Position information sending device, position information sending method and storage medium

Abstract

The communication device (10) is installed on an animal in a facility using, for example, a belt. The communication device (10) transmits at least the position of the communication device (10) (hereinafter referred to as position information) and the identification information of the communication device (10) (hereinafter referred to as communication device ID) to a position information transmitting device (20). The position information transmitting device (20) uses the position information and identification information received from the communication device (10) to select an animal for which position information should be published. Furthermore, the position information transmitting device (20) transmits the position information of the selected animal to at least one of an in-park display device (30), a user terminal (40), and a staff terminal (50).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a position information sending device, a position information sending method and a storage medium. Background Art

[0002] As a technology for grasping the location of animals in a zoo, there is a technology described in Patent Document 1, for example. Patent Document 1 describes a technology for attaching a terminal to an animal in a zoo, grasping the location of the animal using a terminal ID transmitted from the terminal, and enabling external browsing of map information including the location of the animal.

[0003] Prior Art Literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-010815 Summary of the invention

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] Visitors to a zoo sometimes want to see a specific animal. In this case, when the animal is not in the desired state (e.g., up and moving) when they arrive at the area of ​​the animal, the visitor's wish cannot be met. In order to suppress such a situation, it is necessary to convey appropriate information to visitors or those who wish to visit the zoo.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to convey appropriate information to visitors or those who wish to visit a zoo.

[0010] Solutions to Solve Problems

[0011] According to the present invention, there is provided a position information transmitting device, comprising:

[0012] an acquisition unit that acquires position information of the communication unit or the animal and identification information for identifying the communication unit or the animal from communication units of a plurality of animals respectively installed in the facility; and

[0013] The transmitting unit transmits the position information of the animal whose position information satisfies a reference to the display unit.

[0014] According to the present invention, a method for sending location information is provided.

[0015] The computer obtains position information of the communication unit or the animal and identification information for identifying the communication unit or the animal from the communication units of the plurality of animals respectively installed in the facility.

[0016] For the animal whose position information satisfies a reference, the computer transmits the position information to a display unit.

[0017] According to the present invention, there is provided a program for causing a computer to have the following functions:

[0018] acquiring, from communication units of a plurality of animals respectively installed in a facility, position information of the communication units or the animals, and identification information for identifying the communication units or the animals; and

[0019] For the animal whose position information satisfies a reference, the position information is transmitted to a display unit.

[0020] Effects of the Invention

[0021] According to the present invention, appropriate information can be conveyed to visitors or those who wish to visit a zoo. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The above-mentioned object and other objects, features and advantages will become more apparent from the preferred embodiments described below and the following drawings attached thereto.

[0023] Figure 1 It is a diagram for explaining the usage environment of the position information transmitting device according to the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of a functional structure of a communication device.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of the functional structure of a position information transmitting device.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of information stored in the position storage unit.

[0027] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing an example of information stored in the schedule storage unit.

[0028] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing an example of information stored in the animal information storage unit.

[0029] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of information stored in the display data storage unit.

[0030] Figure 8 This is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of a position information transmitting device.

[0031] Fig. 9 This is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by a processing unit of the position information transmitting device.

[0032] Fig.10 Yes means Fig. 9 A flowchart of an example of details of step S10 is shown.

[0033] Fig.11 This is a diagram showing a first example of processing performed by the transmission unit of the position information transmission device.

[0034] Fig.12 (A) and (B) are diagrams showing examples of display screens of display devices or user terminals within the park.

[0035] Fig.13 It is a diagram showing a second example of the processing performed by the transmission unit.

[0036] Fig.14 This is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of a display device or a user terminal in a park.

[0037] Fig.15 It is a diagram showing a functional configuration of a communication device according to the second embodiment.

[0038] Fig.16 It is a diagram showing the functional configuration of a position information transmitting device according to a second embodiment.

[0039] Fig.17 It is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the position storage unit according to the second embodiment.

[0040] Fig.18 It is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the animal information storage unit according to the second embodiment.

[0041] Fig.19 It is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the habit information storage unit.

[0042] Fig. 20 This is a diagram showing an example of processing performed by the processing unit according to the second embodiment.

[0043] Fig.21 It is a diagram showing a display example of the in-garden display device according to the second embodiment.

[0044] Fig. 22 It is a diagram for explaining the usage environment of the position information transmitting device according to the third embodiment.

[0045] Fig.23 It is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the position information transmitting device according to the third embodiment.

[0046] Fig.24 This is a diagram showing an example of data stored in the image storage unit.

[0047] Fig.25 It is a diagram showing an example of data stored in the feature amount storage unit.

[0048] Fig.26 This is a diagram showing an example of processing performed by the processing unit according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described using the drawings. It should be noted that the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings, and description thereof will be appropriately omitted.

[0050] [First embodiment]

[0051] Figure 1 1 is a diagram for explaining the use environment of the position information transmitting device 20 of the present embodiment. The position information transmitting device 20 is used together with the communication device 10, the in-park display device 30, the user terminal 40, and the terminal for staff 50. The in-park display device 30, the user terminal 40, and the terminal for staff 50 have a display (an example of a display unit).

[0052] The communication device 10 is installed, for example, using a belt, in an animal display facility such as a zoo or an aquarium. Hereinafter, the facility is described as a zoo.

[0053] There are a plurality of animals in the zoo, but at least one of the plurality of animals, preferably all the animals in the zoo, is equipped with a communication device 10. The communication device 10 transmits at least information indicating the position of the communication device 10, i.e., the position of the animal equipped with the communication device 10 (hereinafter referred to as position information), and identification information of the communication device 10, i.e., identification information of the animal equipped with the communication device 10 (hereinafter referred to as communication device ID), to the position information transmitting device 20.

[0054] The position information transmitting device 20 selects an animal for which position information is to be distributed using the position information and identification information received from the communication device 10. The position information transmitting device 20 then transmits the position information of the selected animal to at least one of the in-park display device 30, the user terminal 40, and the staff terminal 50.

[0055] The in-park display device 30 is, for example, a fixed display installed in the park. The user terminal 40 is a terminal operated by a person outside the park or a terminal owned by a visitor. In the latter case, the user terminal 40 may be loaned from the zoo or may be a terminal owned by a visitor. The staff terminal 50 is a terminal viewed by the staff of the zoo. Both the user terminal 40 and the staff terminal 50 have a display, and display using the position information transmitted from the position information transmitting device 20 is performed.

[0056] Figure 2 1 is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the communication device 10. The communication device 10 includes a sensor group 110 and a communication unit 120.

[0057] The sensor group 110 includes a plurality of sensors. These sensors generate information related to the animal to which the communication device 10 is mounted. In the example shown in this figure, the sensor group 110 includes a position sensor 112 and an altitude sensor 114. The position sensor 112 calculates the above-mentioned position information (e.g., latitude and longitude information) by, for example, processing GPS information. The altitude sensor 114 calculates the altitude of the communication device 10, that is, the altitude of the animal to which the communication device 10 is mounted. The sensor group 110 repeatedly (e.g., at regular intervals) outputs the generated information (hereinafter, referred to as sensor information) to the communication unit 120.

[0058] The communication unit 120 immediately transmits the sensing information output by the sensor group 110 to the position information transmitting device 20 by wireless. Furthermore, the communication unit 120 stores the above-mentioned communication device ID. When transmitting the sensing information, the communication unit 120 also transmits the communication device ID.

[0059] Figure 3 2 is a diagram showing an example of the functional structure of the position information transmitting device 20. The position information transmitting device 20 includes an acquisition unit 210, a processing unit 220, a transmitting unit 222, and various data storage units. In the example shown in this figure, these data storage units are a position storage unit 230, a schedule storage unit 240, an animal information storage unit 250, and a display data storage unit 260.

[0060] The acquisition unit 210 acquires data transmitted from the communication device 10. The processing unit 220 processes the data acquired by the acquisition unit 210, and updates the above-mentioned data storage unit as needed. The sending unit 222 generates display data to be displayed by the in-park display device 30, the user terminal 40, and the terminal for staff 50 using the information stored in the above-mentioned storage unit, and transmits the generated display data to the in-park display device 30, the user terminal 40, and the terminal for staff 50, respectively. At this time, the sending unit 222 preferably performs the display data generation processing and transmission processing separately for the in-park display device 30, the user terminal 40, and the terminal for staff 50.

[0061] Figure 4 2 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in the position storage unit 230. In the example shown in this figure, the position storage unit 230 stores the sensor information received together with the communication device ID according to each communication device ID. In addition to the latest sensor information, the position storage unit 230 also stores sensor information (historical data) received in the past.

[0062] The latest sensor information indicates the latest position of the animal. Moreover, the processing unit 220 processes the historical data of the sensor information. For example, the processing unit 220 uses the history of the position of the animal indicated by the sensor information to detect the abnormality of the communication device 10. For example, when the position and height indicated by the sensor information do not change for a certain period of time (for example, one hour), the processing unit 220 determines that the communication device 10 has fallen off from the animal. At this time, the processing unit 220 can also determine that the communication device 10 has fallen off from the animal only when the position and height indicated by the sensor information are in a specific area. The specific area is, for example, an area where the possibility of the animal sleeping is low. Moreover, the processing unit 220 can also determine that the sensor has failed when the output from a specific sensor is not obtained continuously for a certain period of time. Moreover, when an abnormality occurs in the communication device 10, the processing unit 220 stores the information indicating the situation (hereinafter referred to as abnormal information) in association with the communication device ID of the communication device 10 in the position storage unit 230. In the example shown in this figure, the position storage unit 230 also stores information indicating the type of abnormality (falling off and failure, etc.).

[0063] Figure 5 2 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in the schedule storage unit 240. In the example shown in this figure, the schedule storage unit 240 stores the date and time when the animal is displayed for each type or individual of the animal, that is, the date and time when the animal is assumed to be in the exhibition area. The date and time of each type or individual of the animal is displayed on the in-park display device 30 and the user terminal 40 as needed.

[0064] Figure 6 1 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in the animal information storage unit 250. The animal information storage unit 250 stores, for each communication device ID, the type and individual name (or individual identification information) of the animal to which the communication device 10 indicated by the communication device ID is attached, and the current position of the communication device 10.

[0065] In the example shown in this figure, the current location of the communication device 10 is the name of the facility where the communication device 10 exists. Specific examples of facility names are, for example, display area (public area), dormitory (backyard), inside the park, rental, and absence (missing number), but are not limited to these. "Display area" means the situation in an area visible to park visitors, and "dormitory" means the situation in an area not visible to park visitors. "Inside the park" means the situation in a place different from the "display area" and "dormitory" in the park, and "rental" means the situation in another zoo. "Absent" means the situation where the animal with the communication device 10 does not exist.

[0066] The above-mentioned current position is generated by the processing unit 220 using the sensor information and map information stored in the position storage unit 230. The map information used here is information that establishes a correspondence between the above-mentioned facility name and the latitude and longitude information indicating the range of the facility, and can be pre-stored in the animal information storage unit 250, for example. In addition, the processing unit 220 determines that the facility whose latitude and longitude information in the facility overlaps with the position indicated by the sensor information is the current position.

[0067] Figure 7 : is a diagram showing an example of information stored in the display data storage unit 260. The display data storage unit 260 stores map data of the zoo that serves as the basis for the display data. Specifically, the display data storage unit 260 stores map data for displaying an overall view of the zoo and map data for displaying details of the display area of ​​the animal according to each type of animal (i.e., each animal identification information). Furthermore, the display data storage unit 260 stores the current position of the animal (or the animal existing in the area) in correspondence with the map data of each type of animal. The current position is the same as the current position stored in the animal information storage unit 250. It should be noted that the display data storage unit 260 preferably stores the current position according to each individual (e.g., each communication device ID).

[0068] Figure 8 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the position information transmitting device 20. The position information transmitting device 20 includes a bus 1010, a processor 1020, a memory 1030, a storage device 1040, an input / output interface 1050, and a network interface 1060.

[0069] The bus 1010 is a data transmission path for the processor 1020, the memory 1030, the storage device 1040, the input / output interface 1050, and the network interface 1060 to mutually transmit and receive data. However, the method of mutually connecting the processor 1020 and the like is not limited to the bus connection.

[0070] The processor 1020 is a processor implemented by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or the like.

[0071] The memory 1030 is a main storage device implemented by a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like.

[0072] The storage device 1040 is an auxiliary storage device implemented by a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), a memory card, or a ROM (Read Only Memory). The storage device 1040 stores program modules that implement the various functions of the position information transmitting device 20 (for example, the acquisition unit 210, the processing unit 220, and the transmitting unit 222). The processor 1020 reads the above-mentioned program modules into the memory 1030 and executes them, thereby implementing the various functions corresponding to the program modules. In addition, the storage device 1040 also functions as various storage units (for example, the position storage unit 230, the schedule storage unit 240, the animal information storage unit 250, and the display data storage unit 260).

[0073] The input / output interface 1050 is an interface for connecting the position information transmitting apparatus 20 to various input / output devices.

[0074] The network interface 1060 is an interface for connecting the position information transmitting device 20 to other devices on the network (for example, the communication device 10 , the on-site display device 30 , the user terminal 40 , and the staff terminal 50 ).

[0075] Fig. 9 1 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the processing unit 220 of the position information transmitting device 20. In this flowchart, the communication device 10 is already attached to the animal, and repeatedly outputs the sensor information and the communication device ID to the position information transmitting device 20, for example, every one minute.

[0076] When the acquisition unit 210 receives the sensor information and the communication device ID, the processing unit 220 performs update processing of the position storage unit 230 using the sensor information and the communication device ID (step S10). The details of step S10 will be described later.

[0077] Next, the processing unit 220 determines the current position of the animal corresponding to the communication device 10 using the sensing information in order to update the animal information storage unit 250 (step S20 ).

[0078] Next, the processing unit 220 stores the current position determined in step S20 and the communication device ID corresponding to the current position in the animal information storage unit 250 and the display data storage unit 260 in association with each other (step S30). In this way, the animal information storage unit 250 and the display data storage unit 260 store the latest current position of each animal.

[0079] Fig.10 Yes means Fig. 9 First, the acquisition unit 210 repeatedly performs the following processing on each of the plurality of communication devices 10 .

[0080] First, the acquisition unit 210 requests the communication device 10 to send information. Then, if there is a response from the communication device 10 (step S100: Yes) and the sensor information is successfully acquired (step S102: Yes), the acquisition unit 210 stores the acquired sensor information in the position storage unit 230 (step S104). Then, the processing unit 220 uses the history of sensor information and the sensor information acquired this time, and if the position indicated by the sensor information does not change within a certain period of time (step S106: Yes), it determines that the communication device 10 has fallen off from the animal, and stores abnormal information indicating this in the position storage unit 230 (step S108).

[0081] It should be noted that, when there is no response from the communication device 10 in step S100 (step S100: No), the processing unit 220 stores abnormal information indicating this in the position storage unit 230 in correspondence with the communication device ID of the communication device 10 (step S108). Furthermore, when the processing unit 220 fails to obtain the sensor information in step S102 (step S102: No), the abnormal information indicating that the sensor is malfunctioning is stored in the position storage unit 230 (step S108).

[0082] Fig.11 1 is a diagram showing a first example of processing performed by the transmission unit 222 of the position information transmission device 20. The processing shown in this diagram is performed when the user terminal 40 displays a map of the park using the information stored in the display data storage unit 260. Fig.12 (A) and (B) show examples of screens displayed on the user terminal 40 .

[0083] First, the sending unit 222 reads out the entire map data and sends it to the user terminal 40, thereby causing the user terminal 40 to display the entire map of the park (steps S210 and Fig.12 (A)). In the overall map, animal identification information of animals displayed in each display area is embedded in the display area. Fig.12 As shown in (A), the user of the user terminal 40 selects a specific display area in the entire map. Then, the user terminal 40 transmits the animal identification information corresponding to the display area to the position information transmitting device 20 (step S220).

[0084] When the sending unit 222 receives the animal identification information from the user terminal 40, it reads the map data corresponding to the animal identification information and the current position of the animal corresponding to the animal identification information from the display data storage unit 260 (step S230). Then, when the read position data meets the reference, for example, when it is within the display area (step S240: Yes), the sending unit 222 generates the screen data using the read map data and position, and sends it to the user terminal 40 (step S250).

[0085] When receiving the screen data, the user terminal 40 performs display using the screen data ( Fig.12 (B)) The display includes, for example, the outline of the display area selected in step S220 and the current position of the animal.

[0086] On the other hand, when the current position of the animal read in step S230 does not satisfy the reference (step S240: No), the sending unit 222 generates a screen indicating that the current position of the animal does not satisfy the reference (for example, a screen indicating that the animal is not on display) and sends it to the user terminal 40 (step S260).

[0087] It should be noted that, in addition to Fig.11 In addition to the processing shown, the transmission unit 222 transmits the screen data to the in-park display device 30 and the staff terminal 50 .

[0088] For example, when the in-park display device 30 is provided for each display area, the transmission unit 222 causes the in-park display device 30 to always display a screen in which the current position of the animal in the display area is superimposed on the map of the display area.

[0089] In addition, when the abnormal information is stored in the position storage unit 230, the sending unit 222 may read the communication device ID corresponding to the abnormal information from the position storage unit 230 and read the animal corresponding to the communication device ID from the animal information storage unit 250, and then display the abnormal information and the read animal on the staff-facing terminal 50 in correspondence. At this time, the sending unit 222 may also send and display the current position of the communication device 10 to the staff-facing terminal 50.

[0090] In addition, the sending unit 222 can also send the information to the display device 30 in the park and the terminal 50 for the staff. Fig.11 Processing shown.

[0091] Fig.13 2 is a diagram showing a second example of the processing performed by the transmission unit 222. The processing shown in this figure is different from transmitting the entire zoo map by transmitting a list of animals (for example, Fig.14 )(step S212), and Fig.11Specifically, the user of the user terminal 40 selects a desired animal from the list of animals. Then, the user terminal 40 sends the animal identification information of the selected animal to the position information sending device 20. The subsequent processing is the same as Fig.11 The processing shown is the same.

[0092] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the communication device 10 is installed on the animal. The communication device 10 has the position sensor 112. Furthermore, when the information transmitted from the position sensor 112 satisfies the reference (for example, when it is within the display area), the transmitting unit 222 of the position information transmitting device 20 generates a screen indicating the current position of the animal and transmits it to the user terminal 40. Therefore, appropriate information can be conveyed to the zoo visitors or those who wish to enter the zoo.

[0093] Furthermore, when an abnormality occurs in the communication device 10, the transmission unit 222 causes a display indicating the abnormality to be displayed on the staff terminal 50. Therefore, the staff of the zoo can easily understand that an abnormality occurs in the communication device 10.

[0094] [Second embodiment]

[0095] Fig.15 1 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of a communication device 10 according to the present embodiment. The communication device 10 according to the present embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment except that the sensor group 110 further includes a state sensor 116 .

[0096] The state sensor 116 generates information indicating the state of the animal to which the communication device 10 is attached (hereinafter referred to as state information). The state information preferably includes state information of the animal such as heart rate, body temperature, and respiratory rate. The state information is transmitted to the position information transmitting device 20 as part of the sensing information. The position information transmitting device 20 uses the state information to determine the activity state of the animal (e.g., active, sleeping, or eating).

[0097] Fig.16 The diagram shows the functional structure of the position information transmitting device 20 of this embodiment. The position information transmitting device 20 of this embodiment is the same as the position information transmitting device 20 of the first embodiment except that the data structures of the position storage unit 230 and the animal information storage unit 250 are different and a habit information storage unit 270 is further included.

[0098] Fig.17 : is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the position storage unit 230 of this embodiment. In this embodiment, the position storage unit 230 has the same structure as the position storage unit 230 of the first embodiment except that the state information is further stored for each communication device ID.

[0099] Fig.18 2 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the animal information storage unit 250 of the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the animal information storage unit 250 has the same structure as the animal information storage unit 250 of the first embodiment except that the activity status is also stored for each communication device ID. The activity status indicates, for example, whether the animal is active, sleeping, or eating, and is generated by processing the status information by the processing unit 220 of the position information transmitting device 20. The animal information storage unit 250 also stores statistical data of the activity status for each communication device ID.

[0100] Fig.19 1 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of the habit information storage unit 270. As described above, the habit information storage unit 270 stores the habits of the animal to which the communication device 10 is installed together with the time when the habit is likely to be performed, according to each communication device ID. For example, in the example shown in this figure, the habit information storage unit 270 stores the time when a certain animal eats breakfast, the time when it performs a specific activity (such as climbing a tree or playing in the water), and the time when it sleeps as habit information. These habit information are generated by the processing unit 220 processing the statistical data of the activity state.

[0101] Fig. 20 This is a diagram showing an example of processing performed by the processing unit 220 of this embodiment. The processing shown in this diagram corresponds to the processing performed by the processing unit 220 of the first embodiment. Fig. 9 Description of the process.

[0102] First, the processing unit 220 performs the process shown in step S10. Next, the processing unit 220 determines the position and activity state of the animal (step S22), and updates the storage unit (step S30).

[0103] Fig.21 30 is a diagram showing a display example of the in-garden display device 30 according to the present embodiment. Fig.11 Specifically, the in-park display device 30 displays the presence (presence) of a specific animal (individual) on display, the current activity status, and habit information.

[0104] It should be noted that the position information transmitting device 20 may also display the screen shown in this figure on the user terminal 40. In this case, the transmitting unit 222 obtains the animal identification information of the desired animal from the user terminal 40, and transmits the habit information associated with the communication device ID corresponding to the animal identification information to the user terminal 40.

[0105] As described above, the present embodiment can also achieve the same effect as the first embodiment. Furthermore, the communication device 10 has a state sensor 116. The position information transmitting device 20 uses the detection result of the state sensor 116 to determine the activity state of the animal and displays it on the in-park display device 30 and / or the user terminal 40. Therefore, visitors to the park (an example of entrants) or people who wish to visit the park can easily grasp the current activity state of the target animal. Furthermore, as Fig.21 As shown, the position information transmitting device 20 causes the in-park display device 30 and the user terminal 40 to also display the behavior information of each animal. Therefore, it is highly possible that visitors or people who wish to visit the park can easily understand when the target animal is in a desired activity state.

[0106] [Third Embodiment]

[0107] Fig. 22 This is a diagram for explaining the use environment of the position information transmitting device 20 of this embodiment. In this embodiment, the position information transmitting device 20 has the same structure as the position information transmitting device 20 of the second embodiment except that it also obtains information from the imaging device 12 and the distance sensor 14 and processes the information.

[0108] At least one camera 12 is provided for each of the plurality of display areas. When a plurality of cameras 12 are provided in one display area, the cameras 12 are provided in different places. The camera 12 repeatedly generates an image of the display area and transmits it to the position information transmitting device 20 together with information for identifying the camera 12 (hereinafter referred to as the camera ID). Therefore, the animal in the display area is shown in the image transmitted by the camera 12.

[0109] The distance sensor 14 is paired with the camera 12 and is installed in the same place as the camera 12. The distance sensor 14 measures the distance from the distance sensor 14 to the animal in the imaging area of ​​the camera 12. The distance sensor 14 transmits the generated distance information together with information identifying the distance sensor 14 (hereinafter referred to as distance sensor ID) to the position information transmitting device 20. When the same animal is shown in a plurality of cameras 12, the distance information is used to select the camera 12 closest to the animal.

[0110] Fig.23 1 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of position information transmitting device 20 of this embodiment. Position information transmitting device 20 of this embodiment has the same configuration as position information transmitting device 20 of the second embodiment except that it includes image storage unit 280 and feature storage unit 290 .

[0111] Fig.242 is a diagram showing an example of data stored in the image storage unit 280. In the example shown in this figure, the image storage unit 280 stores the camera ID of the camera 12 installed in the display area of ​​the animal and the distance sensor ID of the distance sensor 14 installed in the display area according to the identification information of each animal. The image storage unit 280 also stores the image generated by the camera 12 corresponding to the camera ID and the distance information generated by the distance sensor 14 corresponding to the distance sensor ID. The image storage unit 280 also stores the log data of these images and distance information.

[0112] Fig.25 2 is a diagram showing an example of data stored in the feature storage unit 290. In the example shown in this figure, the feature storage unit 290 stores the feature of each animal used in image processing. Here, the feature storage unit 290 preferably stores the feature for each individual animal.

[0113] Fig.26 1 is a diagram showing an example of processing performed by the processing unit 220 of this embodiment. In this embodiment, the processing unit 220 processes information generated by the imaging device 12 and the distance sensor 14 in addition to the processing shown in the second embodiment. This diagram shows an example of this processing.

[0114] First, the camera 12 transmits the generated image together with the camera ID to the position information transmitting device 20. At this time, the camera 12 may transmit the image to the position information transmitting device 20 only when an animal appears in the generated image. The acquisition unit 210 of the position information transmitting device 20 acquires this information.

[0115] When the processing unit 220 of the position information transmitting device 20 obtains the image and the camera ID from the obtaining unit 210 (step S300), the image obtained this time is stored in the area corresponding to the camera ID in the image storage unit 280 (step S302). In addition, the processing unit 220 determines whether the feature quantity stored in the feature quantity storage unit 290 is included in the image obtained this time (step S304). At this time, the processing unit 220 preferably takes the feature quantity of the animal corresponding to the camera ID as the processing object. In addition, when the feature quantity is included in the image (step S304: yes), the processing unit 220 instructs the distance sensor 14 corresponding to the camera ID to measure the distance to the animal. Next, the distance sensor 14 generates distance information indicating the distance to the animal and transmits it to the position information transmitting device 20 (step S306).

[0116] Furthermore, when the same animal is photographed by multiple imaging devices 12 (step S308: Yes), the transmitting unit 222 of the position information transmitting device 20 uses the distance information generated by the distance sensor 14 to select an image to be published to the in-park display device 30 and the user terminal 40 (step S310). For example, the transmitting unit 222 selects the image generated by the imaging device 12 corresponding to the distance sensor 14 whose distance information indicates the smallest value as the image to be published. Then, the transmitting unit 222 publishes the selected image to the in-park display device 30 and the user terminal 40 (step S312).

[0117] In addition, when only one camera 12 captures the animal (step S308: No), the sending unit 222 publishes the image generated by the camera 12 to the in-park display device 30 and the user terminal 40 (step S312). At this time, the sending unit 222 may publish the image only to the registered user terminal 40 that wishes to publish the image related to the animal.

[0118] It should be noted that the processing unit 220 may generate the state information by processing the image generated by the imaging device 12. In this case, the sensor group 110 of the communication device 10 may not include the state sensor 116.

[0119] As described above, this embodiment can also achieve the same effect as the second embodiment. Furthermore, when an animal is shown in the image generated by the camera 12, the position information transmitting device 20 publishes the image to the in-park display device 30 and the user terminal 40. Therefore, appropriate information can be conveyed to the zoo visitors or those who wish to enter the zoo.

[0120] As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention is described with reference to drawings, these are illustrations of this invention, and various structures other than the above-mentioned can also be adopted.

[0121] In addition, in the multiple flow charts used in the above description, multiple processes (processes) are recorded in sequence, but the execution order of the processes executed in each embodiment is not limited to the order of the records. In each embodiment, the order of the illustrated processes can be changed within the scope of no obstacles in the content. Moreover, the above embodiments can be combined within the scope of no contradiction in the content.

[0122] A part or all of the above-mentioned embodiments are also described as the following supplementary notes, but are not limited to the following.

[0123] 1. A location information transmitting device, comprising:

[0124] an acquisition unit that acquires position information of the communication unit or the animal and identification information for identifying the communication unit or the animal from communication units of a plurality of animals respectively installed in the facility; and

[0125] The transmitting unit transmits the position information of the animal whose position information satisfies a reference to the display unit.

[0126] 2. The position information transmitting device according to item 1 above, wherein:

[0127] The transmitting unit transmits the position information to the display unit when the position indicated by the position information is within the display area of ​​the animal corresponding to the identification information received together with the position information.

[0128] 3. The location information transmitting device according to 1 or 2 above, wherein:

[0129] When the position information does not change for a reference time or longer, the transmission unit transmits abnormality information on the animal corresponding to the position information to a terminal used by a staff of the facility.

[0130] 4. The location information transmitting device according to 3 above, wherein:

[0131] The sending unit sends the abnormality information together with the location information to the terminal.

[0132] 5. The position information transmitting device according to any one of 1 to 4 above, wherein:

[0133] The display unit is a terminal held by a visitor entering the facility.

[0134] The sending unit receives designation information designating the animal from the terminal,

[0135] When the position information of the animal indicated by the designation information satisfies the reference, the transmission unit transmits the position information to the display unit.

[0136] 6. The position information transmitting device according to any one of 1 to 5 above, wherein:

[0137] The transmission unit transmits, to the display unit, a fact that the position information of the animal does not satisfy the reference, regarding the animal.

[0138] 7. The position information transmitting device according to any one of 1 to 6 above, wherein:

[0139] The acquiring unit acquires state information indicating the state of the animal generated by a sensor,

[0140] The position information transmitting device further comprises a processing unit for processing the state information.

[0141] The sending unit further sends the processing result of the processing unit to the display unit.

[0142] 8. The position information transmitting device according to 6 or 7 above, wherein:

[0143] The transmitting unit reads out the habit information corresponding to the identification information acquired by the acquiring unit from a habit information storage unit and transmits the readout to the display unit. The habit information storage unit stores the habit information, which is a result of statistically processing the status information, for each of the animals.

[0144] 9. The position information transmitting device according to any one of items 6 to 8 above, wherein:

[0145] The sensor is mounted on the animal,

[0146] The acquisition unit acquires the status information from the communication unit.

[0147] 10. The position information transmitting device according to any one of 6 to 8 above, wherein:

[0148] The sensor is a photographing unit that generates an image of the animal.

[0149] 11. A method for sending location information,

[0150] The computer obtains position information of the communication units or the animals and identification information for identifying the communication units or the animals from the communication units of the plurality of animals respectively installed in the facility.

[0151] For the animal whose position information satisfies a reference, the computer transmits the position information to a display unit.

[0152] 12. The method for transmitting location information according to 11 above, wherein:

[0153] When the position indicated by the position information is within the display area of ​​the animal corresponding to the identification information received together with the position information, the computer transmits the position information to the display unit.

[0154] 13. The method for sending location information according to 11 or 12 above, wherein:

[0155] When the position information does not change for a reference time or longer, the computer transmits abnormality information about the animal corresponding to the position information to a terminal used by a staff of the facility.

[0156] 14. The method for transmitting location information according to 13 above, wherein:

[0157] The computer transmits the abnormality information together with the location information to the terminal.

[0158] 15. The method for transmitting location information according to any one of items 11 to 14 above, wherein:

[0159] The display unit is a terminal held by a visitor entering the facility.

[0160] The computer receives designation information designating the animal from the terminal,

[0161] When the position information of the animal indicated by the designation information satisfies the criterion, the computer transmits the position information to the display unit.

[0162] 16. The method for transmitting location information according to any one of items 11 to 15 above, wherein:

[0163] For the animal whose position information does not satisfy the criterion, the computer sends a notification to the display unit indicating that the criterion is not satisfied.

[0164] 17. The method for transmitting location information according to any one of items 11 to 16 above, wherein:

[0165] The computer obtains status information generated by a sensor indicating the status of the animal,

[0166] The computer processes the status information,

[0167] The computer sends the processing result of the processing unit to the display unit.

[0168] 18. The method for sending location information according to 16 or 17 above, wherein:

[0169] The computer reads out the habit information corresponding to the acquired identification information from a habit information storage unit, and transmits the habit information to the display unit. The habit information storage unit stores the habit information, which is a result of statistically processing the status information, for each of the animals.

[0170] 19. The method for transmitting location information according to any one of 16 to 18 above, wherein:

[0171] The sensor is mounted on the animal,

[0172] The computer obtains the status information from the communication unit.

[0173] 20. The method for transmitting location information according to any one of items 16 to 18 above, wherein:

[0174] The sensor is a photographing unit that generates an image of the animal.

[0175] 21. A program that enables a computer to:

[0176] acquiring, from communication units of a plurality of animals respectively installed in a facility, position information of the communication units or the animals, and identification information for identifying the communication units or the animals; and

[0177] For the animal whose position information satisfies a reference, the position information is transmitted to a display unit.

[0178] 22. The procedure according to 21 above, wherein:

[0179] The program causes the computer to transmit the position information to the display unit when the position indicated by the position information is within the display area of ​​the animal corresponding to the identification information received together with the position information.

[0180] 23. The program according to 21 or 22 above, wherein:

[0181] When the position information does not change for a reference time or longer, the program causes the computer to transmit abnormality information about the animal corresponding to the position information to a terminal used by a staff of the facility.

[0182] 24. The procedure according to 23 above, wherein:

[0183] The program causes the computer to transmit the abnormality information together with the position information to the terminal.

[0184] 25. The program according to any one of items 21 to 24 above, wherein:

[0185] The display unit is a terminal held by a visitor entering the facility.

[0186] The program causes the computer to receive, from the terminal, designation information that designates the animal,

[0187] When the position information of the animal indicated by the designation information satisfies the criterion, the program causes the computer to transmit the position information to the display unit.

[0188] 26. The process according to any one of 21 to 25 above, wherein:

[0189] The program causes the computer to send a notification to the display unit indicating that the position information of the animal does not satisfy the criterion, with respect to the animal.

[0190] 27. The program according to any one of items 21 to 26 above, wherein:

[0191] The program causes the computer to obtain status information generated by a sensor indicating the status of the animal,

[0192] The program causes the computer to process the status information,

[0193] The program causes the computer to transmit a processing result of the processing unit to the display unit.

[0194] 28. The program according to 26 or 27 above, wherein:

[0195] The program causes the computer to read out the habit information corresponding to the acquired identification information from a habit information storage unit that stores the habit information, which is a result of statistically processing the status information, for each of the animals, and transmit the habit information to the display unit.

[0196] 29. The program according to any one of 26 to 28 above, wherein:

[0197] The sensor is mounted on the animal,

[0198] The program causes the computer to acquire the status information from the communication unit.

[0199] Description of symbols

[0200] 10 communication devices

[0201] 12. Filming Equipment

[0202] 14 Distance Sensor

[0203] 20 Position information transmitting device

[0204] 30 Display devices in the park

[0205] 40 User Terminal

[0206] 50 Terminal for staff

[0207] 110 Sensor Group

[0208] 112 Position sensor

[0209] 114 Height sensor

[0210] 116 Status Sensor

[0211] 120 Ministry of Communications

[0212] 210 Acquisition Department

[0213] 220 Processing Department

[0214] 222 Sending Department

[0215] 230 Position storage unit

[0216] 240 Schedule storage unit

[0217] 250 Animal Information Storage Department

[0218] 260 Display data storage unit

[0219] 270 Habit Information Storage Unit

[0220] 280 Image storage unit

[0221] 290 Feature storage unit

Claims

1. A location information transmitting device, comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires position information of the communication unit or the animal and identification information for identifying the communication unit or the animal from communication units of a plurality of animals respectively installed in the facility; and The transmitting unit transmits the position information to the display unit for the animal whose position information satisfies the criterion that the position indicated by the position information is within the display area of ​​the animal corresponding to the identification information received together with the position information.

2. The position information transmitting device according to claim 1, wherein: When the position information does not change for a reference time or longer, the transmission unit transmits abnormality information on the animal corresponding to the position information to a terminal used by a staff of the facility.

3. The position information transmitting device according to claim 2, wherein: The sending unit sends the abnormality information together with the location information to the terminal.

4. The position information transmitting device according to claim 1, wherein: The display unit is a terminal held by a visitor entering the facility. The sending unit receives designation information designating the animal from the terminal, When the position information of the animal indicated by the designation information satisfies the reference, the transmission unit transmits the position information to the display unit.

5. The position information transmitting device according to claim 1, wherein: The transmission unit transmits, to the display unit, a fact that the position information of the animal does not satisfy the reference, regarding the animal.

6. The position information transmitting device according to claim 1, wherein: The acquiring unit acquires state information indicating the state of the animal generated by a sensor, The position information transmitting device further comprises a processing unit for processing the state information. The sending unit further sends the processing result of the processing unit to the display unit.

7. The position information transmitting device according to claim 6, wherein: The transmitting unit reads out the habit information corresponding to the identification information acquired by the acquiring unit from a habit information storage unit and transmits the readout to the display unit. The habit information storage unit stores the habit information, which is a result of statistically processing the status information, for each of the animals.

8. The position information transmitting device according to claim 6, wherein: The sensor is mounted on the animal, The acquisition unit acquires the status information from the communication unit.

9. The position information transmitting device according to claim 6, wherein: The sensor is a photographing unit that generates an image of the animal.

10. A method for sending location information, The computer obtains position information of the communication units or the animals and identification information for identifying the communication units or the animals from the communication units of the plurality of animals respectively installed in the facility. The computer transmits the position information to the display unit for the animal whose position information satisfies the criterion that the position indicated by the position information is within the display area of ​​the animal corresponding to the identification information received together with the position information.

11. A storage medium storing a program, wherein the program enables a computer to have the following functions: acquiring, from communication units of a plurality of animals respectively installed in a facility, position information of the communication units or the animals, and identification information for identifying the communication units or the animals; and For the animal whose position information satisfies the criterion that the position indicated by the position information is within the display area of ​​the animal corresponding to the identification information received together with the position information, the position information is transmitted to the display unit.

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