Livestock identification mark, livestock information management method, livestock information management system, section tag for livestock identification mark and base tag for livestock identification mark

Abstract

To provide a livestock identification mark for reducing a burden on livestock, improving a degree of freedom of color code operation and improving identifiability, and individual identification technique using the livestock identification mark.SOLUTION: A livestock identification mark 10 comprises: a flat plate-shaped section tag 30, the section tag 30 including a colored section-tag front surface 31 and a section-tag back surface 32 with protrusions; and a flat plate-shaped base tag 20, the base tag 20 including an attachment part 23 for attaching the base tag 20 to livestock, a base-tag front surface 22 having an arrangement area 24 in which N-number of section tags 30 can be arranged without overlapping, where N is a natural number of 2 or more, and N- or more-number of recesses 25 in which the protrusions 33 can be fitted, formed inside the arrangement area 21.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an identification tag for livestock, a livestock information management method, a livestock information management system, a partition tag of an identification tag for livestock, and a base tag of an identification tag for livestock.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, for the purpose of eliminating the shortage of labor in the livestock industry, streamlining livestock operations, and monitoring and controlling the feeding environment of livestock, computers and surveillance cameras have been introduced and systematized and managed in many cases.

[0003] When the livestock is a pig, market hogs for food are often raised in a free stall where multiple pigs can move freely in one pigsty. Also, conventionally, sows were often raised in individual pigsties partitioned for each individual, but in recent years, from the perspective of animal welfare, there is a movement to adopt free stalls where multiple sows are raised in a partition large enough for them to move freely. In individual pigsties, since there is a one-to-one correspondence between the pigsty and the individual, it was not necessary to identify each sow. However, in a free stall, farmers need to read ear tags or ear markings for each individual to perform individual identification. However, especially in the pig farming industry, the number of employees per farm tends to be insufficient compared to the number of livestock, and reading ear markings or using an IC reader requires manual operation, which places a heavy burden on employees and also poses a problem in terms of work efficiency because it needs to be done on a per-head basis.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 describes an animal individual identification member including an identification unit that indicates identification information of a pig by an array of a plurality of different colors, and a technique for imaging livestock wearing the animal individual identification member with a camera to identify livestock individuals and recording and managing the position information of livestock for each individual.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The identification part of Patent Document 1 is configured to be smaller than the animal individual identification member, and when arranged in a Landolt ring, the regions of each color are very small, so the identification accuracy decreases due to deterioration during breeding such as fading or soiling. In addition, since the identification part is manufactured for each unique identification information according to the color of the body surface of the pig, the cost increases. Furthermore, when selling the maximum number of identification information determined by the number of colors in one set, there is a waste of animal individual identification members for the identification information that is not used.

[0007] In addition, in livestock of relatively large sizes such as cows and pigs, it is also common to attach one or more ear tags to each of the two ears of the livestock. For example, it is also possible to perform coding by color by attaching two or more color ear tags of different colors to each other. However, in such a case, there are the following problems. 1) When attaching to the ear of livestock, even if two color ear tags are to be attached adjacent to each other in the left-right direction, it may be possible to attach them only in the up-down direction due to the relationship of the blood vessel running in the ear. Furthermore, the distance between the color ear tags may also be separated. Then, the factors that need to be considered in the discriminability of image recognition using AI increase. 2) The blood vessel running is different for each individual, and since it has a biological structure in which the blood vessels converge toward the base of the ear, the area where it can be attached laterally to the ear is limited. 3) When attaching a plurality of color ear tags to livestock, for the second and subsequent ones, since the livestock remembers the pain of the first time, it becomes very difficult to attach them in a stationary state, and it greatly poses a risk to the operator who attaches them.

[0008] Therefore, the present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and its object is to provide an identification tag for livestock that can reduce the burden on livestock and operators, improve the freedom of operation of color coding, and improve discriminability, and an individual identification technique using the identification tag for livestock.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0009] (1) To achieve the above object, the livestock identification tag includes a partition tag in a flat plate shape, which has a colored front surface of the partition tag and a back surface of the partition tag having convex portions, and a base tag in a flat plate shape, which has an attachment portion for attaching the base tag to livestock, a front surface of the base tag having an arrangement area where N or more of the above partition tags can be arranged without overlapping when N is a natural number of 2 or more, and N or more concave portions inside the arrangement area that can be fitted with the convex portions. (2) Also, to achieve the above object, the livestock information management system includes a livestock image acquisition unit that acquires a livestock image including the livestock identification tag described in (1) above, and a livestock individual identification unit that acquires identification information of the livestock reflected in the livestock image based on the livestock image. (3) Also, to achieve the above object, the livestock information management method is a livestock information management method executed by a computer including a processor and a storage unit, and the processor is caused to execute a step of acquiring a livestock image including the livestock identification tag described in (1) above, and a step of acquiring identification information of the livestock reflected in the livestock image based on the livestock image. (4) To achieve the above object, the partition tag of the livestock identification tag is in a flat plate shape, and is a flat plate-shaped partition tag that is attached to a base tag having an attachment portion that can be attached to livestock and N or more concave portions on the front surface when N is a natural number of 2 or more, and has a colored front surface of the partition tag and a back surface of the partition tag having convex portions that fit into the concave portions. (5) To achieve the above object, the base tag of the livestock identification tag is in a flat plate shape, and is a base tag to which a partition tag having a colored front surface of the partition tag and a back surface of the partition tag having convex portions is attached to form the livestock identification tag, and has an attachment portion that can be attached to livestock, a front surface of the base tag having an arrangement area where N of the above partition tags can be arranged without overlapping when N is a natural number of 2 or more, and N or more concave portions inside the arrangement area that can be fitted with the convex portions.

Advantages of the Invention

[0010] According to the livestock identification tag, livestock information management method, livestock information management system, partition tag of the livestock identification tag, and base tag of the livestock identification tag of the present disclosure, the burden on livestock and workers is small, the degree of freedom in the use of color codes is improved, and the discriminability can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings for describing the embodiments, components having the same functions are denoted by the same reference numerals (even in the case of modified examples), and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0013] (First Embodiment) <Configuration> Hereinafter, the livestock identification tag according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, the livestock is described as a pig. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of use of the livestock identification tag according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the livestock identification tag according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a developed front perspective view of the livestock identification tag according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a developed rear perspective view of the livestock identification tag according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a front view of the base plate of the livestock identification tag according to the first embodiment.

[0014] The livestock identification tag 10 is used to individually identify a plurality of pigs P (P1, P2, P3) raised on a farm. As shown in FIG. 1, the livestock identification tag 10 is, for example, an ear tag attached to the ear of the pig P.

[0015] The livestock identification tag 10 includes, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, a single base plate 20 and a plurality of partition plates 30. On the front surface of the base plate 20, four partition plates 30 of the same shape and the same size are arranged. Hereinafter, when distinguishing the four partition plates 30, as shown in the figure, they are denoted as partition plates 30(1), 30(2), 30(3), 30(4) with parentheses around the numbers, and when there is no need to distinguish them, they are denoted as partition plates 30.

[0016] In this embodiment, the base plate 20 is a flat plate member in a substantially pentagonal shape of a home base form, which is formed by butting a square and an isosceles triangle as shown in FIG. 5. When the livestock is a pig, it is preferable that the length of one side of the square portion of the base plate 20 is around 20 mm to around 40 mm, and the thickness is around 1 mm to around 3 mm. The base plate 20 has a base plate back surface 21 facing the body surface of the livestock when attached to the livestock, and a base plate front surface 22 on the opposite side. In the following description, the side of the base plate front surface 22 is the front, the side of the base plate back surface 21 is the rear, and when the base plate 20 is viewed from the front (front), the isosceles triangle side of the home base form is upward and the opposite is downward. Also, the vertical direction may be referred to as the vertical direction, and the left-right front-back direction may be referred to as the horizontal direction.

[0017] The base plate 20 is formed of resin and has flexibility. The base plate 20 may be flame-retardant, and preferably is non-toxic. In this embodiment, the color of the base plate 20 is white throughout. That is, the color of the base plate front surface 22 is white. The base plate 20 is provided with a mounting portion 23 at the upper end. The mounting portion 23 has a mechanism for attaching the base plate 20 to the pig P, and any conventional mechanism can be applied. In this embodiment, the mounting portion 23 employs a hole through which a pin (not shown) is inserted.

[0018] The partition tag 30 is a square flat member in this embodiment. When the livestock is a pig, the partition tag 30 preferably has a side length of around 10 mm to around 20 mm, and preferably has a thickness of around 1 mm to around 2 mm. In this embodiment, in order to prevent the corners from curling, the four corners of the partition tag 30 are rounded. The partition tag 30 is formed of resin and has flexibility. The partition tag 30 may be flame-retardant, and preferably is non-toxic. The type and specific gravity of the resin of the partition tag 30 are preferably the same as those of the base tag 20, but may be different.

[0019] The partition tag 30 has a smooth and flat partition tag front surface 31 without unevenness. The entire area of the partition tag front surface 31 has a single color. This may be the color of the material itself of the partition tag 30, or may be colored with a paint or the like of a color different from the color of the material itself. The color of the coloring of the partition tag front surface 31 is, for example, yellow, cyan, green, pink, red, blue, etc. Note that the color of the coloring of the partition tag front surface 31 may be white, black, or transparent, or may be the same color as the base tag front surface 22 of the base tag 20.

[0020] The partition tag 30 has a partition tag back surface 32 on the opposite side of the partition tag front surface 31. The partition tag back surface 32 has four convex portions 33 that protrude rearward from a flat base surface. In the following description, when individually distinguishing the convex portions 33, they are shown as convex portions 33A, 33B, 33C, 33D as shown in the figure. The four convex portions 33 are all of the same shape and the same size. The four convex portions 33 are arranged in a matrix at equal intervals at the four corner portions of the partition tag 30.

[0021] The convex portion 33 has a circular cross-section in the vertical direction and protrudes in a cylindrical shape. The diameter D1 of the circle of the cross-section is preferably larger than around 2 mm and smaller than half the length of one side of the partition tag 30. The height H1 of the convex portion 33 is preferably at least half the thickness of the base tag 20. Thereby, the fitting of the concave portion 25 and the convex portion 33 becomes more difficult to come off.

[0022] The base plate 20 has an arrangement area 24 on the front surface 22 of the base plate, where N partition cards 30 can be arranged without overlapping when N is a natural number of 2 or more. Specifically, the base plate 20 has an arrangement area 24 on the front surface 22 of the base plate, with a size that allows 4 partition cards 30 to be arranged side by side without overlapping. The arrangement area 24 has a width such that 4 partition cards 30 can be arranged in a 2x2 array with a predetermined gap provided between each partition card 30. The thickness of the partition card 30 is preferably the same as or smaller than the thickness of the base plate 20.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the base plate 20 has a plurality of recesses 25 that are recessed backward from the base surface of the front surface 22 of the base plate in the arrangement area 24. Specifically, the base plate 20 has 16 recesses 25. The number of recesses 25 provided in the base plate 20 is equal to or greater than the number N of partition cards 30 that can be arranged in the arrangement area 24. The recesses 25 are provided in a matrix with the same equal intervals as the convex portions 33 of the partition cards 30 in the arrangement area 24.

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, in the arrangement area 24, when 4 partition cards 30 are arranged side by side without overlapping, four virtual regions that overlap (oppose) each of the partition cards 30(1), 30(2), 30(3), and 30(4) are defined as unit arrangement areas 241(1), 241(2), 241(3), and 241(4) (shown by dashed lines in FIGS. 3 and 5). In the following description, when it is not necessary to distinguish the four unit arrangement areas 241(1), 241(2), 241(3), and 241(4) individually, they may simply be referred to as the unit arrangement area 241. The front surface 22 of the base plate includes four recesses 25A, 25B, 25C, and 25D (hereinafter, collectively referred to as "the four recesses 25" when individual identification is not necessary) inside the boundary lines of each unit arrangement area 241, as shown in FIG. 3. shall be.

[0025] The recess 25 is recessed in a cylindrical shape with a circular cross-section in the vertical direction. The diameter D2 of the circle in the cross-section is the same as or slightly smaller than the diameter D1 of the convex portion 33. The depth H2 of the recess 25 is greater than the height H1 of the convex portion 33.

[0026] When the partition tag 30 and the base tag 20 configured as described above are superposed on the unit placement area 241 from the front of the base tag 20, the convex portion 33 of the partition tag 30 fits into the concave portion 25 of the base tag 20.

[0027] At least one or both of the side surface of the concave portion 25 of the base tag 20 and the side surface of the convex portion 33 of the partition tag 30 are surface-treated so that the friction coefficient of the side surface portion becomes large or the whole becomes large with respect to the movement in the front-rear direction. For example, a strip-shaped first projection protruding from the side surface to the outer circumferential direction is provided on the side surface of the convex portion 33, and a strip-shaped second projection protruding from the side surface to the inner circumferential direction is also provided on the side surface of the concave portion 25 in front of the first projection, and the first projection and the second projection may be engaged with each other at the time of fitting.

[0028] The base tag 20 has an alignment marker 26 colored in a strip shape with a color different from the base color of the base tag 20 along the lower side. The color of the alignment marker 26 is preferably black when the color of the body surface of the livestock is a light color and white when it is a dark color. By providing the alignment marker 26, the vertical direction of the livestock identification tag 10 and the arrangement of the four partition tags 30 within the livestock identification tag 10 can be specified. Thereby, a combination of four colors and four positions can be set, and the pattern of the color code can be increased as compared with the case of only colors.

[0029] Before attaching the livestock identification tag 10 to the pig P, the four partition tags 30 are fitted to one base tag 20 and fixed in the front-rear direction. Also, the combination of the color of the base tag 20 (specifically, the color of the front surface 22 of the base) and the colors of the four partition tags 30 that constitute the color code is determined. In the present embodiment, the color of the front surface 22 of the base is white. The colors of the four partition tags 30 that constitute the color code are basically colors different from the color of the base tag 20 and are selected from two or more colors. Any conventional technique can be applied to other rules of the color code. The colors and arrangements of the four partition tags 30 are selected by the user with reference to the color code pattern presented to the user in the color code registration process described later, for example. In addition, when the number of pigs P belonging to the pigsty is small, or when the color codes are sufficient with two or three colors, it may be used simply by attaching two or three partition tags 30 of a color different from that of the base tag 20 to the base tag 20. For the remaining two or one partition tags 30 for which the color codes are not configured so that the center of gravity of the base tag 20 does not shift, partition tags 30 of the same color as the base tag 20 may be attached. This improves the degree of freedom in the operation of the color code.

[0030] Hereinafter, a modification of the first embodiment will be described.

[0031] <Modification of the combination of the concave portion and the convex portion> FIG. 6 is a partially developed external perspective view showing an example of a first modification of the livestock identification tag according to the first embodiment. In the livestock identification tag 10 of the first embodiment, the base tag 20 had only the concave portion 25, and the partition tag 30 had only the convex portion 33. However, in the first modification, as shown in FIG. 6, a part of the concave portion 25 of the base tag 20 may be changed to a convex-shaped convex portion, and the convex portion 33 of the partition tag 30 at the corresponding position may be changed to a concave-shaped concave portion 34 (not shown). Thereby, the fitting length of the entire livestock identification tag 10 is doubled, and the fitting between the base tag 20 and the partition tag 30 can be made more difficult to come off.

[0032] <The partition tag is rectangular, circular> FIG. 7 is a partially developed external perspective view showing an example of a second modification of the livestock identification tag according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a partially developed external perspective view showing an example of a third modification of the livestock identification tag according to the first embodiment. In the livestock identification tag 10 of the first embodiment, the partition tag 30 was square, but in the second modification, it may be rectangular as shown in FIG. 7. Similarly, in the third modification, it may be circular. Also, partition tags 30 of different shapes may be mixed in one livestock identification tag 10.

[0033] <Modification of providing a depression corresponding to the partition tag in the base tag> FIG. 9 is a partially developed external perspective view showing an example of a fourth modification of the livestock identification tag according to the first embodiment. In the livestock identification tag 10 of the first embodiment, the front surface 22 of the base plate 20 was flat except for the concave portion 25. In this case, as shown in FIG. 2, there is a gap between adjacent section plates 30, and dirt may accumulate in this gap during the breeding process of the pig P. Therefore, in the fourth modification, as shown in FIG. 9, the front surface 22 of the base plate 20 may form depressions in the shape of the section plates 30 so that the section plates 30 are housed in the base plate 20 and their respective front surfaces are flush-mounted. Thereby, while providing a blank area of the base plate 20 between adjacent section plates 30, the entire front surface of the livestock identification tag 10 becomes flat, making it difficult for dirt to accumulate and improving the accuracy of image recognition. In addition, when the number of pigs P belonging to the pigsty is small, or when the color codes are sufficient in two or three colors, two or three section plates 30 of a color different from that of the base plate 20 may be attached to the base plate 20. For the remaining two or one section plates 30 that do not constitute the color code, section plates 30 of the same color as the base plate 20 may be attached so that dirt does not accumulate in the depressions on the front surface 22 of the base plate and the center of gravity of the base plate 20 is not biased. Thereby, the degree of freedom in the operation of the color code is improved.

[0034] <Modification examples of the number and size of the fitting portions> FIG. 10 is a front external view showing an example of a fifth modification of the livestock identification tag according to the first embodiment. In the livestock identification tag 10 of the first embodiment, four convex portions 33 having a relatively small cross-sectional area compared to the area of the section plate 30 were provided at the four corners of the square section plate 30. However, in the sixth modification, in the circular section plate 30, one convex portion (shown by a broken line in the figure) having a cross-sectional area of about 1 / 3 to 4 / 1 of the area of the section plate 30 is provided. By increasing or decreasing the contact area between the side surfaces of the convex portion and the concave portion in this way, the number of sets of the convex portion and the concave portion can be increased or decreased, and the degree of freedom in design can be enhanced. In particular, when the section plate 30 is circular or a polygon with six or more sides, since the section plates 30 do not interfere with each other even when they rotate while being fitted to the base plate 20, the number of sets of the convex portion and the concave portion can be one with respect to the section plate.

[0035] <Modification examples of the shapes of the base plate and the section plate> FIG. 11 is a front external view showing an example of a sixth modification of the livestock identification tag according to the first embodiment. In the livestock identification tag 10 of the first embodiment, the base plate 20 was in the shape of a home base and the compartment plate 30 was square. However, in the sixth modification, as shown in FIG. 11, the base plate 20 is in the shape of a drip and the compartment plate 30 is triangular. Also, two sizes, large and small, of the concave portion 25 and the convex portion 33 are mixed (shown by broken lines in the figure). Further, the arrangement area 24 surrounding the four compartment plates 30 is triangular. By making the base plate 20 in the shape of a drip, the weight of the lower part of the base plate 20 becomes larger than that of the upper part, and when the livestock identification tag 10 hangs naturally and is attached to the pig P, the same vertical direction is increased. Since the arrangement area 24 is asymmetric in the vertical direction, an improvement in the accuracy of image recognition is expected. Also, since the outer shape of the base plate 20 has few corners, it is less likely to damage the ears of the livestock to be attached or the body surface of other livestock, and the wearing burden on the livestock is improved.

[0036] <Color of the base plate> In the livestock identification tag 10 of the first embodiment, the background color of the base plate 20 was white, but it may be transparent (including translucent) or black. Alternatively, the coloring of the front surface 22 of the base plate of the base plate 20 may be transparent or black. When the color of the base plate 20 is white, learning of color code image recognition is performed in consideration of the discoloration of white due to deterioration over time. Thereby, the accuracy of image recognition is improved. Also, by making the color of the base plate 20 white or black with high contrast, the accuracy of image recognition is improved. Also, by selecting a base plate having a background color that is easier to distinguish from the body surface color of the pig P, the image recognition accuracy of the base plate 20 is improved. Also, by making it transparent, the visual stimulus to other livestock can be reduced so as not to attract attention, and the possibility that other livestock bite the livestock identification tag 10 or the ear to which the livestock identification tag 10 is attached can be reduced.

[0037] <Change in color and size of the compartment plate> In the livestock identification tag 10 of the first embodiment, the entire front surface 31 of the partition card is of a single color, and the placement area 24 had a width such that a predetermined gap was provided between each partition card 30. However, the border area along each side of the partition card 30 may be in a first color of white or black, the area inside the border may be in a second color other than white and black, and the placement area 24 may have a width without providing a gap between each partition card 30. Thereby, while achieving the same identification accuracy as the livestock identification tag 10 of the first embodiment, the size of the partition card 30 can be increased, facilitating the handling of the partition card 30 and its attachment to the base card 20. Also, by making only the border area on one side of the partition card 30 in the first color of white or black, the other area in the second color other than white and black, and attaching the partition card 30 so that the border area is on the lower side of the base card 20, the alignment marker 26 can be omitted.

[0038] <Shape of the concave and convex parts> In the livestock identification tag 10 of the first embodiment, the cross-sectional shapes of the concave part 25 and the convex part 33 were circular, but they may be elliptical, polygonal such as a triangle, or a five-pointed star or a six-pointed star. By increasing the side area, the friction coefficient can be increased so that the fitting between the concave part 25 and the convex part 33 does not come off.

[0039] <Position of the alignment marker> In the livestock identification tag 10 of the first embodiment, the alignment marker 26 is provided on the lower side of the base card 20, but it may be provided in an L shape on the lower side and the left side or the right side, a U shape on the lower side, the left side, and the right side, or an inverted T shape on the lower side and the blank area. Thereby, even if a part of the base card 20 is soiled, it becomes easier to identify the alignment marker 26.

[0040] <Arrangement of partition cards of different sizes> In the livestock identification tag 10 of the first embodiment, four partition cards 30 of the same shape and size were attached to the base card 20. However, for example, two square or circular partition cards 30 sized to cover the four recesses 25 and two rectangular partition cards 30 sized to cover the four recesses 25 may be arranged, for a total of four partition cards 30 of different shapes. Further, for example, two square or circular partition cards 30 sized to cover the four recesses 25 and one rectangular partition card 30 sized to cover the eight recesses 25 may be arranged, with partition cards 30 of different shapes and sizes. This improves the degree of freedom in creating color codes.

[0041] <Other Modification Examples> In the livestock identification tag 10 of the first embodiment, the recesses 25 were provided only on the front surface 22 of the base card. However, the thickness of the base card 20 may be increased to provide recesses 25 on the back surface 21 of the base card as well. This allows a partition card 30 to be attached to the back side of the base card 20 to form a color code, enabling image identification of the color code even when the base card 20 is turned over. Also, the same effect can be obtained by making the color of the base card 20 transparent, making the alignment marker 26 L-shaped, and having the back surface 32 of the partition card have the same color as the front surface 31 of the partition card.

[0042] <Effect> In the case of individually identifying livestock by image recognition of the color code, the livestock identification tag 10 of the first embodiment configured as described above requires only one ear tag with a plurality of partition cards 30 fixed to the base card 20 to be attached to the livestock only once, imposing little burden on the livestock and the operator. Also, the fixing of the base card 20 and the partition card 30 only requires fitting the recess 25 of the base card 20 and the protrusion 33 of the partition card 30, eliminating the need for other tools for fixing and being easy. Further, by using a member in which the partition card 30 is physically separated from the base card 20 as a member for realizing the color code, the degree of freedom can be improved. Furthermore, by leaving a boundary area due to the base color of the base card 20 with a gap between adjacent partition cards 30, the distinguishability of the colors of adjacent partition cards 30 can be improved.

[0043] (Second Embodiment) <Configuration> In the second embodiment, a livestock information management system 1 using a livestock identification tag 10 will be described. An operator of a livestock information management service provides a service that supports a user in managing livestock information using the livestock identification tag 10 and the livestock information management system 1. The livestock information management system 1 is an information processing system that records and manages information on the health and growth of individual livestock in the livestock breeding operations performed by the user. The user is mainly a livestock farmer. Hereinafter, the livestock will be described as pigs. When the user manages pigs using the livestock information management system 1, the user attaches the livestock identification tag 10 to the pig P to be managed in advance.

[0044] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the livestock information management system 1 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. The livestock information management system 1 includes an imaging device 51, an edge device 60, a user terminal 52, a sensor unit 53, and a livestock information management server 54. The imaging device 51 is connected to the edge device 60 so as to be communicable and controllable by wire or wirelessly. The edge device 60, the user terminal 52, and the sensor unit 53 are connected to the livestock information management server 54 via a network NW. The network NW is a network such as, for example, the Internet, a VPN (Virtual Private Network), an intranet, or short-range wireless communication.

[0045] <Imaging Device> The imaging device 51 is, for example, a visible light camera and has a function of detecting light reflected from a subject and generating image (still image or moving image) information. In addition, the imaging device 51 may use a combination of an infrared camera and an infrared light in addition to the visible light camera so that imaging at night is also possible. Further, depth information for measuring the distance to the subject may be used in combination. The imaging device 51 generates a livestock image obtained by imaging the pigs P on the farm.

[0046] The edge device 60, the user terminal 52, and the livestock information management server 54 are information processing devices. Each information processing device is composed of a computer including an arithmetic device (processor) and a storage device. The basic hardware configuration of the computer and the basic functional configuration of the computer realized by the hardware configuration will be described later.

[0047] <Configuration of Edge Device> FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the edge device 60 of the livestock information management system 1 according to the second embodiment. The edge device 60 is an information processing device having a function of performing information processing for identifying the livestock individuals shown in the livestock image based on the livestock image generated by the imaging device 51. The edge device 60 includes a storage unit 601 and a control unit 603.

[0048] The storage unit 601 of the edge device 60 is mainly a storage device that stores at least temporarily information on pigs currently being raised or raised in the past. Although the storage unit 601 is shown integrally with the edge device 60 in FIG. 13, part or all of it may be a storage device physically independent of the edge device 60.

[0049] The storage unit 601 stores an application program 6011, livestock information 6012, color code information 6013, livestock image information 6014, individual livestock image information 6015, and an individual identification mathematical model 6021.

[0050] FIG. 14 is a table showing the main information stored in the storage unit 601. Each piece of information will be described below with reference to FIG. 14.

[0051] Livestock information 6012 includes basic information and breeding information of pigs P to be managed in the livestock information management service for each farm as the user. The basic information includes information about the farm, information about the pigsty, information about the pigpen, etc. The information about the pigsty and the information about the pigpen include the pigsty ID and pigpen ID for uniquely identifying the pigsty and pigpen, information about the accommodation capacity, the number of pigs currently being bred, and information about the pigsty and pigpen of the future breeding destination and the planned number of pigs to be bred, etc. The breeding information includes breed, strain, gender, parent pig, age, affiliated pigsty, affiliated pigpen, transfer date, entry date, breeding history, feeding history (including feeding content), medication / vaccination history, disease history, transfer history, breeding environment history, etc., and manages and stores the information applicable to the target pig P. In addition, it may include information set by the farmer side. The livestock information 6012 is a part of the master table of the livestock information stored in the livestock information management server 54, which is downloaded or synchronized and temporarily stored in the storage unit 601. Each item of the livestock information 6012 is information that can be input and edited by the user, who is a farmer, by connecting to the server 54 via the user terminal 52.

[0052] The color code information 6013 includes the color code generated in the color code registration process described later, the pigsty ID of the pigsty associated with the color code, and the pigpen ID of the pigpen to which the pigsty belongs.

[0053] The livestock image information 6014 includes information about the livestock image acquired by the edge device 60 from the imaging device 51. The pigs shown in the livestock image may be either a single pig or a group of livestock including multiple pigs. The livestock image information 6014 includes the imaging device ID, the livestock image ID, the acquisition date and time, the livestock image data, etc.

[0054] The individual livestock image information 6015 includes the individual livestock image generated by the individual identification process described later and information regarding the individual livestock image. The individual livestock image information 6015 includes an individual livestock image ID, the livestock image ID of the analyzed livestock image, individual livestock image data which is the data of the individual livestock image, an ear tag cut-out image obtained by cutting out the portion of the livestock identification tag 10 from within the individual livestock image, the color code (livestock identification information) recognized from the livestock identification tag 10 in the individual identification process, and so on.

[0055] The application program 6011 includes a program for executing each function of the control unit 603.

[0056] The individual identification mathematical model 6021 is an inference model that takes the livestock image stored in the livestock image information 6014 as input data and outputs the color code of the livestock identification tag 10 reflected in the livestock image. Specifically, the individual identification mathematical model 6021 detects the livestock identification tag 10 reflected in the livestock image, identifies the section tag 30 and the alignment marker 26 of the detected livestock identification tag 10, and estimates and outputs the color code of the detected livestock identification tag 10. More specifically, the individual identification mathematical model 6021 detects the direction of the livestock identification tag 10 based on the alignment marker 26. Then, the color of the base plate 20, the number N of section tags 30, and the color code which is the combination of the color and position of each section tag 30 are obtained by image recognition. The individual identification mathematical model 6021 may be generated for each number N of section tags 30, for each arrangement pattern on the base plate 20 of the section tags 30, for each breed of livestock, for each color of the body surface of the livestock, for each farm, for each pigsty or pigpen (livestock house or barn), or for a combination thereof.

[0057] The individual identification mathematical model 6021 is constructed using, for example, artificial intelligence (machine learning, deep learning model), linear regression model, etc. As an example of deep learning in the individual identification mathematical model 6021, derivative methods such as Region Based Convolutional Neural Networks and Fast R-CNN can be applied to the individual identification mathematical model 6021. Other object detection and identification methods such as YOLO (You Only Look Once), SSD (Single Shot MultiBox Detector), and DETR (End-to-End Object Detection with Transformers), as well as color detection methods, can be applied to the individual identification mathematical model 6021.

[0058] The control unit 603 of the edge device 60 includes a livestock image acquisition unit 6031, a livestock individual identification unit 6032, a registration unit 6033, and an input / output control unit 6034. The control unit 603 realizes each functional unit by executing the application program 6011 stored in the storage unit 601.

[0059] The livestock image acquisition unit 6031 periodically, as needed, or in response to requests from a user (user terminal 52), livestock information management server 54, etc., acquires an image including livestock from the imaging device 51 and stores it in the storage unit 601.

[0060] The livestock individual identification unit 6032 performs individual identification processing to obtain the livestock identification information of the livestock individual shown in the livestock image from the livestock image and store it in the storage unit 601 in association with the livestock image. Specifically, the livestock individual identification unit 6032 inputs the livestock image into the individual identification mathematical model 6021, and obtains the color code of the livestock identification tag 10 worn by the pig P shown in the livestock image as the livestock identification information as the estimation result of the individual identification mathematical model 6021. Furthermore, the livestock individual identification unit 6032 generates individual livestock image information 6015 associating the livestock image input into the individual identification mathematical model 6021 with the color code, and stores it in the storage unit 601. When a plurality of pigs P1, P2, and P3 are shown in the livestock image, the livestock individual identification unit 6032 can perform segmentation for each of the pigs P1, P2, and P3, and generate individual livestock image information 6015 associating the segmentation unit of the livestock image for each of the pigs P1, P2, and P3 with the color code.

[0061] The registration unit 6033 performs color code registration processing for generating a color code for the target pig designated by the user and presenting it to the user. The details of the color code registration processing will be described later.

[0062] The input / output control unit 6034 controls information communication and information input / output management with the imaging device 51, the user terminal 52, and the livestock information management server 54. The input / output control unit 6034 transmits the color code information 6013 generated in the color code registration processing, the livestock image information 6014 and the individual livestock image information 6015 obtained or generated in the individual identification processing to the livestock information management server 54 via the network NW.

[0063] <Configuration of User Terminal> The user terminal 52 is an information processing device operated by a user who uses the livestock information management service. The user terminal 52 may be, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet, or a stationary PC (Personal Computer) or a laptop PC. It may also be a wearable terminal such as an HMD (Head Mount Display) or a wristwatch-type terminal. The user terminal 52 includes, as an interface, an input device such as a camera, a microphone, a position information sensor, a motion sensor, a touch device, and a keyboard, and an output device such as a display and a speaker.

[0064] <Configuration of the sensor unit> The sensor unit 53 is a measurement terminal equipped with one or more sensors. The sensor unit 53 is installed in a pigsty or a pig house on a farm that uses the livestock information management service. The sensor unit 53 has a function of constantly, at any time, or periodically acquiring sensing information, which is information acquired from each sensor as continuous data or discrete data, and transmitting this sensing information to the livestock information management server 54 as livestock breeding information at any time. The sensors are, for example, sensors that acquire environmental information such as temperature and humidity, air volume, air quality, atmospheric pressure, and illuminance, feeding information such as the amount of feed and water supplied, and biological information such as the body temperature, weight, appearance, movement amount, and voice of pigs.

[0065] <Configuration of the livestock information management server> The livestock information management server 54 is an information processing device operated by an operator who provides a livestock information management service. The livestock information management server 54 stores and manages a master table of users (farmers) to be managed, a master table of livestock information of pigs, color code information 6013, livestock image information 6014, and individual livestock image information 6015 received from the edge device 60, sensing information received from the sensor unit 53, and the like. Note that security by a firewall is provided for each of these various types of information stored in the storage unit (not shown) of the livestock information management server 54 for each user (farmer). The master table of farmers includes basic information such as the addresses of farmers to be managed in the livestock information management service and the number of pigpens. The master table of livestock information includes basic information, breeding information, shipping information, disease infection information, death information, etc. of the pig P to be managed in the livestock information management service. By including shipping information, disease infection information, and death information, it can be clearly grasped that the pigs (meat pigs and sows) for which color code registration has been performed are no longer management targets, and the color codes used can be assigned to new pigs without duplication. The livestock information management server 54 controls the imaging device 51, the edge device 60, the user terminal 52, and the sensor unit 53 via the network NW. The livestock information management server 54 provides an interface for the livestock information management service to the user terminal 52. The livestock information management server 54 provides an operating environment such as an API (Application Programming Interface) and a platform to the user terminal 52 and other systems.

[0066] <Color code registration process> FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the color code registration process of the livestock information management system 1 according to the second embodiment. The color code registration process is a process for generating color code patterns for the number of pigs belonging to a pigsty specified by the user, grouping them for each pigsty belonging to the pigsty, presenting them to the user, and storing the generated color codes as color code information 6013. Hereinafter, the case where the pig is a fattening pig will be described. The color code registration process is basically executed at the preparation stage of moving the pigs from the weaning pigsty to the fattening pigsty, but the user may execute it at any timing. Also, individual management for uniquely identifying individual pigs is not performed in the weaning pigsty, and it is assumed that individual management for uniquely identifying individual pigs is started when moving the pigs to the fattening pigsty or when attaching the livestock identification tag 10 after moving them to the fattening pigsty. Hereinafter, the operation of the color code registration process will be described according to the same flowchart.

[0067] In step S101, the registration unit 6033 of the edge device 60 receives a user request from the user terminal 52. The user request includes the pigsty ID and the pigsty ID indicating the pigsty and the pigsty to which the pig newly wearing the livestock identification tag 10 belongs.

[0068] In step S102, the registration unit 6033 refers to the livestock information 6012 in the storage unit 601, identifies the target pigsty and pigsty that are the targets for generating color codes based on the pigsty ID and pigsty ID received in step S101, obtains the number of pigs belonging to the target pigsty and pigsty, and determines the number as the color code generation number. Also, the registration unit 6033 can also obtain the color code generation number for all the pigs belonging to the target pigsty at once by referring to the livestock information 6012.

[0069] In step S103, the registration unit 6033 generates color codes for the number of color code generations determined in step S102 and presents them to the user terminal 52. Specifically, it is as follows. The registration unit 6033 generates unique color codes for the number of color code generations determined in step S102. The registration unit 6033 groups the generated color codes by pigsty based on the number of pigs belonging to each pigsty obtained in step S102. The registration unit 6033 generates an image showing the pattern of the color code in the form of the livestock identification tag 10 for each color code, groups them by pigsty, and presents them to the user terminal 52. That is, the registration unit 6033 presents the user with the color code pattern assigned to the pigsty, together with information that the user can identify the pigsty to which the pig that will wear the livestock identification tag 10 belongs, such as the pigsty ID or pigsty name. The pattern of the color code indicates at least the color of the base plate 20, the number of section plates 30 and the color of each section plate, and the arrangement of the section plates 30. Further, it may indicate the shape and size of the base plate 20 and the shape and size of the section plates 30.

[0070] In step S104, the user selects the base plate 20 and the section plates 30 while looking at the color codes displayed on the user terminal 52 at the office or the like, attaches the section plates 30 to the base plate 20, and completes the assembly of the livestock identification tag 10. Then, the user wears the livestock identification tag 10 while referring to the grouping for each pigsty at the place where the wearing is to be carried out. At this time, the livestock identification tag 10 corresponding to the color code assigned to the pigsty may be worn on any pig belonging to the pigsty. By wearing, the unique identification information of the pig is physically and realistically determined.

[0071] In step S105, the registration unit 6033 receives from the user terminal 52 a "worn confirmation" indicating that the livestock identification tag 10 corresponding to the color code presented in step S103 has been worn on each pig. The "worn confirmation" may be provided to the user terminal 52 as a "batch worn confirmation" button for each pigsty or each pigpen, or may be provided for each pig.

[0072] In step S106, the registration unit 6033 determines the registration of the combination of the color code, the pigsty ID, and the pigpen ID in the color code information 6013 of the storage unit 601, and ends the routine. As a result, the physical pig identification information determined in step S104 is associated with and determined as the virtual unique identification information by the color code stored in the storage unit 601.

[0073] <Individual Identification Process> FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the individual identification process of the livestock information management system 1 according to the second embodiment. The individual identification process is a process for estimating livestock identification information of a livestock individual from a livestock image and generating an individual livestock image. Hereinafter, the operation of the individual identification process will be described along the flowchart.

[0074] In step S201, the livestock image acquisition unit 6031 of the edge device 60 acquires a livestock image from the imaging device 51.

[0075] In step S202, the livestock individual identification unit 6032 of the edge device 60 identifies the area where the pig P appears based on the livestock image acquired in step S201. Specifically, the livestock individual identification unit 6032 performs image processing for segmenting the image areas for each pig individual for one or more pigs P appearing in the livestock image using the individual identification mathematical model 6021.

[0076] In step S203, the livestock individual identification unit 6032 identifies the livestock individual appearing in the image area using the individual identification mathematical model 6021. Specifically, the livestock individual identification unit 6032 detects the color code of the livestock identification tag 10 of the pig P appearing in the image area of the pig individual segmented in step S202 by the image recognition process of the individual identification mathematical model 6021, and specifies the color code of the color code information 6013. When a plurality of pigs P appear in the livestock image, the recognition of the color code of the livestock identification tag 10 is executed for the image areas of the pig individuals corresponding to each pig P.

[0077] In step S204, the livestock individual identification unit 6032 generates individual livestock image information 6015. Specifically, it generates individual livestock image information 6015 that associates the image area of the pig individual recognized in step S202 with the color code of the color code information 6013 specified in step S203, and stores it in the storage unit 601 in association with the original livestock image.

[0078] In step S205, the input / output control unit 6034 of the edge device 60 transmits the livestock image acquired in step S201 and the individual livestock image information 6015 generated in step S204 to the livestock information management server 54 to end the flow.

[0079] <Effect> The livestock information management system 1 of the second embodiment configured as described above can identify individual pigs P even when a plurality of pigs P are housed in one pigsty based on a livestock image of a pig P wearing the livestock identification tag 10, and can manage various information collected for each individual pig or all the pigs in the pigsty by associating it with each individual.

[0080] <Information Processing Apparatus> FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a basic hardware configuration of a computer 1000 which is an information processing apparatus. The computer 1000 includes a CPU 1001 (processor), a main storage device 1002, an auxiliary storage device 1003, an interface 1004, and an image processing device (GPU) 1005.

[0081] <Program> Here, details of the program for realizing each function constituting the edge device 60 according to the second embodiment will be described.

[0082] The edge device 60 is implemented in the computer 1000. The operations of each component of the edge device 60 are stored in the auxiliary storage device 1003 in the form of a program. The CPU 1001 reads the program from the auxiliary storage device 1003, expands it in the main storage device 1002, and executes the above processing according to the program. Also, the CPU 1001 secures a storage area corresponding to the above-described storage unit 601 in the main storage device 1002 according to the program. The program of the second embodiment includes a first program for executing color code registration processing and a second program for executing individual identification processing.

[0083] Specifically, the first program is a program that causes the computer 1000 to execute steps S101 to S104 and step S106. Specifically, the second program is a program that causes the computer 1000 to execute at least a step of acquiring a livestock image including the livestock identification tag 10 and a step of acquiring identification information of the livestock reflected in the livestock image based on the livestock image. Or the second program is a program that causes the computer 1000 to execute steps S201 to S205.

[0084] Note that the auxiliary storage device 1003 is an example of a non-transitory tangible storage medium. Other examples of non-transitory tangible storage media include magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, semiconductor memories, etc. connected via the interface 1004. Also, when this program is distributed to the computer 1000 via the network NW, the receiving computer 1000 may expand the program in the main storage device 1002 and execute the above processing.

[0085] Also, the program may be for realizing a part of the above-described functions. Further, the program may be a so-called difference file (difference program) that realizes the above-described functions in combination with other programs already stored in the auxiliary storage device 1003. It may be.

[0086] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, these embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are intended to be included in the scope and gist of the invention, as well as in the invention described in the claims and its equivalent scope. In the description of the embodiments, pigs were used as an example of livestock, but the livestock information management system may be applied to other quadruped livestock such as cows, horses, and sheep.

[0087] For example, in the above second embodiment, the color code registration process and the individual identification process were executed by the edge device 60, but they may be executed by the livestock information management server 54 or the user terminal 52. Also, a part of the function of the registration unit 6033 of the control unit 603 of the edge device 60 may be executed by the livestock information management server 54 or the user terminal 52. Also, for example, in the above second embodiment, the imaging device 51 communicated directly with the edge device 60, but the imaging device 51 and the edge device 60 may be connected to the network NW respectively and communicate via the network NW. Also, for example, in steps 105 and 106 of the color code registration process of the above second embodiment, the registration of the color code was determined by the user performing the "worn confirmation" operation on the user terminal 52. However, by recognizing that the livestock identification label 10 first appears in the livestock image acquired from the imaging device 51, the registration of the color code may be automatically determined. This reduces the burden on the user. Also, for example, the color code registration process of the above second embodiment was described with respect to fattening pigs, but in the case of sows, it can be executed at the preparation stage of moving from the pigsty for candidate sows to the pigsty for sows. Also, for example, after step S202 of the individual identification process in the second embodiment, if it is difficult to identify the color code in the livestock image, an error flow may be added to return to step S201 without proceeding to the identification of the livestock individual in step S203. The case where it is difficult to identify the color code means, for example, calculating the reliability score of the identification result of image recognition from the angle of the livestock identification tag 10 or the brightness (white spot) information of the base plate 20 or the partition tag 30, and the reliability score is less than a predetermined threshold value. Also, for example, after step S205 of the individual identification process in the second embodiment, based on the individual livestock image generated in step S205, a step of estimating the biological information and health status of the livestock individual by image recognition and associating and storing it with the livestock individual may be added. Also, for example, in the second embodiment described above, the generation of a unique color code is based on the pigsty unit, but it may also be based on the pigpen unit or the virtual management group unit. By using the virtual management group unit, for example, common attributes such as the age included in the livestock information can be used as a unit, the degree of freedom of color code operation is improved, and the management of livestock becomes easier.

[0088] <Supplementary Note> The matters described in each of the above embodiments are appended below. (1) A partition tag in a flat plate shape, The front surface of the colored partition tag, The back surface of the partition tag having a convex portion, A partition tag having, A base plate in a flat plate shape, An attachment portion for attaching the base plate to livestock, When N is a natural number of 2 or more, the front surface of the base plate having an arrangement area where N or more of the partition tags can be arranged without overlapping, N or more concave portions that can be fitted with the convex portions inside the arrangement area, A base plate having, Comprising, Characterized in that the identification information of livestock is indicated by the color and arrangement of the front surfaces of the N partition tags, Livestock identification tag. As a result, the user can easily create and prepare ear tags that indicate color codes based on a plurality of colors and their arrangements, improving the freedom of operation of the ear tags. In addition, it is not necessary to attach ear tags of a plurality of colors to livestock, reducing the wearing burden on the livestock and the operator. (2) Characterized in that livestock identification information is indicated by the combination of the colors on the front surface of the N partition cards and / or their arrangements. The livestock identification tag according to (1) above. This can improve the degree of freedom of the color code pattern. (3) Characterized in that livestock identification information is indicated by the combination of the color on the front surface of the base card and the colors on the front surfaces of the N partition cards. The livestock identification tag according to (1) above. This can improve the degree of freedom of the color code pattern. (4) There is a gap between two adjacent partition cards among the N partition cards. The livestock identification tag according to (1) above. This can improve the accuracy of image recognition of the partition card 30. (5) The base card has an alignment marker that defines the direction of the base card. The livestock identification tag according to (1) above. This can improve the accuracy of image recognition by direction recognition. (6) The background color of the base card is transparent, white, or black. The livestock identification tag according to (1) above. This facilitates color correction and can improve the accuracy of image recognition. (7) The colors on the front surfaces of the N partition cards are single colors respectively selected from a predetermined plurality of color groups. This can generate a color code. The livestock identification tag according to (4) above. (8) The base plate has a plurality of recesses of the same shape arranged at a predetermined interval. The livestock identification tag according to (1) above. This enables cost reduction in manufacturing by commonizing the mold due to the same shape. (9) The arrangement area of the base plate has a depression in which the entire partition plate fits. The livestock identification tag according to (1) above. This makes the entire front side of the livestock identification tag flush, preventing the accumulation of dirt. (10) The attachment part is provided at the end of the base plate. The livestock identification tag according to (1) above. This allows the livestock identification tag to have the partition plate side move downward by its own weight and easily return to its original orientation even when rotated. (11) The number of the recesses is an integer multiple of N or more. The livestock identification tag according to (1) above. (12) A livestock image acquisition unit that acquires a livestock image including the livestock identification tag according to any one of (1) to (11) above, A livestock individual identification unit that acquires identification information of the livestock shown in the livestock image based on the livestock image, A livestock information management system comprising the above. (13) A livestock information management method executed by a computer comprising a processor and a storage unit, In the processor, A step of acquiring a livestock image including the livestock identification tag according to any one of (1) to (11) above, A step of acquiring identification information of the livestock shown in the livestock image based on the livestock image, A livestock information management method for executing the above. (14) A flat plate-shaped partition plate for constituting a livestock identification tag by attaching it to a base plate having a flat plate shape, an attachment part attachable to livestock, and N or more recesses on the front surface when N is a natural number of 2 or more. The front surface of the colored partition tag, the back surface of the partition tag having a convex portion that fits into the concave portion, and a partition tag of the livestock identification tag having the same. (15) A base tag for constructing a livestock identification tag to which a partition tag having a flat plate shape, a colored front surface of the partition tag, and a back surface of the partition tag having a convex portion is attached, a mounting portion attachable to livestock, when N is a natural number of 2 or more, a front surface of the base tag having an arrangement area in which N pieces of the partition tags can be arranged without overlapping, and N or more concave portions that can be fitted with the convex portion inside the arrangement area, and a base tag of the livestock identification tag having the same.

Explanation of Signs

[0089] 1: Livestock information management system 10: Livestock identification tag 20: Base tag 21: Front surface of the base tag 23: Mounting portion 24: Arrangement area 241: Unit arrangement area 25(25A, 25B, 25C, 25D): Concave portion 26: Alignment marker 30: Partition tag 31: Front surface of the partition tag 32: Back surface of the partition tag 33(33A, 33B, 33C, 33D): Convex portion 51: Imaging device 52: User terminal 53: Sensor unit 54: Livestock information management server 60: Edge device 601: Storage unit 603: Control unit 6011: Application program 6012: Livestock information 6013: Color code information 6014: Livestock image information 6015: Individual livestock image information 6021: Individual identification mathematical model 6031: Livestock image acquisition unit 6032: Livestock individual identification unit 6033: Registration unit 6034: Input / output control unit 1000: Computer NW: Network P: Pig

Claims

1. A flat-shaped partition tag, A colored front surface of the compartment label; A partition tag back surface having a convex portion; A partition tag having A flat base plate, An attachment portion for attaching the tag to a livestock; a front surface of a base card having an arrangement area in which N or more of the partition cards can be arranged without overlapping, where N is a natural number of 2 or more; N or more recesses capable of being fitted with the protrusions on the inside of the arrangement area; A base tag having Equipped with Identification tags for livestock.

2. The identification information of livestock is indicated by a combination of the color and / or arrangement of the front surface of the N compartment tags. The livestock identification tag according to claim 1.

3. The identification information of the livestock is indicated by a combination of the color of the front surface of the base tag and the colors of the front surfaces of the N compartment tags. The livestock identification tag according to claim 1.

4. There is a gap between two adjacent partition cards among the N partition cards. The livestock identification tag according to claim 1.

5. The base plate has an alignment marker that defines the orientation of the base plate. The livestock identification tag according to claim 1.

6. The background color of the base plate is transparent, white, or black. The livestock identification tag according to claim 1.

7. The color of the front surface of each of the N compartment tags is a single color selected from a predetermined group of multiple colors. The livestock identification tag according to claim 4.

8. The base plate has a plurality of recesses of the same shape arranged at predetermined intervals. The livestock identification tag according to claim 1.

9. The placement area of ​​the base tag has a recess in which the entire partition tag can be accommodated. The livestock identification tag according to claim 1.

10. The attachment portion is provided at an end portion of the base plate. The livestock identification tag according to claim 1.

11. The number of the recesses is equal to or greater than an integer multiple of N. The livestock identification tag according to claim 1.

12. A livestock image acquisition unit that acquires a livestock image including the livestock identification tag according to any one of claims 1 to 11; a livestock individual identification unit that acquires identification information of the livestock depicted in the livestock image based on the livestock image; A livestock information management system equipped with:

13. A livestock information management method executed by a computer having a processor and a storage unit, The processor, A step of acquiring a livestock image including the livestock identification tag according to any one of claims 1 to 11; acquiring identification information of the livestock depicted in the livestock image based on the livestock image; A livestock information management method for carrying out the above.

14. A flat-shaped partition tag for forming a livestock identification tag by being attached to a base tag having a flat-shaped attachment portion that can be attached to a livestock and N or more recesses on a front surface, where N is a natural number of 2 or more, A colored front surface of the compartment label; A back surface of the partition tag having a protrusion that fits into the recess; A livestock identification tag having the following characteristics:

15. A base tag for forming a livestock identification tag by attaching a section tag having a flat plate shape, a colored section tag front surface and a section tag back surface having a convex portion, An attachment portion that can be attached to a livestock; a front surface of a base card having an arrangement area in which N of the partition cards can be arranged without overlapping, where N is a natural number equal to or greater than 2; N or more recesses capable of being fitted with the protrusions on the inside of the arrangement area; A base tag for livestock identification.

Images