JP2024114671A - Field Management System - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a farm field management system that can easily grasp information related to the water level of a farm field. [Solution] The system includes an acquisition unit 16a having at least one of an information acquisition unit that acquires water level adjustment means information related to water level adjustment means that is provided in the farm field H and adjusts the water level of the farm field H, and an image acquisition unit that acquires images of an area including the farm field H, and a determination unit 16e that performs a determination process related to the water level of the farm field H based on the results acquired by the acquisition unit 16a, and the acquisition unit 16a has both the water level adjustment means information acquisition unit and the image acquisition unit. [Selected Figure] Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to technology for a farm field management system for managing water in farm fields.

Conventionally, technology for managing water in farm fields using farm management systems has been publicly known. For example, it is as described in Patent Document 1.

The irrigation water management system described in Patent Document 1 is for supplying water stored in a farm pond to farm fields. The irrigation water management system is equipped with a pump that draws up water from the farm pond and sends it to the farm fields, and a water supply valve that opens and closes a path through which water from the pump flows into each farm field. By using such an irrigation water management system, the water level in the farm fields can be appropriately managed.

Generally, field drying is performed to ensure proper growth of rice plants, but in recent years, field drying is also expected to have the effect of suppressing methane produced by methanogens in the field. Therefore, there is a demand for technology that can easily grasp the state of drying, etc., in order to manage the period of drying and utilize it for rice growth and suppression of methane. For example, since it is thought that the effect of drying is achieved when the water level in the field reaches zero, there is a demand for technology that can easily grasp information about the water level in the field, such as whether or not there is water on the surface of the field.

JP 2021-94029 A

One aspect of the present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and the problem it aims to solve is to provide a farm field management system that can easily grasp information related to the water level in a farm field.

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

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the system includes an acquisition unit having at least one of a water level adjustment means information acquisition unit that acquires water level adjustment means information related to a water level adjustment means that is installed in a field and adjusts the water level of the field, or an image acquisition unit that acquires an image of an area including the field, and a judgment unit that performs judgment processing regarding the water level of the field based on the results acquired by the acquisition unit.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, information regarding the water level of a farm field can be easily grasped.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the acquisition unit includes both the information acquisition unit and the image acquisition unit.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, information regarding the water level in a farm field can be obtained based on water level adjustment means information and an image.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the water level adjustment means includes at least one of a water supply tap that supplies water to the field, a water supply pump that supplies water to the field, a water supply weir that adjusts the water supply to the field, a drain plug that drains water from the field, a drain pump that drains water from the field, or a drain weir that adjusts the drainage from the field, and the water level adjustment means information includes at least one of information regarding the opening degree of the water supply tap, information regarding the operating state of the water supply pump, information regarding the state of the water supply weir, information regarding the opening degree of the drain plug, information regarding the operating state of the drainage pump, information regarding the state of the drain weir, or information regarding the water level in the field.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, information regarding the water level in a farm field can be obtained based on the opening degree of a water faucet, etc.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the image includes an aerial image taken from above of an area including the field, and the determination unit performs, as the determination process, a first determination process that determines whether or not there is water on the surface of the field based on the water level adjustment means information and the results of obtaining the aerial image.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to easily determine whether or not there is water on the surface of a farm field.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the image acquisition section acquires a plurality of images captured on different dates and times.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a process for determining the water level in a farm field can be performed with high accuracy based on a plurality of images.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the image is a satellite photo taken by a satellite.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, images can be easily acquired.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the image is an aerial photograph taken by an aircraft flying above the field.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an image can be acquired at any timing.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the water level adjustment means information includes information specific to the farm field in which the water supply level adjustment means is installed.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a process for determining water levels can be performed with high accuracy based on information specific to a farm field.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the farm management device further includes a partitioning section that partitions the farm field shown in the image based on partition information of the farm field.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the imagery defines areas of the field.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the cultivation system further includes an estimation unit that estimates at least one of an AWD cultivation state or a mid-drying state based on a determination result from the determination unit.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to grasp whether the cultivation is in an AWD cultivation state or a mid-drying state.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the system further includes a calculation unit that calculates at least one of the amount of methane emission from the field or the amount of methane reduction in the field relative to a predetermined standard value based on the judgment result of the judgment unit.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, at least one of the methane emission amount and the methane reduction amount can be obtained by processing of the calculation unit, thereby improving convenience.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the calculation unit converts a calculation result of at least one of the methane emission amount or the methane reduction amount into an amount of carbon dioxide.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the amount of carbon dioxide can be obtained by processing of the calculation unit, thereby improving convenience.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the apparatus further includes a creating unit that creates a report on the calculation result of the calculation unit.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to improve convenience. For example, the creation unit can create a report for reporting the amount of methane reduction to a competent authority or the like, thereby improving convenience.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the farm system further includes a first information processing device that stores image data of the farm field and identification information for identifying the farm field in association with each other.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, by associating image data with identification information, it is possible to manage image data for each farm field.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the image includes a terminal image taken by a worker terminal owned by the worker, and the judgment unit performs, as the judgment process, a second judgment process of determining whether information indicating the water level of the field obtained from the terminal image is greater than or equal to a predetermined water level.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to easily grasp the magnitude relationship between the water level in a farm field and a predefined water level.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the device further includes a second information processing device that acquires location information or identification information assigned to each water level adjustment means from an image taken of the water level adjustment means and stores the information as location information of the water level adjustment means.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, convenience can be improved.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the water level adjustment means includes at least one of a water supply tap that supplies water to the field, a water supply pump that supplies water to the field, a water supply weir that adjusts the water supply to the field, a drain plug that drains water from the field, a drain pump that drains water from the field, or a drain weir that adjusts the drainage from the field, and the water level adjustment means information includes at least one of information on the opening of the water supply tap, information on the operating state of the water supply pump, information on the state of the water supply weir, information on the opening of the drain plug, information on the operating state of the drainage pump, or information on the state of the drain weir, and the field management system further includes a third information processing device that acquires and stores information contained in the water level adjustment means information by image recognition from an image taken of the water level adjustment means.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, convenience can be improved.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the system further includes a fourth information processing device that acquires location information of the field or identification information assigned to each of the fields from an image captured of the field, and stores the location information or identification information of the field.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, convenience can be improved.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the agricultural machine further includes a fifth information processing device that acquires information indicating a water level in the farm field by image recognition from an image of the farm field, and stores the information.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, convenience can be improved.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the worker terminal is a device equipped with a satellite positioning system.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, location information can be acquired with high accuracy.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the present invention includes an acquisition unit having at least one of an information acquisition unit that acquires water level adjustment means information related to a water level adjustment means provided in a field to adjust the water level of the field, or an image acquisition unit that acquires an image of an area including the field, a determination unit that performs a determination process regarding the water level of the field based on the acquisition result by the acquisition unit, and an information processing device that can store information, and the water level adjustment means is a water supply faucet that supplies water to the field, a water supply pump that supplies water to the field, a water supply weir that adjusts the water supply to the field, a drainage faucet that drains water from the field, a drainage pump that drains water from the field, or a drainage weir that adjusts the drainage from the field. The water level adjustment means information includes at least one of information regarding the opening degree of the water supply tap, information regarding the operating state of the water supply pump, information regarding the state of the water supply weir, information regarding the opening degree of the drain plug, information regarding the operating state of the drain pump, or information regarding the state of the drain weir, and the information processing device acquires and stores the information contained in the water level adjustment means information by image recognition from an image taken of the water level adjustment means, and acquires location information of the field or identification information assigned to each field from an image taken of the field, and stores this as location information or identification information of the field.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, information regarding the water level can be easily grasped.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, information regarding water levels can be easily obtained.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a farm land management system. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a farm field management system. 11 is a flowchart showing a process for estimating a dry-water condition. A schematic diagram showing water as seen on a satellite image. An explanatory diagram showing the start time and duration of mid-drying. 11 is a flowchart showing a report creation process for creating a report on a mid-drying state. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a report created in the report creation process. 11 is a flowchart showing a data storage process for storing image data. 1A is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a water level estimation member installed in a farm field, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing a cylindrical portion of the water level estimation member. 1A is a diagram showing the water level in a field during water supply and drainage in AWD cultivation; 4 is a flowchart showing an AWD cultivation state estimation process for estimating the state of AWD cultivation.

The following describes a farm field management system 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The farm field management system 10 shown in FIG. 1 is for managing water in a farm field H (multiple farm fields H in this embodiment). The farm field management system 10 includes a water supply device 11, a water level and water temperature sensor 12, a drainage device 13, a communication repeater 14, an operator terminal 15, a farm field management server 16, an image management server 17, and a data center 18.

The water supply device 11 is for managing the water supply to the field H. The water supply device 11 is provided in each field H. The water supply device 11 includes a communication device for communicating with the communication repeater 14 or the field management server 16 described later, and a water supply valve provided in a water channel connecting the water supply pipe K and the field H (not shown). Note that the water supply valve of the water supply device 11 shown in FIG. 1 is a water supply valve provided in a pipeline, but the water supply valve is not limited to this and may be, for example, a water supply gate provided in an open water channel. The water supply device 11 can switch between a state in which water can be supplied to the field H and a state in which water cannot be supplied by opening and closing the water supply valve. The water supply device 11 can also adjust the amount of water supplied to the field H depending on the opening degree of the water supply valve. Furthermore, by adjusting the amount of water supplied, the water supply device 11 (water supply valve) can adjust the water level of the field H. In addition, the water supply device 11 may have an imaging device such as a camera. The water supply device 11 can store image data captured by the imaging device in association with information that identifies the water supply device 11.

The water level/temperature sensor 12 is for measuring the water level (hereinafter referred to as the "surface water level") and water temperature on the surface H1 of the field H. The water level/temperature sensor 12 is provided in each field H. The water level/temperature sensor 12 is connected to the water supply device 11 and can transmit the measurement results of the surface water level and water temperature to the water supply device 11. In addition, a portion of the water level/temperature sensor 12 is disposed underground in the field H, and can also measure a water level lower than the surface H1 of the field H (hereinafter referred to as the "groundwater level").

Note that it is sufficient that a sensor capable of measuring the water level is installed in the field H. For example, instead of the water level and water temperature sensor 12, a sensor that measures only the water level may be installed in the field H.

The drainage device 13 is for managing the drainage of the field H. The drainage device 13 is provided in each field H. The drainage device 13 includes a communication device for communicating with the communication repeater 14 or the field management server 16, and a drain plug provided at the drainage port of the field H (not shown). The drainage device 13 is configured to be able to adjust the height of the partition body of the drain plug in response to a signal received via the communication device. For example, the drainage device 13 can drain the water of the field H into the drainage channel C by lowering the partition body to a position lower than the surface water level. The drainage device 13 can also stop drainage from the field H by raising the partition body to a height above the surface water level. In this way, in the field H, water can be stored up to a water level approximately the same as the height position of the partition body (height position of the upper surface). The drainage device 13 can also control the drainage of the field H (opening and closing of the drain plug and the amount of drainage) by adjusting the height of the partition body. In addition, by controlling the drainage, the drainage device 13 (drain plug) can adjust the water level in the field H. Hereinafter, the height position of the partition body (the water level that can be stored in the field H) is referred to as the "drainage gate height."

The farm land management system 10 does not necessarily have to be equipped with a drainage device 13 that can be remotely operated. For example, the farm land management system 10 may be equipped with a drainage device that cannot be remotely operated instead of the drainage device 13. The drainage device can adjust the drainage gate height (manually) by operating an operating tool, for example.

The communication repeater 14 is a device capable of wireless communication. The communication repeater 14 can exchange information with the water supply device 11, the drainage device 13, and the farm management server 16 (described later) via wireless communication.

The worker terminal 15 is a terminal owned by the worker. The worker terminal 15 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 capable of displaying the results of calculation processing and the like. The worker terminal 15 is composed of a device that the worker can carry with him/her, such as a smartphone or tablet terminal.

The worker terminal 15 can detect its own position information (latitude and longitude) by receiving signals from GPS satellites and mobile phone base stations. The worker terminal 15 also has a built-in camera. The worker terminal 15 can associate its own position information with image data captured by the camera and store it. This makes it possible to know where the image data was captured. Of positioning satellites such as GPS satellites and mobile phone base stations, it is preferable for the worker terminal 15 to receive signals from positioning satellites. This makes it possible to improve the accuracy of the position information (position information of the capture) associated with the image data. In this way, it is preferable for the worker terminal 15 to be a device equipped with a satellite positioning system that can detect its own position information by receiving signals from positioning satellites.

The worker terminal 15 also has a built-in clock. The worker terminal 15 can associate the date and time of the clock with image data captured by the camera as the shooting date and time and store the image data. The shooting date and time may not only be the date and time provided by the clock of the worker terminal 15, but also the date and time provided from outside the worker terminal 15. For example, the shooting date and time may be the date and time provided from a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). In this way, by using information provided from outside the worker terminal 15 as the shooting date and time, a more accurate shooting date and time can be stored. For this reason, it is preferable that the shooting date and time be information provided from outside the worker terminal 15.

In addition, if a fixed camera that photographs crops is installed in the field H, the worker terminal 15 can communicate with the fixed camera via an Internet line or the like to obtain images taken by the fixed camera, the date and time of shooting, etc.

The field management server 16 is for carrying out processing related to the water supply and drainage of the field H. The field management server 16 is configured as a cloud server (strictly speaking, a server virtually constructed within the cloud server). The field management server 16 can exchange information with the water supply device 11 or the drainage device 13 via the communication repeater 14 or by direct communication. The field management server 16 can obtain various information by receiving signals from the water supply device 11 or the drainage device 13. For example, the field management server 16 can obtain the opening degree of the water supply tap and the measurement results of the water level and water temperature sensor 12 based on the signal from the water supply device 11. The field management server 16 can also obtain the current drainage gate height based on the signal from the drainage device 13.

The field management server 16 can also control the water supply and drainage of the field H by sending signals to the water supply device 11 or the drainage device 13. For example, the field management server 16 can open and close the water tap by sending a signal to the water supply device 11, switch between a state in which water can be supplied to the field H and a state in which water cannot be supplied, and adjust the opening degree of the water tap. The field management server 16 can also adjust the drainage gate height by sending a signal to the drainage device 13. Note that the field management server 16 only needs to send and receive signals with at least one of the water supply device 11 or the drainage device 13, and can also send and receive signals with both the water supply device 11 and the drainage device 13, for example. By controlling the water supply and drainage in this way, the field management server 16 can adjust the surface water level so that it is a water level (set water level) according to the growth stage of the crop. An example of a process for adjusting the surface water level is described below.

The field management server 16 opens the water supply tap to raise the surface water level of the field H to the set water level. The field management server 16 then closes the water supply tap to stop the supply of water to the field H. Since the water in the field H penetrates into the soil and dries up, the surface water level of the field H gradually drops when the water supply is stopped. When the surface water level drops from the set water level by a predetermined threshold or more, the field management server 16 resumes the water supply to the field H to return the water level of the field H to the set water level. The field management server 16 adjusts the surface water level to a water level appropriate for the crop growth stage by repeating this water supply and water supply stop. Note that the above-mentioned surface water level adjustment method (control method) is one example, and the surface water level can be adjusted by any method according to various parameters. Furthermore, if field H does not have a drain plug that can be operated remotely, the fixed drain gate height is used as the reference, and if a drain plug is present, the water level can be adjusted as described above using the adjusted drain gate height as the reference.

The field management server 16 can exchange information with the worker terminal 15 via an internet line or the like. For example, the field management server 16 can notify the worker terminal 15 of specific information (such as the surface water level) by sending a signal to the worker terminal 15 in response to a request from the worker terminal 15. Also, for example, the field management server 16 can open and close the water supply tap in response to the operation of the worker terminal 15 by sending a signal to the water supply device 11 in response to a request from the worker terminal 15.

The farm field management server 16 can also exchange information with servers external to the farm field management system 10 via an internet line or the like.

The image management server 17 is for performing processing related to image data captured by the worker terminal 15. In addition, when a fixed camera is installed in the field H, the image data captured by the fixed camera (image data acquired by the worker terminal 15 from the fixed camera) may be used as image data captured by the worker terminal 15. The worker terminal 15 may also include a device capable of acquiring the distance to the subject of the image capture as point cloud data using LiDAR (light detection and ranging) or the like. In this embodiment, the point cloud data may be used as image data captured by the worker terminal 15. The image management server 17 is, for example, configured by a cloud server. The image management server 17 can exchange information between the worker terminal 15 and the data center 18 via an Internet line or the like. The image management server 17 can also exchange information between an external server of the field management system 10 via an Internet line or the like.

The data center 18 is a facility for storing various information related to the field H and the field management system 10. The data center 18 is provided with a storage device (e.g., a large-capacity storage device) for storing information and a server for controlling the storage device, and the storage device stores the measurement results of the water level and water temperature sensor 12 and the history of changes to the drainage gate height. The storage device also stores information related to image data taken by the worker terminal 15, such as the date and time of shooting, location information of the shooting, and shooting terminal information (e.g., information on the model of the worker terminal 15). The data center 18 can store information transmitted from the field management server 16 and the image management server 17 in the storage device. The data center 18 can also transmit the information stored in the storage device to the field management server 16 and the image management server 17 when requested by the field management server 16 and the image management server 17.

Here, when rice is grown in the field H, mid-season drainage is carried out in order to suppress excessive growth of the rice. When mid-season drainage is carried out using the field management system 10, the water supply to the field H by the water supply device 11 is stopped, and the field H is dried.

In this embodiment, the period during which water supply is stopped for mid-drying can be set in response to the operation of the operator terminal 15. Hereinafter, this period is referred to as the "set period." The operator can set the set period, for example, by inputting into the operator terminal 15 the date and time when water supply is stopped and the date and time when water supply is resumed.

Because water supply to field H is stopped during the set period, the surface water level of field H drops over time. When field H dries out (is in a semi-dried state) due to the drop in the surface water level, tillers of the rice plants are inhibited, and excessive growth of the rice plants can be suppressed. In addition, when field H is in a semi-dried state, the activity of methanogens, which are anaerobic bacteria, is suppressed, and the amount of methane emitted from field H can be reduced.

The recommended drying period for the growth of rice is preset according to the region, variety, etc. For example, a drying period deemed appropriate is set for each field H, such as "about eight days." Since methane is a greenhouse gas, extending the drying period beyond the usual period (the above recommended period (about eight days)) can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Workers can also participate in a project for reducing greenhouse gas emissions (e.g., J Credit) and prove that they have extended the drying period, and receive compensation according to the provisions of the project. To prove that the drying period has been extended, evidence is required that shows that the drying period was longer than usual.

The farm field management system 10 of this embodiment is configured to be able to estimate the dry state of the farm field H based on the result of determining whether or not there is water on the surface H1 of the farm field H. By using the result of estimating the dry state as evidence, the worker can prove the extension of the dry state. Below, the configuration for estimating the dry state in the farm field management system 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 2.

The farm field management server 16 includes an acquisition unit 16a, an estimation unit 16b, a position calculation unit 16c, a partition unit 16d, and a judgment unit 16e. The acquisition unit 16a is for acquiring various information required for estimating the mid-drainage state (such as water faucet opening information 18a described below) from the data center 18, etc. The estimation unit 16b is for performing calculation processing to estimate the mid-drainage state.

The position calculation unit 16c is for calculating the position information (map coordinates) of the water faucet. The partitioning unit 16d is for partitioning the field H shown in the aerial image described below. The determination unit 16e is for determining whether or not water is present on the surface H1 of the field H.

The image management server 17 includes an acquisition unit 17a, a calculation unit 17b, and a creation unit 17c. The acquisition unit 17a is for acquiring various information (such as field information 18d described later) required for the processing of the calculation unit 17b and the creation unit 17c from the worker terminal 15 or the data center 18. The calculation unit 17b is for calculating the amount of methane reduction suppressed by the extension of the mid-drainage. The creation unit 17c is for creating a report R (see FIG. 7) regarding the mid-drainage state. The acquisition unit 17a only needs to acquire information from at least one of the worker terminal 15 or the data center 18, and can acquire information from both the worker terminal 15 and the data center 18, for example. The image management server 17 may be a server integrated with the field management server 16, or may be configured as a separate server.

The data center 18 stores water supply valve opening information 18a, drain valve opening information 18b, water level information 18c, farm field information 18d, image information 18e, estimation result information 18f, and judgment result information 18g.

Water tap opening information 18a is a history of the opening degree of the water tap. The opening degree of the water tap is shown, for example, as a percentage, with a closed state of the water tap being 0% and a fully open state being 100%. Water tap opening information 18a is managed for each water tap provided in each field H. Water tap opening information 18a is information in which, for example, field identification information (assigned to each field H) that identifies the field H, water tap identification information that identifies the water tap, the opening degree of the water tap, the date and time when the opening degree of the water tap was changed, etc. are associated with each other. Water tap opening information 18a is created each time the opening degree of the water tap is changed and stored in data center 18. For example, when the opening degree of a water faucet is changed, the water supply device 11 transmits the changed opening degree, etc. to the data center 18 via the farm field management server 16, and the water faucet opening degree information 18a is stored in the data center 18.

The water faucet opening degree information 18a may be information obtained from image information 18e, which will be described later. As will be described later, the image information 18e may include not only image data captured by the worker terminal 15, the date and time of capture, and capture terminal information, but also information indicating the opening degree of the water faucet (opening degree information). Therefore, the opening degree information and the date and time of capture can be used as the water faucet opening degree information 18a.

In addition, both the water tap opening information obtained from the water supply device 11 and the water tap opening information obtained from the image information 18e can be used as the water tap opening information 18a. When managing the opening of the water tap in this manner by combining the water supply device 11 and images, it is expected that the opening information from the water supply device 11 and the water tap opening information from the image information 18e will differ from each other during a common time period. In this case, the data center 18 can also notify workers, etc. of an abnormality in the opening information. In addition to notifying the abnormality, the data center 18 can also confirm with workers, etc. that the correct opening information is available.

When managing the opening degree of the water faucet by combining the water supply device 11 and an image, the water faucet opening degree information 18a may store information on the information source of the opening degree in association with the field identification information and the opening degree of the water faucet. The information on the information source of the opening degree is information that can identify the information source of the opening degree (water supply device 11 or image). By storing the information source of the opening degree in this way, it is possible to manage whether the opening degree information stored in the water faucet opening degree information 18a is derived from the water supply device 11 or from an image. In addition, when the opening degree information from the water supply device 11 and the water faucet opening degree information from the image information 18e differ from each other during a common time period, it is also possible to have the operator select whether the opening degree information from the water supply device 11 or the opening degree information from the image information 18e is correct.

In addition, the server of the data center 18 may display the water faucet opening information 18a on the screen of the worker terminal 15 or the like in response to a request from the worker terminal 15 or the like. For example, the server of the data center 18 may display map information including the field H and the opening information of the water faucet of the field H (e.g., the latest opening information) on the screen of the worker terminal 15 or the like using a GIS (geographic information system) or the like. The server of the data center 18 may also display a list of the opening information of the water faucet (e.g., a list of the history of the opening information in chronological order) on the screen of the worker terminal 15 or the like. In addition, when displaying the opening information on the screen, the server of the data center 18 may display the above-mentioned information source of the opening in association with the opening information. This allows the worker to grasp not only the opening information of the water faucet but also the information source, thereby improving convenience.

Drain plug opening information 18b is a history of the opening of the drain plug. In this embodiment, the opening of the drain plug is indicated by the drain gate height. The drain opening information is managed for each drain plug installed in each field H. Drain plug opening information 18b is information in which, for example, field identification information, drain plug identification information that identifies the drain plug, the opening of the drain plug, the date and time when the opening of the drain plug was changed, etc. are associated with each other. Drain plug opening information 18b is created every time the drain gate height is changed and stored in the data center 18. For example, when the opening of the drain plug is changed, the drainage device 13 transmits the changed opening, etc. to the data center 18 via the field management server 16, and the drain plug opening information 18b is stored in the data center 18. In addition, if a drainage device that manually adjusts the drainage gate height is installed in the field H instead of the remotely operable drainage device 13, the manually adjusted drainage gate height can be input from an operator terminal 15 or the like, and the drainage valve opening degree can be stored in the drainage valve opening degree information 18b of the data center 18.

The drain valve opening information 18b may be information obtained from the image information 18e. As described below, the image information 18e may include not only image data captured by the worker terminal 15, the date and time of capture, and capture terminal information, but also information indicating the opening degree of the drain valve (opening degree information). Therefore, the opening degree information and the date and time of capture can be used as the drain valve opening degree information 18b.

In addition, both the drain plug opening information obtained from the drain device 13 and the drain plug opening information obtained from the image information 18e can be used as drain plug opening information 18b. When managing the opening of the drain plug by combining the drain device 13 and images in this way, it is expected that the opening information from the drain device 13 and the opening information from the image information 18e will differ from each other during a common time period. In this case, the data center 18 can notify workers, etc. of abnormalities in the opening information, or have workers, etc. confirm the correct opening information, just as in the case of the water supply valve opening information 18a.

When the drainage device 13 and images are combined to manage the opening degree of the drain valve, the drain valve opening degree information 18b may store information regarding the information source of the opening degree, similar to the water supply valve opening degree information 18a. The server of the data center 18 may display the drain valve opening degree information 18b on the screen of the worker terminal 15 or the like in response to a request from the worker terminal 15 or the like, similar to the water supply valve opening degree information 18a.

The water level information 18c is a history of the water level (surface water level and groundwater level) of the field H. The water level information 18c is managed for each field H. In this embodiment, the water level information 18c is information in which, for example, the field identification information, the sensor identification information for identifying the water level and water temperature sensor 12, the measurement result of the surface water level by the water level and water temperature sensor 12, the date and time when the surface water level was measured, etc. are associated with each other. The water level information 18c is created every time the water level and water temperature sensor 12 measures the surface water level and is stored in the data center 18. For example, when the surface water level is measured, the measurement result of the surface water level is transmitted from the water level and water temperature sensor 12 to the data center 18 via the field management server 16, and the water level information 18c is stored in the data center 18. In addition, when the water level of the field H is lower than the surface H1, the groundwater level is measured by the water level and water temperature sensor 12 and stored in the data center 18 in the same manner as the surface water level.

The water level information 18c may be information obtained from image information 18e, which will be described later. As will be described later, the image information 18e may include not only image data captured by the worker terminal 15, the capture date and time, and capture terminal information, but also information indicating the water level in the field H (water level information). Therefore, the water level information and the capture date and time can be used as the water level information 18c.

In addition, both the water level information obtained from the water level and temperature sensor 12 and the water level information obtained from the image information 18e can be used as water level information 18c. When managing the water level of the field H by combining the water level and temperature sensor 12 and images in this way, it is expected that the water level information from the water level and temperature sensor 12 and the water level information from the image information 18e will differ from each other during a common time period. In this case, the data center 18 can notify workers, etc. of abnormalities in the water level information, or have the workers, etc. confirm the correct water level information, just as in the case of the water faucet opening information 18a.

When managing the water level of the field H by combining the water level and water temperature sensor 12 and an image, the water level information 18c may store information on the water level information source, as in the case of the water faucet opening information 18a. The information on the water level information source is information that can identify the water level information source (the water level and water temperature sensor 12 or an image). By storing the water level information source in this way, it is possible to manage whether the water level stored in the water level information 18c is derived from the water level and water temperature sensor 12 or from an image. The server of the data center 18 may also display the water level information 18c on the screen of the worker terminal 15, etc., in response to a request from the worker terminal 15, etc., as in the case of the water faucet opening information 18a.

Field information 18d is information specific to the field. For example, field information 18d is information in which field identification information, the water depth of field H, the crops grown in field H, the location information of field H, the area of field H, the reduction standard methane generation amount, the oxidation standard methane generation amount, etc. are associated with each other.

The reduced water depth is an index that indicates how much the water level decreases per unit time. The location information of the field H is information that can identify the location where the field H is located. The location information of the field H is, for example, the address, latitude, and longitude of the field H. The server of the data center 18 can acquire the location information of the field H as appropriate. For example, the server can store (acquire) location information input via the worker terminal 15, etc., as the location information of the field H. Also, for example, the server can acquire the location information of the photographing that is added to an image of the field H photographed by the worker terminal 15, as the location information of the field H. The server can also acquire the location information of the field H from the field H that appears in the image.

For example, in the field H, an item capable of identifying its location information and field identification information (for example, an item having the name or address of the field H, or a symbol or code capable of identifying the name or address of the field H, printed thereon) may be placed. The server can then analyze the image data in which the item is photographed to detect the location information of the field H, thereby acquiring the location information and field identification information from the field H depicted in the image, and store these in association with each other. The server can also acquire and store the location information and field identification information of the field H from an image in which the field H is photographed, for example, by using artificial intelligence to recognize the scenery depicted in the image data. In this way, the method of acquiring the location information and field identification information of the field H from an image in which the field H is photographed is not particularly limited, and can be changed as appropriate depending on the configuration of the server, etc.

The reduction-based methane generation rate is the amount of methane generated per unit area and unit time in field H when field H is flooded and in a reducing state with low oxygen. The oxidation-based methane generation rate is the amount of methane generated per unit area and unit time in field H when field H is dry and in an oxidizing state with high oxygen. The water reduction depth, reduction-based methane generation rate, and oxidation-based methane generation rate can be set, for example, based on information about field H (such as the nature and condition of the soil, and the region) and experiments. Field information 18d is stored in advance in data center 18.

Image information 18e is information related to image data of field H captured by the camera of worker terminal 15. If a fixed camera is installed in field H, image information 18e may include image data captured by the fixed camera. If worker terminal 15 is capable of acquiring the distance to the subject of image capture as point cloud data, image information 18e may include the point cloud data. Image information 18e is managed for each field H. Image information 18e is information in which, for example, field identification information, position information of field H, image data, capture date and time of the image data, etc. are associated with one another. Image information 18e is stored in data center 18 by processing of image management server 17.

The image information 18e is not particularly limited as long as it is information related to image data of the field H. For example, the image information 18e may include information related to the worker terminal 15 that captured the image data, such as the location information of the worker terminal 15 at the time of capture and the model of the worker terminal 15 (capture terminal information). The image information 18e may also include information about the field H captured in the image data. For example, the image information 18e may include information about the opening degree of the water supply valve, the opening degree of the drain valve, and water level information of the field H.

In addition, information on the opening degree of the water tap, etc. may be acquired (estimated) based on image data. More specifically, information on the opening degree of the water tap may be acquired from image data that shows the water tap. For example, a server installed in data center 18 may acquire information on the opening degree of the water tap by analyzing the image data (image recognition) and detecting the state of the water tap that is shown in the image data. Furthermore, information on the opening degree of the drain tap may be acquired from image data that shows the drain tap, similar to information on the opening degree of the water tap.

Furthermore, the water level information of the field H may be obtained from an image taken of the field H. For example, the field H may be provided with a water level estimation member 20 for visually estimating the water level of the field H. Thus, the water level information of the field H may be obtained from an image taken of the water level estimation member 20. Below, with reference to FIG. 9, an example of a method for acquiring the water level using the water level estimation member 20 will be described.

The water level estimation member 20 comprises a tubular portion 21 and a display portion 22. The tubular portion 21 is a hollow member that is located at a position lower than the surface H1 of the field H and into which the water of the field H can flow. The tubular portion 21 is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape. The tubular portion 21 has a plurality of through holes 21a formed along the vertical and circumferential directions. The tubular portion 21 is inserted into a vertical hole H2 provided in the field H so that the upper portion protrudes. The display portion 22 is disposed within the tubular portion 21 and displays the water level of the field H. The display portion 22 is formed in a longitudinal shape extending vertically. Information indicating the water level (scale 22a, etc.) is printed on the surface of the display portion 22.

As shown in FIG. 9(a), water from the field H flows into the cylindrical portion 21 through the through hole 21a up to the same height as the water level of the field H. The server in the data center 18 then performs image recognition on the image data showing the water level estimation member 20 (vertical hole H2) and the water surface, and detects where the water surface is located on the display portion 22 (scale 22a), thereby acquiring the detection result as water level information for the field H.

Note that while FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a water level estimation member 20 equipped with a display unit 22, the display unit 22 does not need to be installed at all times. For example, an operator can set up the display unit 22 only when photographing the water level estimation member 20. Also, it is not necessary to have the display unit 22 installed when photographing, and it is also possible to configure the water level to be detected using other criteria, information processing, etc.

As mentioned above, the operator terminal 15 also includes equipment capable of acquiring the distance to the photographed subject as point cloud data using LiDAR or the like. Thus, by photographing the water surface, surface H1, and pit H2 of field H with the operator terminal 15 and acquiring point cloud data (distance to the water surface, etc.), water level information for field H can be acquired based on the point cloud data. In this way, depending on the specifications of the operator terminal 15, it is also possible to acquire water level information for field H using point cloud data relating to the distance to the photographed subject as image data.

The above-mentioned method of acquiring the water faucet opening information and water level information is one example, and the water faucet opening information can be acquired as appropriate. For example, the water faucet opening information may be acquired using a learning model (artificial intelligence) that can recognize the opening information from image data. The water faucet opening information may also be acquired based on information other than image data. For example, the water faucet opening information may be input by the worker when photographing the field H.

In addition, since the image data captured by the worker terminal 15 and the fixed camera shows a portion of the crops in the field H, information such as the plant height, color of the leaves and stems, and the growth status of the ears and fruits can be obtained from the crops shown in the image data. The information obtained in this way can be used for water management of the field H and for creating a schedule for setting water management. In addition, by comparing the image data of the portion of the crops in the field H obtained by the fixed camera or the like with the image data of the crops in the entire field H obtained from an aerial image described below (for example, the color distribution status of the entire field H in an image from an artificial satellite), it is possible to grasp the average growth status of the field H.

The estimation result information 18f is information that indicates the estimation result of the mid-drainage state. The estimation result information 18f is managed for each field H. The estimation result information 18f is information in which, for example, the field identification information, the estimation result of the mid-drainage state, etc. are associated with each other.

The judgment result information 18g is information indicating the result of judging whether or not there is water on the surface H1 of the field H (the judgment result of the judgment unit 16e). The judgment result information 18g is managed for each field H. The judgment result information 18g is information in which, for example, the field identification information, the opening degree of the water tap, the judgment result, etc. are associated with each other.

The field management server 16 is configured to be able to report abnormalities based on information stored in the data center 18. Specifically, the field management server 16 estimates the surface water level of the field H based on the opening information 18a of the water supply device 11 and the opening information 18b of the drainage device 13. If the estimated result differs from the measurement result of the water level/water temperature sensor 12 (measured surface water level) by a predetermined threshold or more, the field management server 16 detects an abnormality in the surface water level and notifies the operator terminal 15, etc. This makes it possible to quickly respond to abnormalities in the field management system 10 (for example, misalignment or failure of the water level/water temperature sensor 12).

Below, the mid-drainage state estimation process for estimating the mid-drainage state of field H will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. The mid-drainage state estimation process is executed by the field management server 16, for example, during a set period (period during which water supply is stopped). As shown in Figure 3, when the mid-drainage state estimation process is executed, the field management server 16 proceeds to step S10.

In step S10, the position calculation unit 16c of the field management server 16 calculates the position information (map coordinates) of the water hydrants. For example, the position calculation unit 16c calculates the position information of the water hydrants of each field H based on positioning data from a satellite positioning module attached to the water hydrants. The position calculation unit 16c stores the calculation results in association with the water hydrant identification information. This makes it possible to know where each water hydrant is located on the map.

The method for calculating (determining) the location information of the water faucet in step S10 is not particularly limited. For example, the location information of the water faucet can be determined by appropriately acquiring the location information of the water faucet input to the field management server 16 by the installer of the water faucet. The location information may also be determined from location information obtained from image information 18e of the water faucet (location information of the worker terminal 15 when the image data showing the water faucet was captured). When the processing of step S10 is completed, the field management server 16 proceeds to step S20.

In step S20, the acquisition unit 16a of the field management server 16 acquires an aerial image from an external server. The aerial image is an image of an area including the field H taken from the sky. In this embodiment, the acquisition unit 16a acquires a satellite photo P including the field H taken by a satellite S (see FIG. 1) during a set period as the aerial image. For example, the acquisition unit 16a acquires the satellite photo P from a specified institution via an internet line or the like. This makes it easy to acquire the aerial image.

As the satellite photo P, optical images that identify objects and SAR images that use reflected waves from the ground can be used. The farm management server 16 may also have an image determination unit that determines which of the optical and SAR images should be used preferentially. The method of determination by the image determination unit is not particularly limited. For example, an optical image may be missing part of the farm field H due to clouds. In contrast, an SAR image captures the ground surface regardless of the presence or absence of clouds. Therefore, the image determination unit may determine which image should be used preferentially depending on the weather at the time of capture (the characteristics of the optical and SAR images). For example, the image determination unit may determine that the SAR image should be used preferentially if the weather at the time of capture is cloudy or rainy, and that the optical image should be used preferentially if the weather is sunny. When the process of step S20 is completed, the farm management server 16 proceeds to step S30.

In step S30, the acquisition unit 16a of the field management server 16 acquires water tap information related to the water tap. The water tap information is information that makes it possible to determine the status of water supply to the field H by the water tap. The water tap information includes at least one of information related to the opening degree of the water tap (water tap opening degree information 18a) and information related to the water level in the field H (water level information 18c). Note that in this embodiment, the processing from step S30 onwards will be explained assuming that the water tap information is information related to the opening degree of the water tap.

When proceeding to step S30, the acquisition unit 16a first identifies water taps located within or around the satellite photo P based on the location information of the water taps calculated in step S10 and the location information of the satellite photo P acquired in step S20. The location information of the satellite photo P is information indicating which location on the map is shown in the satellite photo P, and is assigned in advance according to the location where the satellite photo P was taken. The acquisition unit 16a acquires water tap opening information 18a for the identified water taps from the data center 18. The acquisition unit 16a does not necessarily need to acquire the water tap information from the data center 18, and can acquire the water tap information directly from the water supply device 11, for example. When the processing of step S30 is completed, the field management server 16 proceeds to step S40.

In step S40, the partitioning unit 16d of the field management server 16 partitions the field H shown in the satellite image P acquired in step S20. An example of the processing in step S40 is described below.

When the process proceeds to step S40, the acquisition unit 16a acquires the division information of the field H from an external server. The division information of the field H is information that indicates the area of the field H on the map information. The division information of the field H includes the position of the field H on the map information (e.g., geographic coordinates such as latitude and longitude), information that indicates the shape of the field H, and the like. In this embodiment, the acquisition unit 16a acquires the division information (e.g., brush polygons) that is made public by a specified institution via an internet line or the like.

In step S40, the partitioning unit 16d overlays the partition information (shape of the field H) acquired by the acquisition unit 16a so as to match the position information and scale of the satellite photograph P. This allows the partitioning unit 16d to partition the field H shown in the satellite photograph P. The partitioning unit 16d also identifies which field H managed by the field management system 10 the partitioned field H corresponds to (field identification information) based on the position information of the field H in the field information 18d stored in the data center 18. The partitioning unit 16d also identifies a water faucet (water faucet identification information) that can supply water to the field H based on the result of identifying the field H. When the processing of step S40 is completed, the field management server 16 proceeds to step S50.

In step S50, the determination unit 16e of the farm field management server 16 analyzes the satellite image P acquired in step S20 to determine whether water is present on the surface H1 of the farm field H partitioned in step S40. An example of the determination is described below.

First, the determination unit 16e processes the satellite image P acquired in step S20 to highlight the water that appears in the satellite image P. For example, the determination unit 16e highlights the water using NDWI (Normalized Water Index), MNDWI (Modified Normalized Water Index), or the like. Note that FIG. 4 shows an example of a satellite image P in which water is highlighted. In FIG. 4, the hatched areas are highlighted as areas in which water appears.

After highlighting the water, the determination unit 16e determines whether water is reflected in the field H (area of field H) partitioned in step S40. For example, the determination unit 16e determines that water is not reflected in the field H when the area of field H does not contain a predetermined number of pixels indicating water. On the other hand, the determination unit 16e determines that water is reflected in the field H when the area of field H contains a predetermined number of pixels. The determination unit 16e stores the determination result in association with the field identification information, water tap opening information, etc. As shown in FIG. 3, when the processing of step S50 is completed, the field management server 16 proceeds to step S60.

Here, although in step S50 the parts showing water are highlighted, it is expected that it will be difficult to determine whether or not there is water on the surface H1 of the field H using only the satellite photo P due to the effects of resolution, etc. Therefore, in step S60, the determination unit 16e determines whether or not there is water on the surface H1 of the field H by taking into account the water faucet information (such as the history of the water faucet opening) in addition to the determination result of step S50. This makes it possible to accurately determine whether or not there is water on the surface H1 of the field H. An example of the processing of step S60 will be described below.

First, the determination unit 16e determines whether water was being supplied to the field H shown in the satellite photograph P on the date and time of the photograph taken in step S20, based on the water tap opening information obtained in step S30. The determination unit 16e then determines the presence or absence of water on the surface H1 of the field H, based on a combination of the determination result of step S50 and the presence or absence of water being supplied on the date and time of the photograph taken of the satellite photograph P. For example, the determination unit 16e determines that there is no water on the surface H1 of the field H for a field H that is determined in step S50 to not have water shown on the surface H1 of the field H and that is determined not to have been watered on the date and time of the photograph. On the other hand, the determination unit 16e determines that there is water on the surface H1 of the field H for the other fields H.

In step S60, the judgment unit 16e also transmits the judgment result to the data center 18 in association with the field identification information, water faucet opening information, etc. As a result, the judgment result of step S60 is stored in the judgment result information 18g of the data center 18. When the processing of step S60 is completed, the field management server 16 proceeds to step S70.

The criteria for determining whether water is present or absent exemplified in step S60 described above (the combination of the determination result in step S50 and the presence or absence of water supply at the date and time the satellite photograph P was taken) is one example, and the determination result (presence or absence of water) according to the combination can be set arbitrarily. For example, even if water is shown on the surface H1 of the field H in the satellite photograph P, if it is considered that there is no water on the surface H1 of the field H based on the water faucet opening information, the determination unit 16e can determine that there is no water on the surface H1 of the field H regardless of how it is shown in the satellite photograph P.

The above-mentioned content of the determination process in step S60 is an example, and the determination unit 16e can determine whether or not there is water on the surface H1 of the field H by other processes using the satellite photo P and the opening degree of the water tap (water tap information). For example, the determination unit 16e can determine whether or not there is water on the surface H1 of the field H by taking into consideration not only the photographed date and time of the satellite photo P, but also whether water was supplied to the field H relatively close to the photographed date and time (for example, from several hours before the photographed date and time to the photographed date and time).

In step S70, the estimation unit 16b of the field management server 16 estimates the mid-drain state of the field H. Here, since it is considered that the effect of mid-drainage can be obtained when the surface water level of the field H becomes zero, the estimation unit 16b of this embodiment estimates that for the field H determined in step S60 to have no water on the surface H1 of the field H, the field was in a mid-drain state on the date and time of the satellite photo P acquired in step S20. On the other hand, for the field H determined in step S60 to have water on the surface H1 of the field H, the estimation unit 16b estimates that the field H was not in a mid-drain state on the date and time of the photo. The estimation unit 16b transmits the estimation result to the data center 18 in association with the field identification information. As a result, the estimation result of step S70 is stored in the estimation result information 18f of the data center 18.

In step S70, the estimation unit 16b calculates the period during which the water level was low during the set period (mid-drain period) based on the information stored in the estimation result information 18f. An example of the process for calculating the mid-drain period is described below with reference to FIG. 5.

As described above, water supply to field H is stopped during the set period, so the surface water level of field H drops over time and transitions to a semi-dried state. The estimation unit 16b then extracts from the estimation result information 18f the date and time at which it was first determined that the field was in a semi-dried state during the set period, and sets this date and time as the date and time at which the field transitioned to a semi-dried state (hereinafter referred to as the "start date of semi-dried state").

Because the field management server 16 automatically stops water supply to the field H until the set period ends, the estimation unit 16b estimates the period from the start of the mid-drying period to when water supply is resumed as the mid-drying period. Here, since the water tap can be opened and closed in response to the operation of the operator terminal 15, it is possible that water supply to the field H will be resumed by the operation (manual) of the operator terminal 15 during the set period. In this case, in steps S60 and S70 of FIG. 3, it is determined that the field is not in a mid-drying state based on the opening degree of the water tap, so the estimation unit 16b determines that the mid-drying period is from the start of the mid-drying period to the date and time when water supply is manually resumed. When the processing of step S70 ends, the field management server 16 proceeds to step S80.

In step S80, the estimation unit 16b transmits the result of the estimation of the mid-drainage state (mid-drainage period) in step S70 to the operator terminal 15. This notifies the operator terminal 15 of the estimation result of the mid-drainage state. When the processing of step S80 is completed, the farm field management server 16 ends the mid-drainage state estimation processing.

In step S80, the estimation unit 16b can also transmit the determination result in step S70 in association with information on the crops grown in the field H. This allows the worker to easily understand the relationship between the growing crops and the water conditions in the field H, thereby improving convenience.

The above-mentioned processes from step S10 to step S80 can be executed in real time during the set period. For example, the above-mentioned processes can be executed at a predetermined time interval (such as the time interval when the satellite photograph P is taken). This allows, for example, an operator to check the current state of the field H at a desired timing using the operator terminal 15. The above-mentioned processes from step S10 to step S80 can also be executed all at once. For example, after the set period has ended, the period during which the field H was in a dry state (dry period) during the ended set period can be estimated using the history of various information (such as the opening degree of the water supply valve). The estimated result of the dry period is associated with the identification information of the field H at an appropriate timing, for example, at the time of step S80, and is stored in the estimation result information 18f of the data center 18.

In this embodiment, by performing the mid-drainage state estimation process, the worker can easily determine whether or not there is water in the field H without having to visit the field H multiple times during the set period. This reduces the burden on the worker.

In addition, if the mid-drying period is extended, the estimated result of the mid-drying period will be longer than the usual mid-drying period (about 8 days). This extended mid-drying period is also reflected in the estimated result of the mid-drying period, so the extension of the mid-drying period can be proven using the estimated result.

The aerial image used in the mid-drainage state estimation process may be one that is taken from the sky of an area that includes the field H. For example, the aerial image may be an aerial photograph taken by an aircraft other than the satellite S (e.g., a drone). For example, by taking an aerial photograph using a drone, it is possible to determine whether or not there is water in the field H at any time, improving convenience.

The determination unit 16e may determine whether or not there is water in the field H using water tap information and aerial photographs, and the processing content of the above-mentioned mid-drainage state estimation process may be changed as appropriate.

For example, in step S60, the determination unit 16e determines whether or not there is water on the surface H1 of the field H using the opening degree of the water tap, but it is also possible to perform the determination process using water tap information other than the opening degree. For example, the determination unit 16e can also determine whether or not there is water on the surface H1 of the field H using the surface water level of the field H (water level information 18c stored in the data center 18). An example of the determination process using the surface water level is described below.

For fields H that are determined in step S50 not to show water in the field H, the determination unit 16e determines whether the surface water level is below a predetermined threshold value at the date and time of the satellite photo P based on the water level information 18c. If the surface water level (measurement result of the water level and water temperature sensor 12) is below the threshold value, the determination unit 16e determines that there is no water on the surface H1 of the field H. On the other hand, if the surface water level is above the threshold value, the determination unit 16e determines that there is water on the surface H1 of the field H. This allows the determination unit 16e to use the surface water level to determine whether there is water on the surface H1 of the field H. In this way, it is also possible to determine the presence or absence of water on the surface H1 of the field H according to a combination of the determination result of step S50 and the surface water level of the field H (water level information 18c stored in the data center 18).

In the above embodiment, information on the opening degree of the water faucet (water faucet opening degree information 18a) and information on the water level of the field H (water level information 18c) are exemplified as the water faucet information, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to use information specific to the field (e.g., crops grown in the field H, area, reduced water depth, etc.) as the water faucet information. For example, when the reduced water depth is used, it is also possible to determine the presence or absence of water on the surface H1 of the field H according to a combination of the judgment result of step S50 and the reduced water depth of the field H. For example, for a field H determined in step S50 that no water is reflected, the judgment unit 16e can determine that there is water on the surface H1 of the field H until a set time set according to the reduced water depth has elapsed. Note that the smaller the reduced water depth, the more difficult it is for the water level of the field H to fall, so it is desirable to set the set time longer as the reduced water depth becomes smaller.

The determination unit 16e can also determine whether water is present on the surface H1 of the field H based on a combination of the determination result and multiple pieces of water faucet information (water faucet opening, surface water level, reduced water depth, etc.). For example, the determination unit 16e can determine that there is no water on the surface H1 of the field H for a field H determined in step S50 to have no water reflected therein if the water faucet is closed and the measurement result of the surface water level is below a predetermined threshold value. The determination unit 16e can also determine that there is water on the surface H1 of the field H for a field H determined to have no water reflected therein from the time the water faucet is closed until a set time set according to the reduced water depth has elapsed.

Immediately after the set period for mid-drying begins, water supply to the field H is stopped, but the surface water level does not drop completely and water remains on the surface H1 of the field H. In contrast, once a certain amount of time has passed since the set period began, the water disappears from the surface H1 of the field H and the field transitions to a mid-drying state. The determination unit 16e can also determine whether water is present in the field H by detecting such changes in the field H over time from multiple satellite photographs P.

Specifically, first, in step S20, the acquisition unit 16a acquires a plurality of satellite photos P. At this time, the acquisition unit 16a acquires a satellite photo P (a past satellite photo P) taken at the time when the set period began (or immediately after the set period began) and the latest satellite photo P.

In step S50, the determination unit 16e analyzes the past satellite photograph P to determine the appearance of the field H (e.g., color information, brightness, etc.). If the appearance of the latest satellite photograph P is not significantly different from that of the past satellite photograph P, the determination unit 16e determines that the state of the field H has not changed since the start of the set period, i.e., water is reflected on the surface H1 of the field H. On the other hand, if the appearance of the latest satellite photograph P differs from that of the past satellite photograph P, the determination unit 16e determines that the state of the field H has changed since the start of the set period, i.e., water is not reflected on the surface H1 of the field H. This allows the determination unit 16e to accurately determine whether or not there is water on the surface H1 of the field H based on multiple satellite photographs P.

In the above example, the satellite photo P taken at the time the set period began is used as the past satellite photo P, but the determination unit 16e can also determine whether water is visible in the field H by comparing satellite photos P taken during other periods with the latest satellite photo P. For example, the determination unit 16e can compare a satellite photo P taken during a period when it was confirmed that the field was in a mid-dried state with the latest satellite photo P, and determine that water is not visible in the field H if there is not much difference in how the photos are viewed. In this way, the determination unit 16e can determine whether water is visible in the field H by using past satellite photos P in which it is known whether there is water in the field H.

The determination unit 16e can also use a trained learning model to determine whether or not water is present on the surface H1 of the field H.

For example, satellite photographs P of the surface H1 of the field H with and without water are prepared, and the field management server 16 is made to learn the relationship between the characteristics of the appearance of these photographs (color information, brightness, etc.) and the presence or absence of water through supervised learning. In this way, the field management server 16 learns the characteristics of the surface H1 of the field H with and without water. By using the characteristics learned in this way, the field management server 16 can accurately determine whether or not water is present on the surface H1 of the field H.

The judgment unit 16e can also perform processing related to the mid-drain state, taking into consideration whether there is a difference between the judgment result of step S50 and the presence or absence of water supply according to the opening degree of the water supply valve. Note that a state in which there is a difference between the judgment result of step S50 and the presence or absence of water supply refers to a state in which one of the judgment result and the presence or absence of water supply indicates that there is water on the surface H1 of the field H, while the other of the judgment result and the presence or absence of water supply indicates that there is no water on the surface H1 of the field H.

The judgment unit 16e can also change the frequency of collecting various information for estimating the mid-drain state, depending on the difference between the judgment result and the presence or absence of water supply. For example, when there is a difference between the judgment result and the presence or absence of water supply, the judgment unit 16e may collect various information more frequently than usual (when there is no difference). Specifically, the judgment unit 16e shortens the period for obtaining the water supply tap opening degree, the measurement period of the water level and water temperature sensor 12, etc. This allows the field H to be monitored carefully.

The judgment unit 16e can also estimate the state of the field H based on the difference between the judgment result and the presence or absence of water supply. For example, the judgment unit 16e can estimate that the state of the field H has changed, starting from the point in time when the difference has disappeared. Specifically, when the judgment result and the presence or absence of water supply indicate that there is no water on the surface H1 of the field H from the state in which there is the difference (the difference has disappeared), it is possible to estimate that the field has entered a mid-dried state from that point in time and calculate the mid-dried period. Also, when the judgment result and the presence or absence of water supply indicate that there is water on the surface H1 of the field H from the state in which there is the difference (the difference has disappeared), it is possible to estimate that the field has ended the mid-dried state from that point in time and calculate the mid-dried period.

The following describes the report creation process for creating a report R on the mid-drying state, with reference to Figures 6 and 7. In this embodiment, the report R is used, for example, to certify that the mid-drying has been extended.

The report creation process is executed by the image management server 17 as appropriate after the mid-drain state estimation process is completed. For example, the report creation process is executed when a request to execute the report creation process is made to the image management server 17 from the worker terminal 15. As shown in FIG. 6, when the report creation process is executed, the image management server 17 proceeds to step S110.

In step S110, the acquisition unit 17a of the image management server 17 acquires the estimated result of the mid-drain state obtained in the mid-drain state estimation process from the estimation result information 18f of the data center 18. When the processing of step S110 is completed, the image management server 17 proceeds to step S120.

In step S120, the acquisition unit 17a of the image management server 17 acquires field-specific information required for creating the report R from the field information 18d of the data center 18. In this embodiment, the area of the field H, the reduction standard methane generation amount, and the oxidation standard methane generation amount are acquired. When the processing of step S120 is completed, the image management server 17 proceeds to step S130.

In step S130, the calculation unit 17b of the image management server 17 calculates the amount of methane reduction in the field H for the set period based on the results obtained in steps S110 and S120. As described above, methane emissions can be suppressed by extending the interim drainage beyond the usual period (approximately 8 days). The amount of methane reduction calculated in step S130 is a value indicating to what extent methane emissions could be suppressed compared to normal by extending the interim drainage beyond the usual period. An example of the process of step S130 for calculating the amount of methane reduction is described below.

First, the calculation unit 17b obtains the period of the dry state expected in normal dry-out. For this normal dry-out period, for example, an appropriate dry-out period (e.g., about 8 days) set for each field H can be used as described above. The calculation unit 17b calculates the difference between the normal dry-out period and the dry-out period obtained in step S110, i.e., the period during which the dry-out state is extended due to the extension of the dry-out period (extended period).

Then, the calculation unit 17b calculates the amount of methane generation during the extended period when mid-drying is extended by multiplying the extended period, the amount of reduced methane generation obtained in step S120, and the area of the field H. The calculation unit 17b also calculates the amount of methane generation during the extended period when normal mid-drying is performed, using the amount of oxidized methane generation obtained in step S120. The calculation unit 17b calculates the difference between these methane generation amounts to calculate the amount of methane reduction due to the extension of the set period.

Here, the amount of methane generation may vary depending on the weather conditions of the field H, such as temperature, solar radiation, and humidity. Therefore, the calculation unit 17b may estimate the amount of methane generation according to the weather conditions obtained from a weather data center. Note that a weather data center refers to a weather information providing server operated by, for example, a private weather company, and provides detailed temperature, solar radiation, humidity, etc. for each region based on information from the Japan Meteorological Agency, etc.

The calculation unit 17b may also calculate the amount of methane generation using a trained learning model. For example, the trained model may be one that is machine-learned to learn the amount of methane generation recorded (calculated) from the flooding conditions and weather conditions of field H in the same period as the mid-drainage period acquired in step S110. When the processing of step S130 is completed, the image management server 17 proceeds to step S140.

In step S140, the calculation unit 17b of the image management server 17 converts the amount of methane reduction calculated in step S130 into the amount of carbon dioxide reduction. In this embodiment, the calculation unit 17b converts the amount of methane reduction into the amount of carbon dioxide reduction based on the global warming potential.

The global warming potential indicates the strength of the greenhouse effect of other greenhouse gases, based on the strength of the greenhouse effect caused by the generation of carbon dioxide. The global warming potential of methane is set to 25. The calculation unit 17b converts the amount of methane reduction calculated in step S130 into the amount of carbon dioxide reduction by multiplying the amount of methane reduction calculated in step S130 by the global warming potential of methane (25). When the processing of step S140 is completed, the image management server 17 proceeds to step S150.

In step S150, the creation unit 17c of the image management server 17 creates a report R on the mid-drainage condition. At this time, the creation unit 17c creates a report R that matches the format of a document to be submitted to a specified institution, for example. For example, in order to receive compensation according to the amount of methane reduction, the creation unit 17c creates the report R by automatically inputting various information into the blanks of a document template prepared for a project on reducing greenhouse gas emissions (for example, J-Credit).

As shown in an example in FIG. 7, the creation unit 17c creates a report R including the name of the field H, the amount of methane reduction calculated in step S130, the amount of carbon dioxide reduction calculated in step S140, the inter-drought period estimated in the inter-drought condition estimation process, and the like. The creation unit 17c transmits the created report R to the operator terminal 15. When the process of step S150 ends, the image management server 17 ends the report creation process.

The report creation process can save the worker the trouble of creating report R, thereby improving convenience. The image management server 17 can also transmit the data of report R created in the report creation process to a specified institution. This can save the worker the trouble of submitting report R, thereby further improving convenience.

Here, it is expected that image data of the surface H1 of the field H and the water tap will be attached to the report R to be submitted to a specified institution to prove that the set period has been extended. However, when photographs are taken with a smartphone or tablet device camera, the image data is generally stored in a single folder, so if multiple fields H are photographed with the camera of a single worker terminal 15, management of the image data becomes cumbersome.

In this embodiment, the image management server 17 is configured to perform data storage processing so that image data can be managed for each field H in the data center 18.

The data storage process will be described below with reference to Figures 2 and 8. The data storage process is a process for storing image data in the storage device of the data center 18. The data storage process is executed appropriately by the image management server 17, for example, after the field H is photographed by the camera of the worker terminal 15. For example, the data storage process is executed when the worker terminal 15 requests the image management server 17 to execute the data storage process. As shown in Figure 8, when the data storage process is executed, the image management server 17 proceeds to step S210.

In step S210, the acquisition unit 17a of the image management server 17 acquires image data from the worker terminal 15. The image data is associated with information on the shooting date and time and the shooting location (location information of the worker terminal 15 at the time of shooting). When the processing of step S210 ends, the image management server 17 proceeds to step S220.

In step S220, the acquisition unit 17a of the image management server 17 transmits information associating the image data acquired in step S210 with the field identification information to the data center 18. An example of the processing in step S220 is described below.

First, the acquisition unit 17a acquires the location information and field identification information of each field H from the field information 18d of the data center 18. Then, the acquisition unit 17a identifies which field H the image data represents based on the information on the shooting location associated with the image data acquired in step S210 and the acquisition result of the location information of each field H. The acquisition unit 17a then transmits to the data center 18 information that associates the identification information of the identified field H with the image data, shooting time, etc. acquired in step S210. When the processing of step S220 is completed, the image management server 17 terminates the data storage processing.

By the data storage process, the information sent from the image management server 17 is stored as image information 18e in the data center 18 shown in FIG. 2, and the image data can be managed for each field H in the data center 18.

By managing the image data for each field H in this way, convenience can be improved. For example, only image data of a portion of the fields H selected by the worker can be displayed on the worker terminal 15. The image data can also be arranged in order of the date and time of the image. The arranged image data can also be pasted into a report R in response to the operation of the worker terminal 15. This makes it easy to create a report R using the image data, improving convenience.

In this embodiment, the server that manages the image data (image management server 17) as described above is constructed separately from the server that manages the water supply and drainage of field H (field management server 16). By separating the servers in this way, even if a failure occurs in one server, the other server continues to operate, so the risk of failure can be dispersed.

In addition, the water supply device 11 can also incorporate air into the water and supply it to the field H, rather than simply supplying the water stored in the water reservoir to the field H. For example, a bubble generator can be installed near the water supply device 11 to supply water containing bubbles with a diameter of 1 μm or more and less than 100 μm (microbubbles), bubbles with a diameter of less than 1 μm (ultrafine bubbles), etc. to the field H. This allows the water in the field H to contain a lot of air when the field H is filled with water. As mentioned above, since methanogens are anaerobic bacteria, by incorporating a lot of air into the water in the field H, the activity of methanogens can be suppressed even in periods other than mid-drying, and the amount of methane emitted from the field H can be reduced.

As described above, the farm field management system 10 according to this embodiment includes an acquisition unit 16a having at least one of an information acquisition unit that acquires water level adjustment means information (water supply valve opening information 18a and drain valve opening information 18b) related to water level adjustment means (water supply valve and drain valve) that are provided in the farm field H and adjust the water level of the farm field, and an image acquisition unit that acquires an image (aerial image (satellite photo P)) of an area including the farm field H, and a judgment unit 16e that performs judgment processing (steps S50 and S60) related to the water level of the farm field H based on the acquisition results of the acquisition unit 16a.

By configuring it in this way, the worker can easily grasp information about the water level of the field H without having to go to the field H. For example, it is possible to easily grasp whether or not there is water on the surface H1 of the field H.

The acquisition unit 16a also has both the water level adjustment means information acquisition unit and the image acquisition unit (see steps S20 and S30 shown in Figure 3).

By configuring it in this way, information about the water level in field H can be obtained based on the water level adjustment means information and images.

The water level adjustment means includes at least one of a water supply faucet that supplies water to the field H, a water supply pump that supplies water to the field, a water supply weir that adjusts the water supply to the field H, a drain plug that drains water from the field H, a drain pump that drains water from the field H, or a drain weir that adjusts the drainage from the field H, and the water supply faucet information includes at least one of information on the opening of the water supply faucet (water supply faucet opening information 18a), information on the operating state of the water supply pump, information on the state of the water supply weir, information on the opening of the drain plug (drain plug opening information 18b), information on the operating state of the drainage pump, information on the state of the drain weir, or information on the water level of the field H (water level information 18c).

By configuring it in this way, information about the water level in field H can be obtained based on the opening degree of the water tap, the water level in field H, etc.

The image also includes an aerial image (satellite photo P) taken from the sky of the area including the field H, and the determination unit 16e performs a first determination process (steps S50 and S60) as the determination process to determine whether or not there is water on the surface H1 of the field H based on the water level adjustment means information and the results of obtaining the aerial image.

By configuring it in this way, it is easy to determine whether or not there is water on the surface H1 of the field H.

The image acquisition unit (acquisition unit 16a) also acquires multiple images (aerial images) taken at different dates and times.

By configuring it in this way, it is possible to perform accurate determination processing regarding the water level in field H based on multiple images.

The image (aerial image) is a satellite photo P taken by a satellite S.

By configuring it in this way, images can be easily acquired via an internet line, etc.

The image is an aerial photograph taken by an aircraft flying above the field H.

By configuring it in this way, images can be acquired at any time using an aircraft (e.g., a drone).

The water level adjustment means also includes information (field information 18d) specific to the field H in which the water level adjustment means is installed.

By configuring it in this way, it is possible to perform accurate determination processing regarding the water level of field H based on information specific to field H (e.g., reduced water depth).

The farm field management system 10 further includes a partition section 16d that partitions the farm field H shown in the image (aerial image) based on the partition information of the farm field H.

By configuring it in this way, the area of field H becomes clear in the image, making it possible to perform accurate determination processing regarding the water level in field H.

The farm field management system 10 further includes an estimation unit 16b that estimates at least one of the AWD cultivation state and the dry land state (the dry land state in this embodiment) based on the judgment result of the judgment unit 16e.

By configuring it in this way, it is possible to grasp the state of AWD cultivation or the period during which the state was dry, based on the estimated results of the state of AWD cultivation or the dry state.

The farm field management system 10 further includes a calculation unit 17b that calculates at least one of the amount of methane emission from the farm field H or the amount of methane reduction in the farm field H relative to a predetermined reference value based on the judgment result of the judgment unit 16e.

By configuring it in this way, at least one of the methane emission amount or the methane reduction amount can be obtained by processing of the calculation unit 17b, thereby improving convenience.

The calculation unit 17b also converts the calculation result of at least one of the methane emission amount or the methane reduction amount into the amount of carbon dioxide (step S140).

By configuring it in this way, the amount of carbon dioxide can be obtained through processing by the calculation unit 17b, thereby improving convenience.

The farm land management system 10 further includes a creation unit 17c that creates a report R (report) regarding the calculation results of the calculation unit 17b.

This configuration can improve convenience. For example, the creation unit 17c can create a report R that reports the amount of methane reduction to a competent authority, etc., thereby improving convenience.

The farm field management system 10 further includes an image management server 17 (information processing device) that stores image data of the farm field H and identification information for identifying the farm field H in association with each other.

By configuring it in this way, image data can be managed for each field H.

The water level adjustment means includes at least one of a water supply faucet that supplies water to the field H, a water supply pump that supplies water to the field H, a water supply weir that adjusts the water supply to the field H, a drain plug that drains water from the field H, a drain pump that drains water from the field H, or a drain weir that adjusts the drainage from the field H, and the water level adjustment means information includes at least one of information on the opening degree of the water supply faucet, information on the operating state of the water supply pump, information on the state of the water supply weir, information on the opening degree of the drain plug, information on the operating state of the drainage pump, or information on the state of the drainage weir, and the field management system 10 further includes a third information processing device (a server in the data center 18) that acquires and stores information included in the water level adjustment means information by image recognition from an image taken of the water level adjustment means.

By configuring it in this way, it is possible to obtain information such as the opening degree based on images even from water taps that cannot communicate, thereby improving convenience.

The farm field management system 10 further includes a fourth information processing device (a server in the data center 18) that acquires location information of the farm field H or identification information (field identification information) assigned to each farm field H from an image captured of the farm field H, and stores the location information or identification information of the farm field H.

This configuration eliminates the need to input location information into the input section (e.g., touch panel) of the worker terminal 15, improving convenience.

The farm field management system 10 further includes a fifth information processing device (a server in the data center 18) that acquires and stores information indicating the water level of the farm field H by image recognition from an image of the farm field H (e.g., an image including the water level estimation member 20 shown in FIG. 9(a)).

With this configuration, it is possible to obtain information indicating the water level of the field H even in a place where there is no power source or a means for remotely monitoring the water level of the field H (the water level/water temperature sensor 12), thereby improving convenience. Furthermore, by using this information to perform the process of step S70 in the estimation unit 16b, it is possible to prove that mid-season drainage has been extended (or that AWD cultivation has been performed) even in the field H that does not have a power source or the like.
In this embodiment, since the water level and water temperature sensor 12 is installed in the field H, by obtaining the measurement results of the water level and water temperature sensor 12, the worker can grasp the water level in the field H without having to go to the field H and photograph the field H.
Furthermore, by combining the water level obtained by image recognition with the measurement results of the water level and water temperature sensor 12, the water level in the farm field H can be managed in detail.

The worker terminal 15 is also a device equipped with a satellite positioning system. For example, the worker terminal 15 is a device that can detect its own location information by receiving signals from GPS satellites.

This configuration allows for accurate acquisition of location information. In addition, by adding location information obtained from a satellite positioning system to images captured by the worker terminal 15, the accuracy of the location information for the image can be improved.

As described above, the farm field management system 10 according to this embodiment includes an acquisition unit 16a having at least one of an information acquisition unit that acquires water level adjustment means information (water supply tap opening information 18a and drain valve opening information 18b) related to water level adjustment means (water supply taps and drain valves) that are provided in the farm field H and adjust the water level of the farm field H, and an image acquisition unit that acquires an image (aerial image (satellite photo P)) of an area including the farm field H, a judgment unit 16e that performs judgment processing (steps S50 and S60) related to the water level of the farm field H based on the acquisition results of the acquisition unit 16a, and an information processing device (a server of the data center 18) that can store information, and the water level adjustment means includes a water supply tap that supplies water to the farm field H, a water supply pump that supplies water to the farm field H, a water supply weir that adjusts the supply of water to the farm field H, a drain valve that drains water from the farm field H, and a water level adjustment means (aerial image (satellite photo P)) that adjusts the water level of the farm field H. The water level adjustment means information includes at least one of a drainage pump that drains water or a drainage weir that adjusts the drainage from the field H, and the water level adjustment means information includes at least one of information about the opening degree of the water supply valve, information about the operating state of the water supply pump, information about the state of the water supply weir, information about the opening degree of the drainage valve, information about the operating state of the drainage pump, or information about the state of the drainage weir. The information processing device acquires and stores information included in the water level adjustment means information by image recognition from an image of the water level adjustment means (image taken with the operator terminal 15), and acquires location information of the field H or identification information (field identification information) assigned to each field H from an image of the field H (image taken with the operator terminal 15), and stores this as location information or identification information of the field H.

This configuration allows information about the water level to be easily grasped. In addition, by obtaining information about the water level from the image, the water level of the field H can be obtained even in places where there is no water level/water temperature sensor 12 or the like. In addition, convenience can be improved because there is no need to input position information into the input section (touch panel, etc.) of the worker terminal 15.

The acquisition unit 16a according to this embodiment is one embodiment of a water tap information acquisition unit and an image acquisition unit according to the present invention.
The image management server 17 is an embodiment of a first information processing device according to the present invention.
Moreover, the server of the data center 18 is an embodiment of the third to fifth information processing devices according to the present invention.

The third information processing device (a server in data center 18) may perform the image recognition using artificial intelligence.

By configuring it in this way, it is possible to obtain the water level adjustment means information (such as the opening degree of the water tap) using artificial intelligence.

Furthermore, the fifth information processing device (a server in data center 18) may perform the image recognition using artificial intelligence.

By configuring it in this way, it is possible to obtain information indicating the water level in field H using artificial intelligence.

The fifth information processing device (a server in data center 18) may also acquire information indicating the water level of the field H by image recognition from an image of a vertical pit H2 (see FIG. 9(a)) provided in the field H.

By configuring it in this way, it is possible to obtain information indicating the water level in the field H using the pit H2. It is also possible to obtain the groundwater level in the field H.

Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described above, 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 period for which the mid-drying state is estimated is the set period for mid-drying, but the mid-drying state can be estimated at any time, not limited to the set period.

In addition to estimating the dryness state, the estimation unit 16b can also perform other calculation processes related to dryness in the dryness state estimation process (step S70). For example, the estimation unit 16b can calculate the recommended time to end dryness depending on the dryness state during the set period.

Specifically, if the field H dries for a long period of time, the roots of the rice plants may be damaged, resulting in a decrease in yield. On the other hand, if the field H dries for a short period of time, the effect of suppressing greenhouse gas (methane) emissions may be insufficient. Therefore, the estimation unit 16b identifies the start time of mid-drying during the set period, and calculates the time a predetermined period after the start time of mid-drying as the recommended end time of mid-drying. The predetermined period is appropriately set according to information about the field H (such as the nature and condition of the soil, the region, etc.) and the type of rice grown in the field H. More specifically, the predetermined period is set to a period during which the effect of suppressing methane emissions by extending the mid-drying is achieved, and the impact of the reduction in yield is small. The calculation result of the recommended end time of mid-drying is notified to the operator terminal 15, so that the operator can grasp the end time of mid-drying that can suppress methane emissions by extending the set period, while minimizing the impact on the yield.

Furthermore, the farmland management server 16 may automatically end mid-drying based on the results of the calculation of the recommended end time for mid-drying described above, rather than on a set period. This allows mid-drying to be automatically ended at an appropriate time.

In addition, in this embodiment, various information such as image data is stored in the storage device of the data center 18, but the device in which the various information is stored is not particularly limited. For example, the various information may be stored in the farm field management server 16, the image management server 17, etc. Furthermore, the various information may be stored in a distributed manner across multiple servers.

In addition, in this embodiment, the server that manages the image data (image management server 17) is constructed separately from the server that manages the water supply and drainage of field H (field management server 16), but the server configuration in the field management system 10 is not particularly limited. For example, the management of image data and the management of the water supply and drainage of field H may be performed by a common server.

In addition, the calculation unit 17b calculates the amount of methane reduction due to the extension of the set period in step S130, but it may also calculate other information that can determine the extent to which methane generation has been suppressed by extending the set period. For example, the calculation unit 17b may calculate the amount of methane emission from the field H during the set period.

In addition, in this embodiment, the field management server 16 performs the mid-drainage state estimation process, but the device that performs the mid-drainage state estimation process is not particularly limited. For example, the mid-drainage state estimation process may be performed by the operator terminal 15, etc.

In addition, in step S40 of the mid-drainage state estimation process, the partitioning unit 16d partitions the field H based on the partition information, but the method for partitioning the field H is not particularly limited. For example, the partitioning unit 16d can also partition the field H by analyzing a satellite photo P.

In addition, in steps S50 and S60 of the mid-drainage state estimation process, the determination unit 16e can determine whether or not there is water on the surface H1 of the field H by using only the satellite photo P out of the satellite photo P and the water tap opening degree. In other words, the determination unit 16e can determine that there is no water on the surface H1 of a field H for which it has been determined that no water is visible in the satellite photo P.

The water supply device 11 can also supply water to the field H using a configuration other than a water supply tap. For example, the water supply device 11 can supply water to the field H using a water supply pump that draws up water from a water channel and supplies it to the field H. The water supply device 11 can also adjust the water supply to the field H using a dam (water supply dam) installed in the water supply channel that supplies water to the field H. In addition, it does not matter whether the water supply pump and water supply dam can be remotely operated.

The drainage device 13 can also drain water from the field H using a configuration other than a drain plug. For example, the drainage device 13 can drain water from the field H using a drainage pump that draws up water from the field H and drains it into a waterway. The drainage device 13 can also adjust the drainage from the field H using a weir (drainage weir) installed in the drainage channel C (see Figure 1) that discharges water from the field H. Furthermore, it does not matter whether the drainage pump and drainage weir can be remotely operated.

As such, the water level adjustment means according to the present invention is not limited to the water supply valves and drainage valves of this embodiment, as long as it is capable of adjusting the water level in the field H.

In addition, the data center 18 may store information according to the configuration of the water level adjustment means (information that allows the status of water supply and drainage to be determined). For example, if a water supply pump and a drainage pump are installed in the field H, the data center 18 may store information regarding the operating status of the water supply pump and the drainage pump. The information regarding the operating status is, for example, information that allows the user to determine whether the water supply pump, etc. is operating. The information regarding the operating status is, for example, a history of the operation of the water supply pump, etc., a history of water supply (history of the operating status) that allows the user to determine that water has been supplied by the operation of the water supply pump, etc. In addition, for example, if a water supply weir and a drainage weir are installed in the field H, the data center 18 may store information regarding the status of the water supply weir and the drainage weir. The information regarding the status of the water supply weir, etc. is information that allows the user to determine that water supply and drainage have been performed by the water supply weir, etc. The information regarding the status of the water supply weir, etc. is, for example, a history of the height of the water supply weir, etc., and a history of whether water is passing through the water supply weir.

The server of data center 18 can also obtain information on the operating status of the above-mentioned water supply pump, etc., by image recognition from images taken of the water level adjustment means. For example, the server can obtain the operating status of the water supply pump, etc. (that water is actually being supplied) by recognizing an image of an operation lamp indicating that the water supply pump is operating, or an image of water being released from the water supply pump towards field H. The server can also obtain the status of the water supply dam, etc. (that water is not being supplied) by recognizing an image of the water in field H being held back by a water supply dam.

In addition, data center 18 is assumed to store identification information given to each water level adjustment means (water tap, etc.), the opening degree of the water tap, etc., but data center 18 may store information different from that in this embodiment (information about the water level adjustment means). For example, location information of the water level adjustment means may be stored in association with identification information (identification information of the water level adjustment means). This allows for detailed management of the information on the water level adjustment means, thereby improving convenience.

The position information and identification information of the water level adjustment means may also be obtained from an image taken of the water level adjustment means. For example, if information indicating the installation location and identification information of the water level adjustment means (such as a label with the address and name of the water level adjustment means, or a symbol or code that can identify the address or name of the water level adjustment means) is affixed to the water level adjustment means, the server of the data center 18 obtains an image of the water level adjustment means (the label, etc.) from the worker terminal 15. The server then analyzes the image to detect the label, etc., thereby obtaining position information, etc. from the image taken of the water level adjustment means and storing it in association with the identification information.

As described above, the farm field management system 10 further includes a second information processing device (a server in the data center 18) that acquires location information or identification information assigned to each water level adjustment means from an image captured of the water level adjustment means and stores the location information of the water level adjustment means.

This configuration improves convenience by eliminating the need to input information about the position of the water level adjustment means on the input section (touch panel, etc.) of the operator terminal 15.

The server of data center 18 is one embodiment of the second information processing device according to the present invention.

In this embodiment, in steps S50 and S60 (see FIG. 3) of the mid-drainage state estimation process, both the satellite photo P and the water level adjustment means information (opening degree of the water supply valve) are used to determine whether or not there is water on the surface H1 of the field H. However, the determination unit 16e can also determine whether or not there is water on the surface H1 of the field H using only the water level adjustment means information. For example, the determination unit 16e can determine that there is no water on the surface H1 of the field H when it is determined from the opening degrees of the water supply valve and the drain valve that the state in which the water supply valve is closed and the drain valve is open has continued for a long time. In the field H where the above-mentioned water supply pump and drain pump are installed, the determination unit 16e can determine that there is no water on the surface H1 of the field H when the water supply pump is not operating during a time period after the drain pump has operated for a long time. In this way, the determination unit 16e can perform the water level determination process (steps S50 and S60) even if a water supply valve or drain valve is not installed.

In this embodiment, the extension of mid-drying is used as an example to suppress the emission of greenhouse gases (methane), but it is also possible to suppress the emission of greenhouse gases by other methods. For example, it is also possible to suppress the emission of greenhouse gases by AWD (alternate wetting and drying) cultivation. Note that AWD cultivation is a cultivation method in which the work of raising the surface water level of field H by 5 cm or more (see field H shown in FIG. 10(a)) and the work of lowering the groundwater level of field H by 15 cm or more (see field H shown in FIG. 10(b)) are repeated for a predetermined period (e.g., 10 days). In AWD cultivation, by lowering the groundwater level by 15 cm or more, field H can be made into an oxidized state and the generation of methane can be suppressed.

The farm field management system 10 can also perform various processes on the farm field H where the AWD cultivation is performed. For example, the estimation unit 16b can estimate the state of AWD cultivation rather than the dry state. By using the estimation result as evidence, the worker can prove that he or she has performed AWD cultivation and receive compensation according to the project regulations for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. An example of the AWD cultivation state estimation process for estimating the state of AWD cultivation will be described below with reference to FIG. 11.

First, in step S310, the acquisition unit 16a acquires the water level history of field H, the field identification information of field H, and the date and time of water level measurement, etc. from the data center 18 (water level information 18c). At this time, the acquisition unit 16a acquires both the surface water level history and the groundwater level history of field H. When the processing of step S310 is completed, the field management server 16 proceeds to step S320.

In step S320, the determination unit 16e determines whether the water level history acquired in step S310 is greater than or equal to the water level specified for AWD cultivation. Specifically, the determination unit 16e determines whether the surface water level acquired in step S310 is 5 cm or greater, and whether the groundwater level acquired in step S310 is -15 cm or less (whether the water level is 15 cm or greater lower than the surface H1 of the field H) (see FIG. 10). The determination unit 16e stores the determination result in association with the field identification information, the date and time of water level measurement, etc. When the processing of step S320 ends, the field management server 16 proceeds to step S330.

In step S330, the estimation unit 16b estimates the state of AWD cultivation in the field H. An example of the estimation process is described below. The estimation unit 16b checks the judgment results stored in step S320 in chronological order, and identifies a period during which the surface water level of the field H is repeatedly adjusted between a state in which the surface water level is 5 cm or more and a state in which the groundwater level is -15 cm or more. The estimation unit 16b then determines this period as the period during which AWD cultivation was carried out in the field H. The estimation unit 16b transmits the estimation result to the data center 18 in association with the field identification information. As a result, the estimation result of the period of AWD cultivation is stored in the estimation result information 18f of the data center 18. When the processing of step S330 is completed, the field management server 16 proceeds to step S340.

In step S340, the estimation unit 16b transmits the estimation result of the AWD cultivation state (period) in step S330 to the operator terminal 15, similar to step S80 in this embodiment (FIG. 3). When the processing of step S340 ends, the farm field management server 16 ends the AWD cultivation state estimation processing.

The field management server 16 can certify that AWD cultivation has been performed by performing the AWD cultivation estimation process. In addition, the field management server 16 may select and execute either the mid-drainage state estimation process shown in FIG. 3 or the AWD cultivation estimation process shown in FIG. 11 in response to a request from the operator terminal 15. This makes it possible to certify both the extension of mid-drainage and the performance of AWD cultivation, thereby improving versatility.

As described above, the image includes a terminal image taken by the worker terminal 15 owned by the worker, and the determination unit 16e performs, as the determination process, a second determination process (step S320) to determine whether the information indicating the water level of the field H obtained from the terminal image is greater than or less than a predefined water level.

By configuring it in this way, it is possible to easily grasp the relationship in magnitude between the water level in field H and a predefined water level. For example, it is possible to grasp the relationship in magnitude between the water level in field H and the water level defined for AWD cultivation (surface water level 5 cm, groundwater level -15 cm).

The calculation unit 17b and the creation unit 17c may also calculate the amount of methane emission or reduction based on the period of AWD cultivation estimated in the AWD cultivation estimation process, and create a report on the results (see report R shown in FIG. 7). This can save the worker the trouble of creating report R, even when AWD cultivation is performed.

10 Farmland management system 16a Acquisition unit 16d Determination unit P Satellite photo

Claims (21)

an acquisition unit having at least one of an information acquisition unit that acquires water level adjustment means information related to a water level adjustment means that is provided in a farm field and adjusts the water level of the farm field, and an image acquisition unit that acquires an image of an area including the farm field;
a determination unit that performs a determination process regarding the water level of the farm field based on the results acquired by the acquisition unit. The acquisition unit is
The farm land management system according to claim 1 , comprising both the information acquisition unit and the image acquisition unit. The water level adjusting means is
The farm includes at least one of a water supply tap that supplies water to the field, a water supply pump that supplies water to the field, a water supply weir that adjusts the water supply to the field, a drainage plug that drains water from the field, a drainage pump that drains water from the field, or a drainage weir that adjusts the drainage from the field,
The water level adjustment means information is
The field management system of claim 1, comprising at least one of information regarding the opening degree of the water supply tap, information regarding the operating state of the water supply pump, information regarding the state of the water supply weir, information regarding the opening degree of the drain plug, information regarding the operating state of the drainage pump, information regarding the state of the drainage weir, or information regarding the water level in the field. The image is
An aerial image of an area including the farm field is taken from above,
The determination unit is
The farm land management system according to claim 1 , wherein the determination process comprises a first determination process for determining whether or not water is present on the surface of the farm land based on the water level adjustment means information and the results of acquiring the aerial image. The image acquisition unit includes:
The farm land management system according to claim 1 , wherein a plurality of the images taken at different dates and times are acquired. The image is
The farm land management system according to claim 1 , wherein the image is a satellite photograph taken by a satellite. The image is
The farm land management system according to claim 1 , wherein the photograph is an aerial photograph taken by an aircraft flying above the farm land. The water level adjustment means information is
The farm land management system according to claim 1 , further comprising information specific to the farm land in which the water supply level adjustment means is provided. The farm field management system according to claim 1, further comprising a partitioning unit that partitions the farm field shown in the image based on farm field partition information. The farmland management system according to claim 1, further comprising an estimation unit that estimates at least one of the AWD cultivation state or the mid-drainage state based on the judgment result of the judgment unit. The farm field management system according to claim 1, further comprising a calculation unit that calculates at least one of the amount of methane emission from the farm field or the amount of methane reduction in the farm field relative to a predetermined reference value based on the judgment result of the judgment unit. The calculation unit is
The farmland management system according to claim 11 , wherein a result of calculation of at least one of the methane emission amount or the methane reduction amount is converted into an amount of carbon dioxide. The farm management system according to claim 11, further comprising a creation unit that creates a report on the calculation results of the calculation unit. The farm field management system according to claim 1, further comprising a first information processing device that stores image data of the farm field and identification information for identifying the farm field in association with each other. The image is
A terminal image captured by a worker terminal owned by the worker is included,
The determination unit is
The farm field management system according to claim 1 , wherein the determination process comprises a second determination process for determining whether the information indicating the water level of the farm field obtained from the terminal image is greater than or equal to a predefined water level. The farm management system according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising a second information processing device that acquires location information or identification information assigned to each of the water level adjustment means from an image captured of the water level adjustment means, and stores the location information of the water level adjustment means. The water level adjusting means is
The farm includes at least one of a water supply tap that supplies water to the field, a water supply pump that supplies water to the field, a water supply weir that adjusts the water supply to the field, a drainage plug that drains water from the field, a drainage pump that drains water from the field, or a drainage weir that adjusts the drainage from the field,
The water level adjustment means information is
The information includes at least one of information regarding the opening degree of the water supply valve, information regarding the operating state of the water supply pump, information regarding the state of the water supply weir, information regarding the opening degree of the drain valve, information regarding the operating state of the drain pump, or information regarding the state of the drain weir;
The farm field management system includes:
The farm management system according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising a third information processing device that acquires and stores information contained in the water level adjustment means information by image recognition from an image taken of the water level adjustment means. The farm field management system according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising a fourth information processing device that acquires location information of the farm field or identification information assigned to each of the farm fields from an image of the farm field, and stores the location information or identification information of the farm field. The farm field management system according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising a fifth information processing device that acquires and stores information indicating the water level of the farm field by image recognition from an image of the farm field. The worker terminal includes:
The farm land management system according to any one of claims 1 to 15, which is an apparatus equipped with a satellite positioning system. an acquisition unit having at least one of an information acquisition unit that acquires water level adjustment means information related to a water level adjustment means that is provided in a farm field and adjusts the water level of the farm field, and an image acquisition unit that acquires an image of an area including the farm field;
a determination unit that performs a determination process regarding a water level of the field based on the acquisition result of the acquisition unit;
An information processing device capable of storing information;
Equipped with
The water level adjusting means is
The farm includes at least one of a water supply tap that supplies water to the field, a water supply pump that supplies water to the field, a water supply weir that adjusts the water supply to the field, a drainage plug that drains water from the field, a drainage pump that drains water from the field, or a drainage weir that adjusts the drainage from the field,
The water level adjustment means information is
The information includes at least one of information regarding the opening degree of the water supply valve, information regarding the operating state of the water supply pump, information regarding the state of the water supply weir, information regarding the opening degree of the drain valve, information regarding the operating state of the drain pump, or information regarding the state of the drain weir;
The information processing device includes:
A field management system which acquires and stores information contained in the water level adjustment means information by image recognition from an image taken of the water level adjustment means, and acquires location information of the field or identification information assigned to each field from an image taken of the field, and stores this as location information or identification information of the field.

Images