for example, when field crops are to be cultivated in field H after the rice harvest has been completed.

Before switching the control mode, the operator removes the lid 15 shown in Figure 4(a) to switch the state so that water can flow from the water supply manhole 11 to the second water supply pipe 16. Also, before switching the control mode, the operator switches the position of the water level and water temperature sensor 20 from the first position P1 to the second position P2 shown in Figure 5(b) to switch the state so that the water level and water temperature sensor 20 can measure the groundwater level W2.

The operator then switches the control mode by operating the operator terminal 50. More specifically, the operator displays the field setting screen 80 shown in FIG. 6 on the operator terminal 50. The operator then switches the subirrigation button 81a on the field setting screen 80 to the ON state and presses the setting button 83b. This executes the mode execution process shown in FIG. 9, and the subirrigation mode is executed (step S110: No, step S130).

The operator can switch from subsurface irrigation mode to surface irrigation mode using roughly the same procedure as when switching from surface irrigation mode to subsurface irrigation mode. Specifically, before switching the control mode, the operator attaches the lid 15 shown in Figure 4 and moves the water level and temperature sensor 20 from the second position P2 to the first position P1. Then, the operator turns on the rice button 81b on the field setting screen 80 shown in Figure 6 and presses the setting button 83b.

In this way, in this embodiment, the control mode can be switched by operating the field setting screen 80. Furthermore, in both surface irrigation mode and subsurface irrigation mode, water can be supplied to the ground surface H1 and underground H2 using a common device (water management device 10). This allows the operator to easily switch between water supply to the ground surface H1 and underground H2, improving convenience.

As described above, the field water management system 1 according to this embodiment comprises a water management device 10 capable of managing water supply to the surface H1 of the field H and water supply to the underground H2 of the field H, and a field management server 70 (controller) capable of controlling the water management device 10. The field management server 70 is configured to be able to switch between two control modes for controlling the water management device 10: a surface irrigation mode (first control mode) that manages water supply to the surface H1, and a subsurface irrigation mode (second control mode) that manages water supply to the underground H2 (see Figures 4 and 5).

By configuring it in this way, the common water management device 10 can manage water supply to the surface H1 and underground H2 of the field H depending on the application, thereby improving convenience.

The system is further equipped with a water level and temperature sensor 20 (water level gauge) capable of measuring the water level on the ground surface H1 and the water level on the underground H2, respectively. In the surface irrigation mode, the farm field management server 70 manages the water supply to the ground surface H1 based on the water level on the ground surface H1 measured by the water level and temperature sensor 20, and in the underground irrigation mode, manages the water supply to the underground H2 based on the water level on the underground H2 measured by the water level and temperature sensor 20.

By configuring it in this way, the water level and water temperature sensor 20 can be used to adjust the water level on the ground surface H1 and the water level underground H2 to appropriate heights.

The water level and temperature sensor 20 is configured to be movable to a first position P1 where the water level on the ground surface H1 can be measured, and to a second position P2 where the water level underground H2 can be measured (see Figures 4(b) and 5(b)).

By configuring it in this way, the number of water level and temperature sensors 20 installed can be reduced, thereby reducing costs.

In addition, in the surface irrigation mode, the farmland management server 70 calculates the water level on the ground surface H1 based on a first origin G1 set according to the first position P1, and in the subsurface irrigation mode, calculates the water level underground H2 based on a second origin G2 set according to the second position P2.

By configuring it in this way, the water level can be calculated appropriately based on an origin that corresponds to the position of the water level/water temperature sensor 20.

The system also includes a storage device (storage unit) in the data center 60 that stores the measurement results of the water level and water temperature sensor 20.

By configuring it in this way, it is possible to record the history of the water level on the ground surface H1 and the water level underground H2.

The system further includes a water level and temperature sensor 20 (water thermometer) capable of measuring the water temperature on the ground surface H1 of the field H and the water temperature underground H2 of the field H, and a storage device (storage unit) in the data center 60 that stores the measurement results of the water thermometer.

By configuring it in this way, it is possible to record the history of water temperatures on the ground surface H1 and underground H2.

The farm land management server 70 according to this embodiment is an embodiment of a control unit.
The water level and temperature sensor 20 according to this embodiment is an embodiment of a water level indicator and a water temperature indicator.
The storage device of the data center 60 according to this embodiment is an embodiment of a storage unit.

The above describes the first embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the above configuration, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention described in the claims.

For example, in this embodiment, the water supply to field H is managed based on the measurement results of the water level in field H, but this is not limited to this, and water supply may be managed in a manner different from that of this embodiment. For example, water supply to field H may be managed based on the amount of precipitation or the water depth (how much the water level in field H decreases per unit time), etc.

In addition, while the water level/temperature sensor 20 is configured to be movable between the first position P1 and the second position P2, this is not limited to this configuration and may be configured to be immovable. For example, by using an electrode 23 with a vertical width longer than that of this embodiment, a single water level/temperature sensor 20 may be used to measure the surface water level W1 and the groundwater level W2 without vertical movement. Alternatively, by using a first water level/temperature sensor positioned at a relatively high position to measure the surface water level W1 (water level at the ground surface H1) and a second water level/temperature sensor positioned at a relatively low position to measure the groundwater level W2 (water level below ground H2), the surface water level W1 and the groundwater level W2 may be measured without vertical movement. By separately installing the first water level/temperature sensor and the second water level/temperature sensor in this manner, there is no need to move the water level/temperature sensor 20 according to the control mode, and the surface water level W1 and the groundwater level W2 can be easily measured in both control modes.

Furthermore, while the storage device of the data center 60 is assumed to store information such as water level and water temperature, the information stored in the storage device is not limited to this and can be changed as needed. For example, in addition to water level and water temperature, the storage device of the data center 60 may also store information on crops grown in field H. As shown in FIG. 6, the field setting screen 80 of this embodiment displays a memo 82c into which any information can be entered, and this memo 82c can be used to store crop information in the storage device of the data center 60. This allows a history of water level, water temperature, and crops to be kept, making it possible to easily determine the water level of field H using the history, for example, when growing crops that have been grown in the past again.

Furthermore, the device in which various information such as water level and water temperature is stored is not limited to the storage device of the data center 60, and can be changed as needed. For example, various information such as water level may be stored in the operator terminal 50, the farmland management server 70, etc.

Furthermore, the configuration of the height adjustment mechanism 30 is not limited to this embodiment and can be modified as desired. Figure 10(a) shows another example of the height adjustment mechanism 30. The height adjustment mechanism 30 shown in Figure 10(a) comprises a first member 131, a second member 132, and a nonwoven fabric 133.

The first member 131 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape with a bottom and an opening facing upward. The first member 131 is installed underground H2. The second member 132 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape with an axis facing up and down. The second member 132 is positioned so that its lower end surface rests on the bottom of the first member 131 and extends upward from the first member 131. The inner diameter of the second member 132 is larger than the outer diameter of the case 21 of the water level/water temperature sensor 20 and smaller than the outer diameter of the cap 22. The upper end surface 132a of the second member 132 is located higher than the ground surface H1. The second member 132 has multiple water passage holes 132b formed at intervals vertically. The nonwoven fabric 133 is wrapped around the outer circumference of the first member 131 and the second member 132. Note that the symbol U in Figure 10(a) indicates the soil (backfilled portion) backfilled in the field H when the first member 131 and the second member 132 are installed.

As shown in Figure 10(a), the water level and temperature sensor 20 is positioned so that the second marked line L2 is at the same height as the ground surface H1 by inserting the cap 22 into the second member 132 until it abuts the upper end surface 132a of the second member 132. This allows the water level and temperature sensor 20 to be easily moved to the second position P2. The water level and temperature sensor 20 is moved to the first position P1 by pulling it out of the second member 132 until the first marked line L1 is at the same height as the ground surface H1. The water level and temperature sensor 20 moved to the first position P1 is held by a predetermined holding member. The nonwoven fabric 133 does not necessarily have to be wrapped around the first member 131, etc.; if necessary, the first member 131, etc. can be buried in the field H without wrapping the nonwoven fabric 133 around it.

As shown in Figure 10(b), the member for housing the water level and temperature sensor 20 (first housing member 231 in Figure 10(b)) can also be housed in another member. Figure 10(b) shows a first housing member 231 that houses the water level and temperature sensor 20 and a second housing member 232 that houses the first housing member 231. The first housing member 231 and second housing member 232 are formed with water passage holes 231a and 232a to allow underground H2 water to flow inside. By housing the first housing member 231 in the second housing member 232 in this way, it becomes difficult for soil and other contaminants to enter the first housing member 231, thereby effectively preventing soil and other contaminants from adhering to the water level and temperature sensor 20.

As shown in Figure 11(a), it is also possible to arrange receiving members 331-333 for receiving soil, etc., in a horizontal line. Figure 11(a) shows a configuration in which a storage member 330 having a water passage hole 330a formed therein is installed underground H2, and a first receiving member 331, a second receiving member 332, and a third receiving member 333 are installed inside the storage member 330. Water that flows into the storage member 330 flows through the first receiving member 331, the second receiving member 332, and the third receiving member 333 in that order.

The water level and temperature sensor 20 is placed on the third receiving member 333, which is the last of the three receiving members 331-333 into which water flows (the farthest from the water passage hole 330a). This configuration prevents soil and other particles from accumulating below the water level and temperature sensor 20 (third receiving member 333), effectively preventing soil and other particles from adhering to the water level and temperature sensor 20.

Furthermore, the water level and temperature sensor 20 does not necessarily need to be housed in another member (such as the housing member 31 shown in FIG. 3 or the second member 132 shown in FIG. 10(a)), but may be buried directly in the field H, as shown in FIG. 11(b). When the water level and temperature sensor 20 is buried directly in the field H in this way, the water level and temperature sensor 20 may be wrapped in a permeable material such as a nonwoven fabric 431 or a layer of rice husks, or it may be buried in the field H without being wrapped in any other member. Rice husks or chips 432 may also be spread under the water level and temperature sensor 20. Note that the symbol U in FIG. 11(b) indicates the soil (backfilled portion) that is backfilled in the field H when the water level and temperature sensor 20 is buried.

In addition, in this embodiment, the vertical position of the plate-like member 14 relative to the water supply manhole 11 is manually adjusted, but this is not limited to this, and the vertical position may be automatically adjusted based on a signal from the farm management server 70, etc.

Furthermore, while the lid portion 15 is configured to manually open and close the second through-hole 11b, this is not limited to this, and the second through-hole 11b may be opened and closed automatically based on a signal from the field management server 70 or the like. When the lid portion 15 is opened and closed automatically, the lid portion 15 may be configured to open and close in conjunction with the control mode selected on the field setting screen 80. For example, the lid portion 15 may be configured to close the second through-hole 11b when the surface irrigation mode is selected on the field setting screen 80, and to open the second through-hole 11b when the sub-irrigation mode is selected.

Next, we will explain the field water management system 1 according to the second embodiment.

The field water management system 1 according to the second embodiment includes a water management device 10, a water level and temperature sensor 20, a height adjustment mechanism 30, a communication repeater 40, an operator terminal 50, a data center 60, and a field management server 70, all configured similarly to the first embodiment. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the mode confirmation process shown in Figure 12 is performed after the mode execution process. The differences are explained below.

As explained in the specific example of the first embodiment, the height position of the water level/temperature sensor 20 is changed before the control mode is switched. Furthermore, the control mode is manually selected by the operator. In this case, there is a risk that an incorrect control mode will be selected for the height position of the water level/temperature sensor 20 due to an operational error, etc.

Specifically, even if the water level and temperature sensor 20 is moved to the first position P1 (see Figure 4(b)) for measuring the surface water level W1, there is a risk that the subsurface irrigation mode for supplying water to the ground H2 will be selected. Also, even if the water level and temperature sensor 20 is moved to the second position P2 (see Figure 5(b)) for measuring the groundwater level W2, there is a risk that the surface irrigation mode for supplying water to the ground surface H1 will be selected.

The farmland management server 70 according to this embodiment is therefore configured to issue a predetermined notification to the operator if it is determined during the mode confirmation process shown in FIG. 12 that an incorrect control mode has been selected for the height position of the water level/water temperature sensor 20. This will be explained in detail below.

When the farm field management server 70 starts executing the mode confirmation process shown in FIG. 12, it proceeds to step S210. In step S210, the farm field management server 70 waits while calculating the water temperature in the field H until a predetermined time has elapsed. While waiting in step S210, the water temperature in the field H changes in accordance with changes in the air temperature (outside air temperature). Based on this change in water temperature, the farm field management server 70 determines whether the control mode is appropriate in steps S230 and S260, which will be described later.

Here, it is believed that the water temperature at the ground surface H1 is more likely to change in response to changes in air temperature than that at the underground H2. Therefore, in this embodiment, in steps S230 and S260, it is estimated whether the water level/temperature sensor 20 is measuring the water temperature at the ground surface H1 or underground H2, depending on the amount of change in water temperature.

In order to calculate the amount of change in water temperature as described above, the standby time in step S210 is set to a time during which the air temperature changes to a certain extent. For example, to calculate the amount of change in water temperature based on the difference in air temperature between day and night, the standby time is set to at least 24 hours. In step S210, the farm field management server 70 proceeds to step S220 when the standby time has elapsed.

In step S220, the farm field management server 70 determines whether the selected mode is surface irrigation mode, similar to step S110 shown in FIG. 9. If surface irrigation mode is selected (step S220: Yes), the farm field management server 70 proceeds to step S230. On the other hand, if subirrigation mode is selected (step S220: No), the farm field management server 70 proceeds to step S260.

In step S230, the farm field management server 70 determines whether the amount of change in water temperature over a specified period of time is greater than a specified threshold. For example, the farm field management server 70 communicates with the data center 60 to obtain water temperature measurement results from the present (most recent) period up to the time when standby began in step S210 (a specified time ago). The farm field management server 70 then calculates the amount of change in water temperature over the specified period of time by determining the difference between the maximum and minimum values of the obtained measurement results.

For example, if the water level/temperature sensor 20 has been moved to the first position P1 at the start of the mode confirmation process shown in FIG. 12, the farm management server 70 calculates the amount of change in the water temperature (surface water temperature) at the ground surface H1 in step S230. Also, if the water level/temperature sensor 20 has been moved to the second position P2 at the start of the mode confirmation process, the farm management server 70 calculates the amount of change in the water temperature (groundwater temperature) underground H2 in step S230.

In step S230, the farm land management server 70 determines whether the calculated change in water temperature is greater than a predetermined threshold. As mentioned above, surface water temperature is considered to be more susceptible to change with air temperature than groundwater temperature. Therefore, if it is determined in step S230 that the change in water temperature is greater than the predetermined threshold (step S230: Yes), the water level/temperature sensor 20 is considered to be positioned at a first position P1 where the surface water temperature can be measured. In this case, the farm land management server 70 proceeds to step S240.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S230 that the amount of change in water temperature is below the predetermined threshold (step S230: No), the water level/temperature sensor 20 is considered to be positioned at a second position P2 where groundwater temperature can be measured. In this case, the farm field management server 70 proceeds to step S250.

In step S240, the field management server 70 continues to execute the surface irrigation mode. More specifically, if the water level/temperature sensor 20 is considered to be positioned at the first position P1 where the surface water level W1 can be measured, the field management server 70 determines that the surface irrigation mode, in which water is supplied to the ground surface H1, should be executed. If the determined control mode matches the control mode selected by the operator (step S220: Yes, step S230: Yes), the field management server 70 executes that control mode (surface irrigation mode). This allows the surface irrigation mode to be executed when the water level/temperature sensor 20 is moved to the first position P1. When the processing of step S240 is completed, the field management server 70 terminates the mode confirmation process.

In step S250, the field management server 70 notifies the operator about the mode. More specifically, if the surface irrigation mode, which supplies water to the ground surface H1, is selected even though the water level/temperature sensor 20 is likely to be positioned at the second position P2 (step S220: Yes, step S230: No), the field management server 70 proceeds to step S250. In this case, it is likely that the wrong control mode has been selected for the height position of the water level/temperature sensor 20. Therefore, in step S250, the field management server 70 displays, for example, a message on the operator terminal 50 prompting the operator to confirm the selected control mode. This makes the operator aware of the incorrect selection. When the processing of step S250 is completed, the field management server 70 terminates the mode confirmation process.

If subirrigation mode is selected (Step S220: No), the field management server 70 proceeds to Step S260, where it determines whether the amount of change in water temperature over a specified period of time is equal to or less than a specified threshold. If the amount of change in water temperature is equal to or less than the specified threshold (Step S260: Yes), the field management server 70 proceeds to Step S270. On the other hand, if the amount of change in water temperature is greater than the specified threshold (Step S260: No), the field management server 70 proceeds to Step S250.

In step S270, the field management server 70 continues to execute the sub-irrigation mode. More specifically, the field management server 70 determines that the sub-irrigation mode should be executed when it is considered that the water level/temperature sensor 20 will be positioned at the second position P2. If the determined control mode matches the control mode selected by the operator (step S220: No, step S260: Yes), the field management server 70 executes that control mode (sub-irrigation mode). This allows the sub-irrigation mode to be executed when the water level/temperature sensor 20 is moved to the second position P2. When the processing of step S270 is completed, the field management server 70 terminates the mode confirmation processing.

On the other hand, if subirrigation mode is selected even though the water level and temperature sensor 20 is thought to be positioned at the first position P1 (step S220: No, step S260: No), the field management server 70 proceeds to step S250. In this case, it is thought that the wrong control mode has been selected for the height position of the water level and temperature sensor 20, so the field management server 70 issues a notification about the mode. This notification can alert the operator to the incorrect selection.

By executing the mode confirmation process according to this embodiment, an appropriate control mode that matches the height position of the water level/temperature sensor 20 can be executed, improving convenience (steps S240 and S270). The farm land management server 70 can also issue a notification if an incorrect control mode is suspected (step S250). The farm land management server 70 can also issue a notification if an attempt is made to switch control modes without moving the water level/temperature sensor 20 (step S250).

When proceeding to step S250, the farm field management server 70 may switch the control mode based on the amount of change in water temperature rather than issuing an alert. For example, if the amount of change in water temperature is small in step S230 (step S230: No), it is considered that surface irrigation mode is being executed with the water level/temperature sensor 20 positioned at second position P2 (see Figure 5(b)). In this case, in step S250, the farm field management server 70 may execute subsurface irrigation mode rather than continuing surface irrigation mode. Also, for example, if the amount of change in water temperature is large in step S260 (step S260: No), in step S250, the farm field management server 70 may execute surface irrigation mode rather than continuing subsurface irrigation mode.

By switching the control mode based on the amount of change in water temperature in this way, the farm field management server 70 can automatically execute an appropriate control mode that matches the height position of the water level/temperature sensor 20, even if it suspects that the wrong control mode has been selected. Furthermore, when the farm field management server 70 executes a control mode based on the amount of change in water temperature, it may issue a specified notification to the operator. For example, it may display a message on the operator terminal 50 informing the operator that a control mode different from the one selected by the operator has been executed.

Furthermore, after the mode confirmation process shown in FIG. 12 is completed and the control mode appropriate for the height position of the water level and temperature sensor 20 is executed, the farm field management server 70 can use the water temperature to detect an abnormality in the water level and temperature sensor 20. For example, if the position of the water level and temperature sensor 20 shifts for some reason (such as an earthquake or vandalism) while the control mode is being executed, the water temperature measurement results are likely to change.

Therefore, when adjusting the water level in field H to a set water level in control mode, the farm field management server 70 calculates the amount of change in water temperature over a specified period and compares this amount of change with a specified threshold. The farm field management server 70 then detects an abnormality in the water level/water temperature sensor 20 based on the result of the threshold comparison and the control mode.

For example, in surface irrigation mode, the water level and temperature sensor 20 is moved to the first position P1 (see Figure 4), so it is expected that the amount of change in water temperature will normally be relatively large. If an abnormality occurs in the water level and temperature sensor 20 in surface irrigation mode and the position of the water level and temperature sensor 20 becomes lower (buried underground), it is expected that the amount of change in water temperature will become smaller. Therefore, the farmland management server 70 detects an abnormality in the water level and temperature sensor 20 if the amount of change in water temperature in surface irrigation mode is below a predetermined threshold.

Furthermore, for example, in subsurface irrigation mode, the water level and temperature sensor 20 is moved to second position P2 (see Figure 5), so it is thought that the amount of change in water temperature would normally be relatively small. If an abnormality occurs in the water level and temperature sensor 20 in this subsurface irrigation mode and the position of the water level and temperature sensor 20 becomes higher (exposed to the ground surface H1), it is thought that the amount of change in water temperature will become larger. Therefore, the farm field management server 70 detects an abnormality in the water level and temperature sensor 20 if the amount of change in water temperature in subsurface irrigation mode is greater than a predetermined threshold.

If the farmland management server 70 detects an abnormality in the water level/temperature sensor 20, it will notify the operator of the abnormality, allowing the water level/temperature sensor 20 to be quickly returned to the appropriate position.

In this embodiment, a static threshold is used to determine whether the amount of change in water temperature is large during the mode confirmation process and abnormality detection shown in FIG. 12, but this is not limited to this, and it is also possible to use a threshold that is dynamically changed based on various information. For example, the farm field management server 70 calculates the amount of change in water temperature in field H in the past (e.g., one year ago) and corrects the threshold based on the calculation results. In this way, the farm field management server 70 can take the water temperature history into consideration and appropriately determine whether the amount of change in water temperature is large for each field H.

It is also possible to correct the threshold value based on meteorological information rather than water temperature history. More specifically, if the difference between the maximum and minimum temperatures is relatively small, the amount of change in water temperature is considered to be relatively small. Conversely, if the difference between the maximum and minimum temperatures is relatively large, the amount of change in water temperature is considered to be relatively large. Therefore, when determining whether the amount of change in water temperature is large, the farm field management server 70 communicates with a specified server and obtains the maximum and minimum temperatures for the same period as the amount of change in water temperature (e.g., the past 24 hours). The farm field management server 70 uses the difference between the maximum and minimum temperatures obtained in this way to correct the threshold value used when determining whether the amount of change in water temperature is large. This allows the farm field management server 70 to accurately determine whether the amount of change in water temperature is large using a threshold value corrected based on meteorological information.

Furthermore, when detecting an abnormality in the water level/temperature sensor 20, the farm field management server 70 can determine whether the change in water temperature is large by using other methods rather than comparing the change in water temperature with a threshold value. For example, the farm field management server 70 can determine whether the change in water temperature is large based on machine learning or the degree of deviation from past changes in water temperature.

First, an example of determining the amount of change in water temperature using machine learning will be described. The amount of change in water temperature when there is an abnormality in the water level/temperature sensor 20 and the amount of change in water temperature when there is no abnormality in the water level/temperature sensor 20 are prepared, and the farm land management server 70 is made to learn the relationship between these amounts of change in water temperature and the presence or absence of an abnormality using supervised learning. In this way, the farm land management server 70 learns the characteristics of the amount of change in water temperature when there is an abnormality in the water level/temperature sensor 20 and the characteristics of the amount of change in water temperature when there is no abnormality. The farm land management server 70 can accurately detect an abnormality in the water level/temperature sensor 20 by using the learned characteristics in this way to determine whether there is an abnormality in the water level/temperature sensor 20.

Next, we will explain an example of determining the amount of change in water temperature based on the degree of deviation in the amount of change in water temperature. The farm field management server 70 calculates the amount of change in water temperature from the past (e.g., one year ago) in advance. The farm field management server 70 then compares the calculated amount of change in past water temperature with the current amount of change in water temperature, and if the current amount of change in water temperature differs significantly from the past amount of change in water temperature, it determines that an abnormality has occurred in the water level and temperature sensor 20. This allows the farm field management server 70 to accurately detect an abnormality in the water level and temperature sensor 20.

As described above, the field water management system 1 according to this embodiment comprises a water management device 10 capable of managing water supply to the ground surface H1 of the field H and water supply to the underground H2 of the field H; a water level and temperature sensor 20 (measuring device) configured to be movable to a first position P1 where the water level and temperature on the ground surface H1 can be measured and a second position P2 where the water level and temperature in the underground H2 can be measured; and a field management server 70 (controller) capable of controlling the water management device 10 based on the measurement results of the water level and temperature sensor 20. The field management server 70 is configured to be able to execute two control modes for controlling the water management device 10: a surface irrigation mode that manages water supply to the ground surface H1, and a subsurface irrigation mode that manages water supply to the underground H2. The server determines which control mode to execute based on the water temperature measurement results obtained by the water level and temperature sensor 20.

This configuration allows the control mode appropriate for the position of the water level and temperature sensor 20 to be automatically executed, improving convenience. Furthermore, water can be appropriately supplied to the ground surface H1 and underground H2 based on the measurement results of the water level and temperature sensor 20.

The farmland management server 70 also determines the control mode to be executed based on the amount of change in water temperature measured by the water level/water temperature sensor 20 over a predetermined period of time (steps S230 and S260).

This configuration allows the position of the water level and temperature sensor 20 to be determined with high accuracy, making it easier to execute a control mode that matches the position of the water level and temperature sensor 20. This allows for more appropriate management of water supply to the field H.

The system further includes an operator terminal 50 (operation unit) that allows the operator to select the control mode, and the farmland management server 70 issues a predetermined notification when the control mode selected on the operator terminal 50 and the control mode determined based on the water temperature measurement results are different modes (step S250).

By configuring it in this way, a notification can be issued if the control mode selected on the operator terminal 50 differs from the control mode determined by the farm land management server 70.

The system further includes an operator terminal 50 (operation unit) that allows the operator to select the control mode, and if the control mode selected by the operator terminal 50 and the control mode determined based on the water temperature measurement results are different modes, the farmland management server 70 executes the control mode determined based on the water temperature measurement results.

By configuring it in this way, the control mode determined by the farm land management server 70 can be executed regardless of the control mode selected on the operator terminal 50.

In addition, the farmland management server 70 detects abnormalities in the water level/water temperature sensor 20 based on the water temperature measurement results in the surface irrigation mode and the subsurface irrigation mode.

By configuring it in this way, the water temperature measurement results can be used to check for abnormalities in the water level and water temperature sensor 20.

The water level and water temperature sensor 20 according to this embodiment is one embodiment of a measuring device.
The farm land management server 70 according to this embodiment is an embodiment of a control unit.
The operator terminal 50 according to this embodiment is an embodiment of an operation unit.

The second embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above configuration, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention described in the claims.

For example, in this embodiment, a control mode selection error is determined based on the amount of change in water temperature, but the information used to determine this selection error is not limited to the amount of change in water temperature. For example, the farm field management server 70 may determine a selection error based on the average, maximum, or minimum water temperature value, etc.

The installation location of the water level/temperature sensor 20 may also be changed periodically. If the installation location of the water level/temperature sensor 20 is changed, the farm land management server 70 may determine whether the amount of change in water temperature is large by taking into account the installation location of the water level/temperature sensor 20 when performing the mode confirmation process (steps S230 and S260) shown in FIG. 12 or when detecting an abnormality in the water level/temperature sensor 20. A specific explanation will be given below using FIG. 13 as an example.

The water level and temperature sensor 20 shown in Figure 13 was previously installed at points A and B and has been moved to point C. In Figure 13, point B is closer to point C than point A. The storage device of the data center 60 stores the water temperature measurement results at point A, the water temperature measurement results at point B, and location information (latitude and longitude) for points A to C. This makes it possible to manage the water temperature history for each location. In this embodiment, the water level and temperature sensor 20 also measures the water level of field H. The water level measurement results (measured values) are also stored in the storage device of the data center 60. This makes it possible to manage the water level and water temperature history separately.

The farm field management server 70 calculates the amount of change in water temperature in the past at point A or point B, where the water level and temperature sensor 20 was previously installed, at the point closer to point C (point B), and corrects the threshold value used to determine whether the amount of change in water temperature is large based on the calculation results. This allows the farm field management server 70 to appropriately determine whether the amount of change in water temperature is large, taking into account the past installation location, when performing the mode confirmation process shown in FIG. 12 and detecting an abnormality in the water level and temperature sensor 20.

As described above, the farm field management server 70 detects an abnormality in the water level and temperature sensor 20 based on at least one of the previously stored water temperature measurement results from the water level and temperature sensor 20 and information on the location where the water temperature was measured by the water level and temperature sensor 20 (the installation location of the water level and temperature sensor 20).

By configuring it in this way, it is possible to detect abnormalities in the water level and temperature sensor 20 using history (information stored in the storage device of the data center 60).

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Field water management system 10 Water management device 20 Water level and temperature sensor 70 Field management server H Field H1 Ground surface H2 Underground P1 First position P2 Second position

Claims (8)

a water management device capable of managing water supply to the surface of the field and water supply to the underground of the field;
a measuring device configured to be movable to a first position where the water level and water temperature on the ground surface can be measured and a second position where the water level and water temperature underground can be measured;
a control unit capable of controlling the water management device based on the measurement results of the measurement device;
Equipped with
The control unit
The water management device is configured to be able to execute a first mode for managing water supply to the ground surface and a second mode for managing water supply to the underground, as control modes for controlling the water management device;
determining a control mode to be executed based on the water temperature measurement result by the measuring device;
Field water management system. The control unit
determining the control mode to be executed based on the amount of change in water temperature measured by the measuring device over a predetermined period of time;
The field water management system according to claim 1. further comprising an operation unit that allows an operator to select the control mode;
The control unit
a predetermined notification is given when the control mode selected by the operation unit and the control mode determined based on the measurement result of the water temperature are different modes from each other;
The field water management system according to claim 1. further comprising an operation unit that allows an operator to select the control mode;
The control unit
When the control mode selected by the operation unit and the control mode determined based on the measurement result of the water temperature are different modes, the control mode determined based on the measurement result of the water temperature is executed.
The field water management system according to claim 1. The control unit
In the first mode and the second mode, an abnormality in the measurement device is detected based on the measurement result of the water temperature.
The field water management system according to claim 1. Further comprising a memory unit that stores the water temperature measurement results obtained by the measuring device.
The field water management system according to claim 1. The storage unit
storing information about the location where the water temperature is measured by the measuring device;
The field water management system according to claim 6. The control unit
Detecting an abnormality in the measuring device based on at least one of previously stored water temperature measurement results by the measuring device and information on a location where the water temperature was measured by the measuring device.
The field water management system according to claim 6 or 7.