Animal management system, analysis device, and computer program

Abstract

An animal management system 10 comprises a detection device 50 for detecting the condition of an animal at rest in a non-contact manner and an analysis device 103 for analyzing the condition of the animal. The analysis device 103 includes a vital sign calculation unit for calculating vital signs of the animal at rest on the basis of the result of the detection by the detection device 50 and an output unit for outputting provision information generated on the basis of the vital signs calculated by the vital sign calculation unit.

Description

Animal management system, analytical device, and computer program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an animal management system, an analytical device, and a computer program for managing the condition of an animal.

[0002] While animals such as cats and dogs have long been widely kept as pets, in recent years an increasing number of people are living with animals as cherished members of their families. Since animals cannot properly manage their own health and cannot verbally notify their caregivers of their ailments, caregivers must properly manage their animals' health. Patent Document 1 discloses a non-contact animal biomonitoring device that measures vital signs such as animal respiration, using a sensor unit consisting of a transmitting / receiving antenna and a horn installed in an animal shed to detect the respiration, heart rate, and oxygen concentration of the animals in a non-contact manner.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-151455

[0004] The present inventors have recognized that, when managing an animal's health condition based on its vital signs, it is important to measure the animal's vital signs at rest. When an animal is excited due to the presence of people or other animals around the animal, or due to noise around the animal, the animal's vital signs are affected. Without accurate knowledge of the animal's vital signs at rest, it is impossible to accurately assess the animal's condition based on the vital signs. Furthermore, when an animal's health condition deteriorates and the veterinarian is consulted, it is beneficial for the veterinarian to be able to compare the animal's vital signs at that time with its usual resting vital signs in order to more accurately assess the animal's condition.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of such problems, and its purpose is to provide a technology for acquiring vital signs of an animal at rest.

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, an animal management system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a detection device for non-contact detection of the state of an animal at rest, and an analysis device for analyzing the state of the animal. The analysis device includes a vital sign calculation unit that calculates the vital signs of the animal at rest based on the detection results of the detection device, and an output unit that outputs provided information generated based on the vital signs calculated by the vital sign calculation unit.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure is an analysis device including: a vital sign calculation unit that calculates a vital sign of the animal at rest based on a detection result obtained by a detection device that detects the state of the animal at rest in a non-contact manner; and an output unit that outputs information to be provided that is generated based on the vital sign calculated by the vital sign calculation unit.

[0008] Any combination of the above components, and conversion of the present disclosure into a method, device, system, recording medium, computer program, etc., are also valid aspects of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an animal management system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a shelf device configured to allow a cat to stay in peace. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of a shelf member. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of a shelf member. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of a shelf member. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of a shelf member. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a detection device. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the contact surface between a main body and a support unit. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of an analysis device. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a method of calculating vital signs. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of an administrator terminal. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of provided information provided from an analysis device to an administrator terminal. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of provided information provided from an analysis device to an administrator terminal.

[0010] As an embodiment of the present disclosure, a technology for managing the condition of an animal by acquiring vital signs of the animal while the animal is at rest will be described. The animal may be any animal that can be kept or managed by humans, such as a cat, dog, bird, fish, or small animal, but here, a cat will be used as an example.

[0011] 1 shows the configuration of an animal management system 10 according to an embodiment. The animal management system 10 includes a detection device 50 for detecting the resting state of a cat 200, which is an example of an animal, an analysis device 103 for analyzing the detection results detected by the detection device 50 to acquire the vital signs of the cat 200, an administrator terminal 13 used by an administrator 12 such as the caretaker of the cat 200, a veterinarian terminal 15 used by a veterinarian 14 who examines the cat 200, and a communication network 11 that communicatively connects these devices.

[0012] The detection device 50 detects information necessary to calculate the vital signs of the cat 200 in a non-contact manner. The detection device 50 may include an imaging device. In this case, the analysis device 103 may calculate the respiratory rate from the cycle of abdominal expansion and contraction of the cat 200. The detection device 50 may include a radar sensor. In this case, the analysis device 103 may also calculate the respiratory rate from the cycle of abdominal expansion and contraction of the cat 200. The detection device 50 may include an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a temperature sensor, etc.

[0013] The analysis device 103 extracts detection results detected when the cat 200 is at rest from the detection results by the detection device 50, and calculates vital signs of the cat 200, such as the respiratory rate, based on the extracted detection results. The analysis device 103 generates information to be provided based on the calculated vital signs at rest, and outputs the generated information to the administrator terminal 13 or the veterinarian terminal 15. The analysis device 103 detects an abnormality in the cat 200 based on the calculated vital signs at rest, and issues an alert when an abnormality in the cat 200 is detected. The analysis device 103 may detect an abnormality in the cat 200 by comparing the calculated vital signs at rest with vital signs calculated in the past.

[0014] The manager terminal 13 presents to the manager 12 the provided information including the vital signs of the cat 200 at rest output from the analysis device 103. The manager terminal 13 presents to the manager 12 the alert output from the analysis device 103.

[0015] The veterinarian terminal 15 presents the provided information, including the vital signs of the cat 200 at rest, output from the analysis device 103, to the veterinarian 14. In order for the veterinarian to correctly understand the condition of the cat 200, it is useful to compare the vital signs of the cat 200 at rest before its physical condition deteriorated with the vital signs of the cat 200 at rest after its physical condition deteriorated. However, since the cat 200 is often in an excited state when the veterinarian examines it, even if the vital signs of the cat 200 measured at that time are not the vital signs at rest. By presenting the provided information, including the vital signs of the cat 200 at rest in its usual environment, to the veterinarian 14, the veterinarian can more accurately diagnose the condition of the cat 200. Note that the animal management system 10 of this embodiment does not need to include the veterinarian terminal 15.

[0016] In the animal management system 10 of this embodiment, by using a non-contact sensor, the condition of the cat 200 can be detected without causing stress to the cat 200, even if the cat 200 dislikes wearing a collar or the like, so the condition of the cat 200 when at rest can be grasped more accurately.

[0017] In order to more accurately acquire the vital signs of the cat 200 while it is at rest, it is preferable that the detection device 50 be installed in an environment where the cat 200 can stay at rest. An example of equipment configured in this way will be described.

[0018] 2 shows the configuration of a shelving device 1 configured to allow a cat 200 to rest peacefully. The shelving device 1 includes a wall panel 2, multiple shelf members 3A to 3D (collectively referred to as "shelf members 3"), a suspension bridge member 4, and a ladder member 5. The suspension bridge member 4 and ladder member 5 are each an example of an additional part. The shelf members 3A to 3D are arranged so that their attachment positions relative to the installation surface 2a of the wall panel 2 can be changed as desired. The suspension bridge member 4 and ladder member 5 are suspended across any two of the shelf members 3A to 3D.

[0019] The shelf device 1 of this embodiment is shown as being made up of shelf members 3A to 3D, a suspension bridge member 4, and a ladder member 5, forming a catwalk on which a small animal such as a cat (hereinafter simply referred to as "cat 200") can stand, but it may also be made up of a wall shelf on which items such as ornamental plants and other indoor furnishings can be placed.

[0020] The wall panel 2 is made of a plate material arranged along the vertical wall surface 100. The vertical wall surface 100 is, for example, the interior wall surface of a building. The surface of the wall panel 2 constitutes the installation surface 2a to which the multiple shelf members 3A-3D are attached. The wall panel 2 can be formed of an appropriate material that can attach the multiple shelf members 3A-3D. The wall panel 2 of this embodiment is made of a metal plate material that can be magnetically attracted to the magnetic sheets 3111 provided on the shelf members 3A-3D, which will be described later. The wall panel 2 is fixed to the vertical wall surface 100 using appropriate fixing members such as screws (not shown). The wall panel 2 shown in FIG. 2 is formed so as to rise from the floor surface 101 along the vertical wall surface 100, but the wall panel 2 may be arranged at any height position on the vertical wall surface 100. A surface material such as a decorative material may be provided on the installation surface 2a to the extent that it does not affect the attachment of the shelf members 3A-3D.

[0021] Next, the shelf members 3A to 3D will be described. First, the directions indicated by the coordinate axes in each figure will be defined. The X direction indicates the longitudinal direction of the shelf members 3A to 3D. The X direction is the direction along the surface of the installation surface 2a. The Y direction is the width direction of the shelf members 3A to 3D. The Y direction is the direction perpendicular to the installation surface 2a. The Z direction indicates the height direction and up-down direction of the shelf members 3A to 3D. The Z direction is the direction along the surface of the installation surface 2a and is perpendicular to the X direction.

[0022] 3 shows the configuration of the shelf member 3A. The shelf member 3A is a first shelf member that forms a step on the installation surface 2a. The shelf member 3A includes a shelf member body 31 and a hooked portion 32.

[0023] The shelf member main body 31 is formed in an L-shape, integrally comprising an attachment plate portion 311 and a lower plate portion 312. Both the attachment plate portion 311 and the lower plate portion 312 are formed in the shape of horizontally long rectangular plates. The attachment plate portion 311 forms an attachment surface for the installation surface 2a. A magnetic sheet 3111 is attached to almost the entire back surface of the attachment plate portion 311. The lower plate portion 312 is bent at a right angle to the attachment plate portion 311 and protrudes from the lower end of the attachment plate portion 311 in a direction away from the installation surface 2a.

[0024] The shelf member main body 31 has a laminated structure. Specifically, the shelf member main body 31 is formed by laminating a surface material 31a, a back surface material 31b, and a core material 31c. The surface material 31a forms the surface facing the cat 200 resting on the lower plate portion 312. The back surface material 31b forms the surface on the opposite side of the core material 31c from the surface material 31a. The surface material 31a, the back surface material 31b, and the core material 31c are each integrally formed across the mounting plate portion 311 and the lower plate portion 312.

[0025] The front surface material 31a and the back surface material 31b are made of a soft material that is gentle on the cat 200. In this embodiment, the front surface material 31a and the back surface material 31b are made of a relatively thick felt fabric. The front surface material 31a and the back surface material 31b may also be made of a soft resin such as urethane foam resin. The corners R of the front surface material 31a and the back surface material 31b are each processed into an arc shape.

[0026] The front surface material 31a and the back surface material 31b may have different thicknesses. The front surface material 31a and the back surface material 31b are not limited to being formed from a single surface material. The front surface material 31a and the back surface material 31b may each be formed by laminating two or more surface materials. The two or more surface materials may each be made of different materials.

[0027] The core material 31c forms the framework of the shelf member main body 31. The core material 31c is formed by bending a metal plate such as iron or aluminum into an L-shape. In the shelf member main body 31, the front surface material 31a and the back surface material 31b have approximately the same size. In contrast, the core material 31c has a smaller size than the front surface material 31a and the back surface material 31b. In this embodiment, the core material 31c is formed from a single plate, but the core material 31c may be divided into two or more pieces and arranged between the front surface material 31a and the back surface material 31b. When the core material 31c is divided into two or more pieces, the division positions are not particularly limited.

[0028] The front surface material 31a, the back surface material 31b, and the core material 31c are laminated and integrated by bonding with an elastic adhesive containing, for example, a modified silicone resin.

[0029] The hooked portion 32 is disposed on the lower plate portion 312 of the shelf member body 31 and protrudes outward from the lower plate portion 312. In this embodiment, the hooked portion 32 protrudes downward from the lower surface 312a of the lower plate portion 312, as shown in Figures 3 and 5 .

[0030] Figure 4 shows the configuration of shelf member 3B. Shelf member 3B is a second shelf member that forms a tunnel on installation surface 2a. In shelf member 3B shown in Figure 4, parts with the same reference numerals as shelf member 3A indicate parts with the same configuration. The above description of shelf member 3A will be used to refer to these parts, and explanations of these parts may be omitted below.

[0031] The shelf body 31 of the shelf 3B integrally includes a mounting plate 311 and a lower plate 312, as well as a front plate 313 and an upper plate 314. This results in the shelf 3B being formed in a rectangular tubular shape with both longitudinal ends open. The front plate 313 bends upward at a right angle from the end of the lower plate 312 farther from the mounting plate 311 and is disposed parallel to the mounting plate 311. The upper plate 314 protrudes from the upper end of the mounting plate 311 in a direction away from the installation surface 2a and is connected to the upper end of the front plate 313. The upper plate 314 is disposed parallel to the lower plate 312.

[0032] The front surface material 31a and the back surface material 31b are also each formed in a rectangular cylindrical shape. Like the shelf member 3A, the front surface material 31a and the back surface material 31b of the shelf member 3B may each be formed by stacking two or more surface materials. Although not shown in FIG. 8 , a core material 31c is provided between the front surface material 31a and the back surface material 31b. The core material 31c may be divided into two or more pieces and arranged between the front surface material 31a and the back surface material 31b. When the core material 31c is divided into two or more pieces, the position at which it is divided is not particularly limited.

[0033] The shelf 3B has a plurality of openings 315. Each of the plurality of openings 315 penetrates the shelf body 31. In this embodiment, the openings 315 are disposed in the front plate 313 and the upper plate 314. The openings 315 may be formed across the front plate 313 and the upper plate 314. The openings 315 serve as viewing windows for the cat 200 resting on the lower plate 312, or as entrances and exits for the cat 200 in the shelf body 31.

[0034] Figure 5 shows the configuration of shelf member 3C. Shelf member 3C is a third shelf member that forms a box on installation surface 2a. In shelf member 3C shown in Figure 5, parts with the same reference numerals as shelf members 3A and 3B indicate parts with the same configuration. The above descriptions of shelf members 3A and 3B are used to refer to these parts, and descriptions of these parts may be omitted below.

[0035] The shelf body 31 of the shelf 3C has an attachment plate 311, a lower plate 312, a front plate 313, and a pair of end plates 316, 316 integrated into it. This forms the shelf 3C in the shape of a box with an open top. The end plates 316, 316 are arranged at both longitudinal ends of the shelf body 31, spanning the attachment plate 311, the lower plate 312, and the front plate 313, and are bonded with an adhesive. The pair of end plates 316, 316 are arranged parallel to each other and close both longitudinal ends of the shelf body 31.

[0036] The surface material 31a and the back surface material 31b are formed across the mounting plate portion 311, the lower plate portion 312, and the front plate portion 313. Like the shelf members 3A and 3B, the surface material 31a and the back surface material 31b of the shelf member 3C may each be formed by stacking two or more surface materials. Although not shown in FIG. 9 , a core material 31c is provided between the surface material 31a and the back surface material 31b. The core material 31c may be divided into two or more pieces and arranged between the surface material 31a and the back surface material 31b. When the core material 31c is divided into two or more pieces, the position at which it is divided is not particularly limited.

[0037] An opening 315 is formed in the front plate 313 of the shelf member body 31. Furthermore, the front plate 313 is formed with a notch 317 cut out in an arc shape at the upper end.

[0038] Figure 6 shows the configuration of shelf member 3D. Shelf member 3D is a fourth shelf member that forms a box on the installation surface 2a, separate from shelf member 3C. In shelf member 3D shown in Figure 6, parts with the same reference numerals as shelf members 3A to 3C indicate parts with the same configuration. The above explanations of shelf members 3A to 3C are used to refer to these parts, and explanations of these parts may be omitted below.

[0039] Similar to the shelf member 3C, the shelf member body 31 of the shelf member 3D integrally includes a mounting plate portion 311, a lower plate portion 312, a front plate portion 313, and a pair of end plates 316, 316. As a result, the shelf member 3D is formed in the shape of a box that is open at the top.

[0040] An opening 315 is formed from the bottom plate 312 to the front plate 313 of the shelf member main body 31. A transparent plate 3151 such as an acrylic plate is provided in the opening 315. The transparent plate 3151 is laminated between the front surface member 31a and the back surface member 31b. With the transparent plate 3151 provided in the opening 315, when the cat 200 stands on the bottom plate 312 of the shelf member 3D, the paw pads of the cat 200 can be observed through the transparent plate 3151.

[0041] Shelf members 3A to 3D can be attached to any position on installation surface 2a by magnetic sheets 3111 provided on mounting plate portion 311. This forms shelving device 1 as a catwalk on which cat 200 can jump and move around on upright wall surface 100. Although shelf members 3A to 3D can each be used independently, as shown in Figure 2, the design of shelving device 1 can be improved by suspending additional parts such as suspension bridge member 4 and ladder member 5 across any two shelf members 3A to 3D.

[0042] The cat 200 can rest in a calm state because it can hide from the eyes of people around it using the shelf member 3. Therefore, by detecting the state of the cat 200 staying on the shelf device 1, the vital signs of the cat 200 at rest can be calculated more accurately.

[0043] FIG. 7 shows an example of a detection device 50. The detection device 50 includes a main body 51 and a support portion 52 that supports the main body 51. The main body 51 includes at least one detection portion 53. The detection portion 53 detects the state of the cat 200. In the example shown in this figure, the detection portion 53 includes an imaging device 53a and a radar sensor 53b. The detection portion 53 may be an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a temperature sensor, or the like. When multiple detection portions 53 are provided on the main body 51, they may be provided on the same surface of the main body 51. The support portion 52 is configured to be detachably installable on the installation surface 2a of the shelf device 1. The support portion 52 may have a magnet on its back surface or may be installed on the installation surface 2a by magnetic force. The support portion 52 may have a hook on its back surface or may be engaged with the installation surface 2a. The support portion 52 may have a screw hole on its back surface or may be screwed to the installation surface 2a. A cushioning material 51a made of a soft material that is gentle on the cat 200 is provided around the main body 51. The cushioning material 51a may be made of felt fabric or soft resin such as urethane foam resin.

[0044] The detector 50 may be installed above one or more of the shelves 3A to 3D. The detector 53 may be provided on the underside of the detector 50. In this case, the detector 50 may detect the status of the cat 200 staying on the lower shelf 3 from above the shelf 3. Even if the shelf 3B has an upper plate 314, if the detector 50 is installed above the opening 315, the status of the cat 200 staying inside the shelf 3B can be detected through the opening 315. If the shelf 3 has an opening on the side or bottom, the detector 50 may be installed on the side or bottom of the shelf 3, and may detect the status of the cat 200 through the opening on the side or bottom of the shelf 3. When a radar sensor is used as the detector 53, since millimeter waves and microwaves can pass through materials such as felt, the shelf 3 may be covered with a surface material 31a made of felt or the like, and the core material 31c made of metal or the like may have an opening. In short, the detection device 50 may be installed in a position where the detection unit 53 can detect the state of the cat 200 through an opening that allows light, electromagnetic waves, or the like to pass through to detect the state of the cat 200. The detection device 50 may also be installed in a location other than the shelf device 1, such as on the floor, a cage, or a ceiling.

[0045] The main body 51 and the support part 52 are configured so that the angle can be changed in the forward / backward direction, but the change in the left / right direction is limited. The detection device 50 of this embodiment is configured to be detachable from the installation surface 2a using magnetic force, so the administrator 12 can freely adjust the installation position in the up / down and left / right directions, but the installation position in the forward / backward direction is not adjustable. Therefore, the detection device 50 of this embodiment is configured so that the main body 51 and the support part 52 can adjust the forward / backward angle of the main body 51 (pitch angle around the X-axis). This allows the detection unit 53 to be adjusted so that it faces the location where the cat 200 is staying. In this case, by limiting the change in the left / right angle (yaw angle around the Z-axis), it is possible to easily adjust the detection unit 53 so that it faces the cat 200. Since the shapes (shapes and positions of the openings) of shelf members 3A to 3D vary, it is necessary to adjust the angle of detection device 50 in the front-to-rear direction so that the state of cat 200 can be detected through the openings, but detection device 50 of this embodiment is adjustable in the front-to-rear direction using main body 51 and support part 52, so that the state of cat 200 can be detected no matter which shelf member 3 has cat 200 on. Main body 51 may be configured so that the angle in the left-to-right direction cannot be changed at all, or so that the range in which the angle can be changed in the left-to-right direction is smaller than in the front-to-rear direction, or so that the force required to change the angle in the left-to-right direction is greater than that in the front-to-rear direction.

[0046] 8 shows the contact surfaces of the main body 51 and the support portion 52. The surface 54 of the main body 51 that contacts the support portion 52 has a substantially semi-cylindrical concave shape. The surface 55 of the support portion 52 that contacts the main body 51 has a substantially semi-cylindrical convex shape. The support portion 52 supports the main body 51 so that the main body 51 can rotate around an axis in the longitudinal direction of the main body 51 while the surfaces 54 and 55 remain in contact. The surface 54 of the main body 51 may have a convex shape, and the surface 55 of the support portion 52 may have a concave shape.

[0047] A rod-shaped magnet 56 is provided near the surface 54 and is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the main body 51. A rod-shaped magnet 57 is provided near the surface 55 and is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the main body 51. At least one of the magnets 56 and 57 is provided in multiple positions in the rotational direction of the main body 51. In the example shown in the figure, multiple magnets 56 and 57 are provided in multiple positions in the rotational direction of the main body 51. The main body 51 is supported by the support portion 52 when one of the magnets 56 and one of the magnets 57 are joined by magnetic force. Depending on the combination of joined magnets 56 and 57, the angle of the main body 51 in the front-to-rear direction can be changed by a predetermined angle, for example, 15°. The angle of the main body 51 in the front-to-rear direction may also be configured to be continuously changeable. For example, the magnets 56 and 57 may be provided in a planar shape.

[0048] The detection device 50 may automatically detect the condition of the cat 200 when it detects that the cat 200 is present within a range where the condition of the cat 200 can be detected. For example, the detection device 50 may periodically check whether the cat 200 is present using the imaging device 53a or the radar sensor 53b, and start detecting the condition of the cat 200 when the presence of the cat 200 is detected. The detection device 50 may detect the condition of the cat 200 in response to an instruction from another device such as the administrator terminal 13. For example, the detection device 50 may start detecting the condition of the cat 200 when it receives an instruction transmitted from the administrator terminal 13 when the administrator 12 instructs an application executed on the administrator terminal 13 to measure the cat 200's vital signs. The detection device 50 may detect data used to calculate the vital signs of the cat 200 for a predetermined period of time. The detection device 50 transmits the detection result of the condition of the cat 200 to the analysis device 103. The detection device 50 may transmit the detection result to the analysis device 103 immediately after detecting the condition of the cat 200, or may transmit the detection result to the analysis device 103 at a predetermined timing.

[0049] 9 shows the functional configuration of the analysis device 103. In this embodiment, the analysis device 103 mainly calculates the respiratory rate of the cat 200 at rest. The analysis device 103 includes a communication device 104, a storage device 105, and a processing device 110.

[0050] The communication device 104 controls communication with other devices via the communication network 11. The communication device 104 may perform communication using any wired or wireless communication method.

[0051] The storage device 105 stores programs, data, etc. used by the processing device 110. The storage device 105 may be a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, or the like.

[0052] The processing device 110 includes a detection result acquisition unit 111, a resting data extraction unit 112, a vital sign calculation unit 113, a state determination unit 114, a provision information generation unit 115, a provision information output unit 116, an abnormality detection unit 117, and an alert output unit 118. These components are realized as hardware by any circuit, a computer CPU, memory, or other LSI. These components are realized as software by a program loaded into memory. The diagram illustrates functional blocks realized by their cooperation. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that these functional blocks can be realized in various ways, such as hardware alone or a combination of hardware and software. The processing device 110 may also be implemented using technology such as cloud computing.

[0053] The detection result acquisition unit 111 acquires the detection results from the detection device 50 and stores the acquired detection results in the storage device 105 .

[0054] The resting data extraction unit 112 extracts detection results detected when the cat 200 is at rest from detection results detected by the detection device 50 at multiple points in time. The resting data extraction unit 112 may extract detection results detected when the cat 200 is at rest based on changes over time in the detection results detected by the detection device 50. For example, a detection result when a waveform representing the body movement of the cat 200 is regular and stable may be extracted as a detection result when the cat 200 is at rest. The regularity of the waveform may be determined based on the waveform's amplitude, rate of change of amplitude, frequency, rate of change of frequency, shape, etc. The resting data extraction unit 112 may extract detection results when the cat 200 is at rest based on past detection results. For example, past detection results detected when the cat 200 was at rest may be stored in the storage device 105, and detection results similar to those detection results may be extracted. The resting data extraction unit 112 may extract detection results when the cat 200 is at rest using logic or algorithms learned from past detection results as learning data. The algorithm may be trained by supervised learning using past detection results and training data indicating whether the cat 200 was in a resting state, or by unsupervised learning such as clustering. The resting data extraction unit 112 may extract detection results at rest based on still or moving images of the cat 200 captured by the imaging device 53a. For example, detection results may be extracted when the cat 200 is sleeping or when the cat 200 is stationary for a predetermined period of time or longer. The posture and facial expression of the cat 200 when it is resting may be stored in the storage device 105, and detection results may be extracted when the cat 200 has a posture or facial expression similar to the posture and facial expression. The resting data extraction unit 112 may extract detection results at rest based on information about the environment surrounding the cat 200. For example, the temperature, humidity, brightness, sound volume, and the like around the cat 200 may be acquired from a sensor or the like, and a detection result may be extracted when the acquired values ​​satisfy predetermined conditions that allow the cat 200 to be at rest. The resting data extraction unit 112 may extract detection results at rest by combining multiple of the above methods. For example, it may be possible to determine whether or not the cat is at rest based on the change in the detection result over time, and extract the detection result if it is confirmed that the cat is at rest by checking the captured images of the cat 200 during the period determined to be at rest.If the detection device 50 is configured to determine whether the cat 200 is resting or not and to detect the state of the cat 200 when the cat 200 is resting, the resting data extraction unit 112 may not be provided. Since the cat 200 is often in a resting state when staying on the shelf device 1, the detection results may be analyzed without being selected or rejected. In this case, the resting data extraction unit 112 may not be provided.

[0055] The vital sign calculation unit 113 calculates the vital signs of the cat 200 at rest based on the detection results at rest extracted by the resting data extraction unit 112. The vital sign calculation unit 113 may calculate the respiratory rate from the cycle of abdominal expansion and contraction of the cat 200, for example. The vital sign calculation unit 113 may remove outliers from the calculated time-series data of the respiratory rate and calculate statistical values ​​such as the average, median, maximum, and minimum values ​​as the respiratory rate at rest. The vital sign calculation unit 113 may calculate the range between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the calculated respiratory rate as the range of the respiratory rate at rest. The vital sign calculation unit 113 may calculate the average or median of the respiratory rate at rest for a predetermined period (e.g., one week, one month, one year), and use this as the respiratory rate at rest for that period. The vital sign calculation unit 113 may also calculate the pulse, body temperature, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, etc.

[0056] The state determination unit 114 determines the state of the cat 200 based on the vital signs calculated by the vital sign calculation unit 113. Even when the cat 200 is resting, the vital signs can change depending on the physical state, psychological state, environment, and the like. Therefore, by analyzing the changes in the vital signs, the physical and psychological states of the cat 200 can be more accurately understood. Furthermore, since it is possible to estimate the influence that the environment around the cat 200 has on the cat 200, it is possible to create an environment in which the cat 200 can live comfortably by adding, removing, or rearranging shelf members or additional parts, or by controlling the indoor temperature, humidity, brightness, volume, and the like. When it is determined that the cat 200 is resting, the shelf member or additional part on which the cat 200 is staying may be identified and stored, and it may be determined which shelf member or additional part the cat 200 is often staying on, and the determined information may be presented to an administrator or the like as provided information. The shelf components and additional parts may be identified using an image captured by the imaging device 53a, or the manager 12 may register the shelf components and additional parts to be detected when installing the detection device 50. Furthermore, since the physical and psychological states of the cat 200 can be grasped when the manager 12 is out, the manager 12 can feel more at ease. The state determination unit 114 may determine the state of the cat 200 based on the values ​​of the vital signs calculated by the vital sign calculation unit 113. For example, the relationship between the state of the cat 200 and the values ​​of the vital signs may be stored in the storage device 105, and the state of the cat 200 may be determined based on the calculated values ​​of the vital signs. The state determination unit 114 may determine the state of the cat 200 based on the trend of changes in the vital signs multiple times in the past or over a certain period of time. For example, the relationship between the state of the cat 200 and the trend of changes in the vital signs may be stored in the storage device 105, and the state of the cat 200 may be determined based on the trend of changes in the vital signs. The state determination unit 114 may determine the state of the cat 200 using logic or algorithms learned from the cat 200's past vital signs as learning data.The algorithm may be learned by supervised learning using teacher data indicating past vital signs and the state of the cat 200, or by unsupervised learning such as clustering. The state determination unit 114 may determine the state of the cat 200 further based on still images or moving images of the cat 200 captured by the imaging device 53a. For example, the state of the cat 200 may be determined based on the posture, facial expression, etc. of the cat 200.

[0057] The provided information generation unit 115 generates provided information to be provided to the manager 12 or the veterinarian 14 based on the vital signs calculated by the vital sign calculation unit 113 and the state of the cat 200 determined by the state determination unit 114. The provided information may include information indicating the vital signs of the cat 200 when at rest and the state of the cat 200. The provided information may include the value, range, amount of change, rate of change, etc. of the vital signs of the cat 200 when at rest, as well as text, graphs, diagrams, etc. indicating the trend in changes in the vital signs.

[0058] The provided information output unit 116 outputs the provided information generated by the provided information generation unit 115 to an output destination such as the administrator terminal 13 or the veterinarian terminal 15. The provided information output unit 116 may output the provided information when the provided information is generated by the provided information generation unit 115, may output the provided information at a predetermined timing, or may output the provided information in response to a request from the output destination.

[0059] The abnormality detection unit 117 detects an abnormality in the cat 200 based on the vital signs calculated by the vital sign calculation unit 113 and the state of the cat 200 determined by the state determination unit 114. The abnormality detection unit 117 may detect an abnormality in the cat 200 based on the value of the vital sign. For example, the abnormality detection unit 117 may detect an abnormality in the cat 200 when the value of the vital sign is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold or when it is less than a predetermined threshold. The abnormality detection unit 117 may detect an abnormality in the cat 200 based on the amount of change, rate of change, or trend of change in the value of the vital sign. For example, the abnormality detection unit 117 may detect an abnormality in the cat 200 when the vital sign is on an upward or downward trend.

[0060] The alert output unit 118 outputs an alert to an output destination when the abnormality detection unit 117 detects an abnormality in the cat 200. The alert may include details of the detected abnormality, the value of the vital sign, the amount of change, the rate of change, the trend of change, etc.

[0061] If multiple animals are present in the same room, the detection device 50 may be capable of detecting the condition of each of the multiple animals. In this case, the analysis device 103 may include an individual identification unit that identifies individual animals detected by the detection device 50. The individual identification unit may identify the multiple animals based on captured images captured by the imaging device 53a, body movement information detected by the radar sensor 53b, etc. The individual identification unit may identify the individual animals based on physical characteristics of the animals captured in the captured images using image recognition technology, etc. The individual identification unit may identify the individual animals based on body movement and breathing characteristics detected by the radar sensor 53b. The individual identification unit may identify the individual animals by reading identification information stored in a microchip implanted in the animal. Vital signs may be managed for each individual animal, and provided information and alerts may be output for each individual animal.

[0062] 10 is a diagram illustrating a method for calculating vital signs. The upper part shows abdominal body movements of cat 200 detected by detection device 50. The lower part shows changes over time in the respiratory rate calculated based on abdominal body movements of cat 200. The vital sign calculation unit 113 removes outliers from the calculated time-series data of the respiratory rate and calculates the average value over a predetermined period as the respiratory rate at rest. Outliers may include, for example, momentary body movements of cat 200, such as coughing, sneezing, or yawning.

[0063] 11 shows the functional configuration of the administrator terminal 13. The administrator terminal 13 includes a communication device 201, a display device 202, an input device 203, a speaker 204, a storage device 205, and a processing device 210. The administrator terminal 13 may be realized by an application executed on a terminal device such as a smartphone used by the administrator 12.

[0064] The communication device 201 controls communication with other devices via the communication network 11. The communication device 201 may perform communication using any wired or wireless communication method. The display device 202 displays a screen generated by the processing device 210. The display device 202 may be a liquid crystal display device, an organic EL display device, or the like. The input device 203 transmits instructions input by the administrator 12 to the processing device 210. The input device 203 may be a physical button, a touchpad, or the like. The display device 202 and the input device 203 may be implemented as a touch panel. The speaker 204 outputs sound.

[0065] The storage device 205 stores programs, data, etc. used by the processing device 210. The storage device 205 may be a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, or the like.

[0066] The processing device 210 includes a detection start instruction unit 211, a provided information acquisition unit 212, a provided information presentation unit 213, an alert acquisition unit 214, and an alert presentation unit 215. These components are realized as hardware by any circuit, a computer CPU, memory, other LSIs, etc. These components are realized as software by programs loaded into memory, etc. Here, functional blocks realized by cooperation between these components are depicted. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that these functional blocks can be realized in various forms, such as hardware alone or a combination of hardware and software. The processing device 210 may also be implemented using technology such as cloud computing.

[0067] The detection start instruction unit 211 instructs the detection device 50 to start detection. When the cat 200 is resting on the shelf member 3, the manager 12 uses the detection start instruction unit 211 to instruct the detection device 50 to start detection.

[0068] The provided information acquisition unit 212 acquires the provided information from the analysis device 103. The provided information presentation unit 213 presents the provided information acquired by the provided information acquisition unit 212 to the administrator 12 via the display device 202 and the speaker 204.

[0069] The alert acquisition unit 214 acquires an alert from the analysis device 103. The alert presentation unit 215 presents the alert acquired by the alert acquisition unit 214 to the administrator 12 via the display device 202 or the speaker 204.

[0070] 12 shows an example of information provided from the analysis device 103 to the administrator terminal 13. In this example, the current respiratory rate, a graph showing changes in the respiratory rate, and an alert warning of abnormal respiratory rate are displayed on the display device 202. By comparing the respiratory rate with the normal rate at rest, abnormalities in the cat 200 can be detected accurately and quickly. Also, slight changes in daily life can be enjoyed.

[0071] 13 shows an example of information provided from the analysis device 103 to the manager terminal 13. In this example, the current values ​​of vital signs such as respiratory rate, the condition of the cat 200, and a video of the cat 200 are displayed on the display device 202. The manager 12 can keep track of the condition of the cat 200 even when he or she is out.

[0072] 14 shows an example of information provided from the analysis device 103 to the manager terminal 13. In this example, past images, vital signs, and the like stored in the storage device 105 of the analysis device 103 are displayed on the display device 202. The manager 12 can enjoy the growth record of the cat 200.

[0073] While the present disclosure has been described above based on the embodiments, the embodiments merely illustrate the principles and applications of the present invention. Furthermore, many modifications and changes in arrangement are possible to the embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention as defined in the claims.

[0074] The present disclosure is applicable to animal management systems for managing animal conditions.

[0075] 1 Shelf device, 2 Wall panel, 2a Installation surface, 3 Shelf member, 4 Bridge member, 10 Animal management system, 12 Manager, 13 Manager terminal, 14 Veterinarian, 15 Veterinarian terminal, 50 Detection device, 51 Main body, 51a Cushioning material, 52 Support unit, 53 Detection unit, 53a Imaging device, 53b Radar sensor, 103 Analysis device, 111 Detection result acquisition unit, 112 Resting data extraction unit, 113 Vital sign calculation unit, 114 Status determination unit, 115 Provided information generation unit, 116 Provided information output unit, 117 Abnormality detection unit, 118 Alert output unit, 200 Cat, 211 Detection start instruction unit, 212 Provided information acquisition unit, 213 Provided information presentation unit, 214 Alert acquisition unit, 215 Alert presentation unit.

Claims

1. An animal management system comprising: a detection device for non-contact detection of the state of an animal at rest; and an analysis device for analyzing the state of the animal, wherein the analysis device comprises: a vital sign calculation unit for calculating the vital signs of the animal at rest based on the detection results by the detection device; and an output unit for outputting provided information generated based on the vital signs calculated by the vital sign calculation unit.

2. The animal management system according to claim 1, wherein the detection device is installed in or near a facility configured to allow the animals to stay in peace.

3. An animal management system as described in claim 2, wherein the facility has side walls or a ceiling for the animals to hide their bodies, and the detection device is installed so as to be able to detect the condition of the animals staying inside the facility through an opening provided in the side walls or ceiling.

4. The animal management system according to claim 3, wherein the facility has an opening in the ceiling, and the detection device detects the condition of the animal from above the facility through the opening.

5. An animal management system as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the detection device is configured so as to be detachably installed on an installation surface on which the equipment is installed.

6. An analysis device comprising: a vital sign calculation unit that calculates a vital sign of an animal at rest based on a detection result detected by a detection device for non-contact detection of the state of the animal at rest; and an output unit that outputs information to be provided that is generated based on the vital sign calculated by the vital sign calculation unit.

7. The analysis device according to claim 6, further comprising a resting data extraction unit that extracts detection results detected while at rest from detection results at a plurality of points in time.

8. The analysis device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the vital sign calculation section calculates an average or median value of the calculated vital signs for a predetermined period.

9. The analysis device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the provided information includes text, graphs, or diagrams showing the calculated vital sign value, amount of change, rate of change, or trend of change in the vital sign.

10. An analytical device as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 9, further comprising an abnormality detection unit that detects an abnormality in the animal based on the animal's vital signs at rest calculated by the vital sign calculation unit.

11. The analytical device according to claim 10, which detects an abnormality in the animal when the calculated vital signs show an upward or downward trend.

12. The analysis device according to any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein the detection device is capable of detecting the condition of a plurality of animals, and the vital sign calculation unit is capable of calculating the vital signs of each animal at rest.

13. The analysis device according to any one of claims 6 to 12, wherein the output unit outputs the provided information to a manager of the animal.

14. The analysis device according to any one of claims 6 to 13, wherein the output unit outputs the provided information to a veterinarian who examines the animal.

15. A computer program for causing a computer to function as: a vital sign calculation unit that calculates the vital signs of an animal at rest based on detection results obtained by a detection device for non-contact detection of the state of the animal at rest; and an output unit that outputs provided information generated based on the vital signs calculated by the vital sign calculation unit.

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