Evaluation device, system, method, and program

Abstract

An evaluation apparatus includes: a data storage section configured to classify data for each of predetermined units according to a classification tag included in the data serving as an evaluation basis, and store the classified data; an evaluation model storage section configured to store an evaluation model specifying a classification tag and an evaluation method for each of the predetermined units; and an overall determination section configured to, in response to an evaluation information request from a user terminal, acquire classification data belonging to a corresponding one of the predetermined units from the data storage section based on unit specifying information for specifying the predetermined units included in the evaluation information request, and an evaluation model acquisition unit that acquires an evaluation model belonging to a corresponding one of the predetermined units from the evaluation model storage unit, performs an overall determination based on the acquired data and the evaluation model, and provides the determination result as evaluation information to the user terminal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese patent application No. 2023-036436, filed on Mar. 9, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

[0003] The present invention relates to an evaluation device, system, method and program. Background Art

[0004] The concept of "animal welfare," which began to spread in Europe and other places in the second half of the 20th century, refers to methods that treat livestock as sentient beings, reduce their stress by providing a comfortable environment, and strive to promote harmonious relationships between humans and animals. As part of this effort, there is a method for evaluating the extent to which livestock animals actually benefit from animal welfare practices. In practice, this assessment method involves collective, group-based management, manually managing large numbers of livestock animals housed in a stable over a short period of time (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The assessment value obtained through this management is a group average, and the overall assessment value for a farm operating a stable is derived by aggregating these group averages.

[0005] Reference List

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1:

[0008] Japanese Patent Publication No. JP-P2021-122253A Summary of the Invention

[0009] Technical issues

[0010] The inventors of the present application provide the following analysis.

[0011] The problem with these group-based assessment methods is that when livestock animals are individually assessed using this approach, all animals are assigned the same value, making it difficult to understand or assess differences between them. For example, indicators under the "good health" principle (such as morbidity, mortality, and farm thresholds) are calculated for the farm as a whole, meaning that, from an individual perspective, all animals on the farm are treated as having the same value. Therefore, while these indicators are essential elements of animal welfare, they fail to capture or discern differences between individual animals.

[0012] Furthermore, using the aforementioned group-managed assessment method, it's impossible to evaluate animal welfare based on factors that correspond to user needs. For example, processors and consumers may wish to base their assessment solely on the level of animal welfare actually experienced by livestock, while producers or farm investors may be more interested in evaluating only the factors of animal welfare achieved by farmers. However, using the aforementioned assessment method, users are unable to evaluate animal welfare based on factors that correspond to their needs.

[0013] A main object of the present invention is to provide an evaluation device, system, method, and program that can facilitate evaluation based on various units according to factors corresponding to user needs.

[0014] Solution to the problem

[0015] An evaluation device related to the first aspect includes: a data storage unit, configured to classify data for each of the predetermined units according to the classification label included in the data used as the basis for evaluation, and store the classified data; an evaluation model storage unit, configured to store an evaluation model, which specifies the classification label and evaluation method for each of the predetermined units; and an overall determination unit, configured to: respond to an evaluation information request from a user terminal, based on unit designation information for specifying the predetermined unit included in the evaluation information request, obtain the classification data of the corresponding predetermined unit in the predetermined unit from the data storage unit, obtain the evaluation model of the corresponding predetermined unit in the predetermined unit from the evaluation model storage unit, perform an overall determination based on the acquired data and the evaluation model, and provide the determination result as evaluation information to the user terminal.

[0016] The evaluation system related to the second aspect includes: a data acquisition device or a data input terminal, which automatically acquires data including the characteristics of the target object, and the data input terminal inputs data including the characteristics of the target object through user operation; a user terminal, used by the user; and the evaluation device related to the first aspect.

[0017] An evaluation method related to the third aspect is an evaluation method for evaluating collected data using an evaluation device and includes the following steps: causing the evaluation device to classify data for each of the predetermined units according to the classification label included in the data used as the basis for evaluation, and store the classified data; causing the evaluation device to store an evaluation model that specifies the classification label and evaluation method for each of the predetermined units; causing the evaluation device to respond to an evaluation information request from a user terminal, and based on unit designation information for specifying the predetermined unit included in the evaluation information request, obtain data belonging to the corresponding predetermined unit in the predetermined unit from the stored data; causing the evaluation device to obtain an evaluation model belonging to the corresponding predetermined unit in the predetermined unit from the stored evaluation model based on the unit designation information; causing the evaluation device to make an overall determination based on the acquired data and the evaluation model; and causing the evaluation device to provide the determination result as evaluation information to the user terminal.

[0018] The program related to the fourth aspect is a program that causes the evaluation device to perform evaluation processing on the collected data and causes the evaluation device to perform the following processing: classify the data for each of the predetermined units according to the classification label included in the data used as the evaluation basis, and store the classified data; store an evaluation model that specifies the classification label and evaluation method for each of the predetermined units; in response to an evaluation information request from a user terminal, based on unit designation information for specifying the predetermined unit included in the evaluation information request, obtain data belonging to the corresponding predetermined unit in the predetermined unit from the stored data; obtain the evaluation model of the corresponding predetermined unit belonging to the predetermined unit from the stored evaluation model based on the unit designation information; make an overall determination based on the acquired data and the evaluation model; and provide the determination result as evaluation information to the user terminal.

[0019] In addition, the program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium can be a non-transitory storage medium, such as a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, etc. In addition, the present disclosure can also be implemented as a computer program product. The program is supplied to the computer device by using an input device or from the outside via a communication interface, stored in a storage device, and operates the processor according to predetermined steps or processes. The program can gradually display its processing results (including intermediate states) via a display device as needed, or can communicate with the outside via a communication interface. For example, a computer device for this purpose includes a processor, a storage device, an input device, a communication interface, and a display device (if necessary) that can generally be connected to each other via a bus.

[0020] Advantageous Effects of the Invention

[0021] According to the first to fourth aspects, it is possible to facilitate evaluation based on various units according to factors corresponding to the needs of the user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of an evaluation system related to Exemplary Embodiment 1.

[0023] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a classification table used in the evaluation system related to Exemplary Embodiment 1.

[0024] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 : is a schematic diagram showing an example of an evaluation model used in the evaluation system related to Exemplary Embodiment 1.

[0025] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 is a flowchart schematically showing the operation of the evaluation device of the evaluation system related to Exemplary Embodiment 1 during data storage.

[0026] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 is a flowchart schematically showing the operation of the evaluation device of the evaluation system related to Exemplary Embodiment 1 during review of evaluation information.

[0027] [ Figure 6 ] Figure 6 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of an evaluation device related to Exemplary Embodiment 2.

[0028] [ Figure 7 ] Figure 7 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of hardware resources. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Example embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the reference numerals given herein are primarily for the purpose of facilitating understanding and are not intended to limit the present invention to the modes shown. In addition, the following example embodiments are merely examples and do not limit the present invention. The connecting lines between the blocks in the drawings cited in the following description may be both bidirectional and unidirectional. Unidirectional arrows schematically illustrate the main flow direction of signals (data) and do not exclude bidirectionality. In addition, in the circuit diagrams, block diagrams, internal configuration diagrams, and connection diagrams shown in the disclosure of this application, although not explicitly shown, the input end and output end of each connecting line have an input port and an output port, respectively. The same is true for the input / output interface.

[0030] The program is executed by a computer device, which includes, for example, a processor, a storage device, an input device, a communication interface, and a display device as needed. The computer device is configured to be able to perform wired or wireless communication with internal devices therein or with external devices (including computers) via a communication interface.

[0031] [Example 1]

[0032] An evaluation system related to Exemplary Embodiment 1 is described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of an evaluation system related to Exemplary Embodiment 1. Figure 2 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a classification table used in the evaluation system related to Exemplary Embodiment 1. Figure 3 : is a schematic diagram showing an example of an evaluation model used in the evaluation system related to Exemplary Embodiment 1.

[0033] Evaluation system 1 is a system for evaluating animal welfare based on the collected data (refer to Figure 1 The evaluation system 1 includes an evaluation device 10 , a data acquisition device 20 , a data input terminal 30 , a user terminal 40 , an administrator terminal 50 , and a network 60 .

[0034] The evaluation device 10 is a device for evaluating animal welfare based on the collected data (refer to Figure 1 ). The evaluation device 10 is communicatively connected to the data acquisition device 20, the data input terminal 30, the user terminal 40, and the administrator terminal 50 via the network 60. The evaluation device 10 performs highly diverse evaluations of animal welfare based on units corresponding to the user's needs, from individual livestock animal units to various units larger than individual units, and provides evaluation information to the user. For example, a server including computer functions can be used as the evaluation device 10, and it can be virtually implemented in a cloud system. The evaluation device 10 is capable of realizing a configuration that virtually includes a data classification unit 11, a first data storage unit 12A, a second data storage unit 12B, an evaluation model storage unit 13, an overall determination unit 14, an information input unit 15, and an information output unit 16 by executing a stored predetermined program.

[0035] The data classification unit 11 is a functional unit that classifies data collected from outside the evaluation device 10 (refer to Figure 1 ).exist Figure 1In the data classification unit 11, data is collected from the data acquisition device 20 or the data input terminal 30. For example, the collected data includes image data, detection data, audio data, and input text data, and contains classification labels (classification items). The collected data may include identification information based on the assessment unit (e.g., individual identification information, livestock shed identification information, farm identification information, and region (or area) identification information). For example, identification information from the data acquisition device 20 or the data input terminal 30 may be used as classification labels. Classification items used in animal welfare assessments (e.g., farm temperature, individual animal body temperature, morbidity, and disease diagnosis date) may be used as classification items. The data classification unit 11 determines whether the collected data belongs to a predetermined unit (factor) to classify the data. Examples of predetermined units include individual livestock animal units, group units, livestock shed units, facility units, farm units, region units, and overall units. Examples of data for each individual livestock animal include data related to classification items related to individual animal welfare management, injury, disease, feeding, estrus, pregnancy, etc. Examples of data for each group unit include data related to herd management in the context of animal welfare. Examples of data for each barn unit include data related to barn management in the context of animal welfare. Examples of data for each facility unit include data related to facility management in the context of animal welfare. Examples of data for each farm unit include data related to statistical data in the context of animal welfare. Examples of data for each region unit include data related to statistical data in the context of animal welfare. Figure 1 The case where two types of predetermined units (individual livestock animal unit and farm unit) are used is shown. Note that the predetermined units may also be three or more units. When the collected data is for the individual livestock animal unit, the data classification unit 11 sends the collected data to the second data storage unit 12B. When the collected data is for the farm unit, the data classification unit 11 sends the collected data to the first data storage unit 12A. In this case, the data can be classified based on the preset classification table (refer to Figure 2 ) classifies the collected data into classification destinations associated with classification labels (classification items) included in the collected data ( Figure 2 The first data storage section 12A and the second data storage section 12B in FIG.

[0036] The first data storage unit 12A is a functional unit that stores data (here, data of farm units) belonging to a category assigned to the first data storage unit 12A among the data classified by the data classification unit 11 (see Figure 1 The first data storage section 12A may store classified data (eg, input text data), or may store classified data (eg, image data) after analysis (eg, performing image analysis).

[0037] The second data storage section 12B is a functional section that stores data belonging to a category assigned to the second data storage section 12B (here, data for each individual livestock animal) among the data classified by the data classification section 11 (refer to Figure 1 The second data storage section 12B may store the classification data (eg, input text data) as it is, or may store the classification data (eg, image data) after analyzing the classification data (eg, performing image analysis).

[0038] Note that the number of data storage sections is not limited to two (e.g. Figure 1 In the case of the first data storage section 12A and the second data storage section 12B), three or more data storage sections may be provided depending on the number of cells.

[0039] The estimation model storage unit 13 is a functional unit for storing an estimation model (refer to Figure 1 ). The assessment model is a model for performing animal welfare assessment based on various units such as individual livestock animal unit, group unit, livestock shed unit, farm unit and region unit. For example, Figure 3 As shown, as an evaluation model, classification items, evaluation methods, and determination results associated with each other can be enumerated. The classification items correspond to the classification labels (classification items) included in the collected data. Examples of evaluation methods include evaluation methods for determining whether a numerical range or condition is satisfied and evaluation methods based on several different levels. As determination results, determination results of "pass" or "fail", or determination results of several different levels, etc. can be listed. Note that although the minimum unit is the individual livestock animal unit, there is no upper limit to the maximum unit. The administrator of the evaluation device 10 is able to use the administrator terminal 50 to set or change the evaluation model.

[0040] The overall determination section 14 is a functional section that performs overall determination in response to an evaluation information request from the user terminal 40 and provides the user terminal 40 with evaluation information (refer to Figure 1 ). The overall determination unit 14 obtains (receives) an evaluation information request from the user terminal 40 through the information input unit 15. The evaluation information request includes unit designation information that specifies a predetermined unit. The unit designation information can be selected from a plurality of preset unit designation information. The overall determination unit 14 obtains data belonging to the corresponding predetermined unit from the first data storage unit 12A or the second data storage unit 12B based on the unit designation information included in the obtained evaluation information request. The overall determination unit 14 obtains an evaluation model belonging to the corresponding predetermined unit from the evaluation model storage unit 13 based on the unit designation information included in the obtained evaluation information request. The overall determination unit 14 performs an overall determination based on the obtained data and the evaluation model. The overall determination unit 14 provides (sends / outputs) the determination result as evaluation information to the user terminal 40 through the information output unit 16.

[0041] The information input unit 15 is a functional unit that inputs (supplies) information from the user terminal 40 to the evaluation device 10 (refer to Figure 1 ). The information input section 15 receives the evaluation information request from the user terminal 40 and inputs it to the overall determination section 14.

[0042] The information output unit 16 is a functional unit for outputting information (refer to Figure 1 The information output section 16 is capable of outputting evaluation information (which is the determination result of the overall determination section 14) to the user terminal 40. The information output section 16 may output the evaluation information so as to store it as data within the evaluation system 1, or may output it to a system such as a system accessible through an API (Application Programming Interface).

[0043] The data acquisition device 20 is a device that acquires data (e.g., image data, detection data, audio data, etc.) through the operation of a farm-related person, and the data can be used to identify the characteristics or status of the livestock animal 2 or the farm, etc. (refer to Figure 1 ). As the data acquisition device 20, for example, a camera, a sensor, a microphone, etc. can be used. The data acquisition device 20 is communicatively connected to the evaluation device 10 via the network 60. The data acquisition device 20 is installed at a predetermined location on the farm, but can also be installed on a mobile object such as a drone or a robot. The data acquisition device 20 sends the acquired data to the evaluation device 10. When sending the data, the data acquisition device 20 can send the data while including its own identification information or preset classification items in the data. Not only a single data acquisition device 20 can be provided, but also multiple data acquisition devices can be provided.

[0044] The data input terminal 30 is a terminal for inputting data related to the characteristics or status of the livestock animals 2 or the farm (for example, inputting text data, image data, detection data, audio data, etc.) through operation by a farm-related person (refer to Figure 1 ). As the data input terminal 30, for example, a smartphone, a tablet computer terminal, or the like can be used, and the data input terminal 30 can include a camera, a sensor, a microphone, or the like. The data input terminal 30 is communicatively connected to the evaluation device 10 via the network 60. The data input terminal 30 is capable of transmitting data while including its own identification information or a supplied or selected classification item in the data. The data input terminal 30 can be used to input data that cannot be automatically acquired using the data acquisition device 20. The data input terminal 30 can be carried by a farm-related person, or it can be installed in the farm. A plurality of data input terminals 30 can be provided.

[0045] The user terminal 40 is an information processing terminal used by the user (refer to Figure 1For example, a personal computer, smartphone, tablet computer, or the like can be used as the user terminal 40. The user terminal 40 is communicatively connected to the evaluation device 10 via the network 60. The user terminal 40 inputs an evaluation information request through a user operation and transmits it to the evaluation device 10. The user terminal 40 receives and displays the evaluation information transmitted by the evaluation device 10 in response to the evaluation information request. A single user terminal 40 may be provided, or multiple user terminals may be provided.

[0046] The administrator terminal 50 is an information processing terminal used by the administrator of the evaluation device 10 (refer to Figure 1 For example, a personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet computer terminal, or the like can be used as the administrator terminal 50. The administrator terminal 50 is communicatively connected to the evaluation apparatus 10 via the network 60. The administrator terminal 50 is capable of configuring various settings of the evaluation apparatus 10 (for example, Figure 2 Classification table and Figure 3 settings of the evaluation model, etc.).

[0047] The network 60 is an information and communication network that connects the evaluation device 10, the data acquisition device 20, the data input device 30, the user terminal 40, and the administrator terminal 50 so that they can communicate with each other. The network 60 may be, for example, a communication network such as a personal area network (PAN), a local area network (LAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a wide area network (WAN), or a global area network (GAN). The network 60 may include access points such as Wi-Fi and wireless LAN.

[0048] With reference to the drawings, the following describes the operation of the evaluation device of the evaluation system related to Exemplary Embodiment 1 during data storage. Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a flow chart schematically showing the operation of the evaluation device of the evaluation system during data storage related to Example 1. Configuration of the evaluation system Figure 1 .

[0049] First, the data classification section 11 of the evaluation device 10 collects data from the data acquisition device 20 or the data input terminal 30 (step A1 ).

[0050] Next, the data classification section 11 of the evaluation device 10 determines whether the collected data belongs to a predetermined unit and classifies the data (step A2). Figure 1In the configuration of , the data classification section 11 determines whether the collected data is for an individual livestock animal unit. If this is the case, the data classification section 11 classifies the data as data having animal welfare factors that have benefited the individual livestock animal. If the data is data belonging to the entire farm, the data classification section 11 classifies the data as data having animal welfare factors that have been achieved in the entire farm. Here, by determining whether the classification label (classification item) included in the collected data corresponds to Figure 2 Any classification label (classification item) in the classification table can be used to classify the data.

[0051] Next, the first data storage section 12A or the second data storage section 12B of the evaluation device 10 stores the data assigned to its own classification among the data classified by the data classification section 11 (step A3), and then terminates. Figure 1 In the configuration, when the classified data is data belonging to the entire farm, the first data storage unit 12A stores the data belonging to the entire farm. When the classified data is for individual livestock animal units, the second data storage unit 12B stores the data belonging to the individual livestock animal units.

[0052] With reference to the drawings, the following describes the operation of the evaluation device of the evaluation system related to Exemplary Embodiment 1 when viewing evaluation information. Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a flowchart schematically showing the operation of the evaluation device of the evaluation system related to Example 1 when viewing evaluation information. Figure 1 .

[0053] First, the overall determination section 14 of the evaluation device 10 acquires (receives) an evaluation information request from the user terminal 40 through the information input section 15 (step B1 ).

[0054] Next, the overall determination unit 14 of the assessment device 10 retrieves data pertaining to the corresponding predetermined unit from the first data storage 12A or the second data storage 12B based on the unit-specifying information (information specifying the predetermined unit) included in the received assessment information request (step B2). If the assessment information request requests assessment information for individual livestock animal units, the overall determination unit 14 retrieves data for the classification items corresponding to the individual livestock animal units from the second data storage 12B. If the assessment information request requests assessment information for farm units, the overall determination unit 14 retrieves data for the classification items corresponding to the farm units from the first data storage 12A. If the assessment information request requests assessment information for both individual livestock animal units and farm units, the overall determination unit 14 retrieves data for the classification items for both individual livestock animal units and farm units from the second data storage 12B and the first data storage 12A.

[0055] Next, the overall determination unit 14 of the evaluation device 10 retrieves the evaluation model belonging to the corresponding predetermined unit from the evaluation model storage unit 13 based on the unit-specific information included in the received evaluation information request (step B3). If the evaluation information request requests evaluation information for individual livestock animal units, the overall determination unit 14 retrieves the evaluation model for evaluating the individual livestock animal unit from the evaluation model storage unit 13. If the evaluation information request requests evaluation information for farm units, the overall determination unit 14 retrieves the evaluation model for evaluating the farm unit from the evaluation model storage unit 13. Furthermore, if the evaluation information request requests evaluation information for both individual livestock animal units and farm units, the overall determination unit 14 retrieves the evaluation models for evaluating both individual livestock animal units and farm units from the evaluation model storage unit 13.

[0056] Next, the overall determination section 14 of the evaluation device 10 performs overall determination based on the acquired data and the evaluation model (step B4 ). The overall determination is performed based on the units corresponding to the acquired data and the evaluation model.

[0057] When determinations are made for individual livestock animal units and for farm units, it is possible to understand not only the average level of animal welfare experienced by the livestock animals, but also the results and effectiveness of the farm's efforts. In the overall determination, when taking into account the assessments for individual livestock animal units and the farm to make an animal welfare assessment, the assessment values ​​of the two units can be multiplied proportionally. Alternatively, "animal welfare on the farm" can also be derived from the transfer rate, attenuation rate, amplification rate, etc. of "animal welfare on the individual livestock animals." In particular, if the assessment value of farm (level) animal welfare and the assessment value of individual livestock (level) animal welfare are approximately equal, it can be assumed that the farm's animal welfare efforts have been almost completely transferred to the livestock. Therefore, in the case of a transfer rate of 100%, the assessment value can be used as is, without taking into account the attenuation or amplification of the assessment value.

[0058] Next, the overall determination section 14 of the evaluation device 10 provides (transmits / outputs) the determination result as evaluation information to the user terminal 40 through the information output section 16 (step B5 ), and then terminates.

[0059] According to Example 1, since data is categorized and managed based on various units, such as individual livestock units and farm units, it becomes possible to perform animal welfare assessments based on various units, according to factors that correspond to user needs. Specifically, by combining data categorized for each unit with an assessment model, animal welfare can be assessed without assigning the same score to all individual animals. This method highlights the differences between individual animals, making assessments clearer and enabling animal welfare assessments to be performed on a livestock unit basis.

[0060] Furthermore, according to Exemplary Embodiment 1, by selecting a combination of units such as individual livestock animal units, farm units, etc., and performing an evaluation based on the selected units, a farmer's activities with respect to animal welfare can be comprehensively evaluated.

[0061] [Example 2]

[0062] An evaluation device related to Exemplary Embodiment 2 is described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 6 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of an evaluation device related to Exemplary Embodiment 2.

[0063] The evaluation device 10 is a device for evaluating collected data and includes a data storage unit 12 , an evaluation model storage unit 13 , and a population determination unit 14 .

[0064] The data storage unit 12 is configured to classify the data used as the evaluation basis for each of the predetermined units according to the classification labels included in the data and store the resulting data. The evaluation model storage unit 13 is configured to store an evaluation model that specifies the classification labels and evaluation methods for each of the predetermined units.

[0065] In response to an evaluation information request from the user terminal 40, the overall determination unit 14 retrieves data belonging to the corresponding predetermined unit from the data storage unit 12 and retrieves an evaluation model belonging to the corresponding predetermined unit from the evaluation model storage unit 13 based on the unit designation information included in the evaluation information request. The overall determination unit 14 performs an overall determination based on the retrieved data and the evaluation model. The overall determination unit 14 provides the determination result to the user terminal 40 as evaluation information.

[0066] According to Exemplary Embodiment 2, since data is classified and managed according to various units, it becomes possible to perform animal welfare assessment based on the various units according to factors corresponding to the needs of the user.

[0067] Furthermore, the evaluation apparatus related to exemplary embodiments 1 and 2 may be configured by so-called hardware resources (information processing apparatus, computer), and may adopt Figure 7For example, the hardware resource 100 includes a processor 101 , a memory 102 , a network interface 103 , etc., which are connected to each other via an internal bus 104 .

[0068] Notice, Figure 7 The configuration shown is not intended to limit the hardware configuration of the hardware resource 100. The hardware resource 100 may include hardware (eg, input / output interface) not shown in the drawings. In addition, the number of units such as the processor 101 included in the apparatus is not limited to Figure 7 In the example shown, for example, a plurality of processors 101 may be included in the hardware resource 100. For example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Microprocessor Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), etc. may be used as the processor 101.

[0069] As the memory 102 , for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like can be used.

[0070] As the network interface 103 , for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) card, a network adapter, a network interface card, or the like can be used.

[0071] The functions of hardware resource 100 are implemented by the aforementioned processing modules. These processing modules are implemented, for example, by causing processor 101 to execute a program stored in memory 102. Furthermore, the program can be downloaded via a network or updated using a storage medium storing the program. Furthermore, the processing modules can be implemented by semiconductor chips. In other words, the functions performed by the processing modules can be implemented by running software on some type of hardware.

[0072] Some or all of the above-described exemplary embodiments may be described as, but not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0073] [Supplementary Note 1]

[0074] An evaluation device comprising:

[0075] a data storage section configured to classify the data for each of predetermined units according to a classification label included in the data serving as a basis for evaluation, and to store the classified data;

[0076] an evaluation model storage section configured to store an evaluation model that specifies a classification label and an evaluation method for each of the predetermined units; and

[0077] An overall determination unit is configured to respond to an evaluation information request from a user terminal, obtain classification data of a corresponding predetermined unit in the predetermined unit from the data storage unit based on unit designation information for designating a predetermined unit included in the evaluation information request, obtain an evaluation model of a corresponding predetermined unit in the predetermined unit from the evaluation model storage unit, make an overall determination based on the acquired data and the evaluation model, and provide the determination result as evaluation information to the user terminal.

[0078] [Supplementary Note 2]

[0079] The evaluation device according to Supplementary Note 1, comprising:

[0080] a data classification unit configured to collect the data and classify the data for each of the predetermined units according to a classification label included in the data, wherein

[0081] The data storage section includes a plurality of data storage sections, each of which is configured to store data of a predetermined unit allocated to each of the data storage sections, among the data classified by the data classification section.

[0082] [Supplementary Note 3]

[0083] The evaluation device according to Supplementary Note 2, wherein

[0084] The data classification section is configured to transmit the data to a data storage section associated with a classification destination corresponding to a classification label included in the collected data based on a classification table that associates the classification label and the classification destination with each other.

[0085] [Supplementary Note 4]

[0086] The evaluation device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, comprising:

[0087] An information input section is configured to acquire the evaluation information request from the user terminal and supply the evaluation information request to the overall determination section.

[0088] [Supplementary Note 5]

[0089] An evaluation device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4, comprising:

[0090] The information output unit is configured to output the evaluation information from the data storage unit.

[0091] [Supplementary Note 6]

[0092] The evaluation device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5, wherein

[0093] The predetermined units are any two or more of individual livestock animal unit, group unit, livestock shed unit, facility unit, farm unit, region unit and overall unit.

[0094] [Supplementary Note 7]

[0095] The evaluation device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 6, wherein

[0096] The determination result includes a determination result indicating “pass” or “fail”, or a determination result indicating several different levels.

[0097] [Supplementary Note 8]

[0098] The evaluation device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 2 to 7, wherein

[0099] The data classification unit is configured to collect the data from a data acquisition device that automatically acquires data including characteristics of a target object or from a data input terminal that inputs data including characteristics of a target object through operation.

[0100] [Supplementary Note 9]

[0101] The evaluation device according to Supplementary Note 8, wherein

[0102] The classification label is identification information of the data acquisition device or identification information of the data input terminal, or a classification item classified in animal welfare assessment.

[0103] [Supplementary Note 10]

[0104] An evaluation system comprising:

[0105] a data acquisition device or a data input terminal, wherein the data acquisition device automatically acquires data including characteristics of the target object, and the data input terminal inputs data including characteristics of the target object through user operation;

[0106] User terminals, used by users; and

[0107] The evaluation device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 9.

[0108] [Supplementary Note 11]

[0109] An evaluation method for evaluating collected data using an evaluation device, the evaluation method comprising the following steps:

[0110] causing the evaluation means to classify the data for each of predetermined units according to classification labels included in the data serving as a basis for evaluation, and to store the classification data;

[0111] causing the evaluation device to store an evaluation model that specifies a classification label and an evaluation method for each of the predetermined units;

[0112] causing the evaluation device to acquire, in response to an evaluation information request from a user terminal, classification data belonging to a corresponding predetermined unit among the predetermined units from stored data based on unit specifying information for specifying the predetermined unit included in the evaluation information request;

[0113] causing the evaluation means to acquire an evaluation model belonging to a corresponding predetermined unit among the predetermined units from stored evaluation models based on the unit specifying information;

[0114] causing the evaluation device to make an overall determination based on the acquired data and the evaluation model; and

[0115] The evaluation device is caused to provide the determination result as evaluation information to the user terminal.

[0116] [Supplementary Note 12]

[0117] A program causing an evaluation device to perform evaluation processing on collected data, the program causing the evaluation device to perform the following processing:

[0118] classifying the data for each of predetermined units according to classification labels included in the data serving as a basis for evaluation, and storing the classified data;

[0119] storing an evaluation model that specifies a classification label and an evaluation method for each of the predetermined units;

[0120] in response to an evaluation information request from a user terminal, acquiring, from stored data, classification data belonging to a corresponding predetermined unit among the predetermined units based on unit specifying information for specifying a predetermined unit included in the evaluation information request;

[0121] acquiring, from the stored evaluation models, an evaluation model belonging to a corresponding predetermined unit among the predetermined units based on the unit specifying information;

[0122] Make an overall determination based on the acquired data and the evaluation model; and

[0123] The determination result is provided to the user terminal as evaluation information.

[0124] In addition, the disclosures of the aforementioned patent documents are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety and may be used as a basis for or as part of the present invention, as needed. It should be noted that the exemplary embodiments or examples may be modified or adjusted within the scope of the entire disclosure of the present invention (including the claims and drawings) and based on the basic technical concept of the present invention. Furthermore, various disclosed elements (including individual elements of the respective claims, individual elements of the respective exemplary embodiments or examples, and individual elements of the respective drawings) may be combined or selected (or deselected, if necessary) within the scope of the entire disclosure of the present invention. That is, it goes without saying that the present invention encompasses any type of variation and modification that can be made by a skilled person based on the entire disclosure, including the claims and drawings, and the technical concept of the present invention. Specifically, any numerical value or range disclosed herein should be interpreted as disclosing any intermediate or lower value or sub-range falling within the disclosed range, even if not explicitly stated. Furthermore, for the purposes of the present invention, some or all of the elements disclosed in each of the aforementioned documents may be combined with the elements described herein as part of the disclosure of the present invention, and should be considered included in (or belonging to) the disclosed elements of the present application.

[0125] Reference Signs List

[0126] 1: Evaluation system

[0127] 2: Livestock animals

[0128] 10: Evaluation device

[0129] 11: Data Classification Department

[0130] 12, 12A, 12B: Data storage unit

[0131] 13: Evaluation model storage unit

[0132] 14: Overall Determination Department

[0133] 15: Information input unit

[0134] 16: Information output unit

[0135] 20: Data acquisition device

[0136] 30: Data input terminal

[0137] 40: User terminal

[0138] 50: Administrator terminal

[0139] 60: Network

[0140] 100: Hardware resources

[0141] 101: Processor

[0142] 102: Memory

[0143] 103: Network interface

[0144] 104: Internal bus.

Claims

1. An evaluation device comprising: a data storage section configured to classify the data for each of predetermined units according to a classification label included in the data serving as a basis for evaluation, and to store the classified data; an evaluation model storage section configured to store an evaluation model that specifies a classification label and an evaluation method for each of the predetermined units; as well as An overall determination unit is configured to respond to an evaluation information request from a user terminal, obtain classification data of a corresponding predetermined unit in the predetermined unit from the data storage unit based on unit designation information for designating a predetermined unit included in the evaluation information request, obtain an evaluation model of a corresponding predetermined unit in the predetermined unit from the evaluation model storage unit, make an overall determination based on the acquired data and the evaluation model, and provide the determination result as evaluation information to the user terminal.

2. The evaluation device according to claim 1, comprising: a data classification unit configured to collect the data and classify the data for each of the predetermined units according to a classification label included in the data, wherein The data storage section includes a plurality of data storage sections, each of which is configured to store data of a predetermined unit allocated to each of the data storage sections among the data classified by the data classification section.

3. The evaluation device according to claim 2, wherein The data classification section is configured to transmit the data to a data storage section associated with a classification destination corresponding to a classification label included in the collected data based on a classification table that associates the classification label and the classification destination with each other.

4. The evaluation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising: An information input section is configured to acquire the evaluation information request from the user terminal and supply the evaluation information request to the overall determination section.

5. The evaluation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising: The information output unit is configured to output the evaluation information from the data storage unit.

6. The evaluation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The predetermined units are any two or more of individual livestock animal unit, group unit, livestock shed unit, facility unit, farm unit, region unit and overall unit.

7. The evaluation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The determination result includes a determination result indicating “pass” or “fail”, or several different levels of determination results.

8. The evaluation device according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein: The data classification unit is configured to collect the data from a data acquisition device that automatically acquires data including characteristics of a target object or from a data input terminal that inputs data including characteristics of a target object through operation.

9. The evaluation device according to claim 8, wherein The classification label is identification information of the data acquisition device or identification information of the data input terminal, or a classification item classified in animal welfare assessment.

10. An evaluation system comprising: a data acquisition device or a data input terminal, wherein the data acquisition device automatically acquires data including characteristics of the target object, and the data input terminal inputs data including characteristics of the target object through user operation; User terminals, used by users; and Evaluation device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. An evaluation method for evaluating collected data using an evaluation device, the evaluation method comprising the following steps: causing the evaluation means to classify the data for each of predetermined units according to classification labels included in the data serving as a basis for evaluation, and to store the classification data; causing the evaluation device to store an evaluation model that specifies a classification label and an evaluation method for each of the predetermined units; causing the evaluation device to acquire, in response to an evaluation information request from a user terminal, classification data belonging to a corresponding predetermined unit among the predetermined units from stored data based on unit specifying information for specifying the predetermined unit included in the evaluation information request; causing the evaluation means to acquire an evaluation model belonging to a corresponding predetermined unit among the predetermined units from stored evaluation models based on the unit specifying information; causing the evaluation device to make an overall determination based on the acquired data and the evaluation model; as well as The evaluation device is caused to provide the determination result as evaluation information to the user terminal.

12. A program for causing an evaluation device to perform evaluation processing on collected data, the program causing the evaluation device to perform the following processing: classifying the data for each of predetermined units according to classification labels included in the data serving as a basis for evaluation, and storing the classified data; storing an evaluation model that specifies a classification label and an evaluation method for each of the predetermined units; in response to an evaluation information request from a user terminal, acquiring, from stored data, classification data belonging to a corresponding predetermined unit among the predetermined units based on unit specifying information for specifying a predetermined unit included in the evaluation information request; acquiring, from the stored evaluation models, an evaluation model belonging to a corresponding predetermined unit among the predetermined units based on the unit specifying information; Make an overall determination based on the acquired data and the evaluation model; as well as The determination result is provided to the user terminal as evaluation information.

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